JP2005347891A - Camera device and portable electronic information equipment with camera function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily photograph a desired photographing object without missing the time for the click of the shutter by quickly and accurately focusing on and executing photometry to the desired photographing object. <P>SOLUTION: The display screen 40a or the touch panel 40b of a display unit 40 for monitoring is divided into a plurality of areas. An external command signal for selecting one of the divided display areas as a focus area and a photometry area is inputted from an operation part 41. By this, a CPU 31a can calculate an optimum value for the focus and the photometry to the selected divided display area, and also, can respectively control an automatic aperture mechanism 21b, an automatic focus mechanism 21c, and an automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d in an optical system 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

 The present invention provides a camera device such as a digital camera and a video camera having monitor means that can capture image light of a subject and display the image, and a mobile phone with a camera function such as a mobile phone device with a camera function using the same. It relates to electronic information equipment.

 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a camera device such as a digital camera or a video camera and a mobile phone device with a camera using the same are provided with a monitor display device as a monitor means.

 The image light of the subject captured by the camera device is photoelectrically converted by an image pickup device such as a CCD to be converted into an electrical signal, and various types of signal processing are performed on the electrical signal and displayed as a through image on the monitor screen. Is done.

 When the user of the camera device takes the shutter button half-pressed at a desired timing when shooting a subject, the same image information as the through image of the entire monitor screen is arithmetically processed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), The focus data determined to be optimum by the CPU and the light amount data corresponding to the photometry are transmitted to the lens driving unit, and the lens unit is driven and controlled with the optimum focus and light amount. When the user fully presses the shutter button, the shutter is released, and the subject image at that moment is recorded and stored in the storage medium as image data.

 However, in the conventional camera device, it is left to the CPU which position on the entire subject screen is focused, so that the subject may be focused on a position different from the user's intention. This also applies to light amount control according to photometry, and it is also left to the CPU to determine which position of the subject is set to the optimum value of the light amount, so the subject position is different from the user's intention. , Photometry is performed, and the amount of light may vary accordingly.

Therefore, as a method for solving this problem, generally, a light amount control area by focus or photometry is provided at the center of the monitor screen, and after performing focus or photometry at that part, the user composes the composition. A method of re-decision to release the shutter (focus lock), or a method in which a metering area is provided in the center of the monitor screen, and after the photometry is performed at that portion, the user re-composes the composition and releases the shutter (spot metering) Is used. A digital camera using this focus lock is described in, for example, Patent Document 1, and a camera device using spot metering is described in, for example, Patent Document 2.
JP 2004-48154 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-048786

 However, in the conventional focus lock and spot metering described above, it is necessary for the user of the camera device to once adjust the composition after once focusing and metering the object to be focused on the center of the monitor screen. For this reason, there has been a problem that a photo opportunity is missed when a moving subject is imaged.

  Also, if the orientation of the camera device changes slightly between focusing and re-composing, the set focus distance and the actual focus distance when re-composing are slightly different. In short-distance shooting such as macro shooting, there is a problem that blurring occurs particularly due to a large influence of the shooting distance error.

 The present invention solves the above-described problems, and allows a user to accurately perform focus and photometry on a desired object, and use a camera device that can easily shoot without missing a photo opportunity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable electronic information device with a camera function such as a mobile phone device with a camera function.

 The camera device of the present invention is a camera device having monitor means that can display an image of a subject on a display screen, wherein the display screen of the monitor means is divided into a plurality of display areas, and the plurality of divided displays External command signal input means for enabling input of an external command signal for selecting one of the areas as a reference area for at least one of focus processing and photometry processing is provided. Achieved.

 Preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, a focus control unit that performs a focus process with reference to the divided display area selected through the external command signal input unit, and a selection through the external command signal input unit. It has at least one of light quantity control means for performing photometric processing on the divided display area and performing light quantity control based on the photometric result.

 Further preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, the camera device further includes recording means for recording image data from the imaging unit, and the focus control means is configured to receive the external command signal from the image data recorded in the recording means. An optimum focus value for the divided display area selected via the input means is calculated, and the focus is controlled based on the calculated optimum value.

 Further preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, the camera apparatus further includes recording means that can record image data from the imaging unit, and the light amount control means receives the external command signal from the image data recorded in the recording means. An optimum value of light quantity is calculated from the photometric result for the divided display area selected via the input means, and the light quantity is controlled based on the calculated optimum value.

 Further preferably, the camera device of the present invention further includes selection indication means for controlling the display of the monitor means so as to clearly indicate a selection display area by the external command signal input means on the display screen.

 Furthermore, it is preferable that the external command signal input means in the camera device of the present invention enables selection and input of a divided display area adjacent to the selected display area in either the upper, lower, left or right direction.

 Further preferably, the external command signal input means in the camera apparatus of the present invention is provided in the same number as the divided display areas corresponding to the divided display areas of the monitor means.

 Further preferably, the external command signal input means in the camera device of the present invention is provided in the same number as the divided display areas of the monitor means, and is provided in the same arrangement state as the divided display areas of the monitor means.

 Further preferably, the external command signal input means in the camera device of the present invention performs a series of start control of shutter control from focus control or / and light amount control.

 Further preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, an optical system that collects light from a subject, an image sensor that photoelectrically converts light incident from the optical system to generate image data, and driving of the image sensor The monitor means can display image data picked up by the image pickup section as an image on a display screen.

 Further preferably, the optical system in the camera device of the present invention includes a condensing lens, an automatic iris mechanism for adjusting the amount of incident light, a focusing mechanism for moving the lens position back and forth, and an automatic for adjusting the shutter speed. And a shutter speed mechanism.

 Further preferably, the external command signal input means in the camera device of the present invention has a touch panel provided on the upper surface of the display screen.

 Further preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, the camera apparatus further includes a recording unit that can record image data from the imaging unit, and is selected from the image data recorded in the recording unit via the external command signal input unit. Focus control means is provided for calculating an optimum focus value for the divided display area and controlling the optical system based on the calculated optimum value to control the focus.

 Further preferably, in the camera device of the present invention, the camera apparatus further includes a recording unit that can record image data from the imaging unit, and is selected from the image data recorded in the recording unit via the external command signal input unit. A light amount control unit that calculates an optimal value of the light amount from the photometric result for the divided display area and controls the optical system based on the calculated optimal value to control the light amount;

 A portable electronic information device with a camera function according to the present invention is equipped with the camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and thereby achieves the object.

 Preferably, the external command signal input means in the portable electronic information device with a camera function of the present invention has at least one of a cursor movement button part and a number button part.

 The operation of the present invention will be described below with the above configuration.

 In the present invention, in a camera device such as a digital camera or a video camera having a monitor unit for displaying an image of a subject, the display screen of the monitor unit is divided into a plurality of display areas, and these divided display areas By selecting an external command signal for selecting one of them as a focus area from an external command signal input means such as a cursor movement button or a selection decision button, the division selected by the focus control means of the CPU It is possible to calculate the optimum focus value in the display area and control the focusing mechanism provided in the optical system. As a result, it is possible to photograph an object desired by the user of the camera device by performing a focusing process quickly and accurately on the predetermined position.

 Further, in a camera device such as a digital camera or a video camera having a monitor means for displaying an image of a subject, the display screen of the monitor means is divided into a plurality of display areas, and one of these divided display areas. Can be input from an external command signal input means such as a cursor movement button or a selection decision button, so that the light quantity control means of the CPU can control the amount of light in the selected divided display area. It is possible to calculate an optimum value and control an automatic aperture mechanism, an automatic shutter speed mechanism, and the like provided in the optical system. As a result, the object desired by the user of the camera device can be measured quickly and accurately with respect to the predetermined position, and can be controlled to the optimum light amount.

 By providing the same number of external command signal input means as the divided display areas of the monitor means, and arranging each external command signal input means corresponding to each divided display area, it is possible to reduce the number of external command signal input means. By the operation input, it becomes possible to issue a focus or photometry command to a predetermined position of an object desired by the user instantaneously and accurately.

 Further, by providing the same number of external command signal input means in the same arrangement as the divided display area of the monitor means, the external command signal input means is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence at the position according to the image of the user. Therefore, it is possible to issue a focus or photometric command to a predetermined position of the target desired by the user instantaneously and accurately without making a mistake in operation input.

 Further, by performing a series of controls of focus, photometry, and shutter by the same external command signal input means, it becomes possible to take an image instantly and accurately.

 Further, by providing the external command signal input means as a touch panel on the upper surface of the monitor means, the user can input an operation on the screen without making a mistake while looking at the screen of the monitor means, and the desired target can be instantaneously and accurately It is possible to issue a focus or photometry command to a predetermined position of the object.

 Further, for example, in a mobile phone device with a camera function as a portable electronic information device with a camera function of the present invention, a cursor movement button or a number button (push button) of the mobile phone device is used as an external command signal input means. be able to. For example, by using a number button, the number button and each divided display area of the monitor means can be associated with each other, so that a user can issue a focus or photometric command to a predetermined position of an object desired by a user instantaneously and accurately. Can be done.

 As described above, according to the present invention, the user of the camera apparatus inputs the external command signal for selecting the divided display area of the monitor means as at least one of the focus area and the photometry area from the external command signal input means. Thus, at least one of focusing and photometry can be performed quickly and accurately on a predetermined position of the object desired by the user, and a desired captured image can be easily obtained.

  In addition, since the focus position and photometry position can be instantly selected by a simple operation input, a desired captured image can be easily obtained without missing a photo opportunity even when a moving subject is imaged.

Hereinafter, as Embodiments 1 and 2 of the camera device of the present invention and Embodiments 3 and 4 of a portable electronic information device with a camera function using the same, the present invention is a digital camera which is an electronic camera device and the same. Application to a mobile phone device with a camera function will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a main part in the first embodiment of the digital camera of the present invention.

 As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 11 includes a lens unit 2 that is an imaging unit, a camera body 3, and terminals 51 and 52 of a connection unit 5 that connects them.

 First, the configuration of the lens unit 2 will be described.

  The lens unit 2 includes an optical system 21, a CCD unit 22 (Charge Coupled Device) as an imaging device, an amplifier 23 (hereinafter referred to as an amplifier 23), an A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit 24, and a CCD unit 22. And a CCD driving circuit 25 for controlling the driving of the camera.

  The optical system 21 includes an imaging lens 21a, an automatic aperture mechanism 21b, an autofocus (focusing) mechanism 21c, and an automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d.

 The operation of the lens unit 2 will be described below.

  First, an optical image captured from a subject (not shown) by the imaging lens 21a is collected and incident on the CCD unit 22, and this is converted into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion.

  Next, the electrical signal output from the CCD unit 22 is supplied from the amplifier 23 to the A / D conversion circuit 24 and subjected to A / D conversion, and then to the camera body 3 side via the terminal 51 of the connection unit 5. Is output.

  On the other hand, a control signal is input to the CCD drive circuit 25 from the camera body 3 side via the terminal 52 of the connection unit 5, and the CCD unit 22 is driven and controlled by the CCD drive circuit 25.

 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera including specific configuration examples of the optical system 21 and the control unit 31 in FIG.

 As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic aperture mechanism 21b includes an aperture drive control unit 211b and an aperture drive unit 212b. Further, the autofocus (focusing) mechanism 21c includes a lens drive control unit 211c and a lens drive unit 212c. Furthermore, the automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d includes a shutter drive control unit 211d and a shutter drive unit 212d.

  An aperture control signal is supplied to the aperture drive control unit 211b from the control unit 31 of the camera body 3 via the timing generator 32, and an aperture drive signal is supplied from the aperture drive control unit 211b to the aperture drive unit 212b to drive the aperture drive. The diaphragm mechanism is controlled by the signal.

  An autofocus (AF) control signal is supplied to the lens drive control unit 211c from the control unit 31 of the camera body 3 via the timing generator 32, and a lens drive signal is supplied from the lens drive control unit 211c to the lens drive unit 212c. The The lens driving unit 212c has, for example, a stepping motor, and is driven (position control) by a lens driving signal from the lens driving control unit 211c to move the imaging lens 21a to the front-rear position. Furthermore, the autofocus mechanism 21c supplies the moving distance and angle of view information of the imaging lens 21a to the control unit 31, and an autofocus control signal is supplied from the control unit 31 to the autofocus mechanism 21c.

  The shutter drive control unit 211d is supplied with a shutter control signal from the control unit 31 of the camera body 3 via the timing generator 32, and is supplied with a shutter drive signal from the shutter drive control unit 211d to the shutter drive unit 212d. The shutter mechanism is speed-controlled by the drive signal.

 Next, the configuration of the camera body 3 will be described.

  The camera body 3 includes a control unit 31, a timing generator 32, a DRAM 33 (Dynamic Random Access Memory) as a recording unit, a compression / expansion circuit 34, a flash memory 35 as a recording unit, a signal generator 36, and the like. As a recording means, a VRAM 37, a D / A conversion circuit 38, an amplifier 39, a display means 40 which is a liquid crystal display (LCD) as a monitor means (monitor display part) and finder, and an external command signal input means And an I / O port 42 that enables image data and program data to be input / output, for example.

 The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a (central processing unit) and a RAM 31b and a ROM 31c as recording means (readable recording medium). The CPU 31a is connected to the above-described circuits and a power source and a changeover switch (not shown) via a bus line. The CPU 31a performs various controls of the entire digital camera 11 based on a control program stored in the ROM 31c. Is called. In addition, the CPU 31a controls execution of each function of the digital camera 11 in accordance with an external command signal (operation input signal) input from the operation unit 41. The RAM 31b stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute various processes.

  Image data from the A / D conversion circuit 24 of the lens unit 2 is supplied to the timing generator 32 via the terminal 51 of the connection unit 5 and is written into the DRAM 34 by the timing generator 32. Further, a CCD drive control signal for controlling the CCD drive circuit 25 is supplied from the timing generator 32 via the terminal portion 52, and the CCD portion 22 is driven and controlled via the CCD drive circuit 25 by the CCD drive control signal.

  The DRAM 33 stores the image data captured by the CCD unit 22 from the timing generator 32 after the A / D conversion circuit 24 converts the image data into digital data.

  The compression / expansion circuit 34 performs data compression / expansion processing on video data on which signal processing such as white balance adjustment has been performed on image data written in the DRAM 33.

 The flash memory 35 stores the video data compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 34.

  The signal generator 36 reads out the image data in the DRAM 33, and after white balance adjustment is performed, this is subjected to color calculation processing to generate video data composed of a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and the generated video data Is stored in the VRAM 37.

 The VRAM 37 stores video data so that it can be read out by the signal generator 36.

  The D / A conversion circuit 38 D / A converts the video data read from the VRAM 37 by the signal generator 36.

  The amplifier 39 amplifies the video data D / A converted by the D / A conversion circuit 38 at a predetermined amplification factor.

  The display unit 40 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and enables the video data amplified by the amplifier 39 to be displayed as an image on the display screen 40a shown in FIG. The display screen 40a is divided into a plurality of display areas so that the user can select an area to be subjected to focus processing and photometry processing.

 The operation unit 41 constitutes an external command signal input means, and as shown in FIG. 3, is used to select a focus area and / or a photometric area as one area from a plurality of divided display areas on the display screen 40a. It has a cursor movement button 41a, and a function button 41b that functions as a determination button (half-pressed state) and a shutter button (full-pressed state) of the focus area or / and photometry area. In addition to the cursor movement button 41a and the function button 41b, the operation unit 41 is provided with various buttons such as a power switch, input keys, and the like. A corresponding external command signal is supplied to the CPU 31a to execute the command content.

  The CPU 31a calculates an optimum focus value from the image data recorded in the DRAM 33 with reference to the divided display area selected and determined via the operation unit 41, and the autofocus of the optical system 21 based on the calculated optimum value. From the focus control means 311a for controlling the mechanism 21c and the image data recorded in the DRAM 33, the optimum value of the light amount is calculated from the photometric result for the divided display area selected and determined via the operation unit 41, and the calculated optimum value The automatic aperture mechanism 21b and the automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d are controlled based on the light amount control means 312a for appropriately controlling the light amount, and the selection display area on the display screen 40a by the operation input from the operation unit 41 is displayed darkly. The display unit 40 is displayed so that it is clearly shown to the user. Gosuru has a selection emphasizer 313a, performs the functions of the respective means on the basis of a control program stored in the ROM 31c.

 With the above configuration, the operation of the digital camera 11 of Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

 As shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S1, when the user switches the processing mode selector switch of the operation unit 41 provided on the side surface of the digital camera 11 to the “recording mode” side, a status command signal to that effect is sent to the CPU 31a. Is supplied. In the CPU 31a, when the supplied state command signal indicates execution of the recording mode, the capturing of subject image light into the CCD unit 22 via the optical system 21 is controlled to start.

 In step S 1, a monitor instruction signal is supplied from the CPU 31 a shown in FIG. 1 to the timing generator 32, and the CCD driving circuit 25 is driven and controlled by the timing generator 32 via the terminal 52, and image data is taken in from the CCD unit 22. . In the CCD unit 22, a subject image with the user facing the imaging lens 21 a is formed on the CCD unit 22 via the imaging lens 21 a, so that the CCD unit 22 is driven and controlled by the CCD drive circuit 25. Thus, the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD unit 22 is input to the A / D conversion circuit 24 through the amplifier 23. In the A / D conversion circuit 24, the input image signal is A / D converted and supplied to the timing generator 32 via the terminal 51.

 Next, in step S <b> 2, image data for one frame periodically fetched from the CCD unit 22 is displayed on the display screen 40 a of the display unit 40 as a through image. The user can adjust the angle by moving the entire apparatus of the digital camera 11 while looking at the composition and color of the entire image using the through image. At this time, the focus position and the photometry position on the display screen 40a may be a display division display area at the center of the screen, or may be a display division display area selected and designated last time, and the focus control means of the CPU 31a. The optical system 21 is automatically controlled (focus control and light amount control) from 311a and the light amount control means 312a.

 That is, in step S 2, the input image data is temporarily stored in the DRAM 33 by the timing generator 32. The CPU 31a reads the image data once recorded in the DRAM 33 and supplies the moving distance of the imaging lens 21a and the angle of view information from the autofocus mechanism 21c to calculate the optimum values of focus and photometry, and the optical system 21 The automatic aperture mechanism 21b, the autofocus mechanism 21c, and the automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d are feedback-controlled as needed in real time.

 Image data is supplied to the signal generator 36 by the CPU 31 a. The signal generator 36 adjusts the white balance of the image data and performs encoding processing to generate video data, which is depicted in the VRAM 37. In the signal generator 36, the video data depicted in the VRAM 37 is read and supplied to the D / A conversion circuit 38. In the D / A conversion circuit 38, the video data is D / A converted, outputted to the display unit 40 of the liquid crystal display via the amplifier 39, and displayed as an image on the display screen 40a.

 In this way, as shown in FIG. 5A, an image (through image display A) that the user is monitoring via the imaging lens 21a is displayed on the display screen 40a of the display unit 40. . In this case, since it is necessary to display the subject in real time, as the through image data, for example, a part of the image data stored in the DRAM 33 is deleted and the video data is displayed on the display screen 40a of the display unit 40. Is displayed. As a result, an image (through image display A) that changes every moment through the imaging lens 21a can be quickly updated and displayed on the display screen 40a. If the user is not satisfied with the composition, the composition can be changed to a desired composition by changing the angle of the digital camera 11.

 In step S3, the user uses the focus area selection and photometry area selection cursor movement buttons 41a of the operation unit 41, for example, the focus position and photometry by automatic camera control in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (b). After changing the position (the entire selected display area on the display screen 40a is darkened or colored and clearly indicated, or a green frame is inserted), the focus area and the photometry area are selected, and then the focus area When the focus area and photometry area are determined by pressing the photometry area selection decision button (half-pressed state) 41b, the focus area and photometry area selection program among the program modules stored in the ROM 31c is read to the CPU 31a. In the selected area, the image data, automatic aperture mechanism 21b, focus Current data structure 21c and the automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d is calculated, the optimal value is automatic aperture mechanism 21b, are respectively transmitted to the focusing mechanism 21c and an automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d for the selected region.

  At this time, the focus position and the photometry position on the display screen 40a are the positions of the divided display area designated by the user through the operation unit 41, and the focus control means 311a and the light quantity control means 312a of the CPU 31a are set with respect to this divided display area. The respective mechanisms 21b to 21d of the optical system 21 are automatically controlled from the side (focus control and light amount control).

  Thereby, in the next step S4, a through image display B as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display screen 40a of the display unit 40.

 In step S5, when the shutter button 41b is pressed (full-pressed state; Yes), the process proceeds to step S6 for image recording and saving processing. In addition, even if the focus and metering are correct, the through image display B of the subject focused and metered in the selected area can be quickly displayed if the user keeps the shutter button 41b half pressed rather than fully pressed. And is displayed on the display screen 40a. Furthermore, when the user releases his / her finger from the shutter button 41b (No) to change the angle of the digital camera 11 or point the digital camera 11 at another subject, the process returns to the above step S2 and before the area selection. A through image display A of the subject is displayed on the display screen 40a.

 Step S6 is processed when the shutter button 41b is pressed (fully pressed state; Yes), and the image data stored in the DRAM 33 is supplied to the signal generator 36 by the CPU 31a, so that the video data is more accurately than in the case of a through image. Is generated and displayed as a still image on the display screen 40a of the display unit 40. The user can check the composition and color of the entire screen by viewing the displayed still image.

 In step S7, video data is supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 34 by the CPU 31a, and data compression processing is executed by, for example, the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method. The video data subjected to the data compression process is recorded in the flash memory 35. When the writing of the image data for one image is completed, the photographing process ends.

 As described above, according to the first embodiment, the external command signal (operation) for dividing the display screen 40a of the liquid crystal display into a plurality of display division display areas and selecting one as the focus area and the photometry area. The input signal is input from the cursor movement button 41a of the operation unit 41 or the selection determination button 41b (half-pressed shutter button), so that the user of the digital camera 11 can quickly and easily move to the desired position of the object. It is possible to easily obtain a desired captured image by accurately performing focus processing and photometry processing.

In addition, since the focus position and photometry position can be instantly selected by a simple operation input, a desired captured image can be obtained without missing a photo opportunity even when a moving subject is imaged.
(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the cursor movement button 41 a and the selection determination button 41 b are used for selecting the area of the display unit 40 has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the case where the touch panel 40 b is used for selecting the area of the display unit 40. explain.

 FIG. 6 is an external view schematically showing a configuration example of the digital camera 12 of the second embodiment.

 As shown in FIG. 6, the digital camera 12 has a divided display area of the display screen 40a of the liquid crystal display as a focus area and a photometric area on the upper surface of the display screen 40a of the liquid crystal display which is a monitor means (monitor display section). A touch panel 40b is provided as external signal input means (operation unit 41) for inputting an external command signal for selection. Other than that, the digital camera 12 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the digital camera 11 of the first embodiment.

 In this digital camera 12, when a user selects one of a plurality of divided display areas on the touch panel 40b as a focus area and a photometric area with a finger or a pointing stick, the divided display area touched by the finger or the pointing stick is selected. Are determined as the focus area and the photometry area. By pressing a shutter button 43 provided on the upper part of the camera body 3, the shutter is released, and the image data at that time is recorded and saved.

 As described above, according to the second embodiment, the external command signal (operation input signal) for selecting the divided display area of the display screen (touch panel 40b) of the liquid crystal display as the focus area and the photometry area is used as the operation unit 41. By inputting from the touch panel 40b, the user of the digital camera 12 performs quick and accurate focusing and photometry on a predetermined position of the desired object, and a desired captured image is displayed on the display screen (touch panel 40b). Can be obtained.

In addition, since the focus position and photometry position can be instantly selected by a simple operation input, a desired captured image can be obtained without missing a photo opportunity even when a moving subject is imaged. Further, by providing the external command signal input means (operation unit 41) as a touch panel 43 on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display (display unit 40) as the monitor means, the user can mistake the focus position and the photometry position while looking at the screen. It is possible to easily perform selection operation input without performing focus and photometry on a desired object instantaneously.
(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, a case of a mobile phone device with a camera function in which the digital camera 11 of the first embodiment is mounted will be described.

 FIG. 7 is an external view schematically showing a configuration example of the mobile phone device with a camera function of the third embodiment on which the digital camera 11 of FIG. 1 is mounted.

 As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile phone device 13 with a camera function according to the third embodiment is provided with a liquid crystal display (display unit 40) which is a monitor means (monitor display unit) at the top of the layout, and the display screen 40a thereof is displayed. The display area is divided into 25 display areas selected as the focus area and the photometry area. Further, an external command signal for selecting each divided display area of the display screen 40a of the liquid crystal display (display section 40) as a focus area and a photometric area is input to the center of the layout of the mobile phone device 11 with a camera function. A cursor movement button 41a and a selection determination button 41b are provided as command signal input means (operation unit 41). In this case, the cursor movement button 41a and the selection determination button 41b are configured as one button. Each time the right end (cursor moving button 41a) of this button is pressed, the divided display area moves to the right. This movement can be recognized by coloring the designated divided display area.

 When the user of the mobile phone device with camera function 13 operates the cursor movement button 41a up, down, left, and right, the focus area and the photometry area are moved to the adjacent divided display area, and the selection decision button 41b (the center part of the button) is moved. By pressing in the half-pressed state, the focus area and the photometry area are selected and determined. When the selection decision button 41b is fully pressed, the shutter is released, and the image data at that moment is recorded and stored in the flash memory 35.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the external command signal (operation input) for selecting any of the plurality of divided display areas on the display screen 40a of the liquid crystal display (display unit 40) as the focus area and the photometry area. Signal) from the cursor movement button 41a and the selection determination button 41b of the operation unit 41, the user of the mobile phone device with a camera function 13 performs focusing and photometry quickly and accurately on a desired object. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an optimum focus and an optimum light amount for a desired captured image. In addition, since the focus position and photometric position can be instantly selected by simple operation input, a desired captured image can be optimally obtained without missing a photo opportunity even when a moving subject is imaged. Can do.
(Embodiment 4)
In the third embodiment, the case has been described in which the divided display area adjacent to either the upper, lower, left, or right of the divided display area selected from the operation unit 41 can be selected and changed. A case will be described in which the same number of the parts 41 as the number of the divided display areas of the display unit 40 are provided and arranged in the same arrangement state as each of the divided display areas of the display unit 40.

 FIG. 8 is an external view schematically showing a configuration example of a mobile phone device with a camera function of the fourth embodiment on which a digital camera of another example of the present invention is mounted.

 As shown in FIG. 8, the mobile phone device 14 with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a liquid crystal display (display unit 40) which is a monitor means (monitor display unit) at the top of the layout, and a display screen 40c thereof is displayed. The display area is divided into a plurality of (for example, twelve) display areas selected as a reference focus area and photometry area. In addition, an external command for selecting one of a plurality of divided display areas on the display screen 40c of the liquid crystal display (display unit 40) as a focus reference area and a photometric area is provided at the bottom of the layout of the mobile phone device 14 with a camera function. As the external command signal input means (operation unit 41) for inputting a signal, twelve push buttons 44 (also used as number buttons of the telephone device), which are the same number as the divided display area, are provided. Each of these push buttons 44 corresponds to each divided display area, and is provided in the same arrangement as the corresponding divided display area.

 When the user of the cellular phone device 14 with the camera function presses each push button 44 in a half-pressed state, one of a plurality of divided display areas corresponding to the push button 44 is selected and determined as the focus area and the photometry area. . When the push button 44 is fully pressed, the shutter is released, and the video data at that time is recorded and stored in the flash memory 35.

 As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the external command signal (operation input) for selecting any of the plurality of divided display areas on the display screen 40b of the liquid crystal display (display unit 40) as the focus area and the photometry area. Signal) from the push button 44 of the operation unit 41, the user of the mobile phone device with a camera function 14 performs focusing and photometry quickly and accurately on a desired object, and a desired captured image is obtained. Can be obtained.

  In addition, since the focus position and the photometric position can be instantly selected by a simple operation input, a desired captured image can be easily obtained without missing a photo opportunity even when a moving subject is imaged.

 Further, the push buttons 44 as the external signal input means are provided in the same number as the plurality of divided display areas of the display screen 40b of the liquid crystal display (display unit 40) as the monitor means, and the arrangement of the push buttons 44 is divided into the divided areas. By corresponding to the arrangement of the display areas, it is possible to easily focus or meter the object desired by the user instantaneously by one-time operation input of the push button 44.

 Further, the push buttons 44 as the external signal input means are provided in the same arrangement as the corresponding divided display areas of the liquid crystal display device display (display unit 40) as the monitor means, so that the push buttons 44 are in accordance with the user's image. Therefore, it is possible to perform focus or photometry on an object desired by a user instantly and accurately without making a mistake in operation input.

 Further, by using the same push button 44 as the external signal input means to perform a series of shutter control from focus and photometry, a desired image can be taken instantaneously and accurately.

  As described above, according to the first to fourth embodiments, the display screen 40a or the touch panel 40b of the monitor display unit 40 is divided into a plurality of display areas, and at least one of these divided display areas is focused. An external command signal for selection as a region and a photometric region is input from the operation unit 41. Thereby, the CPU 31a calculates the optimum values for focus and photometry for the selected divided display area, and based on the calculated optimum values, the automatic iris mechanism 21b, the autofocus mechanism 21c, and the automatic shutter speed of the optical system 21. Each mechanism 21d can be controlled. Therefore, the user can quickly and accurately focus and measure the light on the desired photographing object, and can easily and satisfactorily photograph the desired photographing object without missing a photo opportunity.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, both the focus process and the light metering area are selected from a plurality of divided display areas and both the focus process and the light metering process are performed. Either one of the areas may be selected and either the focus process or the light amount adjustment process may be performed.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the focus control unit 311a for controlling the focus by controlling the autofocus mechanism 21c of the optical system 21 based on the calculated optimum value, and the optical system based on the calculated optimum value. 21 is configured to include a light amount control unit 312a that controls the light amount by controlling the automatic aperture mechanism 21b and the automatic shutter speed mechanism 21d. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light amount control is performed in the image sensor of the CCD unit 22. The charge accumulation time can also be controlled by controlling the CCD drive circuit 25.

  Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a case in which the selection display of the divided display area adjacent to the divided display area selected from the operation unit 41 is made possible. In the fourth embodiment, Although the description has been given of the case where the operation unit 41 is provided in the same number as the number of the divided display areas of the display unit 40 and provided in the same arrangement state as each of the divided display areas of the display unit 40, the present invention is not limited thereto. 41 may be provided in the same number as the number of divided display areas corresponding to each divided display area of the display unit 40.

  Furthermore, in addition to the third and fourth embodiments, the digital camera 12 (touch panel 40b) according to the second embodiment can be mounted on a mobile phone device with a camera function.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable Embodiment 1-4 of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this Embodiment 1-4. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

 The present invention relates to an electronic camera device such as a digital camera and a video camera having monitor means (display unit) for capturing image light of a subject and displaying the image on a display screen, and a mobile phone with a camera function using the same. In the field of the apparatus, a user can easily and satisfactorily obtain a desired captured image without missing a photo opportunity by instantaneously and accurately performing focusing and photometry on an object desired by the user. The camera device of the present invention can be widely used in various electronic devices having a camera function, such as a mobile phone device with a camera function, and can obtain a desired captured image instantaneously and accurately.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structural example in Embodiment 1 of the digital camera of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic principal part structure of a digital camera including each specific structural example of the optical system of FIG. It is an external view which shows typically the back surface of the digital camera of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera of FIG. 1. (A) And (b) is an external view which shows typically the camera back surface for demonstrating the through images A and B displayed on the display screen of a monitor means at the time of imaging | photography, respectively. It is an external view which shows typically the structural example of the digital camera of this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an external view which shows typically the structural example of the mobile telephone apparatus with a camera function of this Embodiment 3 carrying the digital camera of FIG. It is an external view which shows typically the structural example of the mobile telephone apparatus with a camera function of this Embodiment 4 in which the digital camera of the other example of this invention was mounted.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11,12 Digital camera 13,14 Cell-phone apparatus with a camera function 2 Lens part 21 Optical system 21a Imaging lens 21b Automatic aperture mechanism 211b Aperture drive control part 212b Aperture drive part 21c Autofocus mechanism 211c Lens drive control part 212c Lens drive part 21d Automatic shutter speed mechanism 211d Shutter drive control unit 212d Shutter drive unit 22 CCD unit 23 Amplifier 24 A / D conversion circuit 25 CCD drive circuit 3 Camera body
31 control unit 31a CPU
311a Focus control means 311b Light quantity control means 311c Selection indication means 31b RAM
31c ROM
32 Timing generator 33 DRAM
34 Compression / Expansion Circuit 35 Flash Memory 36 Signal Generator 37 VRAM
38 D / A conversion circuit 39 Amplifier 40 Display unit (liquid crystal display)
40a Display screen 40b Touch panel 41 Operation unit 41a Cursor movement button 41b Selection decision button (half-pressed state) and shutter button (full-pressed state)
42 I / O port 43 Shutter button 44 Push button 5 Connection 51 terminal 52 terminal

Claims (16)

In a camera apparatus having monitor means that can display an image of a subject on a display screen,
The display screen of the monitoring means is divided into a plurality of display areas;
A camera apparatus provided with an external command signal input means capable of inputting an external command signal for selecting one of a plurality of divided display regions as a reference region for at least one of focus processing and photometry processing . Focus control means for performing focus processing with reference to the divided display region selected via the external command signal input means;
The light quantity control means according to claim 1, further comprising: a light quantity control means for performing a photometric process on the divided display area selected via the external command signal input means and performing a light quantity control based on the photometric result. Camera device. Having recording means capable of recording image data from the imaging unit;
The focus control unit calculates an optimum focus value for the divided display area selected via the external command signal input unit from the image data recorded in the recording unit, and the focus control unit calculates the focus based on the calculated optimum value. The camera device according to claim 2, wherein the camera device is controlled. Having recording means capable of recording image data from the imaging unit;
The light quantity control means calculates an optimum value of the light quantity from the photometric result for the divided display area selected via the external command signal input means from the image data recorded in the recording means, and calculates the optimum The camera device according to claim 2, wherein the light amount is controlled based on a value.   2. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection indication means for controlling the display of the monitor means so as to clearly indicate a selection display area by the external command signal input means on a display screen.   The camera apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the external command signal input unit is capable of selectively changing and inputting a divided display area adjacent to the selected display area in any of up, down, left, and right directions.   6. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the external command signal input means is provided in the same number as the divided display areas corresponding to the divided display areas of the monitor means.   6. The external command signal input means is provided in the same number as the divided display areas of the monitor means, and is provided in the same arrangement state as each divided display area of the monitor means. Camera device.   The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the external command signal input unit performs a series of start controls from focus control and / or light amount control to shutter control. An optical system that condenses light from a subject, an image sensor that photoelectrically converts light incident from the optical system to generate image data, and an image capturing unit that has a drive unit for the image sensor,
The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the monitor unit can display the image data captured by the imaging unit as an image on a display screen.  The optical system includes: a condensing lens; an automatic diaphragm mechanism that adjusts an incident light amount; a focusing mechanism that moves a lens position back and forth; and an automatic shutter speed mechanism that adjusts a shutter speed. The camera device described.   The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the external command signal input unit includes a touch panel provided on an upper surface portion of the display screen. Having recording means capable of recording image data from the imaging unit;
From the image data recorded on the recording means, an optimum focus value is calculated for the divided display area selected via the external command signal input means, and the optical system is controlled based on the calculated optimum value. The camera device according to claim 10, further comprising focus control means for controlling the focus. Having recording means capable of recording image data from the imaging unit;
From the image data recorded in the recording means, an optimum value of light quantity is calculated from the photometric result for the divided display area selected via the external command signal input means, and the optical system is controlled based on the calculated optimum value. The camera device according to claim 10, further comprising a light amount control unit that controls the light amount.  A portable electronic information device with a camera function in which the camera device according to claim 1 is mounted.  16. The portable electronic information device with a camera function according to claim 15, wherein the external command signal input means has at least one of a cursor movement button part and a number button part.

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