JP2005086283A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera capable of preventing an image display section located on a rear side of a body from getting dirt or being damaged during carrying and increasing an information amount displayable on the image display section. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic camera 1 is provided with an image generating means for generating image data on the basis of a signal from an imaging element for imaging an object image obtained from a photographing optical system. The electronic camera 1 is provided with the body 2, a first LCD 32 fixedly located on the rear side of the body 2, and a second LCD 41 located on a movable member 4 turnably placed to the body 2 via a turning support part 33. The first and second LCD 32, 41 can display an image generated by the image generating means. The movable member 4 can take a closing state so as to be overlapped on the rear face side of the body 2 in a way of covering the first LCD 32 and an opening state wherein the movable member 4 is turned from the closing state and displaced at a position not overlapped on the body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic camera (digital camera) is provided with a liquid crystal display element on the back surface of a body (main body) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This liquid crystal display element can display a real-time image (live view image) of a subject at the time of shooting and use it as a viewfinder, or can reproduce and display an already shot and recorded image.

  In the conventional electronic camera, since the screen of the liquid crystal display element is always exposed, there is a problem that dirt and scratches are likely to occur while being carried.

  In addition to the need to place various switches in addition to the liquid crystal display elements on the back of the body of the electronic camera and to secure a space for gripping by hand, Since pursuing ease of use, the size of the body is being reduced, so the screen size of the liquid crystal display element is severely restricted, and it is difficult to ensure a sufficient size. Therefore, there is also a problem that the screen of the liquid crystal display element is small and difficult to see.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-163191

  An object of the present invention is to prevent the image display unit installed on the back of the body from being stained or damaged while being carried, and to increase the amount of information that can be displayed on the image display unit. It is to provide an electronic camera capable of performing the above.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (18) below.
(1) An electronic camera provided with an imaging optical system, an imaging element that captures a subject image obtained by the imaging optical system, and an image generation unit that generates image data based on a signal from the imaging element. And
Body,
A first image display unit fixedly installed on the back surface of the body and capable of displaying an image generated by the image generation unit;
A closed state that is pivotally installed on the body via a rotation support part and is overlapped on the back side of the body so as to cover the first image display part, A movable member capable of taking an open state displaced to a position not overlapping the body;
A second image display unit installed on the movable member and capable of displaying an image generated by the image generation means;
An electronic camera comprising: control means for controlling display of the first image display unit and the second image display unit.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the image display unit installed on the back of the body from being stained or damaged while being carried, and to increase the amount of information that can be displayed on the image display unit. A camera can be provided.

  (2) The electronic camera according to (1), further including an open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the movable member.

  Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not the first image display unit and the second image display unit are visible from the outside.

(3) a second rotation support portion that rotatably supports the movable member so that the front and back of the movable member in the open state can be reversed;
When the movable member is in an open state, the movable member is rotated by the second rotation support unit so that the second image display unit faces the back surface, and the second image display unit faces the front surface. The electronic camera according to the above (1) or (2).

  Thereby, since the orientation of the second image display unit can be selected according to the situation, the convenience can be further improved in various usage situations.

  (4) The electronic camera according to (3), further including a front / back inversion detection unit that detects a front / back inversion state of the movable member.

  Thereby, when the movable member is in the closed state, it is possible to detect whether or not the second image display unit is in a state visible from the outside.

  (5) The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the movable member can be closed so that the second image display unit and the first image display unit face each other. .

As a result, when the electronic camera is not used, the first image display unit and the second image display unit can be kept facing each other, so that both the first image display unit and the second image display unit can be used. (6) The above (1), wherein the movable member can be closed so that the second image display unit is exposed on the back surface. The electronic camera according to any one of (5) to (5).

  Thereby, when it is not necessary to perform the two-screen display, only the second image display unit can be operated while the movable member is closed, so that it can be used easily.

  (7) When the movable member is in an open state and the second image display unit faces the back, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed as the first image display unit and the second image display unit. The electronic camera according to any one of the above (1) to (6), which is capable of being displayed on one of the image display units and displaying a photographing auxiliary image for assisting a user's photographing behavior on the other.

  As a result, the user can refer to the photographing auxiliary image and perform better photographing.

  (8) The electronic camera according to (7), wherein information relating to a state of the electronic camera can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.

  As a result, it is possible to shoot while confirming the setting state of various modes of the electronic camera displayed on one image display unit, so it is ensured that the setting state is misidentified and mis-shooting is performed. Can be prevented. In addition, since the live view image displayed on the other image display unit does not need to display information such as the mode setting state in an overlapping manner, the live view image is easy to see and photographing can be performed easily.

  (9) The electronic camera according to (7) or (8), wherein an enlarged live view image generated by the image generation unit can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.

  As a result, when taking a picture, it is possible to more reliably check whether or not the image is in focus with the enlarged image.

  (10) The electronic camera according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein information relating to an operation method of the electronic camera can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where the beginner who is not used to operation of the said electronic camera uses, an electronic camera can be used smoothly and easily, referring the displayed operation guide.

  (11) The electronic camera according to any one of (7) to (10), wherein an image photographed at the previous release can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.

  Thus, the next shooting can be performed while referring to the image shot at the time of the previous release, so that a better shooting can be performed.

  (12) When the movable member is in an open state and the second image display unit is facing the front, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed as the first image display unit and the second image display unit. The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (11), which can be displayed on both of the image display units.

  As a result, when taking a self-portrait, it is possible to take a picture while confirming the composition or expression by looking at the live view image displayed on the second image display unit. In addition, even when another person takes a picture, the person who is the subject can take a picture while confirming the composition or facial expression by himself / herself.

  (13) When the movable member is in the open state and the second image display unit faces the front, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed on the first image display unit. The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein an image for attracting attention of a person who is a subject can be displayed on the second image display unit.

  Thereby, it is possible to draw the attention of the person who is the subject, and to quickly obtain a photo opportunity by making the person pay attention to the direction of the electronic camera and making the person smile.

  (14) The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein two different captured images can be reproduced and displayed on the first image display unit and the second image display unit, respectively.

  As a result, two different captured images that have been reproduced and displayed can be viewed simultaneously, so that the already captured images can be confirmed efficiently and quickly.

  (15) When two different captured images are reproduced and displayed on the first image display unit and the second image display unit, respectively, the previously selected captured image is displayed on the first image display unit and the second image display unit. The electronic camera according to (14), wherein the electronic image is displayed on one side of the second image display unit and an already captured image selected in the previous round is displayed on the other side.

  As a result, two different captured images that have been reproduced and displayed can be viewed simultaneously, so that the already captured images can be confirmed efficiently and quickly.

  (16) The above-described information can be reproduced and displayed on one of the first image display unit and the second image display unit, and information on shooting data at the time of shooting the already shot image can be displayed on the other side. The electronic camera according to any one of 1) to (15).

  As a result, it is possible to confirm the already-captured image and the captured data information at the same time.

  (17) One of the first image display unit and the second image display unit displays a multi-image in which a plurality of reduced-captured captured images are arranged, and the other selects one of the multi-images. The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein an already shot image can be reproduced and displayed.

  As a result, the user can easily select an already-captured image to be reproduced and displayed, and it is not necessary to switch and display a multi-image and an image selected from the multiple images. Can be confirmed.

  (18) The electronic camera according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein a size of the first image display unit and a size of the second image display unit are substantially the same.

  Thereby, the visibility can be further improved, and the first image display unit and the second image display unit can share components and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the first image display unit installed on the back surface of the body from being stained or damaged while being carried.

  Moreover, since two image display parts, the first image display part and the second image display part installed on the movable member, can be used, the image display amount can be increased, and the usage situation Various contents can be displayed according to the situation.

Hereinafter, an electronic camera of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 3 are a front view, a plan view, and a rear view, respectively, showing an embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention (when the movable member is in an open state), and FIGS. FIG. 7 is a rear view, a bottom view, and a side view showing an embodiment of the camera (when the movable member is in a closed state), and FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention.

  An electronic camera (digital camera) 1 shown in these drawings has a body (camera body) 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a lens barrel 22 including a photographing optical system 21 and a strobe light emitting unit 23 are provided on the front surface of the body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a release button 24 and a main switch 25 are provided on the upper surface of the body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back of the body 2, a menu button 26, a REC / PLAY button 27, a four-way key 28, an OK button 29 located at the center of the four-way key 28, and a viewfinder 30 A zoom lever 31 is provided.

  Further, a first LCD (first image display unit) 32 composed of a liquid crystal display element is installed on the back surface of the body 2.

  The electronic camera 1 also has a flat plate-shaped movable member 4 that is rotatably installed via a rotation support portion (hinge structure portion) 33 provided at one end of the body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the movable member 4 is rotatable with respect to the body 2 so as to draw a locus indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. As a result, the movable member 4 does not overlap the body 2 by rotating from the closed state (the state shown in FIGS. 4 to 7) superimposed on the back side of the body 2 so as to cover the first LCD 32 and the closed state. An open state displaced in position (the state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) can be taken.

  When the movable member 4 is in the closed state, the first LCD 32 is covered and protected by the movable member 4, so that it is possible to prevent the first LCD 32 from being stained or scratched while carrying the electronic camera 1. it can.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the body 2 has a shape in which a portion overlapping the movable member 4 is recessed, and when the movable member 4 is in a closed state, the movable member 4 is in the body 2. It is comprised so that it may store without a level | step difference with respect to.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a second rotation support portion 34 is provided between the movable member 4 and the rotation support portion 33. The second rotation support part 34 supports the movable member 4 so as to be rotatable at least 180 ° around a rotation axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotation support part 33. Thereby, when the movable member 4 is in an open state, the front and back can be reversed.

  On one side of the movable member 4, a second LCD (second image display unit) 41 composed of a liquid crystal display element is installed. In the electronic camera 1 of the present invention, since the second LCD 41 is provided in addition to the first LCD 32, the image display amount (information amount) can be increased, and the convenience can be improved.

  When such a movable member 4 is in the open state, the second LCD 41 is rotated by the second rotation support portion 34 so that the second LCD 41 faces the back (the state shown in FIG. 3) and the second LCD 41 faces the front ( The state shown in FIG. 1 can be taken.

  In the illustrated configuration, the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 have the same size. As a result, the visibility can be further improved and the liquid crystal display element of the same model can be used, so that the parts can be shared and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

  The movable member 4 can be closed either from the state shown in FIG. 3 or from the state shown in FIG. When the movable member 4 is closed from the state shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 4 is stored in a state where the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 face each other (see FIG. 4). When the electronic camera 1 is not used, this state can protect both the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 and prevent them from being soiled or scratched.

  When the movable member 4 is closed from the state shown in FIG. 1, the movable member 4 is accommodated so that the second LCD 41 is exposed on the back surface (see FIG. 7). As will be described later, the electronic camera 1 can be used by operating only the second LCD 41 in this state. Therefore, when there is no need to display two screens, the electronic camera 1 can be used simply with the movable member 4 closed. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic camera 1 includes a control unit 50 configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 51 as an imaging device that captures a subject image obtained by the imaging optical system 21. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 52, a video random access memory (VRAM) 53, an on-screen display circuit 54a for the first LCD 32, an on-screen display circuit 54b for the second LCD 41, and the open / close state of the movable member 4. An open / close detection switch (open / close detection means) 55 for detecting, a front / back reversal detection switch (front / back reversal detection means) 56 for detecting the front / back reversal state of the movable member 4, a CCD driver 57 for driving the CCD 51, and the photographing optical system 21 Focusing lens for focusing by moving a focusing lens (not shown) in the optical axis direction A's drive mechanism 58, and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 61, and the photometric switch 65, and a release switch 66.

  The control unit 50 controls the entire electronic camera 1 based on a program stored in advance and input signals from each operation unit, and also serves as an image generation unit that generates image data based on a signal from the CCD 51. It also has a function.

  The VRAM 53 has an area for storing image data to be displayed on the first LCD 32 and an area for storing image data to be displayed on the second LCD 41. Hereinafter, for convenience, the area for the first LCD 32 is referred to as VRAM 53a, and the area for the second LCD 41 is referred to as VRAM 53b.

  In the DRAM 52, a work area for performing operations such as image data generation, an area for the first LCD 32, an area for the second LCD 41, a recording image area for display for storing a one-frame previous image to be described later, and an animation movie file to be described later are expanded. An area for animation 1 and an area for animation 2 for performing, a data area for storing shooting data to be described later, and the like are determined in advance.

  Such an electronic camera 1 can display a live view image on the first LCD 32 as follows when the electronic camera 1 is in a shootable state (shooting mode).

  A subject image formed on the CCD 51 via the photographing optical system 21 is photoelectrically converted into charge data. This charge data (signal) is thinned out by predetermined pixels from the CCD 51 in order to create live view image data, sequentially read out, sampled by the correlated double sampling circuit 59, and digitally converted by the AD converter 60. Then, it is input into the control means 50. In the signal processing circuit in the control means 50, signal processing such as predetermined color process processing and γ correction is performed on the input signal, and live view image data (luminance signal data Y, two color difference signal data Cr). , Cb) is generated. This live view image data (hereinafter also referred to as “screen nail S1”) is image data having a number of pixels smaller than the number of effective pixels of the CCD 51 (the number of thinned data) corresponding to the number of display pixels of the first LCD 32. After being written in the DRAM 52, it is written in the VRAM 53a.

  The screen nail S1 in the VRAM 53a is converted into an analog signal by the DA converter 62a and then input to the video encoder 63a. The video encoder 63a generates a video signal and outputs it to the synthesizer 64a. The generation process of the screen nail S1 is periodically updated as the CCD 51 is read, and is displayed on the first LCD 32 as a real-time moving image.

  Further, the on-screen display circuit 54a displays display information other than images (for example, ranging zone, number of shots, shooting mode, various types) displayed at an arbitrary position in the display screen of the first LCD 32 based on the control of the control unit 50. Signals of setting information, guide information, etc.) are generated and output to the synthesizer 64a.

  In the synthesizer 64a, the video signal from the video encoder 63a and the on-screen signal from the on-screen display circuit 54a are synthesized and output to the first LCD 32. Thereby, on the first LCD 32, the live view image (monitor image) captured by the CCD 51 and the various information generated by the on-screen display circuit 54a are combined and displayed simultaneously.

  When the release button 24 is half-pressed in such a photographable state, the photometry switch 65 is turned on. When the photometry switch 65 is turned on, the control unit 50 performs photometry and activates the focusing lens drive mechanism 58 to perform AF drive control (focusing). When the release button 24 is further fully pressed from this state, the release switch 66 is turned on. When the release switch 66 is turned on, the control means 50 controls the charge accumulation time (exposure time) of the CCD 51, reads out the charge data from the CCD 51 without thinning out the pixels, and records a large number of pixel data in the DRAM 52. Still original image data is generated.

  Further, the control means 50 performs a pixel data thinning process from the generated recording still original image data, generates a screen nail (eg, 640 × 480 pixels) of a display still image, writes the screen nail into the VRAM 53a, and outputs it for a predetermined time. And displayed on the first LCD 32. Further, the control means 50 outputs the generated still original image data for recording through the interface 67 and records it on the recording medium 100 such as a memory card loaded in the slot in the body 2.

  9 to 13 are rear views (states in which the movable member is in the open state and the second LCD faces the rear surface) showing the embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention, and the contents of the two-screen display are described. It is a figure for doing. Hereinafter, the contents of the two-screen display of the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 in the electronic camera 1 of the present invention will be described based on these drawings and the previous drawings.

  As described above, the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment can invert the front and back of the movable member 4 in the open state. However, during normal shooting, the movable member 4 is in the open state and the second LCD 41 is on the back side. It is used in a state where it faces (that is, a state where both the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 face the photographer). Hereinafter, photographing with the electronic camera 1 in this state is referred to as a “normal photographing state”.

  On the other hand, photographing in a state where the movable member 4 is in the open state and the second LCD 41 faces the front (that is, the state in which the second LCD 41 faces the subject side) is hereinafter referred to as a “second LCD inversion state”.

  Note that, in a reproduction state in which the already-captured image recorded on the recording medium 100 is reproduced and displayed on the first LCD 32 or the second LCD 41, in principle, the movable member 4 is in an open state and the second LCD 41 is directed to the back. .

  Hereinafter, the contents of the two-screen display in each of the normal shooting state, the second LCD inversion state, and the reproduction state will be sequentially described.

  In the normal shooting state, the live view image is displayed on the first LCD 32 as described above. At the same time, a shooting auxiliary image for assisting the user's shooting action can be displayed on the second LCD 41. This auxiliary photographing image can be selected and set from four menus of “mode display”, “center enlargement”, “operation guide”, and “one frame previous image”.

  When “mode display” is set as the photographing auxiliary image, the control unit 50 controls the on-screen display circuit 54 b to display an image representing information on the state of the electronic camera 1 on the second LCD 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the image representing the information related to the state of the electronic camera 1 is a graphic representing the state such as the picture mode, the flash emission mode, the remaining battery level, and the like. Further, in this case, the control unit 50 does not display such information on the first LCD 32 but displays only the live view image. As a result, the user can take a picture while confirming the setting state of the various modes of the electronic camera 1 based on the information displayed on the second LCD 41. This can be surely prevented. In addition, since the information such as the mode setting state is not superimposed on the live view image displayed on the first LCD 32, the live view image is easy to see and shooting can be performed easily.

  Next, a case where “central enlargement” is set as the photographing auxiliary image will be described. In this case, the control means 50 displays the enlarged live view image on the second LCD 41 (see FIG. 3). The enlarged live view image is generated and displayed as follows.

  In order to generate the enlarged live view image data, the charge data (signal) read out sequentially from the pixels in the predetermined area in the center of the CCD 51 is read by the correlated double sampling circuit 59 in the same manner as described above. The sample is digitally converted by the AD converter 60 and then input into the control means 50. In the signal processing circuit in the control means 50, the input signal is subjected to the same signal processing as described above to generate enlarged live view image data (hereinafter also referred to as “screen nail S2”).

  The screen nail S2 is written in the DRAM 52 and then in the VRAM 53b. The screen nail S2 in the VRAM 53b is analog-converted by the DA converter 62b and then input to the video encoder 63b. The video encoder 63b generates a video signal and outputs it to the synthesizer 64b. The generation process of the screen nail S2 is periodically updated as the CCD 51 is read out, and is displayed on the second LCD 41 as a real-time moving image.

  Further, the on-screen display circuit 54b displays display information other than images (for example, ranging zone, number of shots, shooting mode, various types) displayed at an arbitrary position in the display screen of the second LCD 41 based on the control of the control means 50. Signals of setting information, guide information, etc.) are generated and output to the synthesizer 64b.

  In the synthesizer 64b, the video signal from the video encoder 63b and the on-screen signal from the on-screen display circuit 54b are synthesized and output to the second LCD 41. As a result, the enlarged live view image (monitor image) captured by the CCD 51 and the various information generated by the on-screen display circuit 54b are combined and displayed on the second LCD 41 at the same time.

  As described above, when “center enlargement” is set as the photographing auxiliary image, as shown in FIG. 3, an enlarged live view image in which the central portion of the imaged region is enlarged is displayed on the second LCD 41. . As a result, when the release button 24 is half-pressed and the focus is locked, it is possible to more clearly recognize whether or not the focus is in focus with the enlarged image displayed on the second LCD 41. It can be confirmed reliably.

  Note that the screen nail S2 and the screen nail S1 have the same number of pixels (for example, 640 × 480 pixels), but the screen nail S1 is generated using pixels thinned out uniformly over the entire imaging area of the CCD 51. On the other hand, the screen nail S2 is generated using pixels thinned out from pixels in a predetermined area in the center of the CCD 51 as described above. Thus, since the screen nail S2 is not a trimmed image of the screen nail S1, the screen nail S2 is configured to be visually recognized with an image quality equivalent to that of the screen nail S1, even if it is an enlarged image.

  Next, a case where an “operation guide” is set as a photographing auxiliary image will be described. In this case, the control means 50 controls the on-screen display circuit 54b to display information related to the operation method of the electronic camera 1 on the second LCD 41 (see FIG. 10). This information is prepared in advance in the EEPROM 61. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the picture of the electronic camera 1 and the explanation of each switch are displayed on the second LCD 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, text data describing the operation of the electronic camera 1 by item may be displayed. As described above, when the “operation guide” is set as the photographing auxiliary image, even when a beginner who is not familiar with the operation of the electronic camera 1 uses it, the operation guide displayed on the second LCD 41 is referred to. The electronic camera 1 can be used smoothly and easily.

  Next, a case where “one frame previous image” is set as a photographing auxiliary image will be described. In this case, the control means 50 causes the second LCD 41 to display an image taken at the previous release (see FIG. 11). That is, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 11, the image in which the three persons displayed side by side on the second LCD 41 are captured is a still image captured at the previous release. In this case, the control unit 50 copies the screen nail of the display still image generated at the previous release to the VRAM 53b, and after a certain time has elapsed since the release (for example, the display on the first LCD 32 is a still image display). The display still image is displayed on the second LCD 41 at the timing of switching from live view display to live view display. As described above, when “one frame previous image” is set as the shooting auxiliary image, the next shooting can be performed while referring to the image shot at the previous release, so that a better shooting can be performed. Can do.

  Next, two-screen display in the second LCD inversion state will be described. Even in the second LCD inversion state, the live view image is displayed on the first LCD 32 as in the normal photographing state. The display content of the second LCD 41 can be selected and set from three menus “same as the first LCD”, “animation display 1”, and “animation display 2”.

  When “same as the first LCD” is set as the display content of the second LCD 41 in the second LCD inversion state, the control means 50 copies the screen nail image data written in the VRAM 53a to the VRAM 53b and inverts the reading direction. Then, the data is read from the VRAM 53b and displayed on the second LCD 41. Here, the reason why the reading direction is reversed is that the image displayed on the second LCD 41 is upright because the second LCD 41 is upside down compared to the normal shooting state. By such control, a live view image is displayed on the second LCD 41 in the same manner as the first LCD 32. Therefore, when taking a self-portrait, it is possible to take a picture while confirming the composition and expression. In addition, even when another person takes a picture, the person who is the subject can take a picture while confirming the composition or facial expression by himself / herself.

  When “animation display 1” is set as the display content of the second LCD 41 in the second LCD inversion state, the control unit 50 selects a predetermined one of the two moving image files (for example, Motion JPEG) prepared in advance in the EEPROM 61. One of the files is opened, a plurality of still image data constituting a moving image is generated, the still image data is sequentially copied to the VRAM 53b, read out from the VRAM 53b with the reading direction reversed, and displayed on the second LCD 41 ( (See FIG. 1). As a result, an animation image (an image in which a plurality of stars move around) is displayed on the second LCD 41. With this animation image, it is possible to draw the attention of a person (children or the like) who is the subject, and to quickly obtain a photo opportunity by making the person pay attention to the direction of the electronic camera 1 and making it smile.

  When “animation display 2” is set as the display content of the second LCD 41 in the second LCD inversion state, another moving image based on the other moving image file can be displayed on the second LCD 41 in the same manner as described above.

  Next, two-screen display in the playback state will be described. The contents of the two-screen display in the playback state can be selected and set from three menus of “one frame previous image”, “photographed data display”, and “multi & selection screen”.

  When “one frame previous image” is set for the two-screen display in the playback state, a desired image designated by a predetermined operation of the user among a plurality of already photographed images that have already been photographed and recorded corresponds. The image file is read from the recording medium 100 to the DRAM 52, a display screen nail (eg, 640 × 480 pixels) is generated, and this display screen nail is written to the VRAM 53a and displayed on the first LCD 32.

  Next, when the next image to be reproduced and displayed is designated by the user, an image file corresponding to the image is read from the recording medium 100 to the DRAM 52, and a display screen nail is generated. The newly generated screen nail for display is written in the VRAM 53a, and the display on the first LCD 32 is switched to the reproduction display of the image newly designated by the user. However, the control means 50 writes to the VRAM 53a. Prior to this, a process of copying the image data that has been in the VRAM 53a until then to the VRAM 53b is executed. Thus, the image that has been reproduced and displayed on the first LCD 32 until then moves to the second LCD 41 and is continuously displayed.

  In this way, when “one frame previous image” is set for the two-screen display in the playback state, the previously selected captured image is displayed on the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 displays that image. The already shot image selected in the previous round is displayed. Thus, the user can view two different captured images that are reproduced and displayed at the same time, so that the captured image can be confirmed efficiently and quickly.

  Next, a case where “shooting data display” is set for the two-screen display in the reproduction state will be described. In this case, the control means 50 causes the first LCD 32 to reproduce and display the already-captured image designated by the user in the same manner as described above, and causes the second LCD 41 to capture the photographic data about the already-captured image reproduced and displayed on the first LCD 32. Information (for example, shooting date / time, aperture value, exposure time, etc.) is displayed (see FIG. 12). These pieces of shooting data information are recorded together with the compressed image data in, for example, an EXIF image file recorded in the recording medium 100. The control unit 50 also reads the shooting data information in the image file, controls the on-screen display circuit 54b, and displays the shooting data information on the second LCD 41. Thus, the user can confirm the reproduced image and also confirm the captured data information at the same time.

  Next, a case where the “multi & selection screen” is set for the two-screen display in the reproduction state will be described. In this case, the control means 50 uses the thumbnail images (screen nails) for displaying the individual recorded images (already photographed images) on the multi-screen on the DRAM 52 based on the plurality of image files read from the recording medium 100. Smaller than the size of 9 screens in 3 rows × 3 columns, which is the size of one screen nail). Then, the control means 50 writes these thumbnail images in the VRAM 53a in a matrix arrangement. As a result, the first LCD 32 displays a multi-image in which thumbnail images of the respective recorded images are arranged in 3 rows × 3 columns (see FIG. 13). In FIG. 13, detailed illustrations of the thumbnail images are omitted and numbers are given for convenience.

  In such a multi-image, the user can select one of thumbnail images 1 to 9 by operating the four-way key 28 by a known method. On the other hand, the control means 50 writes screen nail image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image (the initial value is the fifth image at the center of the matrix) into the VRAM 53b. Thereby, on the second LCD 41, an enlarged image (screen nail) of the thumbnail image (the fifth image in the figure) selected in the multi-image of the first LCD 32 is displayed. As described above, when the “multi & selection screen” is set for the two-screen display in the playback state, the thumbnail image and the screen nail image which is an enlarged image thereof are displayed at the same time. Since it is not necessary to switch and display the image (multi-image) and the screen nail image one by one, it is possible to check the captured image quickly and easily.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a menu screen when performing menu setting for two-screen display, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart of menu setting processing for two-screen display. The menu setting process when the user sets the above-described two-screen display menu will be described below with reference to these drawings.

  The user of the electronic camera 1 first presses the menu button 26 when performing various settings. When the menu button 26 is pressed, the control means 50 controls the on-screen display circuit 54a to display the main menu screen 91 shown in FIG. 14 on the first LCD 32 (step S001 in FIG. 15). On this main menu screen 91, by operating the four-way key 28 and moving the cursor 92, an item to be set is selected from “image quality”, “size”, “photometry method”, and “two-screen display” ( Step S002). When the cursor 92 is placed on the character position of “image quality”, “size” or “photometry” and the OK button 29 is pressed, the process proceeds to the setting process for each item (step S003). Omitted.

  When the cursor 92 is moved to the position of the character “2 screen display” and the OK button 29 is pressed, the display on the first LCD 32 is switched to the 2 screen display menu screen 93 shown in FIG. On the two-screen display menu screen 93, the cursor 92 is positioned at any one of the characters “normal shooting”, “second LCD inversion”, and “playback” and the OK button 29 is pressed, so that any of these three items can be displayed. Select.

  When “normal shooting” is selected on the two-screen display menu screen 93 (step S004), the display on the first LCD 32 is switched to the normal shooting menu screen 94 shown in FIG. In the normal shooting menu screen 94, the four-way key 28 is operated to move the cursor 92 (step S005), so that the contents of the two-screen display in the normal shooting state are changed to the above-described “mode display”, “center enlargement”, It can be selected from “operation guide” and “one frame previous image”. The control means 50 recognizes the setting state of the two-screen display in the normal shooting based on the variable DN, and when “mode display” is selected according to the input from the four-way key 28, DN = 0, “ The setting value is changed to DN = 1 when “center enlargement” is selected, DN = 2 when “operation guide” is selected, and DN = 3 when “one frame previous image” is selected. (Step S006). This set value is determined by pressing the OK button 29 (step S007), and the control means 50 stores the value of the set variable DN (step S008). After the OK button 29 is pressed and the set value is confirmed, the display on the first LCD 32 returns to the live view display.

  When “when the second LCD is reversed” is selected on the two-screen display menu screen 93 (step S009), the display on the first LCD 32 is switched to the second LCD reversed menu screen 95 shown in FIG. On the second LCD inversion menu screen 95, the contents of the two-screen display in the second LCD inversion state are obtained by operating the four-way key 28 and moving the cursor 92 (step S010), as described above. “Same as 1LCD”, “animation display 1”, and “animation display 2” can be selected. The control means 50 recognizes the setting state of the two-screen display when the second LCD is reversed by the variable DR, and when “same as the first LCD” is selected according to the input from the four-way key 28, the DR = 0, when “animation display 1” is selected, DR = 1, and when “animation display 2” is selected, the setting value is changed to DR = 2 (step S011). This set value is determined by pressing the OK button 29 (step S012), and the control means 50 stores the set value of the variable DR (step S013).

  When “reproduction” is selected on the two-screen display menu screen 93 (step S014), the display on the first LCD 32 is switched to the reproduction menu screen 96 shown in FIG. In this playback menu screen 96, as described above, by operating the four-way key 28 and moving the cursor 92 (step S015), the contents of the two-screen display in the playback state are set to the above-mentioned “one frame previous image”. , “Shooting data display” and “Multi & selection screen” can be selected. The control means 50 recognizes the setting state of the two-screen display at the time of reproduction based on the variable DP, and when “one frame previous image” is selected according to the input from the four-way key 28, DP = 0. When “shooting data display” is selected, DP = 1, and when “multi & selection screen” is selected, DP = 2 is changed (step S016). The set value is determined by pressing the OK button 29 (step S017), and the control means 50 stores the set value of the variable DP (step S018).

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing display control of the first LCD and the second LCD, respectively, in the embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention. Hereinafter, display control of the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 in the electronic camera 1 will be described based on these drawings.

  When the main switch 25 is pressed and turned on from the power-off state of the electronic camera 1 (step S101 in FIG. 16), the control means 50 is activated to read various setting values (step S102).

  Next, the control means 50 determines whether or not the open / close detection switch 55 for detecting the open / closed state of the movable member 4 is turned on (step S103). If it is turned on, that is, if the movable member 4 is in the open state. The operation (drive) of the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 is permitted (step S104).

  On the other hand, when the open / close detection switch 55 is off, that is, when the movable member 4 is closed, the control means 50 determines whether or not the front / back reversal detection switch 56 is turned on (step S105). When the detection switch 56 is on, that is, when the movable member 4 is closed with the second LCD 41 exposed on the back surface (the state shown in FIG. 7), the operation of the first LCD 32 is prohibited (step S106). At the same time, the operation of the second LCD 41 is permitted (step S107). On the other hand, when the front / back reversal detection switch 56 is off, that is, when the movable member 4 is closed with the second LCD 41 facing the first LCD 32 (the state shown in FIG. 4), the control means 50 Both the operations of the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 are prohibited (step S108).

  In this embodiment, it is possible to automatically detect whether each of the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 is visible from the outside in this way, and only the LCD that is visible is automatically driven. To do.

  The control means 50 monitors whether or not the menu button 26 is pressed (step S109). When the menu button 26 is pressed and the menu setting for the two-screen display is selected, the above-described two-screen display is performed. Menu setting processing is performed (step S110).

  Further, the control means 50 monitors whether the mode is the shooting mode or the playback mode (whether the REC / PLAY button 27 has been operated) (step S111). Such a monitoring operation (live view image generation / display operation) is performed (step S112). In this case, the control means 50 determines whether or not the operation of the first LCD 32 is prohibited (step S113). When the operation is not prohibited (when the operation is permitted), the first LCD 32 is displayed as a normal display on the first LCD 32 with a live view. An image is displayed (step S114). Further, the control means 50 detects whether it is the normal photographing state or the second LCD reversing state by monitoring the state of the front / back reversal detection switch 56 (step S115). Based on the value of the variable DN that has been set and stored, the second LCD 41 is caused to display any one of “mode display”, “center enlargement”, “operation guide”, and “one frame previous image” (step S116). ). On the other hand, in the case of the second LCD inversion state, the control means 50 determines “same as the first LCD”, “animation display 1” and “anime display 2” based on the value of the variable DR set and stored in advance. The display in either case is performed (step S117).

  On the other hand, when the operation of the first LCD 32 is prohibited in step S113, the movable member 4 is closed with the second LCD 41 exposed on the back as shown in FIG. In this case, the control means 50 displays the live view image on the second LCD 41 with the second LCD 41 as a normal display (step S118). That is, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the display on the first LCD 32 when the movable member 4 is opened is displayed instead of the second LCD 41. As a result, the electronic camera 1 can take a picture while viewing the live view image displayed on the second LCD 41 in the state shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, when the two-screen display is not necessary, the movable member 4 is closed. It is possible to easily take a picture without any change.

  In such a photographing mode, when the release button 24 is pressed halfway and the photometric switch 65 is turned on (step S119), the control unit 50 performs photometry and AF drive control as described above (step S120). . In this state, when the release button 24 is fully pressed and the release switch 66 is turned on (step S121), the control means 50 performs exposure control and generation of recording still original image data (step S122). A screen nail of a display still image is generated from the recorded still original image data, and is written in the VRAM 53a (or VRAM 53b) and displayed on the first LCD 32 (or the second LCD 41) for a predetermined time (step S123). Further, the control means 50 records the generated recording still original image data on the recording medium 100 (step S124).

  When the reproduction mode is selected in step S111, the control means 50 first determines whether or not there is a recorded image that has been taken and recorded immediately before (step S125 in FIG. 17). This image is set as the initial image of the previous frame (step S126).

  Next, the control means 50 determines whether or not there is an image that the user has selected to reproduce and display (step S127). If there is a selected image, the image data and shooting data are recorded from the recording medium 100. Is read (step S128).

  Then, the control means 50 determines whether or not the first LCD 32 is prohibited from operating (step S129). If the first LCD 32 is not prohibited (when permitted to operate), it is based on the value of the variable DP set and stored in advance. Then, the first LCD 32 and the second LCD 41 are displayed in any of the above-mentioned “one frame previous image”, “photographing data display”, and “multi & selection screen” (step S130).

  On the other hand, when the operation of the first LCD 32 is prohibited, that is, when the movable member 4 is closed with the second LCD 41 exposed on the back surface, the control means 50 sets the second LCD 41 as a normal display and displays the second LCD 41. The selected image is reproduced and displayed (step S131). As a result, the electronic camera 1 can reproduce and display the captured image on the second LCD 41 in the state shown in FIG. 7, so that when the two-screen display is not necessary, the electronic camera 1 can be easily reproduced with the movable member 4 closed. Display can be made.

  When the main switch 25 is pressed and turned on in the shooting mode or the playback mode (step S132 in FIG. 16), the control unit 50 ends the shooting mode or the playback mode and turns off the power.

  As mentioned above, although the electronic camera of the present invention has been described with respect to the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and each component constituting the electronic camera has an arbitrary configuration that can exhibit the same function. Can be substituted. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  In the electronic camera of the present invention, when a two-screen display is performed in a state where the second image display unit faces the same direction (back side) as the first image display unit, the contents displayed on the first image display unit and the first The content displayed on the image display unit 2 may be reversed (incorrect) from the above description.

  In the electronic camera of the present invention, the second rotation support portion that supports the movable member may not be provided. That is, when the movable member is in the open state, the movable member may not be reversed.

  Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable member is open from the closed state to the open state in the lateral direction with respect to the body. It may be configured to open downward.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the movable member is configured to rotate with respect to the body about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the screen of the second image display unit. May be configured to rotate relative to the body about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the screen of the second image display unit. That is, the rotating method of the movable member may be a revolver type.

It is a front view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is an open state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a top view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is an open state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a rear view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is an open state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a rear view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is a closed state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is a closed state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a side view which shows embodiment (when a movable member is a closed state) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a rear view which shows embodiment (The state in which a movable member is a closed state and 2nd LCD is exposed to the back) of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows embodiment of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a rear view (state in which a movable member is an open state and the 2nd LCD faces the back) showing an embodiment of an electronic camera of the present invention, and is a figure for explaining the contents of 2 screen display. It is a rear view (state in which a movable member is an open state and the 2nd LCD faces the back) showing an embodiment of an electronic camera of the present invention, and is a figure for explaining the contents of 2 screen display. It is a rear view (state in which a movable member is an open state and the 2nd LCD faces the back) showing an embodiment of an electronic camera of the present invention, and is a figure for explaining the contents of 2 screen display. It is a rear view (state in which a movable member is an open state and the 2nd LCD faces the back) showing an embodiment of an electronic camera of the present invention, and is a figure for explaining the contents of 2 screen display. It is a rear view (state in which a movable member is an open state and the 2nd LCD faces the back) showing an embodiment of an electronic camera of the present invention, and is a figure for explaining the contents of 2 screen display. It is a figure which shows the menu screen at the time of performing the menu setting of 2 screen display. It is a flowchart of a menu setting process of two screen display. It is a flowchart which shows display control of 1st LCD and 2nd LCD in embodiment of the electronic camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows display control of 1st LCD and 2nd LCD in embodiment of the electronic camera of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 2 Body 21 Shooting optical system 22 Lens barrel 23 Strobe light emission part 24 Release button 25 Main switch 26 Menu button 27 REC / PLAY button 28 Four direction key 29 OK button 30 Viewfinder 31 Zoom lever 32 First LCD
33 Rotation Support Unit 34 Second Rotation Support Unit 4 Movable Member 41 Second LCD
50 Control means 51 CCD
52 DRAM
53a, 53b VRAM
54a, 54b On-screen display circuit 55 Open / close detection switch 56 Front / reverse inversion detection switch 57 CCD driver 58 Focusing lens drive mechanism 59 Correlated double sampling circuit 60 AD converter 61 EEPROM
62a, 62b DA converter 63a, 63b Video encoder 64a, 64b Synthesizer 65 Metering switch 66 Release switch 67 Interface 91 Main menu screen 92 Cursor 93 Two-screen display menu screen 94 Normal shooting menu screen 95 Second LCD inversion menu screen 96 Playback Time menu screen 100 Recording medium S001 to S018, S101 to S132 Steps

Claims (18)

An electronic camera comprising an imaging optical system, an imaging element that captures a subject image obtained by the imaging optical system, and an image generation unit that generates image data based on a signal from the imaging element,
Body,
A first image display unit fixedly installed on the back surface of the body and capable of displaying an image generated by the image generation unit;
A closed state that is pivotally installed on the body via a rotation support part and is overlapped on the back side of the body so as to cover the first image display part, A movable member capable of taking an open state displaced to a position not overlapping the body;
A second image display unit installed on the movable member and capable of displaying an image generated by the image generation means;
An electronic camera comprising: control means for controlling display of the first image display unit and the second image display unit.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising an open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the movable member. A second rotation support portion that rotatably supports the movable member so that the front and back of the movable member in the open state can be reversed;
When the movable member is in an open state, the movable member is rotated by the second rotation support unit so that the second image display unit faces the back surface, and the second image display unit faces the front surface. The electronic camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The electronic camera according to claim 3, further comprising a front / back reversing detection unit that detects a front / back reversal state of the movable member.   5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the movable member can be closed so that the second image display unit and the first image display unit face each other.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the movable member can be closed so that the second image display unit is exposed on the back surface.   When the movable member is in the open state and the second image display unit faces the back, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed as the first image display unit and the second image display unit. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera can display a shooting assistance image that is displayed on one side of the unit and assists the user in shooting.   The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein information relating to a state of the electronic camera can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.   The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein an enlarged live view image generated by the image generation unit can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.   The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein information relating to an operation method of the electronic camera can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.   The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein an image taken at the previous release can be displayed as the photographing auxiliary image.   When the movable member is in an open state and the second image display unit is facing the front, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed as the first image display unit and the second image display. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera can be displayed on both of the parts.   When the movable member is opened and the second image display unit is facing the front, the live view image generated by the image generation unit is displayed on the first image display unit and becomes a subject. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein an image for attracting a person's attention can be displayed on the second image display unit.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein two different captured images can be reproduced and displayed on the first image display unit and the second image display unit, respectively.   When two different captured images are reproduced and displayed on the first image display unit and the second image display unit, respectively, the previously selected captured images are displayed in the first image display unit and the second image display unit. The electronic camera according to claim 14, wherein the electronic camera is displayed on one of the image display units and the already captured image selected in the previous round is displayed on the other.   16. The previously captured image can be reproduced and displayed on one of the first image display unit and the second image display unit, and information related to shooting data at the time of shooting the already shot image can be displayed on the other. An electronic camera according to any one of the above.   One of the first image display unit and the second image display unit displays a multi-image in which a plurality of reduced pre-photographed images are arranged, and the other one pre-photographed image selected from the multi-image. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera can be reproduced and displayed. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein a size of the first image display unit and a size of the second image display unit are substantially the same.

Images