JP2006148346A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera having improved operability in still image photographing and motion image photographing without requiring a special operation by a photographer. <P>SOLUTION: When a camera body 11 (grip 20) is gripped at a side direction in a state where the posture of the camera body 11 is held in a regular position, a first pressure sensor 31 detects that the camera is gripped in a first gripping position suitable for still image photographing, and the operation of a still image photographing button 15 is validated and the operation of a motion image photographing button 16 is invalidated. Also, the lower part (grip 20) of the camera body 11 is gripped at the back surface side in a state where the posture of the camera body 11 is in a longitudinal position by rotating the main body 11 by 90° around the optical axis of a photographic lens 12 from the regular position, a second pressure sensor 32 detects that the camera is gripped at a second gripping position suitable for motion image photographing, and the operation of the button 15 is invalidated and the operation of the button 16 is validated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of still image shooting and moving image shooting.

  In recent years, digital cameras that convert image data captured by an image capturing unit such as a CCD image sensor into digital data and store the digital data in a memory are becoming widespread. In addition, a digital camera capable of taking both a still picture and a moving picture is available on the market, which can take a moving picture by increasing the storage capacity due to the high integration of the memory and improving the moving picture compression technique.

However, when the camera body is gripped for shooting, the gripping position at which shooting is easy is different between still image shooting and moving image shooting. For this reason, there is a problem in that the operability of the camera is poor when shooting by holding the same position during still image shooting and during moving image shooting. In order to solve such problems, the orientation of the image display section such as the LCD panel and the orientation of the taking lens is changed during still image shooting and movie shooting, so that the camera is positioned at a position suitable for each shooting. A camera that improves the operability of the camera during shooting by grasping the main body is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-244491 A

  However, in the digital camera described in Patent Document 1, when changing between still image shooting and moving image shooting, the user is forced to change the orientation of the image display unit or the like. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a digital camera with improved operability at the time of shooting a still image and a moving image without forcing a photographer to perform a special operation. .

  In order to solve the above problems, a digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera having a camera body in which a photographing lens and an imaging unit are incorporated, and performing both still image shooting and moving image shooting by the imaging unit, When the camera body is gripped at the first gripping position suitable for the still image shooting, the still image shooting button is disposed at a position suitable for an operation from the first gripping position and causes the still image shooting to be executed. Unlike the first gripping position, when the camera body is gripped at a second gripping position suitable for moving image shooting, the camera body is disposed at a position suitable for operation from the second gripping position, and the moving image shooting is performed. Two shooting buttons including a moving image shooting button to be executed, and a gripping position detection means for detecting which of the first and second gripping positions the gripping position of the camera body is When the first gripping position is detected by the gripping position detection means, the still image shooting button is enabled, the moving image shooting button is disabled, and the second gripping position is detected. In this case, control means for controlling each shooting button so as to invalidate the still image shooting button and enable the moving image shooting button is provided.

  The first gripping position is a gripping position for gripping the camera body from the side in a state where the camera body is in the normal position. On the other hand, the second gripping position is the posture of the camera body. The gripping position is preferably a gripping position for gripping a lower portion of the camera body in a vertical position rotated from the normal position by 90 degrees around the optical axis of the photographing lens.

  Further, the gripping position detecting means may be a pressure sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the first and second gripping positions, and the gripping position detecting means is a posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the camera body. But it ’s okay. Moreover, it is preferable that this attitude | position detection means is a gyro sensor.

  The camera body may be incorporated in a portable terminal device. Further, in the portable terminal device, a handset and a transmitter are connected via a hinge, and the handset and the handset are folded so that the handset and the handset are rotated and folded in a direction of overlapping each other around the hinge. A mobile phone that is openable and closable between a position and an open position that is pivoted away from the folding position and opened, and the gripping position detecting means is an open / close sensor that detects the open / closed state, The first gripping position is detected at the folding position, and the second gripping position is detected at the open position.

  Furthermore, the image pickup surface of the image pickup means is substantially square, and an image pickup area changing means for changing an image pickup area for cutting out a picked-up image of the image pickup surface based on a gripping position of the camera main body is provided. A captured image having a horizontally long aspect ratio can be acquired even when the imaging surface is rotated 90 degrees while being gripped at the second gripping position.

  In addition, it is preferable that the activated shooting button of the two shooting buttons functions as both a still image and a moving image shooting button by changing the pressed position.

  According to the digital camera of the present invention, when it is detected that the camera body is held at the first holding position suitable for still image shooting, the still image shooting button is enabled and the moving image shooting button is disabled. At the same time, when it is detected that the camera body is gripped at the second gripping position suitable for moving image shooting, the still image shooting button is disabled and the moving image shooting button is enabled. The camera body can be gripped and photographed at a suitable gripping position. For this reason, the operability of the camera can be improved. In addition, since a still image and a moving image can be shot without forcing the photographer to perform a special operation, it is possible to prevent a shooting opportunity from being missed.

  Also, the still image shooting button and the movie shooting button function as shooting buttons for both still images and movies by changing the pressed position, so even if you unexpectedly want to shoot in another recording mode, It is possible to shoot without changing the camera body, and it is possible to prevent missed shooting opportunities.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 10 is provided with a photographic lens 12, an objective finder window 13, and a strobe light emitting unit 14 on the front surface of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped camera body 11, and on the upper surface, a still image shooting button 15 and a moving image. A shooting button 16 is provided.

  A side face of the camera body 11 is provided with a slot 18 into which a memory card for storing image data is detachably loaded and a USB terminal 19. Further, although not shown, an LCD panel, an operation unit composed of a plurality of buttons, an eyepiece finder window, and the like are provided on the back of the camera body 11.

  A grip 20 is integrally formed on the left end of the camera body 11. On the front surface of the grip 20, a slip stopper 21 protruding forward is provided. When taking a still image, as shown in FIG. 2A, the photographer takes a picture by holding the grip 20 from the side of the camera body 11 while the camera body 11 is in the normal position. . At this time, the tip of the finger hits the anti-slip 21 and the hand holding the grip 20 is difficult to slip. Further, the above-described still image shooting button 15 is arranged at a position suitable for operation from the gripping position (first gripping position) shown in FIG. 2A, and can be operated with a hand gripping the first gripping position. It is.

  When shooting a movie, the photographer rotates the camera body 11 from the normal position (the position shown in FIG. 2A) by 90 degrees around the optical axis of the taking lens 12 (FIG. 2B). The lower part (grip 20) of the camera body 11 is gripped from the back side. Further, the above-described moving image shooting button 16 is disposed at a position suitable for an operation from the gripping position (second gripping position) shown in FIG. 2B, and can be operated with a hand gripping the second gripping position. is there.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the above-described anti-slip 21 is a plate-like member provided on the front surface side of the camera body 11 (grip 20), and a protrusion 21a is formed on the back surface thereof. The tip of the protrusion 21 a is inserted into the camera body 11 through an opening 11 a formed in the camera body 11. In addition, a first pressure sensor 31 that is a gripping position detecting means provided on the substrate 30 is disposed behind the opening 11a. In a state where the non-slip 21 is not pressed, a minute gap is formed between the protrusion 21a and the first pressure sensor 31, as shown in FIG. No signal is output.

  When the anti-slip 21 is pressed, the protrusion 21a moves and presses toward the first pressure sensor 31 as shown in FIG. The first pressure sensor 31 detects this pressure and outputs a detection signal. That is, the first pressure sensor 31 outputs a detection signal when the first gripping position shown in FIG. Although the first pressure sensor 31 has been described as being disposed behind the anti-slip 21, the present invention is not limited to this, and any position that can detect that the first gripping position is gripped may be used.

  Similarly, a second pressure sensor 32 serving as a gripping position detection unit is provided on the lower surface side of the camera body 11. The second pressure sensor 32 is disposed behind the position where the surface of the camera body 11 is pressed by the thumb when the second gripping position shown in FIG. That is, the second pressure sensor 32 outputs a detection signal when the second gripping position shown in FIG. Further, the arrangement position of the second pressure sensor 32 may be a position where it can be detected that the second holding position is held.

  Further, the still image shooting button 15 has a substantially disk shape. As shown in FIG. 4, a projection 15a is formed at the center of the lower surface, and a ring-shaped projection 15b is formed along the outer periphery of the lower surface. Has been. The still image shooting button 15 is provided in an opening 11b formed in the camera body 11, and is urged to the outside of the camera body 11 by a spring (not shown).

  A substrate 35 is provided below the still image shooting button 15. On the upper surface of the substrate 35, a first switch 36a is disposed at a position facing the protrusion 15a, and a second switch 36b is disposed at a position facing the protrusion 15b. As the first and second switches 36a and 36b, a detection signal may be output by contact of the contact piece, or a detection signal may be output when a pressure equal to or higher than a threshold is detected using a pressure sensor.

  When the center of the still image shooting button 15 is pressed by the photographer, the still image shooting button 15 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 4A to the position shown in FIG. 4B against the biasing force of the spring. The first switch 36a is pressed by the protrusion 15a. At this time, the first switch 36a is turned on and an operation signal is output. When the photographer's pressing operation is completed, the still image shooting button 15 returns to the position shown in FIG. 4A by the biasing force of the spring.

  When the photographer presses the end of the still image shooting button 15, the still image shooting button 15 is shown in FIG. 4C from the position shown in FIG. 4A against the biasing force of the spring. The first switch 36a is pressed by the protrusion 15a, and the second switch 36b is pressed by the protrusion 15b. At this time, the first and second switches 36a and 36b are simultaneously turned on, and an operation signal is output from them. When the photographer's pressing operation is completed, the still image shooting button 15 returns to the position shown in FIG. 4A by the biasing force of the spring.

  The second switch 36b may be ring-shaped. In this case, the second switch 36b is surely pressed by the protrusion 15b regardless of the position of the end of the still image shooting button 15, so that an operation error can be prevented.

  Further, a first switch 38 a and a second switch 38 b are provided below the moving image shooting button 16, similarly to the still image shooting button 15, and operate similarly to the still image shooting button 15.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the digital camera 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 10. Behind the photographic lens 12, a CCD 40, which is an imaging means for imaging subject light transmitted through the photographic lens 12, is arranged. The CCD 40 is connected to a system controller 41 which is a control means for controlling the entire digital camera 10 via a timing generator (TG) 42.

  The system controller 41 controls the TG 42 to generate a timing signal (clock pulse). The CCD 40 is driven by a timing signal (clock pulse) input from the TG 42.

  The imaging signal output from the CCD 40 is input to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 43 and output as R, G, and B image data corresponding to the amount of accumulated charges in each cell of the CCD 40. The image data output from the CDS 43 is amplified by an amplifier (AMP) 44 and converted from analog signals to digital signal image data by an A / D converter (A / D) 45.

  The image input controller 46 is connected to the system controller 41 via the data bus 47. In addition, a memory 48 is connected to the data bus 47, and for example, an SDRAM is used as the memory 48. The system controller 41 controls the image input controller 46 to store the image data output from the A / D 45 in the memory 48. This image data is displayed as a through image on the LCD 50 via the LCD driver 49.

  The image signal processing circuit 51 performs various image processing such as gradation conversion, white balance correction, and γ correction processing when image data is stored in the memory 48. The YC conversion processing circuit 52 converts the image data that has been subjected to various types of image processing into a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb. The compression / decompression processing circuit 53 performs compression processing on the image data converted by the YC conversion processing circuit 52 in a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG format). Further, at the time of moving image shooting, compression processing is performed in a compression format such as MPEG format. The compressed image data (still image data and moving image data) is stored in the memory card 55 via the media controller 54.

  Further, the USB terminal 19 is connected to the data bus 47, and image data (still image data and moving image data) stored in the memory card 55 can be output to the outside. Furthermore, the first switch 36a, 38a, the second switch 36b, 38b, the first pressure sensor 31, and the second pressure sensor 32 are connected to the system controller 41 described above.

  When the system controller 41 acquires the operation signal from the first switch 36a, the system controller 41 controls each unit to execute still image shooting. Further, when an operation signal is simultaneously acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b, each part is controlled to perform moving image shooting. In this moving image shooting, shooting processing is executed while operating signals are acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b. Note that, first, when the operation signal is acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b, the imaging may be started, and when the operation signal is acquired next, the imaging may be terminated.

  In addition, it has been described that still image shooting is executed when an operation signal is acquired from the first switch 36a, and moving image shooting is executed when an operation signal is simultaneously acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b. The present invention is not limited to this, and moving image shooting may be performed when an operation signal is acquired from the first switch 36a, and still image shooting may be performed when an operation signal is simultaneously acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b.

  Further, when the system controller 41 acquires an operation signal from the first switch 38a, the system controller 41 controls each unit to execute moving image shooting. In this moving image shooting, shooting processing is executed while an operation signal is acquired from the first switch 38a. Further, when operation signals are simultaneously acquired from the first and second switches 38a and 38b, each part is controlled to execute still image shooting.

  It has been described that moving image shooting is executed when an operation signal is acquired from the first switch 38a, and still image shooting is executed when an operation signal is acquired simultaneously from the first and second switches 38a and 38b. The present invention is not limited to this. Still image shooting may be executed when an operation signal is acquired from the first switch 38a, and moving image shooting may be executed when an operation signal is acquired simultaneously from the first and second switches 38a and 38b.

  Further, when the system controller 41 acquires the detection signal from the first pressure sensor 31, the system controller 41 enables the operation of the still image shooting button 15 and disables the operation of the moving image shooting button 16. That is, in the state in which the detection signal is acquired from the first pressure sensor 31, when the system controller 41 acquires the operation signal from the first and second switches 36a and 36b, the system controller 41 executes processing corresponding to the operation signal. Even if the operation signal is acquired from the first and second switches 38a and 38b, the processing corresponding to the operation signal is not executed.

  Further, when the system controller 41 acquires the detection signal from the second pressure sensor 32, the system controller 41 enables the operation of the moving image shooting button 16 and disables the operation of the still image shooting button 15. That is, in the state where the detection signal is acquired from the second pressure sensor 32, the system controller 41 executes processing corresponding to the operation signal when acquiring the operation signal from the first and second switches 38a and 38b. Even if the operation signal is acquired from the first and second switches 36a and 36b, the processing corresponding to the operation signal is not executed.

  The system controller 41 is connected to an operation unit 56 provided on the back surface of the camera body 11, and acquires an operation signal when the operation unit 56 is operated, and executes processing corresponding to the operation signal. . The system controller 41 is provided with a memory (not shown) for storing various control programs and setting information, and controls each unit based on these programs and setting information.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the imaging surface 40a (light receiving surface) of the CCD 40 is substantially square. In FIG. 6, the orientation of the imaging surface 40 a indicates the orientation of the camera body 11 in the normal position (position shown in FIG. 2A). The above-described system controller 41 is an imaging area changing unit that changes an imaging area in which the captured image is cut out of the imaging surface 40 a based on the grip position of the camera body 11. When the camera body 11 is gripped at the first gripping position (the position shown in FIG. 2A) and a detection signal is acquired from the first pressure sensor 31, the system controller 41 indicates the imaging area where the captured image is cut out by a dotted line in the figure. The first imaging area 57 shown is set. The first imaging area 57 has an aspect ratio that is horizontally long (for example, 4: 3).

  When the camera body 11 is gripped at the second gripping position (the position shown in FIG. 2B) and a detection signal is acquired from the second pressure sensor 32, the system controller 41 displays the imaging area with a two-dot chain line in the figure. It changes to the 2nd imaging area 58 shown. The second imaging area 58 is an imaging area obtained by rotating the first imaging area 57 by 90 degrees. In this way, by making the imaging surface 40a substantially square, even if the imaging surface 40a rotates 90 degrees in accordance with the change of the gripping position of the camera body 11, by rotating the imaging area 90 degrees, the landscape aspect Captured images with a ratio can be acquired.

  Next, photographing processing of the digital camera 10 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The photographer sets the shooting mode by operating the operation unit 56 when shooting. The system controller 41 sets the photographing mode based on the operation signal from the operation unit 56, and the camera body 11 moves to the first gripping position (see FIG. 5) based on the detection signals from the first and second pressure sensors 31, 32. 2 (A) is determined.

  When it is determined that the robot is gripped at the first gripping position, the system controller 41 enables the operation of the still image shooting button 15 and disables the operation of the moving image shooting button 16. In addition, the system controller 41 sets the imaging area to the first imaging area 57.

  Thereafter, the system controller 41 determines whether or not an operation signal is output from the first switch 36a. When the operation signal is not output from the first switch 36a, the standby state is maintained until the operation signal is output. When an operation signal is output from the first switch 36a, the system controller 41 determines whether an operation signal is output from the second switch 36b.

  When it is determined that the operation signal is not output from the second switch 36b, the system controller 41 determines that the central portion of the still image shooting button 15 is pressed and controls each portion to execute still image shooting. To do. At this time, still image data corresponding to the first imaging area 57 is stored in the memory card 55.

  When it is determined that the operation signal is output from the second switch 36b, the system controller 41 determines that the end of the still image shooting button 15 is pressed, and controls each unit to shoot a moving image. Execute. At this time, while the operation signals are simultaneously output from the first and second switches 36 a and 36 b, the moving image shooting process is executed, and the moving image data corresponding to the first imaging area 57 is stored in the memory card 55. .

  Thereafter, the system controller 41 determines whether or not to end shooting. This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not an operation signal such as a mode change or power ON / OFF is acquired from the operation unit 56.

  When it is determined that the shooting is to be ended (when the playback mode is changed or the power is turned off), the system controller 41 ends the shooting process. If it is determined not to end the shooting (when the mode is not changed and the power remains on), the process returns to the determination process of whether or not the camera body 11 is held at the first holding position.

  When it is determined that the camera body 11 is not gripped at the first gripping position, that is, when it is determined that the camera body 11 is gripped at the second gripping position, the system controller 41 operates the moving image shooting button 16. It is validated and the operation of the still image shooting button 15 is invalidated. In addition, the system controller 41 sets the imaging area to the second imaging area 58.

  Thereafter, the system controller 41 determines whether an operation signal is output from the first switch 38a. When the operation signal is not output from the first switch 38a, the standby state is maintained until the operation signal is output. When the operation signal is output from the first switch 38a, the system controller 41 determines whether or not the operation signal is output from the second switch 38b.

  When it is determined that the operation signal is not output from the second switch 38b, the system controller 41 determines that the central portion of the moving image shooting button 16 is pressed, and controls each portion to execute moving image shooting processing. To do. At this time, while the operation signal is output from the first switch 38a, the moving image shooting process is executed, and the moving image data corresponding to the second imaging area 58 is stored in the memory card 55.

  When it is determined that the operation signal is output from the second switch 38b, the system controller 41 determines that the end of the moving image shooting button 16 is pressed, and controls each unit to take a still image. Execute. At this time, still image data corresponding to the second imaging area 58 is stored in the memory card 55.

  Thereafter, the system controller 41 determines whether or not to end shooting. When it is determined that the shooting is to be ended, the system controller 41 ends the shooting process. If it is determined not to end the shooting, the process returns to the determination process of whether or not the camera body 11 is held at the first holding position.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the grip position is detected by the first and second pressure sensors 31, 32 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position touched by the photographer's hand can be detected. A sensor, for example, a capacitive touch sensor or the like may be used.

  Next, a digital camera 60 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the digital camera 10, the grip position of the camera body 11 is detected by the pressure sensors 31 and 32, but in the digital camera 60, the grip position of the camera body 61 is detected by detecting the posture of the camera body 61. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the digital camera 60. In the camera body 61, a gyro sensor 62, which is a posture detection means for detecting the posture of the camera body 61, is provided. As the gyro sensor 62, a posture gyro or a rate gyro is used. Since the rate gyro requires integration to detect the angle, it is preferable to use a posture gyro.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the digital camera 60 is provided with a system controller 63 which is a control means for controlling the whole. The system controller 63 has the same function as the system controller 41 described above, and a gyro sensor 62 is connected in place of the first and second pressure sensors 31 and 32, and the detection signal of the gyro sensor 62 is received. get. The system controller 63 determines the posture of the camera body 61 based on the detection signal of the gyro sensor 62. When the camera body 61 is in the normal posture shown in FIG. 2A, the camera body 61 is at the first gripping position. As it is determined that the digital camera 10 is gripped, the operation of the still image shooting button 15 is enabled and the operation of the moving image shooting button 16 is disabled as in the case of the digital camera 10.

  When the camera body 61 is in the vertical position shown in FIG. 2B, it is determined that the camera body 61 is gripped at the second gripping position, and the moving image shooting button is the same as in the case of the digital camera 10. The operation 16 is enabled and the operation of the still image shooting button 15 is disabled. In FIG. 8, the same components as those of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Also in FIG. 9, the same components as those of the digital camera 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, parts not shown in FIG. 9 are the same as those of the digital camera 10.

  In addition, when the posture of the camera body 61 is the normal position (the position shown in FIG. 2A), the system controller 63 sets the imaging area to the first imaging area 57 and the posture of the camera body 61 is the vertical position. In the case of (the position shown in FIG. 2B), the imaging area is changed to the second imaging area 58.

  Even when the camera body 11 is in the vertical position (position shown in FIG. 2A), when taking a still image, the first imaging is not performed without changing the imaging area to the second imaging area 58c. It is preferable to set the area 57 to perform the photographing process.

  In addition, although the case where the gyro sensor 62 is used as an attitude | position detection means was demonstrated to the example, it is not restricted to this, As long as it is a sensor which can detect the attitude | position of the camera main body 61, you may use another sensor.

  Next, a camera-equipped mobile phone 70 according to a third embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the camera-equipped mobile phone 70 includes a housing 71 that is a receiver, a housing 72 that is a transmitter, and a hinge that rotatably connects the housings 71 and 72. 73.

  These casings 71 and 72 have a substantially rectangular thin plate shape. The casing 71 and the casing 72 are rotated in a direction to be overlapped with each other around the hinge 73 and folded in a direction to be separated from the folding position (position shown in FIG. 12). It can be freely opened and closed between the open position (the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). When taking a still image, the photographer takes a picture by holding the hinge 73 in a state where the casing 71 and the casing 72 are folded at the folding position. In addition, when performing moving image shooting, the photographer performs shooting while holding the casing 72 in a state where the casing 71 and the casing 72 are opened to the open position.

  An LCD panel 81 and a reception speaker 82 are provided on the front surface 71a of the casing 71, and a photographing lens 83 is exposed on the rear surface 71b. Further, an antenna 84 is provided on the upper surface 71c, and a still image shooting button 85 is provided on the side surface 71d. The LCD panel 81 displays various menu screens, various information such as the telephone number of the called party, and images. The LCD panel 81 is also used as an electronic viewfinder. In addition, the reception speaker 82 outputs the voice of the other party, and the antenna 83 transmits and receives voice data and radio wave signals of data such as e-mail.

  On the front surface 72a of the housing 72, an operation unit 91 and a transmission microphone 92 are provided. In addition, the lower surface 72b of the housing 72 is provided with a slot 95 into which a storage medium such as a memory card is loaded. Further, an LCD panel 96 is provided on the back surface 72c. The operation unit 91 includes various operation buttons such as a selection key 91a and a moving image shooting button 91b. Further, the transmission microphone 92 converts voice into an electrical signal. The LCD panel 96 is used for displaying various information and as an electronic viewfinder.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the camera-equipped mobile phone 70 is provided with a system controller 97 which is a control means for controlling the whole. The system controller 97 has the same function as the system controller 41 described above, and is connected to an open / close sensor 98 that detects the open / closed state of the casings 71 and 72. The open / close sensor 98 is provided in the hinge 73.

  Further, the operation unit 91, the first switches 36a and 38a, and the second switches 36b and 38b are connected to the system controller 97. The system controller 97 controls each unit based on an operation signal from the operation unit 91. In FIG. 13, parts similar to those of the digital camera 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, components not shown in the figure have the same configuration as that of the digital camera 10.

  The system controller 97 acquires a detection signal from the open / close sensor 98, and detects that the camera-equipped mobile phone 70 is gripped at the first gripping position when the casings 71 and 72 are in the folded position (position shown in FIG. 12). Then, the operation of the still image shooting button 85 is validated and the operation of the moving image shooting button 91b is invalidated.

  Further, the system controller 97 acquires a detection signal from the open / close sensor 98, and the camera-equipped mobile phone 70 is gripped at the second gripping position when the casings 71 and 72 are in the open position (positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). It is detected that the moving image shooting button 91b is operated, and the still image shooting button 85 is disabled.

  Further, the system controller 97 acquires a detection signal from the open / close sensor 98, sets the imaging area to the first imaging area 57 when the casings 71 and 72 are in the folded position (position shown in FIG. 12), and the casing When 71 and 72 are open positions (positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), the imaging area is changed to the second imaging area 58.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the open / close sensor 98 is provided on the hinge 73 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it detect.

  In the above embodiment, the folding camera-equipped mobile phone 70 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  As described above, as described in the first to third embodiments, when it is detected that the camera body is held at the first holding position suitable for still image shooting, the operation of the still image shooting button is enabled. , Disable the operation of the movie shooting button. When it is detected that the camera body is held at the second holding position suitable for moving image shooting, the operation of the moving image shooting button is enabled and the operation of the still image shooting button is disabled. For this reason, it is possible to shoot by holding the camera body in a posture suitable for still image or moving image shooting, preventing camera shake and the like, and improving the operability of the camera. Further, since it is possible to shoot a still image and a moving image without forcing the photographer to perform a special operation, it is possible to prevent missing a shooting opportunity.

  Also, by changing the pressing position of the still image and movie shooting button, it functions as a shooting button for both still images and movies, so even if you want to shoot unexpectedly in another recording mode, you can shoot without holding the camera body Yes, you can shoot without missing a photo opportunity.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the camera body has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or the case where the camera body is incorporated in a foldable camera-equipped mobile phone has been described as an example, but the shape of the camera body is not limited thereto.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera and a camera-equipped mobile phone has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Also good.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the digital camera which is 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the attitude | position of a camera main body. It is sectional drawing which shows the effect | action of a 1st pressure sensor. It is sectional drawing which shows the effect | action of a still image shooting button. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a digital camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows an imaging area. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging | photography process of a digital camera. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the digital camera which is 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a digital camera. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front side of the mobile phone with a camera which is 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the back side of the mobile phone with a camera. It is a perspective view which shows the folded state of the mobile phone with a camera. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the mobile phone with a camera.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,60 Digital camera 11,61 Camera main body 12 Shooting lens 15 Still image shooting button 16 Still image shooting button 31 1st pressure sensor 32 2nd pressure sensor 36a, 38a Still image switch 36b, 38b Movie switch 40 CCD
40a Imaging surface 57 First imaging area 59 Second imaging area 62 Gyro sensor 70 Mobile phone with camera 71, 72 Case 73 Hinge 85 Still image shooting button 91b Movie shooting button 98 Open / close sensor

Claims (9)

In a digital camera having a camera body in which a photographing lens and an imaging unit are incorporated, and performing both still image shooting and moving image shooting by the imaging unit,
When the camera body is gripped at the first gripping position suitable for the still image shooting, the still image shooting button is disposed at a position suitable for an operation from the first gripping position and causes the still image shooting to be executed. Unlike the first gripping position, when the camera body is gripped at a second gripping position suitable for the video shooting, the camera body is disposed at a position suitable for an operation from the second gripping position. Two shooting buttons consisting of a movie shooting button for execution,
A gripping position detecting means for detecting whether the gripping position of the camera body is the first or second gripping position;
When the first gripping position is detected by the gripping position detection means, the still image shooting button is enabled, the moving image shooting button is disabled, and the second gripping position is detected Includes a control unit that controls each shooting button so that the still image shooting button is disabled and the moving image shooting button is enabled.   The first gripping position is a gripping position for gripping the camera body from the side in a state where the posture of the camera body is set to a normal position, while the second gripping position is a position for gripping the camera body to the correct position. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is a gripping position for gripping a lower portion of the camera body in a vertical position rotated 90 degrees around the optical axis of the photographing lens from the position.   3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the gripping position detecting means is a pressure sensor arranged at a position corresponding to the first and second gripping positions.   The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the gripping position detecting means is an attitude detecting means for detecting an attitude of the camera body.   5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the posture detection means is a gyro sensor.   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera body is incorporated in a portable terminal device.   In the portable terminal device, a handset and a handset are connected via a hinge, and the handset and the handset are folded and rotated in a direction overlapping each other around the hinge. The mobile phone is openable and closable from an open position that is rotated from the folding position so as to be separated from each other, and the gripping position detecting means is an open / close sensor that detects the open / closed state, and the folding The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital camera detects the first gripping position when in the position, and detects the second gripping position when in the open position.   The imaging surface of the imaging means is substantially square, and an imaging area changing means is provided for changing an imaging area for cutting out a captured image on the imaging surface based on a gripping position of the camera body. The digital camera according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a captured image having a horizontally long aspect ratio can be acquired even when the imaging surface is rotated 90 degrees while being held at a holding position. The enabled shooting button of the two shooting buttons functions as a shooting button for both a still image and a moving image by changing a pressed position thereof. Digital camera.

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