JP2005020786A - Information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress erroneous operations and to reduce the number of operating parts. <P>SOLUTION: A zoom button 15 is operated when photographing to consecutively change the focal distance of a photographic lens 3. The focal distance is changed to change the magnification power of an image of an object indicated on a liquid crystal display (LCD) as an electronic viewfinder (when the focal distance is extended to magnify and display the object or when the focal distance is shortened to reduce and display the object). When the zoom button 15 is operated while reproducing and indicating a recorded image on the LCD, on the other hand, the displayed reproduced image is magnified or reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and in particular, when an image displayed on a display unit is enlarged or reduced when operated when changing a focal length of a light collecting unit that collects light from a subject. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having an operation unit to be operated.

  With the advance of electronic circuits, electronic cameras that use a photoelectric conversion element to electrically process captured images have become widespread.

  Such electronic cameras often have a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD is used not only as a so-called electronic viewfinder that presents an image to the user at the time of shooting, but also when displaying the shot image.

  FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show an example of such a conventional electronic camera 81. In the electronic camera 81, light from a subject incident through the photographing lens 101 is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element (not shown), and the electric signal is digitized to generate image data.

  By displaying the image data on the LCD 106, the user can confirm the subject.

  When the release switch 102 is pressed by the user, an image of the subject at that time is taken, and image data corresponding to the image is stored in a built-in storage unit (not shown).

  Further, by operating the focal length changeover switch 107 and switching the focal length of the photographing lens 101, for example, either “standard (NORMAL)” or “telephoto (TELE)” can be selected. When switched to “telephoto”, the photographic lens 101 is adjusted so that the focal length becomes longer, and an enlarged image of the subject is displayed on the LCD 106 as an electronic viewfinder as compared with the case of “standard”.

  In this way, an image of the subject can be taken with a focal length of either “standard” or “telephoto”. Further, by operating a predetermined operation button (not shown), for example, an already taken image as shown in FIG. 17 can be reproduced and displayed on the LCD 106.

  At this time, by pressing the zoom button 105, the image (FIG. 17) displayed on the LCD 106 can be enlarged as shown in FIG.

  Further, when the (−) switch 103 is pressed while the image of FIG. 18 is displayed, an image obtained by enlarging the left portion of FIG. 17 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed, and FIG. 18 is displayed. When the (+) switch 104 is pressed, an enlarged image of the right part of FIG. 17 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed.

  Then, when the zoom button 105 is pressed again while the images of FIGS. 18 to 20 are displayed, the original size image (FIG. 17) is displayed.

  As described above, the focal length is changed by operating the focal length changeover switch 107 at the time of shooting, the subject is enlarged and displayed on the LCD 106 as an electronic viewfinder, and the zoom button 105 is displayed at the time of image reproduction. Is operated, the image displayed on the LCD 106 is enlarged.

  However, in the same operation of enlarging the image displayed on the LCD 106, the focal length changeover switch 107 is used during shooting and the zoom button 105 is used during image reproduction. There is a problem that these operations are easily confused and erroneous operations are easily performed.

  Furthermore, the provision of the two operation units (the zoom button 105 and the focal length changeover switch 107) increases the number of operation units and impairs the appearance of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by operating the same operation unit, the focal length of the photographing lens is changed during shooting, and the magnification of the image on the display unit is changed during playback. In this way, erroneous operations are suppressed and the number of operation units is not increased.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, a light collecting unit that collects light from a subject, a photoelectric conversion unit that receives light from the subject collected by the light collecting unit, and converts the light into an electrical signal; Storage means for storing predetermined image data; display means for displaying an image of a subject corresponding to the electrical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion means; or an image corresponding to image data recorded in the recording means; An operating means that is operated when changing the focal length of the light means and that is operated when the image corresponding to the image data recorded in the recording means is enlarged or reduced and displayed on the display means; And an enlarging / reducing means for enlarging or reducing an image corresponding to the image data recorded in the recording means in accordance with an operation of the means.

  In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, for example, when the operation unit is operated at the time of photographing the subject, the focal length of the light collecting unit (for example, the photographing lens) is changed and recorded in the recording unit (for example, the memory). When the operation means is operated during the reproduction of the image corresponding to the image data being displayed, the reproduced image is enlarged or reduced and displayed on the display means (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  According to the present invention, by operating one operation unit, when photographing a subject, the focal length of the condensing unit is changed to change the magnification of the image displayed on the display unit and recorded. When reproducing the image data, the image corresponding to the image data is displayed enlarged or reduced, so that it is possible to suppress erroneous operation and reduce the number of operation units.

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

  1 and 2 are perspective views showing the configuration of a first embodiment of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied. In the electronic camera of this embodiment, when photographing a subject, the surface directed to the subject is the surface X1, and the surface directed to the user side is the surface X2. A finder 2 used for confirming the photographing range of the subject, a photographing lens 3 (condensing means) for capturing a light image of the subject, and a strobe 4 that emits light for illuminating the subject are provided at the upper end of the surface X1. ing.

  On the other hand, at the upper end of the surface X2 facing the surface X1 (the position corresponding to the upper end of the finder 2, the operation lens 3, and the strobe 4 of the surface X1), the finder 2 and the electronic camera 1 A speaker 5 is provided for outputting the sound recorded in the. The LCD 6 (display means) and the operation keys 7 formed on the surface X2 are formed vertically below the viewfinder 2, the photographing lens 3, the strobe 4 and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6, a so-called touch tablet 6A that outputs position data corresponding to the instructed position by a contact operation with a pen-type indicating member is disposed.

  The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin, and the user observes an image displayed on the LCD 6 formed inside the touch tablet 6A via the touch tablet 6A. Can do.

  The operation key 7 is a key that is operated when recording data is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 6, detects an operation (input) by a user, and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the CPU 39 (FIG. 4). Has been made.

  The menu key 7 </ b> A among the operation keys 7 is a key that is operated when a menu screen is displayed on the LCD 6. The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the recording information selected by the user.

  The clear key 7C is a key operated when deleting recorded information. The cancel key 7D is a key operated when the recording information reproduction process is interrupted. The scroll key 7E is a key operated when the screen is scrolled up and down when a list of recorded information is displayed on the LCD 6.

  The surface X2 is provided with a slidable LCD cover 14 that protects the LCD 6 when not in use. The LCD cover 14 is configured to cover the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A when moved vertically upward. Further, when the LCD cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A appear, and the power switch 11 disposed on the surface Y2 is switched on by the arm portion 14A of the LCD cover 14. ing.

  A surface Z that is the upper surface of the electronic camera 1 is provided with a microphone 8 that collects sound and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected.

  On the left side surface (surface Y1) is a release switch 10 that is operated when capturing an image of a subject, and is operated when changing the focal length of the photographic lens 3 at the time of shooting, and the magnification of the display image at the time of image reproduction. There are provided a zoom button 15 (operation means) operated when changing the mode, and a continuous shooting mode switching switch 13 operated when switching the continuous shooting mode at the time of shooting. The release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode change-over switch 13 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3 and the strobe 4 provided at the upper end of the surface X1.

  On the other hand, on the surface Y2 (right side surface) facing the surface Y1, a recording switch 12 and a power switch 11 that are operated when recording sound are provided. The recording switch 12 and the power switch 11 are vertically below the viewfinder 2, the photographing lens 3 and the strobe 4 provided at the upper end of the surface X 1, similarly to the release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode switching switch 13. Is arranged. Further, the recording switch 12 is formed to have almost the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, and is configured so as not to feel uncomfortable even if it is held with either the left or right hand.

  In addition, when one switch is pressed by making the height of the recording switch 12 and the release switch 10 different, if the opposite side is held with a finger in order to cancel the moment due to the pressing force, it is mistakenly made. The switch provided on the opposite side surface may not be pushed.

  The continuous shooting mode switch 13 is used when the user presses the release switch 10 to shoot a subject and sets whether to shoot only one frame of the subject or a predetermined plurality of frames. For example, when the pointer of the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, switched to the S mode), when the release switch 10 is pressed, only one frame is shot. Has been made to be done.

  Further, when the pointer of the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the position where “L” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the L mode), if the release switch 10 is pressed, the release switch 10 During the pressed period, 8 frames are taken per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

  Further, when the pointer of the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, switched to the H mode), if the release switch 10 is pressed, the release switch 10 During the pressed period, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

  The zoom button 15 has two built-in switches. One switch is turned on only while the portion of the zoom button 15 printed with “T” is pressed, and the other switch is “W "" Is turned on only while the printed part is pressed. When neither is pressed (that is, when the zoom button 15 is not operated), both the two switches are turned off.

  At the time of photographing the subject, when the portion printed with “T” on the zoom button 15 is pressed, one of the switches is turned on, and correspondingly, a part of the photographing lens 3 is moved, Increase the focal length. On the other hand, when the portion of the zoom button 15 printed with “W” is pressed during photographing of the subject, the other switch is turned on, and a part of the photographing lens 3 is moved correspondingly to focus. Reduce the distance.

  In this way, by operating the zoom button 15 during shooting, the focal length of the shooting lens 3 can be continuously changed. In addition, the magnification of the subject image displayed on the LCD 6 as an electronic viewfinder changes due to the change in the focal length (the longer the focal length, the larger the subject is displayed, and the shorter the focal length is, The subject is displayed in a reduced size).

  In addition, when the zoom button 15 is operated while an already recorded image is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 6, the displayed image is enlarged or reduced. When an already recorded image is being played back, if the portion of the zoom button 15 printed with “T” is pressed, one of the two switches of the zoom button 15 is turned on, and the state of the switch In response to this, the image displayed on the LCD 6 is enlarged. On the other hand, by pressing the portion of the zoom button 15 printed with “W”, the other switch is turned on, and the image displayed on the LCD 6 is reduced in accordance with the state of the switch.

  Next, the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration example of the electronic camera illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CCD 20 (photoelectric conversion means) is provided at the rear stage (surface X2 side) of the photographing lens 3, and photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject imaged via the photographing lens 3 into an electrical signal.

  Four cylindrical batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged on the lower side of the LCD 6, and the electric power stored in the battery 21 is supplied to each part. Further, a capacitor 22 that accumulates electric charges for causing the strobe 4 to emit light is disposed together with the battery 21 on the vertically lower side of the LCD 6.

  On the circuit board 23, various control circuits for controlling each part of the electronic camera 1 are formed. Further, a memory card 24 (storage means) that can be inserted and removed is provided between the circuit board 23, the LCD 6, and the battery 21, and various information input to the electronic camera 1 is stored in the memory card 24, respectively. Are recorded in a preset area.

  Further, the LCD switch 25 arranged adjacent to the power switch 11 is a switch that is turned on only while the projection is pressed. When the LCD cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the LCD switch 25 is turned on. The arm 14 </ b> A of the cover 14 can be switched on together with the power switch 11.

  When the LCD cover 14 is positioned vertically upward, the power switch 11 is operated by the user independently of the LCD switch 25. When both the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are on, power is supplied to the LCD 6, and when the LCD switch 25 is off (that is, when the LCD cover 14 is closed), the LCD 6 is turned off. (At this time, if the power switch 11 is in the ON state, power is supplied to the other circuits).

  In this embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed. However, a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various types of information can be recorded in the memory. Various information recorded in the memory (memory card 24) may be output to an external personal computer via an interface (not shown).

  Next, the internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The CCD 20 provided with a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal). A digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 33 supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 20 and controls a CCD drive circuit (VDRV) 34 to supply the CCD 20 with a CCD vertical drive pulse.

  A correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS) 31 is controlled by a CPU 39 (enlargement / reduction means) to sample an image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing, and the sampled signal is automatically gain-adjusted. An amplifier (Automatic Gain Controller) (hereinafter referred to as AGC) 31A amplifies the signal to a predetermined level. An analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as an A / D conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the CDS 31 and supplies it to the DSP 33.

  The compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 control a data bus connecting the DSP 33, the buffer memory 36, and the memory card 24, and temporarily store the image signal supplied to the DSP 33 in a data area (described later) of the buffer memory 36. After reading out the image data stored in the data area of the memory 36 and compressing the image data, the compressed image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “captured image data”) is stored in a predetermined area (captured image) of the memory card 24. (Image recording area).

  The buffer memory 36 is divided into a data area and a frame memory area. The data area of the buffer memory 36 is used to temporarily hold data in the middle of processing, and to reduce the difference between the input / output speed of data to the memory card 24 and the processing speed of the CPU 39, DSP 33, etc. The frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 is used as a frame memory that holds the value of each pixel of the LCD 6.

  The compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 store the image data supplied to the DSP 33 in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 and display the image data on the LCD 6 as an electronic viewfinder, and read out the photographed image data from the memory card 24. After the captured image data is expanded, the expanded image data is stored in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 and displayed on the LCD 6.

  In addition, the compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 perform data input / output timing management in recording to the memory card 24, storing the decompressed image data in the buffer memory 36, and the like.

  The compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 have a built-in clock circuit and backup battery (not shown), and record the shooting date and time information as header information of the image data in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24. Has been made. (That is, the shooting image data recorded in the shooting image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by shooting date and time data).

  The microphone 8 inputs voice information (collects voice) and supplies the voice information to the voice processing circuit (voice IC) 42. The voice processing circuit 42 digitizes the supplied voice information and outputs it to the CPU 39.

  After compressing the digitized voice information, the CPU 39 temporarily stores the digitized and compressed voice data in the buffer memory 36 (data area), and then a predetermined area (voice recording area) of the memory card 24. ) Is recorded. At this time, recording date and time data is recorded in the audio recording area of the memory card 24 as header information of the audio data.

  The audio processing circuit 42 converts the audio data supplied from the CPU 39 to analog and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 5.

  Further, when a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen (pen-type instruction member) 41 operated by the user, the CPU 39 reads the XY coordinates of the pressed position of the touch tablet 6A, and the coordinate data thereof. (Line drawing information to be described later) is stored in the data area of the buffer memory 36. The CPU 39 records the line drawing information stored in the buffer memory 36 in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the line drawing information input date and time.

  The CPU 39 receives signals from the operation switches 40 such as the power switch 11 and the recording switch 12 and processes them appropriately.

  The CPU 39 controls the strobe driving circuit 37 so that the strobe 4 emits light appropriately. In addition, the CPU 39 controls the AF driving circuit 30 to move a part of the lens 3A of the photographing lens 3 to perform an autofocus operation, and in response to an operation on the zoom button 15 of the operation switch 40, The focal length of the photographic lens 3 is changed by controlling the zoom drive circuit 43 and moving some of the lenses 3B of the photographic lens 3.

  Further, when an image stored in the memory card 24 is displayed on the LCD 6, the CPU 39 changes (enlarges or reduces) the magnification of the displayed image in accordance with an operation on the zoom button 15.

  When enlarging the image, the CPU 39 generates an enlarged image by interpolating the pixel values of the enlarged image from the pixel values of the original image stored in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36. The enlarged image is stored in the frame memory area. On the other hand, when the image is reduced, the CPU 39 generates a reduced image by thinning a predetermined pixel from the value of each pixel of the original image stored in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, and reduces the reduced image. The processed image is stored in the frame memory area.

  In this case (during image reproduction), even if the zoom button 15 is operated, the CPU 39 does not change the focal length of the photographic lens 3.

  Next, various operations of the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, shooting of a subject by this apparatus will be described.

  First, a case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y1 is switched to the S mode (a mode in which only one frame is shot) will be described. First, the power switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side where “ON” is printed to turn on the electronic camera 1. When the subject is confirmed with the finder 2 and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

  An optical image of a subject observed with the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and formed on a CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The light image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel and sampled by the CDS 31. The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32 where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

  The DSP 33 outputs the image data to the data area of the buffer memory 36. The compression / decompression circuit and memory controller 35 reads out the image data from the buffer memory 36 and compresses the image data in accordance with a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system that combines discrete cosine transform, quantization, and Huffman coding. It is recorded in 24 photographed image recording areas. At this time, shooting date / time data is recorded in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 as header information of the shot image data.

  When the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and no further shooting is performed even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed. . When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, a captured image is displayed on the LCD 6.

  Secondly, a case where the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the L mode (a mode for performing continuous shooting of 8 frames per second) will be described. When the electronic switch 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side printed “ON” and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

  An optical image of a subject observed with the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and formed on a CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The light image of the subject imaged on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel and sampled by the CDS 31 at a rate of 8 times per second. At this time, the CDS 31 thins out three-fourths of the image electric signals of all the images of the CCD 20.

  That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix form into regions each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. The image signal of one pixel arranged at the position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

  For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each region is sampled, and the other pixels b, c, d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the upper right pixel b in each region is sampled, and the other pixels a, c, and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third sampling and the fourth sampling, the lower left pixel c and the lower right pixel d are sampled, and the other pixels are thinned out. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

  The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of one-fourth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

  The DSP 33 outputs the digitized image signal to the data area of the buffer memory 36, and the compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 read the image signal, compress it in accordance with the JPEG method, and then digitize and compress it. Image data is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, shooting date / time data is recorded in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 as header information of the shot image data.

  Thirdly, a case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the H mode (a mode for performing continuous shooting of 30 frames per second) will be described. When the electronic switch 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side printed “ON” and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

  An optical image of a subject observed with the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and formed on the CCD 20. An optical image of a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel and sampled at a rate of 30 times per second by the CDS 31. At this time, the CDS 31 thins out 8/9 pixels of the image electrical signals of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

  That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix form into regions each having 3 × 3 pixels as shown in FIG. 6, and is arranged at a predetermined position from the one region. One electrical image signal of one pixel is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second, and the remaining 8 pixels are thinned out.

  For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the upper left pixel a of each region is sampled, and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b arranged on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, in the third and subsequent samplings, the pixel c, the pixel d,... Are sampled, and the other pixels are thinned out. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

  The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (image signal of 1/9 of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

  The DSP 33 outputs the digitized image signal to the data area of the buffer memory 36, and the compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 read the image signal, compress it in accordance with the JPEG method, and then digitize and compress it. The image data is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 with the header information of the shooting date and time.

  If necessary, the strobe 4 can be operated to irradiate the subject with light.

  Next, an operation when inputting two-dimensional information (pen input information) from the touch tablet 6A will be described.

  When the touch tablet 6 </ b> A is pressed with the pen tip of the pen 41, the XY coordinates of the contacted part are input to the CPU 39. The XY coordinates are stored in the data area of the buffer memory 36. In addition, data can be written at locations corresponding to the respective points of the XY coordinates in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, and a line drawing corresponding to the touch of the pen 41 can be displayed at the XY coordinates on the LCD 6. .

  As described above, since the touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent member, the user can observe a point displayed on the LCD 6 (a point at a position pressed by the pen tip of the pen 41). It can be felt as if the pen input was made directly on the LCD 6. When the pen 41 is moved on the touch tablet 6 </ b> A, a line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. Further, when the pen 41 is moved intermittently on the touch tablet 6 </ b> A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs line drawing information such as desired characters and figures into the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

  Further, when the photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when line drawing information is input by the pen 41, this line drawing information is combined with the photographed image information in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, and is displayed on the LCD 6. Displayed at the same time.

  The user can select the color of the line drawing displayed on the LCD 6 from black, white, red, blue, and the like by operating a color selection switch (not shown).

  After the line drawing information is input to the touch tablet 6A by the pen 41, when the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed, the line drawing information stored in the data area of the buffer memory 36 is added to the memory card 24 together with the header information of the input date and time. And is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

  The line drawing information recorded on the memory card 24 is information subjected to compression processing. Since the line drawing information input to the touch tablet 6A contains a large amount of information having a high spatial frequency component, if compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compression of the captured image, the compression efficiency is low and the amount of information is not reduced. This increases the time required for compression and decompression. Furthermore, since compression using the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for compression of line drawing information with a small amount of information (when decompressed and displayed on the LCD 6, gathers and blurs due to missing information are prominent. To end up).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the line drawing information is compressed by a run length method used in a fax or the like. The run length method scans a line drawing screen in the horizontal direction, and the length of information (points) for each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the length of no information (portion without pen input). This is a method of compressing line drawing information by encoding the length.

  By using this run length method, the line drawing information can be compressed to the minimum, and even when the compressed line drawing information is expanded, the loss of information can be suppressed. Note that the line drawing information may be not compressed when the amount of information is relatively small.

  Further, as described above, when a photographic image is displayed on the LCD 6 and a pen input is performed, the photographic image data and the pen-input line drawing information are combined in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, and the photographic image and A composite image of the line drawing is displayed on the LCD 6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, the captured image data is recorded in the captured image recording area, and the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area. In this way, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can delete either one of the images (for example, line drawing) from the combined image of the captured image and the line drawing. The image information can also be compressed by an individual compression method.

  When data is recorded in the audio recording area, the photographed image recording area, or the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, a predetermined display is performed on the LCD 6, as shown in FIG.

  On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 7, the date when the information was recorded (recorded date) (in this case, August 25, 1995) is displayed at the lower end of the screen. The recording time of the information recorded on the month and day is displayed on the leftmost side of the screen.

  A thumbnail image is displayed on the right side of the recording time. This thumbnail image is created by thinning out (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the photographed image data recorded in the memory card 24. Information with this display is information including photographed image information. That is, the information recorded (input) at “10:16” and “10:21” includes the captured image information, and “10:05”, “10:28”, “ The information recorded at “10:54” and “13:10” does not include image information.

  The memo symbol “*” indicates that a predetermined memo is recorded as line drawing information.

  An audio information bar is displayed on the right side of the thumbnail image display area, and a bar (line) with a length corresponding to the length of the recording time is displayed (not displayed if no audio information is input) .

  The user selects and designates information to be reproduced by pressing any part of the display line of desired information on the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 7 with the pen tip of the pen 41, and the execution key 7 B shown in FIG. The selected information is reproduced by pressing with the pen tip.

  For example, when the line displaying “10:05” shown in FIG. 7 is pressed by the pen 41, the CPU 39 stores the audio data corresponding to the selected recording date and time (10:05) in the memory card 24. And the audio data is decompressed and supplied to the audio processing circuit 42. The audio processing circuit 42 converts the supplied audio data into analog data and reproduces it via the speaker 5.

  When playing back the captured image data recorded in the memory card 24, the user selects the desired thumbnail image by pressing the pen tip of the pen 41, and presses the execution key 7B to play back the selected information. .

  The CPU 39 instructs the compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 to read out the captured image data corresponding to the selected imaging date and time from the memory card 24. The compression / decompression circuit and memory controller 35 expands the captured image data (compressed captured image data) read from the memory card 24, and stores the captured image data as bitmap data in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36. Accumulate and display on the LCD 6.

  The image shot in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. It goes without saying that this still image is a reproduction of the image signal of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

  Images taken in the L mode are continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is a quarter of the total number of pixels of the CCD 20.

  Normally, the human eye reacts sensitively to degradation of the resolution of a still image, and thus thinning out still image pixels is perceived by the user as degradation of image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting is increased and 8 frames are captured per second in the L mode, and this image is reproduced at a rate of 8 frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame is the number of pixels of the CCD 20. Although it is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames of images per second, the amount of information that enters the human eye per second is twice that of a still image.

  That is, if the number of pixels of one frame of an image shot in the S mode is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of the image shot in the L mode is ¼. When an image (still image) shot in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information that enters the human eye per second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) × (number of frames 1)). On the other hand, when an image shot in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information that enters the human eye per second is 2 (= (number of pixels 1/4) × (number of frames 8)) (that is, The human eye contains twice as much information as still images). Therefore, even when the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ¼, the user can observe the reproduced image without much concern for the deterioration of the image quality during reproduction.

  Further, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame, and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6. Therefore, an afterimage effect occurs in the human eye, and three-fourth pixels per frame. Even if the image is thinned out, the user can observe the image captured in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about the deterioration of the image quality.

  In addition, images taken in the H mode are continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 30 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is 1/9 of the total number of pixels of the CCD 20, but for the same reason as in the L mode, the user does not care much about the deterioration of the image quality. An image taken in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 can be observed.

  In this embodiment, when the subject is imaged in the L mode or the H mode, the CDS 31 thins out the pixels of the CCD 20 to such an extent that the deterioration of the image quality at the time of reproduction is not concerned. In addition, the load on the memory controller 35 can be reduced, and the DSP 33 and the compression / decompression circuit and the memory controller 35 can be operated at a low speed and with low power. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the apparatus.

  By operating the zoom button 15 when an image already recorded in this way is displayed on the LCD 6, the display image can be enlarged or reduced. Note that the magnification of the display image (enlargement ratio or reduction ratio with respect to the original display screen) can be set continuously in response to an operation on the zoom button 15.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, various types of information (data) recorded in the memory card 24 are accompanied by data on the date and time when each information is input as header information. The user can select and reproduce desired information from the date and time data displayed on the LCD 6 (FIG. 7).

  In addition, when a plurality of information (photographed image, sound, line drawing) are input simultaneously, each information is recorded separately in a predetermined area of the recording card 24. The date and time header information is attached.

  For example, when information A (captured image), information B (voice), and information C (line drawing) are input simultaneously, the information A, B, and C recorded in a predetermined area of the memory card 24 are the same input. Each date and time data is provided as header information. Further, the header information of information A may be input date data, and the header information of information B and C may be data indicating that the information A is related.

  As described above, the information input at the same time is reproduced at the same time during reproduction.

  In the present embodiment, after the first information (for example, a captured image) is recorded, the second information (for example, line drawing) different from the first information is recorded in a form added to the first information. It can also be made. As described above, when the second information is added to the first information, the second information is input in a state where the first information is reproduced. A detailed description of this case will be given below.

  For example, in a case where prerecorded audio information is being reproduced, when the release switch 10 is pressed and a subject is photographed, the photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 is The header information of the date and time when the recording of the audio information is started is attached.

  In addition, for example, when audio information whose recording was started at 10:05 on August 25, 1995 is being played, when one minute has elapsed since the start of reproduction (that is, the reproduction data is August 25, 1995 at 10:06). When the shooting process is performed, the captured image data recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by header information of 10: 6 on August 25, 1995. (The start time (10: 5) may be used as header information, or one of them may be registered as a default (the selection is made by the user) Made)).

  Similarly, when audio information recorded in advance is reproduced, when line drawing information is input, the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 includes the line drawing information and header information of the recording date and time of the audio information. The same header information is recorded.

  When audio information and captured image information input at the same time are reproduced in advance, when line drawing information is input, audio information (or captured image) is stored in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the line drawing information. The same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of (information) is recorded.

  When audio information and line drawing information input at the same time are reproduced in advance, when photographed image information is input, the voice information (or line drawing) is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the photographed image data. The same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of (information) is recorded.

  When audio information is input when a captured image that has been input in advance is being reproduced, the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 has the same audio information as the header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. Header information is recorded.

  When a line image information is input when a captured image input in advance is being reproduced, the line image information recording area of the memory card 24 has the same line image information as the header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. Header information is recorded.

  When the photographed image information and the line drawing information input at the same time are reproduced in advance, when the sound information is inputted, the sound recording area of the memory card 24 has the photographed image information (or the line drawing information) together with the sound data. ), The same header information as the recording date and time is recorded.

  When the pre-input line drawing information is being reproduced, when the picked-up image information is input, the picked-up image recording area of the memory card 24, along with the picked-up image data, the header information of the recording date of the line drawing information The same header information is recorded.

  When the previously input line drawing information is being reproduced, when audio information is input, the audio recording area of the memory card 24 has the same header as the header information of the recording date and time of the line drawing information along with the audio data. Information is recorded.

  As described above, when the first information recorded in advance is reproduced, when the second information is input, the recording date and time of the first information becomes the header information of the second information ( Hereinafter referred to as normal mode). By doing in this way, even if information is added later, the relationship between the original information and the added information can be maintained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the second information is added to the first information recorded in advance, not only the input time of the second information is recorded as the header information of the second information, The header information of the first information may be rewritten with the header information of the second information (hereinafter referred to as recording date / time change mode). In this case, the electronic camera 1 is further provided with a recording date / time mode changeover switch (not shown) so that the recording date / time is changed (switching between the normal mode and the recording date / time change mode) by the user's selection. To do.

  For example, when the user plans to shoot a specific subject at a specific time at a later date and records a comment on the captured image as line drawing information in advance (that is, the line drawing information is the first information). Then, the recording date / time mode changeover switch is switched to the recording date / time change mode, and the subject is photographed while reproducing the recorded line drawing information (that is, the photographed image is the second information). Then, the input date and time of the captured image (second information) is attached to both the line drawing information (first information) and the captured image (second information) as header information.

  Moreover, priority may be given to the input information, and header information of the input time may be attached to each information in accordance with the priority.

  For example, if the priority of the captured image is the first, the priority of the audio information is the second, and the priority of the line drawing information is the third, the sound is recorded while reproducing the pre-recorded line drawing information. When information is input, both line drawing information and audio information recorded in the memory card 24 are accompanied by header information including the input time of the audio information (the priority of the audio information is higher than the priority of the line drawing information). Because it is said). Further, when a captured image is input while reproducing the audio information and line drawing information, the line drawing information, audio information, and the captured image recorded in the memory card 24 are accompanied by header information including the input time of the captured image. (Because the priority order of the captured image is higher than the priority order of other information). This priority order may be set by the user.

  Next, a case where sound is recorded when a subject is photographed will be described.

  First, a case where the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode (single shooting mode) will be described. First, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input, and in the voice information recording area of the memory card 24, header information of the recording start date and time is recorded together with the voice data. When the release switch 10 is pressed during input of audio information (S mode), one frame of the subject is shot and the shot image data is recorded in the memory card 24. This photographed image data is accompanied by header information on the date and time when the release switch 10 is pressed (at the start of photographing).

  On the other hand, first, when the release button 10 is pressed, one frame of the subject is shot. At this time, in the captured image data recorded in the memory card 24, the date and time at the time of shooting is recorded as header information. Further, when the release button 10 is continuously pressed, a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6. At this time, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input. At this time, the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by the date and time when the image was taken as header information.

  Next, a case where the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the L mode or the H mode (continuous shooting mode) will be described. First, when the release switch 10 is pressed and then the recording switch 12 is pressed, and when the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 are pressed simultaneously, the captured image and audio information are recorded as shown below. Is done.

  When the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the L mode, 8 frames are shot per second, and the shot image data of each frame recorded in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 includes: The header information of the date and time when each was photographed is attached. Accordingly, the date and time at intervals of 0.125 seconds are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is recorded every 0.125 seconds (however, continuously input), and the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 also has an interval of 0.125 seconds. Date / time header information is recorded.

  Similarly, when the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the H mode, 30 frames are shot per second, and the shot image data of each frame recorded in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 is recorded. Is accompanied by header information of the date and time each image was taken. Accordingly, the date and time at 1/30 second intervals is recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is recorded every 1/30 seconds (but is continuously input), and the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 is also 1/30 second interval. Date / time header information is recorded.

  As described above, when editing a captured image or sound after recording, if an arbitrary captured image is removed, audio information having the same header information as the header information of the captured image can also be removed.

  On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the L mode or the H mode (when switched to the continuous shooting mode), the recording switch 12 is pressed first, and the release switch 10 is pressed later. As a result, the following header information is recorded in the information recorded in the memory card 24.

  That is, in this case, the audio data until the release switch 10 is pressed is recorded as one file in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24. Thereafter, when the release switch 10 is pressed, the date and time header information corresponding to each frame of the captured image is recorded together with the audio data.

  As described above, in the electronic camera 1 according to the first embodiment, images, sounds, line drawing information, and the like are recorded. When the zoom button 15 is operated, the focal length of the photographic lens 3 is changed at the time of image shooting, and the magnification of the display image is changed accordingly. At the time of image playback, the magnification of the playback image is changed. Is changed.

  In the above embodiment, the focal length of the photographic lens 3 is changed by operating the zoom button 15 during photographing of the subject, and the magnification of the photographed image is optically changed. Corresponding to the operation, the magnification of the photographed image can be changed electrically.

  Next, a second embodiment of the electronic camera to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  The second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, performs the same operation as described above, and enlarges the display image when playing back an image using the touch tablet 6A. Alternatively, reduction can be performed, and the focal length of the photographing lens 3 can be changed during photographing. Further, at the time of image reproduction, it is also possible to select an enlarged portion of the display image by operating the touch tablet 6A.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment when the display image is enlarged or reduced in accordance with an operation on the touch tablet 6A during image reproduction will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a predetermined image is displayed on the LCD 6, the pen tip of the pen 41 is moved to a predetermined position on the LCD 6 (touch tablet 6A) (drag start point (eg, point a in FIG. 8)). To a predetermined position in the outer direction (drag end point (for example, point b in FIG. 8)), the pen tip is moved (dragged) while being pressed against the LCD 6 (touch tablet 6A).

  At this time, the CPU 39 receives the coordinate values of the drag start point and the drag end point from the touch tablet 6A, the drag distance (the distance from the drag start point to the drag end point), and the drag direction (the long side of the LCD 6). When the right direction is 0 degree, the angle of the drag end point with respect to the drag start point is calculated, and when the drag direction is within a predetermined angle range, as shown in FIG. 9, the drag start point (FIG. 8) is calculated. The point a) is displayed at the center of the LCD 6 so that the image is enlarged at a magnification proportional to the drag distance.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pen tip of the pen 41 is dragged from the point c (drag start point) to the point d toward the center of the LCD 6, the CPU 39 determines the drag distance and the drag distance. When the direction is calculated and the drag direction is within a predetermined angle range, the drag start point (point c in FIG. 10) is displayed at the center of the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. Reduce the image by a factor proportional to.

  Note that a preset background (wallpaper) 72 is displayed in the margin of the LCD 6 generated by reducing the image. When the image is reduced, a centering button 71 is displayed above the reduced image. When the button 71 is pressed with the pen 41, the center of the image is arranged at the center of the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. The entire reduced image is displayed.

  Next, the correspondence between the direction of dragging with the pen 41 and the enlargement and reduction of the display image will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6) is divided into four areas A to D, which are upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left. Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the drag start point is in the area A and the drag direction is in the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point on the LCD 6. The image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the area A and the drag direction is in the range of 180 degrees to 270 degrees, the CPU 39 causes the image of the drag start point to be displayed at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced by a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the drag start point is in the region B and the drag direction is in the range of 270 degrees to 360 degrees (that is, 0 degrees), the CPU 39 The image of the start point is displayed at the center of the LCD 6, and the image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region B and the drag direction is in the range of 90 to 180 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced by a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, when the drag start point is in the region C and the drag direction is in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point on the LCD 6. The image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region C and the drag direction is within the range of 270 degrees to 360 degrees (that is, 0 degrees), the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, when the drag start point is in the region D and the drag direction is in the range of 180 degrees to 270 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point on the LCD 6. The image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region D and the drag direction is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced by a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  If the drag direction is not within the range set as described above, the image is not enlarged or reduced.

  Alternatively, the correspondence between the direction of dragging with the pen 41 and the enlargement or reduction of the display image can be set as shown in FIG. First, the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6) is divided into four areas A to D, which are upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left.

  14A, the drag start point is in the area A, and the drag direction is within the range of 315 to 135 degrees (within the range of 315 to 360 degrees or 0 to 135 degrees). The CPU 39 causes the drag start point image to be displayed at the center of the LCD 6 and enlarges the image at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the area A and the drag direction is within the range of 135 degrees to 315 degrees, the CPU 39 causes the image of the drag start point to be displayed at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced by a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the drag start point is in the region B, and the drag direction is within the range of 225 degrees to 45 degrees (the range of 225 degrees to 360 degrees or 0 degrees to 45 degrees. If it is within the range of degrees, the CPU 39 causes the image of the drag start point to be displayed at the center of the LCD 6 and enlarges the image at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region B and the drag direction is in the range of 45 degrees to 225 degrees, the CPU 39 causes the image of the drag start point to be displayed at the center of the LCD 6. The image is reduced by a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, when the drag start point is in the region C and the drag direction is in the range of 45 degrees to 225 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point on the LCD 6. The image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region C and the drag direction is within the range of 225 degrees to 45 degrees (within the range of 225 degrees to 360 degrees or within the range of 0 degrees to 45 degrees), the CPU 39 The image at the drag start point is displayed at the center of the LCD 6, and the image is reduced at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14D, when the drag start point is in the region D and the drag direction is in the range of 135 degrees to 315 degrees, the CPU 39 displays the image of the drag start point on the LCD 6. The image is enlarged at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance. On the other hand, when the drag start point is in the region D and the drag direction is within the range of 315 to 135 degrees (within the range of 315 to 360 degrees or within the range of 0 to 135 degrees), the CPU 39 The image at the drag start point is displayed at the center of the LCD 6, and the image is reduced at a magnification corresponding to the drag distance.

  By doing in this way, a desired part can be expanded among display images. In addition, it is possible to return to the display image of the original magnification by continuously picking an arbitrary position of the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6) twice with the pen 41.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment in the case where the focal length of the taking lens 3 is changed according to the operation on the touch tablet 6A during shooting of the subject will be described.

  At the time of shooting a subject, the CPU 39 detects the distance and direction of dragging on the touch tablet 6A, as in the above-described operation for changing the magnification of the reproduced image. Then, the CPU 39 determines the change direction of the focal length (whether the focal length is lengthened or shortened) according to the drag direction, and the focal length of the photographic lens 3 corresponding to the drag distance. To change.

  The correspondence relationship between the drag direction and the focal length change direction at this time is the correspondence relationship between the drag direction during image reproduction and the magnification change direction (enlargement or reduction) of the display image (FIG. 13 or FIG. 14). ). That is, when the same operation as the operation for enlarging the display image at the time of image reproduction is performed on the touch tablet 6A at the time of photographing, the CPU 39 controls the zoom driving circuit 43 to set the focal length of the photographing lens 3. increase. On the other hand, when the same operation as the operation of reducing the display image is performed at the time of image reproduction, the CPU 39 controls the zoom drive circuit 43 to decrease the focal length of the photographing lens 3.

  Note that, at the time of image reproduction, the image at the drag start point is displayed at the center of the LCD 6, but at the time of photographing, only the focal length of the photographing lens 3 is changed.

  Further, when the focal length becomes longer than a preset upper limit value due to an operation on the touch tablet 6A, the CPU 39 causes some of the lenses 3B of the photographing lens 3 to have the focal length at the upper limit value. After the movement, the zoom is switched to the digital zoom, the signal processing is performed on the image signal of the subject received by the CCD 20, and the magnification corresponding to the amount exceeding the upper limit value is electrically changed by changing the magnification of the image of the subject. Thus, the image of the subject is enlarged and displayed on the LCD 6 as an electronic viewfinder.

  On the other hand, when the focal length becomes shorter than a preset lower limit value due to an operation on the touch tablet 6A, the CPU 39 causes some of the lenses 3B of the photographing lens 3 to have a lower focal length value. Move. At this time, in particular, the operation of reducing the image of the subject using the digital zoom is not performed.

  As described above, in the electronic camera 1 according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the zoom button 15 is operated, the focal length of the photographing lens 3 is changed when the image is photographed. At the same time, the magnification of the display image changes accordingly. At the time of reproducing the image, the magnification of the reproduced image is changed, and by operating the touch tablet 6A, the photographing lens 3 at the time of photographing the image is changed. It is possible to change the focal length and change the magnification of the display image during image reproduction.

  In the second embodiment, when the focal length becomes longer than a preset upper limit value due to an operation on the touch tablet 6A, the focal length is set to a part of the lenses 3B of the photographing lens 3. The zoom is switched to the digital zoom after being moved to a value, but only a part of the lens 3B of the photographing lens 3 is moved so that the focal length becomes the upper limit value, so that the digital zoom is not particularly used. It can also be. In this case, the subject image displayed on the LCD 6 is not enlarged at a higher magnification than the subject image when the focal length is the upper limit value.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic camera provided with the zoom lens (photographing lens 3) capable of changing the focal length has been described. However, the electronic camera is a single focal lens having a fixed focal length. However, in the case of an electronic camera capable of digital zoom described in the second embodiment, by applying the present invention and operating the zoom button 15 or the touch tablet 6A, the magnification of the image at the time of reproduction and the image at the time of shooting are controlled. The magnification of the subject image can be changed.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of seeing from the front of one Example of the electronic camera to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of seeing from the back surface of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure inside the electronic camera 1 shown to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a figure explaining the thinning-out process of the pixel at the time of L mode. It is a figure explaining the thinning-out process of the pixel at the time of H mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of the electronic camera shown to FIG. 1 and FIG. It is a figure explaining drag in the case of enlarging a display picture. It is a figure which shows an example of an image when the display image of FIG. 8 is expanded. It is a figure explaining drag in the case of reducing a display image. It is a figure which shows an example of an image when the display image of FIG. 10 is reduced. It is a figure which shows the other example of an image when the display image of FIG. 10 is reduced. It is a figure explaining an example of the correspondence of the direction of drag, and enlargement and reduction of an image. It is a figure explaining the other example of the correspondence of the direction of drag, and expansion and reduction of an image. It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of seeing from the front of the conventional electronic camera. It is a perspective view which shows the structure at the time of seeing from the back surface of the conventional electronic camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image in the conventional electronic camera shown to FIG. 15 and FIG. It is the figure which expanded the center of the display image of FIG. It is the figure which expanded the left side of the display image of FIG. It is the figure which expanded the right side of the display image of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic Camera 2 Viewfinder 3 Shooting Lens 4 Strobe 5 Speaker 6 LCD
6A Touch tablet 7 Operation key 7A Menu key 7B Execution key 7C Clear key 7D Cancel key 7E Scroll key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone jack 10 Release switch 11 Power switch 12 Recording switch 13 Continuous shooting mode switch 15 Zoom button 20 CCD
21 Battery 22 Capacitor 23 Circuit Board 24 Memory Card 31 Correlated Double Sampling Circuit (CDS)
31A Automatic gain adjuster (AGC)
32 Analog / digital conversion circuit 33 Digital signal processor (DSP)
34 CCD drive circuit 35 Compression / decompression circuit and memory controller 36 Buffer memory 39 CPU
41 Pen 42 Audio processing circuit 43 Zoom drive circuit

Claims (3)

A light collecting means for collecting light from the subject;
Photoelectric conversion means for receiving light from the subject collected by the light collecting means and converting the light into an electrical signal;
Storage means for storing predetermined image data;
Display means for displaying an image of the subject corresponding to the electrical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion means, or an image corresponding to image data recorded in the recording means;
An operation that is operated when changing the focal length of the condensing unit and that is operated when the image corresponding to the image data recorded in the recording unit is enlarged or reduced and displayed on the display unit. Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: enlargement / reduction means for enlarging or reducing an image corresponding to image data recorded in the recording means in response to an operation on the operation means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enlargement / reduction unit interpolates pixel values of the image to enlarge the image. The enlargement / reduction means enlarges or reduces the image of the subject converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion means in addition to an image corresponding to the image data recorded in the recording means. The information processing apparatus according to 1.

Images