JP2004072754A - Electronic still camera and method of displaying object picture - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device for switching betwen portrait and landscape modes easily, and to provide an electronic device having the display device. <P>SOLUTION: An LCD 13 is a nearly square liquid crystal display (1:1=n:n) which displays a picture in a display area with the ratio of the length to the width being 1:n (n>1). When a mode changeover switch 31 is turned downward, in the state that the electronic device is held long in the horizontal orientation, the orientation of the display area is set so that the upper and lower sides of the area of the LCD 13 will match the upper and lower sides of the device at the time when it is in use as an electronic still camera. Consequently, the upper and lower sides become non-display areas. On the other hand, when the switch 31 is turned upward, in the state that the device is held long in the vertical orientation, the display area is turned 90 degrees so that the upper and lower sides of the area of the LCD 13 will match the upper and lower sides of the device at the time when it is in use as a PHS terminal. Consequently, the left and right sides become non-display areas (for the LCD being used as an electronic still camera). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a display device that has a plurality of functions and switches the display direction between vertical and horizontal depending on the function to be used, and an electronic device including the display device.

2. Description of the Related Art In general, electronic devices (video cameras, electronic still cameras, and the like) that display images include a display device having the same vertical / horizontal ratio as a display of a television receiver or the like, that is, a rectangular (horizontal) screen. In recent years, as such an electronic device, a composite device having a photographing function such as an electronic still camera and a communication function (for example, a PHS: Personal Handy phone System) has been provided. In the multifunction device, the display device is used as a touch panel, and when used as a PHS terminal, a dial key, a telephone number, a database such as an address is displayed, and when used as an electronic still camera, a photograph is taken. The video is displayed. Also, the video taken by the electronic still camera can be immediately transferred by the PHS function.
As such a composite device, there is a disclosure of a technology related to Patent Document 1 below.

JP-A-9-65268

By the way, some of the above-mentioned conventional composite devices rotate the direction of the device by 90 ° when used as an electronic still camera and when used as a communication device. For example, when used as an electronic still camera, the device is used in the horizontal direction (horizontal), and when used as a communication device, the device is used in the vertical direction (vertical). Therefore, in order to correctly display the image on the display device, it is necessary to rotate the display direction of the image by 90 ° according to the usage pattern.

However, in conventional multifunction devices, since the display device is rectangular, there is a problem in that when the display direction is switched vertically and horizontally, the scale of the displayed image changes when trying to display a full screen. Was. Further, when the scale is the same, there is a problem that a part of the displayed image is cut off depending on the display direction.

Regardless of the multifunction device, in the conventional electronic still camera, in order to shoot a vertically long subject in the entire frame, the camera body must be rotated by 90 °. It has a structure that is stable in the lateral direction, and there is a problem in that if the body is held in a state rotated by 90 °, stability is lost and camera shake is likely to occur. Also, due to the dependence of the liquid crystal, the field of view is wide on the left and right and narrow on the top and bottom, so that when the main body is rotated 90 °, the appearance of the subject displayed on the display unit differs from the actual one. was there. In addition, there is a problem that the hue of the liquid crystal changes by rotating by 90 °. Furthermore, by rotating by 90 °, there is a problem that it is difficult to press a shutter disposed at a predetermined position and operability is deteriorated.

In addition, in a conventional electronic device having a photographing function (an electronic still camera, a video camera, or the like), when a date, a current time, and the like are added to displayed image data, the date and time are always set at a fixed position in the image data. Had been added. In other words, in a conventional electronic device having a photographing function, the vertical direction of the housing or the vertical direction of the display unit was absolute, so that the characters were erected in a state where the main body was gripped in a standard holding manner. Had been added.

However, in the case where the photographing device is photographed vertically or horizontally, the image data is also rotated by 90 ° with respect to the display unit (or the housing), and the image data described above is used. When the character information is added in the above, the vertical direction of the image data does not match the vertical direction of the character information, and there is a problem that visibility is poor.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of easily changing the display direction vertically and horizontally without changing the scale of the display image or cutting off a part of the display image, and an electronic device including the display device. And

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of shooting vertically long and horizontally long subjects at an appropriate aspect ratio without rotating the main body and displaying the same, and an electronic apparatus including the display device. I do.

Further, the present invention provides a display device which can add character information so as to match the vertical direction of image data regardless of whether the main body is vertical or horizontal, and can improve visibility, and a display device capable of improving the visibility. An object is to provide an electronic device including the device.

In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a display device that displays an image in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1), and the display area is substantially included. The display area has an aspect ratio of n: n, and the display area is rotated according to a usage pattern.

In a preferred embodiment, the display device may be provided in a multifunction device having a plurality of functions and changing a use form according to a use purpose, for example, as described in claim 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the usage mode may be a holding mode of a user of the electronic device provided with the display device, for example, as described in claim 3.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus including a display device that displays an image in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1). The display area has an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, and the display area is rotated in accordance with a use mode of the device.

Further, as a preferred embodiment, the electronic device has a first function and a second function, for example, as described in claim 5, and the electronic device displays the display area when using the first function. The display direction may be orthogonal to the display direction of the display area when the second function is used.

In a preferred embodiment, the first function may be a communication function, and the second function may be a photographing function.

In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to the present invention has a display area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, and the display area has an aspect ratio of 1: n or n: n. 1 (n> 1) is selectively set, and an image is displayed in the effective display area.

In a preferred embodiment, the vertical direction of the image displayed in the effective display area may be always constant.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention provides a display device having a displayable area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, an operation device for inputting a usage pattern, and A display control unit that changes an aspect ratio of an effective display area in the displayable area based on an operation state.

In a preferred embodiment, a photographing means for photographing a subject may be provided, and an image photographed by the photographing means may be displayed in the effective display area.

In a preferred embodiment, for example, the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing the aspect ratio of the image capture area and the image signal capture start position in the imaging unit. You may do so.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention has a display area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, and the display area has an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1). Display means for displaying an image in the effective display area, an angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of the housing, and a vertical direction of the effective display area based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detection means. Determining means, character information generating means for generating character information, and displaying an image in the effective display area based on the vertical direction determined by the determining means; and an absolute position and an absolute direction with respect to the displayed image. And display control means for displaying the character information generated by the character information generating means.

In a preferred embodiment, a photographing means for photographing a subject may be provided, and an image photographed by the photographing means may be displayed in the effective display area.

In a preferred embodiment, the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing an aspect ratio of an image capturing area and an image signal capturing start position in the image capturing unit, for example. You may do so.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when an image is displayed in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1) on a display device having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, the display device has an aspect ratio depending on the usage mode of the device. By rotating the display area, the top and bottom of the device and the top and bottom of the display area are matched to each other, so that the display direction can be easily changed vertically and horizontally without changing the scale of the display image or cutting off a part of the display image. This has the advantage of being able to switch to.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the present invention is applied to a display device provided in a multifunction device having a plurality of functions and changing a use form according to a use application, the functions to be used and Depending on the usage of the device, the display area is rotated so that the top and bottom of the device match the top and bottom of the display area, so that the scale of the display image does not change or part of the display image is not cut off The advantage is that the display direction can be easily switched vertically and horizontally.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the display area is rotated in accordance with the gripping form of the device so that the top and bottom of the device match the top and bottom of the display region. Also, there is an advantage that the display direction can be easily switched vertically and horizontally without cutting off a part of the display image.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when an image is displayed in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1) on a display device having an aspect ratio of approximately n to n, a usage mode of the device is used. By rotating the display area in accordance with, the top and bottom of the device and the top and bottom of the display area are matched, so that the scale of the display image does not change, and the display direction does not change, Can be easily switched.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the use mode of the device when using the first function is orthogonal to the use mode of the device when using the second function. Also, the display direction of the display area when using the first function and the display direction of the display area when using the second function are set to be orthogonal to each other. There is an advantage that the display direction can be easily switched vertically and horizontally according to the usage mode without changing the scale of the image or cutting off a part of the display image.

According to the invention described in claim 6, even when the gripping mode of the device when using the photographing function is different from the gripping mode of the device when using the communication function, the gripping mode is different when using each function. Since the display direction of the display area is orthogonal to the display area, the display direction can be easily switched vertically and horizontally according to the usage mode without changing the scale of the display image or cutting off a part of the display image. Benefits are obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an effective display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n or n: 1 (n> 1) is selectively set in a displayable area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n. However, since an image is displayed in the effective display area, there is an advantage that a vertically long image or a horizontally long image can be displayed without rotating the main body according to the situation of the subject.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the vertical direction of the image displayed in the effective display area is always constant, so that the portrait or landscape image can be displayed without rotating the main body according to the situation of the subject. The advantage of being able to display is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the aspect ratio of the effective display area in the display area is changed based on the operation state of the operation element, and an image is displayed in the effective display area. There is an advantage that a vertically long or horizontally long image can be displayed by a simple operation of switching the operation element without rotating the main body according to the situation of the subject.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image photographed by the photographing means is displayed in the effective display area. Therefore, it is only necessary to switch the operation device without rotating the main body according to the situation of the subject. An advantage is obtained in that a subject can be photographed and displayed in a vertically or horizontally long frame frame by a simple operation.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing the aspect ratio of the image capture area and the start position of the image signal capture in the imaging means. With a simple configuration, it is possible to shoot a subject in a vertically or horizontally long frame frame and display an image with a simple operation just by switching the operator, without rotating the main body according to the situation of the subject Is obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the rotation angle of the housing is detected by the angle detection means, the vertical direction of the effective display area is determined based on the rotation angle, and the image is determined based on the vertical direction. Is displayed, and the character information is displayed in the absolute position and the absolute direction with respect to the displayed image, so that no special operation or setting is required, even if the main body is set vertically or horizontally, The character information can be automatically added so as to match the vertical direction of the image data, and the advantage that the visibility can be improved can be obtained.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image photographed by the photographing means is displayed in the effective display area. Character information can be automatically added so as to match the vertical direction of the image, and the advantage that visibility can be improved can be obtained.

In the invention according to claim 14, the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing the aspect ratio of the image capture area and the image signal capture start position in the imaging means. Even if the subject is shot vertically or horizontally, the text information can be automatically added to match the vertical direction of the shot image, improving the visibility. The advantage is that it can be used.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as an example in which the present invention is applied to a composite device of an electronic still camera and a PHS terminal.

A. First embodiment A-1. 1. Configuration of First Embodiment (1) Configuration of Multifunction Device FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the composite device includes a circuit for realizing a communication function by a PHS and a circuit for realizing a photographing function by an electronic still camera.

a. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a CCD, which converts a still image formed through a lens (not shown) into an electric signal and supplies it to a buffer 2. The buffer 2 amplifies the still video signal to a predetermined level and supplies the signal to the A / D converter 3. The A / D converter 3 converts the still video signal into digital data (hereinafter, referred to as image data) and supplies the digital data to a TG (Timing Generator) 4. The TG 4 generates a timing signal for controlling the drive circuit 4 for driving the CCD 1 and supplies it to the drive circuit 5, and also takes in the image data according to the timing signal and outputs it to the data bus.

Next, reference numeral 6 denotes a DRAM (Dynamic Memory), which is a storage medium for temporarily storing the image data output by the TG 4. This image data is read out at the time when the photographing for one screen is completed, and is subjected to a color calculation process for separating a luminance signal and a color signal. Reference numeral 7 denotes a process for expanding the compressed image data while compressing the luminance signal and the chrominance signal separated by the color calculation process by a compression method such as a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) method. The compression / decompression unit to be applied. Reference numeral 8 denotes a flash memory for storing the compressed image data (luminance signal and color signal).

Next, reference numeral 9 denotes an SG (Signal Generator; video signal generator) which superimposes a chrominance signal on the luminance signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 7 and adds a synchronization signal and the like to create a digital video signal. Then, the data is output to a VRAM (video RAM) 10 and a D / A converter 11.

The VRAM 10 is a storage medium for storing the digital video signal. The D / A converter 11 converts the digital video signal output from the SG 9 into an analog signal (hereinafter, referred to as an analog video signal), outputs the analog video signal from an output terminal via a buffer 12, and outputs an LCD (liquid crystal display). Unit 13).

Reference numeral 14 denotes an I / O port functioning as an interface for inputting and outputting video signals and the like converted into serial signals. In the first embodiment, in particular, other devices (for example, electronic still cameras, computers, etc.) ) Is used when transferring recorded image data. The actual connection is made by the communication terminal 15 connected to the I / O port 14, as described below.

b. Communication Unit In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes a transmission / reception unit, which includes a frequency conversion unit including a reception unit and a transmission unit, and a modem including a reception unit and a transmission unit. The receiving unit of the frequency conversion unit mixes a signal received by the antenna ANT, which is input via an antenna switch for distributing transmission / reception, with a local oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency output from the PLL synthesizer, thereby: The frequency is converted from the 9 GHz band to an IF (intermediate frequency) signal in the vicinity of the 1 MHz band. The transmitting section of the frequency converting section mixes a π / 4-shift QPSK modulated wave supplied from a modem described later with a local oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency output from the PLL synthesizer, so that the frequency becomes 1.9 GHz. Convert and radiate from antenna ANT via antenna switch. Next, the receiving unit of the above-described modem demodulates the IF signal from the frequency conversion unit, separates the IF signal into IQ data, forms a data sequence, and sends the data sequence to the communication control unit 11. Further, the transmitting unit of the modem creates IQ data from the data supplied from the communication control unit 17, modulates the data by π / 4 shift QPSK, and sends the modulated data to the frequency conversion unit of the transmitting / receiving unit 16.

Next, the communication control unit 17 is composed of a transmission side and a reception side, and performs frame synchronization and slot data format processing. The receiving side extracts data for one slot at a predetermined timing from the received data supplied from the modem of the transmission / reception unit 16, extracts a unique word (synchronization signal) from the data, and generates a frame synchronization signal. After the descrambling and the like of the control data section and the audio data section are released, the control data is sent to the CPU 21 and the audio data is sent to the audio processing section 18. In addition, the transmitting side adds control data and the like to the audio data supplied from the audio processing unit 18, adds scramble and the like, and then adds a unique word and the like to create transmission data for one slot. It is inserted into a predetermined slot in the frame at a predetermined timing and transmitted to the modem of the transmission / reception unit 16.

Next, the above-described audio processing unit 18 is configured by a speech codec and a PCM codec. The speech codec performs compression / expansion processing of digital data, and includes a receiving side and a transmitting side. The receiving side decodes the ADPCM audio signal (4 bits × 8 KHz = 32 Kbps) supplied from the communication control unit 17 into a PCM audio signal (8 bits × 8 KHz = 64 Kbps), expands the signal, and outputs it to the PCM codec. The transmitting side encodes the PCM audio signal supplied from the PCM codec into an ADPCM audio signal, compresses the signal, and sends the signal to the communication control unit 17. The above-described PCM codec performs an analog / digital conversion process. The receiving side converts the PCM audio signal supplied from the speech codec into an analog audio signal by D / A conversion, causes the speaker 19 to generate a sound, and transmits the signal. The A / D converter converts the analog audio signal input from the microphone 20 into a PCM signal by A / D conversion, and transmits the PCM signal to the speech codec.

Next, the CPU 21 controls the operation of each unit according to a predetermined program and the state of the switch of the key input unit 9. In particular, in the first embodiment, the display direction of the display area on the LCD 13 is switched according to the on position of a mode change switch 31 provided in the key input unit 24 described later, according to a flowchart described later. .

The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the CPU 21, various parameters, and the like. The RAM 23 stores data generated under the control of the CPU 21 or is used as a working area. The storage in the RAM 23 is held by a power supply from a battery (not shown). Next, when used as a PHS terminal, the key input unit 24 functions as a numeric key for inputting a telephone number of a call destination (partner), a switch for on-hook / off-hook, a volume switch for changing audio output, and the like. When used as an electronic still camera, the electronic still camera includes a shutter key, a playback key, an image feed key, and a plurality of keys functioning as switches for setting various setting values. The states of these keys and switches are supplied to the CPU 21.

The above-mentioned LCD 13 is composed of a substantially square (1: 1 = n: n) liquid crystal display for displaying an image in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1). When used as a PHS terminal, video taken by the CCD 1 and image data after shooting stored in the flash memory 8 are displayed, while when used as a PHS terminal, dial keys, telephone numbers, talk time, transceiver mode In the case of using as a videophone, various images such as messages and the like are displayed. The LCD 13 is a touch panel, and when a displayed dial key, icon, or the like is instructed (pressed) by a user or a touch pen (not shown), a dial input or a function assigned to the icon is executed. Has become.

(C) Appearance Configuration and Use Form of Composite Device Next, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of the above-described composite device. The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a shutter key for taking in an image taken by the CCD 1 when the multifunction device is used as an electronic still camera. Reference numeral 31 denotes a mode changeover switch for switching the display screen and the viewfinder with respect to the LCD 13 in the vertical and horizontal directions. When the mode changeover switch 31 is turned downward when the illustration is in the normal position, the display screen and the viewfinder are changed. Is set horizontally, and when it is put on the upper side, the display screen and the finder are set to be vertically long.

Here, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams showing a usage mode of the composite device. The gripping form of the composite device is changed according to the intended use so that it is most easily used in the intended use. For example, when the multifunction device is used as an electronic still camera, as shown in FIG. 3A, the multifunction device is gripped so as to be horizontally long. At this time, when viewed from the user of the LCD 13, the illustrated arrow points in the vertical direction. The user turns on the mode changeover switch 31 to the lower side, and sets the direction of the display area on the LCD 13 such that the illustrated arrow points in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. That is, on the LCD 13 having an aspect ratio of n: n, a captured image, a recorded image, and the like are displayed in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1). In this case, since the device is held so as to be horizontally long, the upper and lower portions of the LCD 13 are portions outside the display area, that is, non-display areas.

On the other hand, when used as a PHS terminal, the speaker 19 must be brought into contact with the ear and the microphone 20 must be brought to the mouth. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It has become. At this time, since the arrow shown in the drawing 13 is in the vertical direction when viewed from the user, the LCD 13 may be rotated by 90 ° and displayed when the electronic still camera is used. Then, the user turns on the mode changeover switch 31 to the upper side, and sets the direction of the display area on the LCD 13 such that the illustrated arrow is in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. That is, a dial key, a telephone number, and the like are displayed in a state where the display area on the LCD 13 is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the time when the electronic still camera is used. In this case, since the device is held vertically long, the upper and lower portions of the LCD 13 (left and right when using the electronic still camera) are portions outside the display area, that is, non-display areas.

A-2. Next, the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the operation of each unit during a call or photographing is the same as the operation of a normal PHS terminal or an electronic still camera, and a description thereof will be omitted. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the display switching operation in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the mode switch 31 for switching between the function as an electronic still camera and the function as a PHS terminal has been operated. If not, the process proceeds to other processes. On the other hand, if the mode change switch 31 is operated, the process proceeds to step S12, and it is determined whether or not the switch is turned down. Here, when the user uses the multifunction device as an electronic still camera, the user turns on the mode changeover switch 31 to the lower side, so that the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, as shown in FIG. 3A, the direction of the display area of the LCD 13 is used as an electronic still camera, as shown in FIG. Set to match the top and bottom of the current device. Therefore, the upper and lower sides of the LCD 13 are non-display areas. As a result, the image captured by the CCD 1 and the image stored in the flash memory 8 are displayed on the LCD 13 so that the image (video) is vertically up and down when viewed from the user while the device is held horizontally. You.

On the other hand, when the user uses the multifunction device as a PHS terminal, the user turns on the mode changeover switch 31 upward, and the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), with the device held vertically, the direction of the display area of the LCD 13 is changed to the display area when using the electronic still camera as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the current device used as a PHS terminal. Therefore, the left and right sides of the LCD 13 (with respect to the LCD when using the electronic still camera) are non-display areas. As a result, a dial key for dialing, a telephone number, various data, and the like are displayed on the LCD 13 such that the image (video) is correctly turned upside down when viewed from the user while the device is held vertically. .

As described above, in the first embodiment, the LCD 13 is formed in a substantially square shape, and the display area of the LCD 13 is rotated by 90 ° in accordance with the usage mode. Therefore, the device is used in a horizontally long direction (electronic still). Camera), even if the device is used in a portrait orientation (a direction rotated by 90 ° with respect to the landscape) (PHS terminal), special operations such as mechanically rotating the LCD 13 or performing special processing Without changing the display direction of the display area. Further, by switching the display direction of the display area, the scale of the display image is not changed, and a part of the display image is not cut off.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when the multifunction device is used as an electronic still camera (or may be a single electronic still camera), the related art that occurs when an attempt is made to capture a vertically long subject in a full frame frame. Is to solve the problem.

B-1. Configuration of the Second Embodiment As described above, the grip form is changed so that the composite device of the present invention is most easily used in the intended use according to its intended use. For example, when the multifunction device is used as an electronic still camera, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the multifunction device is gripped so as to be horizontally long. In the second embodiment, Only by the illustrated gripping form, shooting and display can be performed in a horizontally long or vertically long frame frame. That is, in the second embodiment, when viewed from the user, the LCD 13 is always displayed with the arrows shown in the up and down direction, and both the vertically long image and the horizontally long image are photographed and displayed so as to match the up and down direction. .

モ ー ド When functioning as an electronic still camera, the mode changeover switch 31 functions as a changeover switch for changing the exposure area of the CCD 1 and the start position of image signal capture. More specifically, when it is desired to store the subject as a horizontally long image, for example, when the subject is spreading horizontally, the mode changeover switch 31 is turned on downward, as shown in FIG. By setting the exposure area of the CCD 1 to the aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1) and setting the start position of the image signal capture to the start position SP1, the LCD 13 having the aspect ratio of n: n is 1: 1. : A captured image, a recorded image, and the like can be displayed in an effective display area having an aspect ratio of n (n> 1). In this case, the upper and lower portions of the LCD 13 are portions outside the display area, that is, non-display areas.

Similarly, when it is desired to store the subject as a vertically long image, for example, when the subject is vertically long, the mode changeover switch 31 is turned on upward, and the exposure of the CCD 1 is performed as shown in FIG. By setting the area to the aspect ratio of n: 1 (n> 1) and setting the start position of image signal capture to the start position SP2, the LCD 13 with the aspect ratio of n: n is n: 1 (n> 1). It is possible to display a captured image, a recorded image, and the like in an effective display area having an aspect ratio of> 1). In this case, the left and right portions of the LCD 13 are portions outside the display area, that is, non-display areas.

B-2. Next, the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the operation of each unit during a call or photographing is the same as the operation of a normal PHS terminal or an electronic still camera, and a description thereof will be omitted. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a display switching operation when the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment is used as an electronic still camera.

First, in step S20, it is determined whether or not the camera mode is a camera mode operating as an electronic still camera. If the camera mode is not the camera mode (PHS terminal), the process proceeds to the corresponding process. On the other hand, if the mode is the camera mode, the process proceeds to step S22, where it is determined whether or not the mode switch 31 has been operated. If the mode switch 31 has not been operated, the process proceeds to other processes. On the other hand, if the mode changeover switch 31 is operated, the process proceeds to step S24, and it is determined whether the switch is turned down or turned up.

Here, if the user desires to shoot a horizontally long image and turns on the mode switch 31 to the lower side, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, as shown in FIG. 7A, the exposure area of the CCD 1 is changed to have an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1). Next, in step S28, the capture start position of the image signal of the CCD 1 is changed to the start position SP1 in the exposure area as shown in the figure.

As a result, the image captured by the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 13 as a horizontally long image as viewed from the user while the device is held horizontally, and is recorded in the flash memory 8 or the like.

On the other hand, if the user desires to shoot a vertically long image in accordance with the subject and turns on the mode switch 31 upward, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, as shown in FIG. 7B, the exposure area of the CCD 1 is changed to have an aspect ratio of n: 1 (n> 1). Next, in step S32, the capture start position of the image signal of the CCD 1 is changed to the start position SP2 in the exposure area as shown in the figure. As a result, the image photographed by the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 13 as a vertically long image when viewed from the user while the device is held horizontally, and is recorded in the flash memory 8 or the like.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the aspect ratio of the exposed portion of the CCD 1 is switched in accordance with the operation of the mode changeover switch 31, and the image signal capturing start position is switched in accordance with the exposed portion. As described above, both the horizontally long image and the vertically long image can be taken without rotating the housing of the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, since it is not necessary to rotate the housing, shooting can be performed without lowering the angle of view, and the number of effective pixels can be improved, camera shake can be reduced, and the color tone in the field of view can be improved. Can be.

In the above-described second embodiment, the aspect ratio of the exposed portion of the CCD 1 is switched, and the capture start position of the image signal is switched according to the exposed portion. Instead, an image formed on the CCD 1 may be rotated by 90 ° using a mirror or a prism.

C. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, conventionally, character information such as a date to be added to captured image data is added according to the top and bottom (up and down directions) of a captured video. That is, in the third embodiment, the moving direction (top and bottom) of the housing is detected, the top and bottom (vertical direction) of the image data to be captured is recognized, and character information is added so as to match the direction. That is. The details will be described below.

C-1. Third Embodiment Configuration FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The components newly added in the third embodiment are a timer 25 and a movement direction sensor 26. The timer 25 counts a predetermined system clock and counts the current time and date. The current time and date are used as character information added to the image data. For this reason, a character for displaying the current time and date is stored in the ROM 22.

Further, the moving direction sensor 26 detects the rotation angle of the multifunction device, and at least, as shown in FIG. As shown in (b), in order to photograph a vertically long subject, it is detected whether the subject is turned by 90 °, and angle information corresponding to the rotation angle is supplied to the CPU 21. Here, FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the movement direction sensor 26. In the figure, a column 27 has a rotatable fulcrum at one end and a weight 28 at the other end. One end of the column 27 is connected to the rotation axis of the rotation angle sensor 29. The column 27 rotates so that the weight 28 always faces the direction of gravity according to the rotation angle (gripping angle) of the composite device. Therefore, the rotation axis of the rotation angle sensor 29 also rotates in accordance with the rotation of the column 27. The rotation angle sensor 29 sends out an output voltage according to the rotation angle of the rotation shaft.

The CPU 21 changes the scanning start position, the number of horizontal dots, and the number of vertical dots in the CCD 1 in accordance with the angle information from the moving direction sensor 26, in addition to the position at which the CCD 1 starts capturing the image signal in the exposure area. The details of this will be described later. Further, the CPU 21 creates character information based on the current time and date from the timer 25 and determines a position at which the character information is displayed with respect to the image data based on the angle information from the moving direction sensor 26. Then, image processing is performed to add the created character information to the position.

C-2. Operation of Third Embodiment When the user wants to take a horizontally long image and holds the composite device in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 11A, the aspect ratio of the exposure area of the CCD 1 is changed. , 1: n (1> n), and the start position of capturing the image signal is set as the start position SP3 in the exposure area. In this case, the main scanning direction is the illustrated x-axis direction, and the sub-scanning direction is the y-axis direction. Next, at the timing when the image data captured from the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 13, character information is created based on the current time and date from the timer 25, and character information is created based on the angle information from the moving direction sensor 26. The position in the image data to which information is to be added is determined, and the created character information is added to the position shown. As a result, the character information is displayed on the LCD 13 at a position and a direction that match the top and bottom (vertical direction) of the image data.

On the other hand, when the user desires to shoot a vertically long image in accordance with the subject and holds the composite device in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 11B, the aspect ratio of the exposure area of the CCD 1 becomes As it is, the start position of capturing the image signal is set as the start position SP4 in the exposure area. In this case, the main scanning direction is set to the illustrated y-axis direction, and the sub-scanning direction is set to the x-axis direction. Next, at the timing when the image data captured from the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 13, character information is created based on the current time and date from the timer 25, and character information is created based on the angle information from the moving direction sensor 26. The position in the image data to which information is to be added is determined, and the created character information is added to the position as shown in the figure. As a result, the character information is displayed on the LCD 13 at a position and a direction that match the top and bottom (vertical direction) of the image data.

As described above, in the above-described third embodiment, the moving direction (the rotation angle of the housing) is detected, and based on the moving direction, the predetermined direction that matches the top and bottom of the image data (vertical direction) in the image data is detected. Character information such as the current time (shooting time) and date is added at the position and direction of. Therefore, regardless of whether the composite device (electronic still camera) is photographed horizontally or vertically, character information can be added to an appropriate position in image data in an appropriate direction. As a result, the user can easily visually recognize the character information together with the image data.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show image data to which character information is added by a conventional multifunction device (or an electronic still camera) and a multifunction device (or an electronic still camera) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing image data to which character information according to () is added. In the figure, each piece of image data is obtained by photographing the apparatus vertically, and in the image data according to the related art shown in FIG. 12A, the position and direction of the character information do not match the direction of the image data. Hard to see. On the other hand, in the image data according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the position and the direction of the character information match the direction of the image data, so that they can be easily visually recognized.

D. Modification In the above-described third embodiment, in order to detect the moving direction, one end is connected to the rotation angle sensor 29 and the rotation shaft of the rotation sensor 29, and the weight 28 is provided at the other end. Although the column 27 is used, if it is only necessary to detect whether the image is taken horizontally or vertically, the one end is made to be a rotatable fulcrum 30 as shown in FIG. A conductive post B having a weight 31 is provided, and conductive terminals A and B are provided at appropriate positions apart from the post B and in contact with the post B when the conductive post B rotates. Is provided. The column B always rotates around the fulcrum 30 so that the weight 31 is directed in the direction of gravity according to the rotation angle (gripping angle) of the composite device.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, if the column B is not electrically connected to either of the terminals A and C, it is determined that the composite device (electronic still camera) is being photographed sideways, and the column B is electrically connected to the terminal A. It is determined that the composite device (electronic still camera) is being shot vertically so that the terminal A is on the lower side, and if the support B is electrically connected to the terminal C, the terminal C is on the lower side. It can be determined that the multi-function device (electronic still camera) is shooting vertically so as to come up.

Therefore, if the support B is electrically connected to the terminal A, it means that the multifunction device was photographed in the state shown in FIG. 14A, so that it matches the top and bottom (vertical direction) of the image data. Character information may be added so that the right direction is upward at the lower left of the screen when viewed on the LCD 13 in a normal state where the composite device is photographed sideways. If the column B is not electrically connected to either of the terminals A and C, it means that the composite device was photographed in a state as shown in FIG. 14B, that is, in a normal state. Character information may be added so that the upward direction is upward.

Similarly, if the column B is electrically connected to the terminal C, it means that the multifunction device was photographed in the state shown in FIG. 14C, so that the image coincides with the vertical direction of the image data. Then, the character information may be added so that the left direction is on the upper right of the screen when viewed on the LCD 13 in a normal state. Thus, when the user views the image data in the correct direction, the character information is displayed in the correct direction at the lower right of the image data.

15A and 15B, a liquid 36 is provided in a predetermined container 35, a rotatable fulcrum 37 is provided at one end, and a specific gravity of the liquid 36 is provided at the other end. And a support 39 provided with a float 38 made of a light member, and further provided with a rotation angle sensor 41 having a rotation shaft 40 connected to a fulcrum 38 of the support 39, and the float 38 always comes upward due to buoyancy. Using the rotation of the column 39 as described above, it is detected from the output of the rotation angle sensor 41 in which direction the image is being taken (moving direction).

Then, based on the moving direction, character information such as the current time (shooting time) and the date is added to the image data at a predetermined position and direction that matches the vertical direction of the image data. Therefore, similarly to the above-described third embodiment, regardless of whether the composite device (electronic still camera) is photographed horizontally or vertically, character information is displayed in an appropriate position and direction together with image data. can do. As a result, the user can easily visually recognize the character information together with the image data.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the composite device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the use form (grip form) when using a multifunction device as an electronic still camera or a PHS terminal. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage pattern when the composite device is used as an electronic still camera or a PHS terminal. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a display switching operation in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display direction of the LCD switched according to the usage pattern. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation according to a second example of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view showing an example of 1 composition of a movement direction sensor by a 3rd example. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a shooting mode and a display example according to the third embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for explaining a difference in addition of character information between a conventional technique that does not detect a moving direction and a third embodiment that detects a moving direction. It is a front view showing other examples of composition of a movement direction sensor. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the other example of the addition method of character information. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of a structure of a movement direction sensor.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 CCD
2 buffer 3 A / D converter 4 TG
5 Drive circuit 6 DRAM
8 Flash memory 9 SG
10 VRAM
11 compression / expansion unit 12 buffer 13 LCD
14 I / O port 15 input / output terminal ANT antenna 16 transmission / reception unit 17 communication control unit 18 audio processing unit 19 speaker 20 microphone 21 control unit 22 ROM
23 RAM
24 Key input unit 25 Timer 26 Moving direction sensor 27 Support 28 Weight 29 Rotation angle sensor

Claims (14)

A display device for displaying an image in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1),
A display device, wherein the display area has an aspect ratio of approximately n: n, and the display area is rotated according to a usage pattern. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device has a plurality of functions and is provided in a multifunction device whose use mode changes according to a use application. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the usage mode is a mode in which a user of the electronic device provided with the display device is held by a user. In an electronic apparatus including a display device that displays an image in a display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1),
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display device has an aspect ratio of approximately n to n that includes the display area, and rotates the display area according to a usage mode of the device. The electronic device has a first function and a second function, a display direction of the display area when using the first function, and a display direction when using the second function. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein a display direction of the display area is orthogonal to the display area. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the first function is a communication function, and the second function is a photographing function. An effective display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n or n: 1 (n> 1) is selectively set in the displayable area. A display device for displaying an image in a display area. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the vertical direction of the image displayed in the effective display area is always constant. Display means having a displayable area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n;
A control for inputting a usage pattern;
An electronic device, comprising: a display control unit configured to change an aspect ratio of an effective display area in the display available area based on an operation state of the operation element. 10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a photographing unit that photographs a subject, and displaying an image photographed by the photographing unit in the effective display area. 11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing an aspect ratio of an image capture area and an image signal capture start position in the imaging unit. Display means for displaying an image in an effective display area having an aspect ratio of 1: n (n> 1), having a displayable area having an aspect ratio of approximately n: n,
Angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the housing;
Determining means for determining the vertical direction of the effective display area based on the rotation angle detected by the angle detecting means,
Character information generating means for generating character information;
Displaying an image in the effective display area based on the vertical direction determined by the determining unit, and displaying the character information generated by the character information generating unit in an absolute position and an absolute direction with respect to the displayed image. An electronic device, comprising: display control means. 13. The electronic apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a photographing unit for photographing a subject, wherein an image photographed by the photographing unit is displayed in the effective display area. 14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the aspect ratio of the effective display area is determined by changing an aspect ratio of an image capturing area and an image signal capturing start position in the imaging unit.

Images