JP2006285073A - Imaging apparatus and method of operating the imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which can be easily operated, on the basis of the positional state of the imaging apparatus, and to provide a method of operating the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 100 is provided whose various operations are performed by an operator through a mode dial 51 and operation switches 52-64 which are provided on the body, and the imaging apparatus 100 is provided with a sensor 47 for detecting an acceleration or angular acceleration. Then, a predetermined operation from among various operations is performed, on the basis of the detection information detected by the sensor 47. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an operation method of the imaging apparatus.

  In general, in an imaging device that captures an image, an operator selects an item desired by an operator while viewing a menu screen displayed on a display screen provided on the imaging device body, such as a liquid crystal screen, etc. Is often done. In such an image pickup apparatus, an operator generally operates an operation switch provided on the image pickup apparatus main body to select a necessary item from menu items. Here, when selecting menu items, it is not practical to provide a switch corresponding to each of a number of menu items in the imaging apparatus. Therefore, the menu items arranged in a cross shape and displayed vertically, horizontally, and in the required direction An operation switch that is selected while moving is often used.

  In such an imaging apparatus, when an operation switch corresponding to a direction that is not set on the menu screen is operated, there are many cases that are normally set to be unresponsive or to emit an alarm sound. . However, in such a case, the operator may feel inconvenience, and instead of making the imaging device unresponsive, a device that performs a preset operation to improve convenience is proposed. (Patent Document 1).

In addition, such an operation switch may be limited in operation, or may require repeated forward operations, so use the touch panel on the display screen to touch the displayed menu items on the screen. There has been proposed a method for selecting necessary items while switching menu items displayed (Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-323243 A JP 2000-341572 A

  However, in such an image device, since the number of operation switches and the size of the display screen are limited, if many options cannot be displayed at a time, the necessary menu items are reached. It is necessary to operate the operation switch and touch panel multiple times.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an operation method of the imaging apparatus that can easily operate the imaging apparatus based on the position state of the imaging apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an imaging device in which an operator performs various operations by an operation switch provided on a main body, and the imaging device detects an acceleration or an angular acceleration. And a predetermined operation among the various operations is performed based on detection information detected by the detection means.

  According to the above configuration, since acceleration or angular acceleration is used as an operation input, there is an effect of reducing the number of operation of the operation switch. In addition, the number of operation switches installed on the main body can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the predetermined operation is performed based on a size of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the size of the detection information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the predetermined operation is performed based on a direction of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the direction of the detection information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the predetermined operation is performed based on a change amount of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the change amount of the detection information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the imaging device includes at least two operation modes: a photographing mode for photographing an image and a reproduction mode for reproducing the photographed image. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the predetermined operation for the same detection information is different in each of the operation modes.

  According to the above configuration, in each mode, it is possible to assign different input operations to the same detection information and increase the types of input operations.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the imaging device is configured to shake an image due to an operator's hand shake when the operator takes an image of a subject while holding the imaging device in his hand. The camera-shake prevention means further includes a camera-shake prevention means for preventing the camera-shake, and the camera-shake prevention means operates based on detection information of the detection means.

  According to the above configuration, the image pickup apparatus can be downsized by sharing the detection unit with the camera shake prevention function.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the imaging apparatus further includes means for electronically recording a captured image and display means for displaying the recorded image.

  The invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in claim 8, the predetermined operation includes a locus display operation for displaying a change in the detection information as a locus on the display means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the predetermined operation includes a character display operation for displaying a character on the display unit based on a change pattern of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily input and display lines and characters without operating a keyboard or the like.

  The invention of claim 11 is characterized in that, in claim 9 or claim 10, the trajectory and the characters displayed on the imaging device are recorded superimposed on an image taken by the imaging device. .

  According to the above configuration, information can be added to a captured image and recorded.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined operation is performed when the imaging device is in a predetermined state.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the predetermined state is a state in which a predetermined switch provided in the imaging device is operated.

  According to the above configuration, since an operation input using acceleration or angular acceleration is performed when a predetermined switch is being operated, it is not operated by mistake.

  The invention according to claim 14 is an operation method of an imaging apparatus in which an operator performs various operations by an operation switch provided on a main body, and the imaging apparatus includes detection means for detecting acceleration or angular acceleration, A predetermined operation among the various operations is performed based on detection information detected by the detection means.

  According to the above configuration, since acceleration or angular acceleration is used as an operation input, there is an effect of reducing the number of operation of the operation switch. In addition, the number of operation switches installed on the main body can be reduced.

  The invention of claim 15 is characterized in that, in claim 14, the predetermined operation is performed based on a size of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the size of the detection information.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the predetermined operation is performed based on a direction of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the direction of the detection information.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the predetermined operation is performed based on a change amount of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of input operations can be assigned based on the change amount of the detection information.

  The invention of claim 18 is characterized in that in claim 14 to claim 17, the imaging device has at least two operation modes of a shooting mode for shooting an image and a playback mode for playing back the shot image. .

  The invention of claim 19 is characterized in that, in the operation mode of claim 18, the predetermined operation for the same detection information is different in each operation mode.

  According to the above configuration, in each mode, it is possible to assign different input operations to the same detection information and increase the types of input operations.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects, the image pickup device causes image shake due to an operator's hand shake when the operator takes an image of a subject with the image pickup device in hand. The camera-shake prevention means further includes a camera-shake prevention means for preventing the camera-shake, and the camera-shake prevention means operates based on detection information of the detection means.

  According to the above configuration, the image pickup apparatus can be downsized by sharing the detection unit with the camera shake prevention function.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the imaging apparatus further includes means for electronically recording a photographed image and display means for displaying the recorded image.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-first aspect, the predetermined operation includes a locus display operation for displaying a change in the detection information as a locus on the display means.

  The invention of claim 23 is characterized in that, in claim 21, the predetermined operation includes a character display operation for displaying a character on the display means based on a change pattern of the detection information.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily input and display lines and characters without operating a keyboard or the like.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, in the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect, the trajectory and the characters displayed on the imaging device are recorded so as to be superimposed on an image taken by the imaging device. .

  According to the above configuration, information can be added to a captured image and recorded.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, the predetermined operation is performed when the imaging apparatus is in a predetermined state.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-fifth aspect, the predetermined state is a state in which a predetermined switch provided in the imaging device is operated.

  According to the above configuration, since an operation input using acceleration or angular acceleration is performed when a predetermined switch is being operated, it is not operated by mistake.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can operate an imaging device easily based on the position state of an imaging device, and the operating method of an imaging device are realizable.

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram. In this embodiment, a digital camera is used as the imaging device.

  The lens barrel unit 7 includes a zoom optical system 7C including a zoom lens 7A for capturing an optical image of a subject and a zoom motor 7B for driving the zoom lens 7A, and a focus optical system including a focus lens 7D and a focus motor 7E for driving the focus lens 7D. 7F, a diaphragm unit 7I composed of a diaphragm 7G and a diaphragm motor 7H for driving the diaphragm 7G, a mechanical shutter unit 7L composed of a mechanical shutter 7J and a shutter motor 7K for driving the mechanical shutter 7J, motors 7B, 7E, 7H, A motor driver 7M for driving 7K is provided. The motor driver 7M is driven and controlled by a drive command from a CPU 30D in the control unit 30 to be described later, based on inputs from the remote control light receiving unit 6 and operation inputs from the mode dial 51 and the operation switches 52 to 64.

  The ROM 32 stores a control program and control parameters written in codes that can be read by the CPU 30D. When the power switch 64 is operated to turn on the power of the digital camera 100, the program is read into a main memory (not shown), and the CPU 30D controls the operation of each part of the apparatus according to the program, and the data necessary for the control, etc. Are temporarily stored in the RAM 34 and the local SRAM 30E in the control unit 30. Here, by using a rewritable flash ROM for the ROM 32, it becomes possible to change the control program and control parameters, and the function can be easily upgraded.

  The CCD 70 is a solid-state imaging device for photoelectrically converting an optical image, and a front-end IC (described as F / E-IC in FIG. 2) 71 is a noise removal sampling unit (corresponding to double sampling for image noise removal). The drive timing signals of 71A for automatic gain adjustment (described as AGC unit in FIG. 2) 71B, A / D conversion unit 71C for digital signal conversion, and front end IC 71 are shown. A timing signal generating unit (described as a TG unit in FIG. 2) 71D is provided. Here, the CCD 70 and the front-end IC 71 are supplied with a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal from 30B of the CCD signal processing unit 1, and are controlled by the CPU 30D.

  The control unit 30 performs white balance setting and gamma setting on the output data of the front-end IC 71 and supplies the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal as described above, and 30B of the CCD signal processing unit 1, and the image data by filtering processing. 30C of the CCD signal processing unit 2 for converting to luminance data and color difference data, a CPU 30D for controlling the operation of each part of the image pickup apparatus, a local SRAM 30E for temporarily storing data necessary for control, and an external device such as a personal computer A USB unit 30F that performs USB communication, a serial communication unit 30G that performs serial communication with an external device such as a personal computer, a JPEG CODEC unit 30H that performs JPEG compression and expansion, and a RESIZE unit that expands and reduces the size of image data by interpolation processing 30I and image data on the LCD monitor A TV signal display unit 30J that converts video signals to be displayed on an external display device such as a TV and a memory card control unit 30K that controls a memory card that records captured image data are provided.

  The SDRAM 31 temporarily stores image data when the control unit 30 performs various processes on the image data. The stored image data is, for example, “RAW-RGB image data” in which white balance setting and gamma setting are performed in 30B of the CCD signal processing unit 1 after being taken in from the CCD 70 via the front end IC 71. “YUV image data” in which luminance data and color difference data conversion is performed in 30C of the CCD signal processing unit 2, “JPEG image data” compressed in JPEG by the JPEG CODEC unit 30H, and the like.

  The memory card slot 41 is a slot for mounting a removable memory card 42.

  The built-in memory 33 is a memory for storing captured image data even when the memory card 42 is not inserted into the memory card slot 41 described above.

  The video signal amplifier 39 is an amplifier for impedance conversion of the video signal output from the TV signal display unit 30J, and the video jack 40 is a jack for connecting to an external display device such as a TV.

  The serial driver 43 is a circuit for converting the output signal of the serial communication unit 30G to perform serial communication with an external device such as a personal computer, and the RS232C connector 44 is used for serial connection with an external device such as a personal computer. Connector.

  The USB connector 45 is a connector for performing USB connection with an external device such as a personal computer.

  The liquid crystal monitor 11 is a display for monitoring the state of a subject before photographing, checking a photographed image, and displaying image data recorded in the memory card 42 or the built-in memory 33 described above.

  The liquid crystal driver 20 is a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal monitor 11 and has a function of converting the video signal output from the TV signal display unit 30J into a signal to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11.

  The sub CPU 23 is a CPU in which a ROM and a RAM are built in one chip, and outputs output signals from the remote control light receiving unit 6, the mode dial 51, and the operation switches 52 to 64 to the CPU 30D described above as operation information of the operator. . Also, the camera status output from the CPU 30D is converted into control signals for a sub liquid crystal monitor 1 to be described later, an autofocus LED (described as AF LED in FIG. 2) 8, a strobe LED 9, and a buzzer 38 that rings when various alarms are generated. Output.

  The sub liquid crystal monitor 1 is a display unit for displaying the number of shootable images and the like, and the liquid crystal driver 22 is a drive circuit for driving the sub liquid crystal monitor 1 based on an output signal of the sub CPU 23.

  The auto focus LED 8 is an LED for displaying a focus state at the time of photographing. The strobe LED 9 is an LED for indicating a strobe charging state. The autofocus LED 8 and the strobe LED 9 may be used for other display applications such as blinking while the memory card 42 is being accessed.

  The strobe light emitting unit 3 is driven by the strobe drive circuit 21 and emits light based on a control signal from the CPU 30D.

  The operation switch unit 50 is electrically connected to the mode dial 51 and the operation switches 52 to 64 operated by the operator. The operation switch unit 50 detects the operation state of the mode dial 51 and the operation switches 52 to 64 and sends it to the sub CPU 23. It is a circuit to convey.

  The remote control light receiving unit 6 is a signal receiving unit of a remote control remote control transmitter (not shown) of the digital camera 100.

  The voice input unit 80 includes a microphone 80A through which an operator inputs a voice signal, a microphone signal amplification unit 80B that amplifies the input voice signal, and a voice signal recording unit 80C that records the amplified voice signal.

  The loudspeaker 90 includes an audio signal reproducing unit 90C that reproduces a recorded audio signal from the speaker 90A, an audio signal amplifying unit 90B that amplifies the reproduced audio signal and drives the speaker 90A, and a speaker 90A that outputs the audio signal. ing.

  The sensor 47 is a sensor that measures angular acceleration or acceleration, and the amplification unit 46 amplifies the output signal of the sensor 47 and outputs the amplified signal to the control unit 30. This sensor 47 corresponds to detection means in claims. When the digital camera 100 is in a shooting mode for shooting, the output signal of the sensor 47 is used as information for operating a camera shake prevention function (described later) and as operation input information described later. On the other hand, when the digital camera 100 is in a reproduction mode for reproducing an image taken, it is used as operation input information.

  The piezoelectric element 37 is a driving device provided for a camera shake prevention function. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged adjacent to the CCD 70, and the CCD 70 can be moved by a minute distance by expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element 37. The camera shake prevention function is activated by the movement of the CCD 70 by a small distance. Based on the output of the sensor 47, the CPU 30D outputs a drive signal for the piezoelectric element 37. This drive signal is input to the piezoelectric element 37 via the D / A converter 35 and the amplifying unit 36, and the piezoelectric element 37 is driven. .

  The distance measuring unit 5 measures the distance to the subject and outputs it to the control unit 30.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG.

  In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 has two modes, that is, a playback mode and a shooting mode, and transits between the two modes.

  The digital camera 100 enters a mode state set by the mode dial 51 when the power switch 64 is operated to turn on the power. That is, when “shooting mode” is selected with the mode dial 51 when the power is turned on, the mode is in the shooting mode state. On the other hand, when “reproduction mode” is selected with the mode dial 51 when the power is turned on, the mode is in the reproduction mode state.

  In the shooting mode, in addition to shooting an image, the menu switch 56 can be operated to call a menu screen, and various settings such as exposure correction at the time of shooting and setting of a flash emission pattern can be executed.

  In the playback mode state, it is possible to perform playback of captured images, simultaneous display of multiple images, enlarged display, and the like.

  When the mode dial 51 is operated and the mode is switched in each mode state, the mode is switched to the switched mode. That is, when the mode dial 51 is operated in the shooting mode state and the playback mode is selected, the mode is in the playback mode state, and when the mode dial 51 is operated in the playback mode state and the shooting mode is selected. The mode shifts to the shooting mode state.

  When the power switch 64 is operated and the power is turned off in each mode state, the digital camera 100 ends the operation.

  FIG. 3 shows the above operation as a state transition diagram.

  Next, the detailed operation of the digital camera 100 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In this embodiment, a gyro sensor 47A (not shown) for detecting angular acceleration is used as the sensor 47.

  In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 executes a predetermined operation previously assigned to the movement pattern of the digital camera 100 by moving the digital camera 100 to rotate up, down, left and right while pressing the multi-switch 61. It is something to be made.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the multi-switch (described as multi-SW in FIG. 4) 61 is operated. When the multi switch 61 is operated, the flow moves to step S102. On the other hand, when the multi-switch 61 is not operated, this operation does not operate, the flow moves to step S109, and this operation ends.

  In step S102, the initial angular acceleration of the digital camera 100 in the directions of the coordinate axes α, β, and γ of the rotational coordinate system shown in FIG. 5 is measured by the gyro sensor 47A. After this, the flow moves to step S103.

  In step S103, the gyro sensor 47A measures angular acceleration in the directions of the coordinate axes α, β, and γ every minute time t seconds, and integrates the change in angular acceleration every minute time t seconds to obtain the coordinate axis α of the digital camera 100. , Β and γ directions are calculated from the initial shift angle. After this, the flow moves to step S104.

  In step S104, the transition pattern of the calculated transition angle is determined. If the transition pattern matches the predefined transition pattern, the flow moves to step S105. On the other hand, if the transition pattern does not match the predefined transition pattern, the flow proceeds to step S108, and if the multi-switch 61 is continuously operated, the flow returns to step S103 to continue calculating the displacement angle and determining the transition pattern. The On the other hand, if the multi-switch 61 has not been operated, the flow moves to step S109, and this operation ends.

  In step S105, an operation assigned in advance to the transition pattern of the transition angle coincident in step S104 is selected, and this operation is executed in step S106. FIG. 6 shows an example of transition angle transition patterns (input operations) and corresponding operations assigned to the respective input operations. For example, when the operation mode is the shooting mode, when the operator rotates the digital camera 100 in the −γ direction shown in FIG. When the operation mode is the playback mode, when the operator rotates the digital camera 100 greatly in the + γ direction shown in FIG. 7, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 is enlarged and displayed at a predetermined magnification.

  FIG. 8 shows a specific operation example on the multiple image display screen when the operation mode is the playback mode. A plurality of captured images are continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11, and when this screen is called, the upper left image (image A) is selected. The image selected here is displayed surrounded by a square frame (hereinafter referred to as a selection frame).

  The operator rotates the digital camera 100 greatly in the + α direction shown in FIG. 7 while rotating the multi-switch 61 and rotates it slightly in the + β direction. By this operation, the digital camera 100 moves the selection frame downward two and one right like the arrow according to the corresponding operation illustrated in FIG. 6, and the selection frame moves from the position of the image A to the position of the image B. To do.

  After the corresponding operation is executed in step S106, the flow moves to step S107. In step S107, the operation state of the multi-switch 61 is determined. Here, if the multi-switch 61 is continuously operated, the process returns to step S103, and the calculation of the displacement angle and the determination of the transition pattern are continued. On the other hand, if the multi-switch 61 has not been operated, the flow moves to step S109, and this operation ends.

  As described above, by detecting the angular acceleration of the imaging device and causing the imaging device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result, it is simpler and easier than when operating using a general operation switch. A desired operation can be performed quickly.

  In addition, the number of operation switches installed in the imaging apparatus can be reduced, which is an advantage in terms of cost and layout.

  Also, by combining the transition of angular acceleration as a pattern and making each pattern correspond to a different operation action, a plurality of operations can be performed with the same input method.

  In addition, a sensor for an anti-shake function can be used as a sensor for carrying out the present invention, and since it is not necessary to provide a new sensor, it can be realized without being limited by cost or layout.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the detailed operation of the second embodiment.

  In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor 47B (not shown) for detecting acceleration is used as the sensor 47.

  In the present embodiment, the operator moves the digital camera 100 up, down, left, and right while pressing the multi-switch 61 to execute a predetermined operation assigned to the movement pattern of the digital camera 100 in advance.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not the multi-switch (described as multi-SW in FIG. 9) 61 is operated. When the multi switch 61 is operated, the flow proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, when the multi-switch 61 is not operated, this operation does not operate, the flow moves to step S209, and this operation ends.

  In step S202, the acceleration sensor 47B measures the initial acceleration of the digital camera 100 in the coordinate axes X, Y, and Z directions of the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. After this, the flow moves to step S203.

  In step S203, the acceleration in the coordinate axes X, Y, and Z is measured every minute time t seconds by the acceleration sensor 47B, and the change in acceleration every minute time t seconds is integrated, whereby the coordinate axes X, Y of the digital camera 100 are integrated. The amount of change from the initial position in the Z direction is calculated. After this, the flow moves to step S204.

  In step S204, the transition pattern of the calculated displacement amount is determined. If the transition pattern matches the predefined transition pattern, the flow moves to step S205. On the other hand, if the transition pattern does not match the predefined transition pattern, the flow proceeds to step S208, and if the multi-switch 61 is continuously operated, the flow returns to step S203 to continue calculating the displacement amount and determining the transition pattern. The On the other hand, if the multi-switch 61 has not been operated, the flow moves to step S209, and this operation ends.

  In step S205, an operation assigned in advance to the transition pattern of the displacement amount matched in step S204 is selected, and this operation is executed in step S206. FIG. 10 shows an example of a transition pattern of displacement (input operation) and a corresponding operation assigned to each input operation. For example, when the operation mode is the shooting mode, if the operator moves the digital camera 100 small in the −Y direction and then small in the + X direction shown in FIG. Is displayed. When the operation mode is the playback mode, when the operator moves the digital camera 100 in the −Z direction shown in FIG. 11, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 is reduced and displayed at a predetermined magnification.

  After the corresponding operation is executed in step S206, the flow moves to step S207. In step S207, the operation state of the multi-switch 61 is determined. Here, if the multi-switch 61 is continuously operated, the process returns to step S203 and the calculation of the displacement amount and the determination of the transition pattern are continued. On the other hand, if the multi-switch 61 has not been operated, the flow moves to step S209, and this operation ends.

  By performing the operation as described above, an effect equivalent to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of detailed operation of the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a gyro sensor 47A that detects angular acceleration is used as the sensor 47, and the operator moves the digital camera 100 up and down and left and right while pressing the multi-switch 61 (hereinafter referred to as handwriting input). Predetermined characters assigned in advance to the movement pattern of the digital camera 100 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 and stored together with the photographed image.

  In step S301, it is determined whether or not the multi-switch (described as multi-SW in FIG. 12) 61 is operated. If the multi-switch 61 has been operated, the flow moves to step S302. On the other hand, when the multi-switch 61 is not operated, this operation does not operate, the flow moves to step S312 and this operation ends.

  In step S302, a cross cursor is displayed at a predetermined position (lower left in FIG. 13) of the liquid crystal monitor 11, as shown in FIG. After this, the flow moves to step S303.

  In step S303, the initial angular acceleration of the digital camera 100 in the directions of the coordinate axes α, β, and γ of the rotational coordinate system shown in FIG. 5 is measured by the gyro sensor 47A. In this embodiment, the angular acceleration in the γ direction can be implemented without using it. After this, the flow moves to step S304.

  In step S304, the gyro sensor 47A measures angular acceleration in the directions of the coordinate axes α, β, and γ every minute time t seconds, and integrates the change in angular acceleration every minute time t seconds, thereby integrating the coordinate axis α of the digital camera 100. , Β and γ directions are calculated from the initial shift angle. After this, the flow moves to step S305.

  In step S305, it is determined whether or not the operation of the multi-switch 61 is continued. If the operation of the multi-switch 61 is continued, the flow moves to step S306. On the other hand, when the operation of the multi switch 61 is stopped, it is determined that the handwriting input is delimited, and the flow proceeds to step S307.

  In step S306, the displacement angle calculated in step S304 is coordinate-converted to a displacement position on the liquid crystal monitor, and the cross cursor moves to the displacement position. The movement trajectory is displayed with a line. After this, the flow moves to step S307.

  In step S307, it is determined whether or not the OK switch 62, which means the end of handwriting input, has been operated. If the OK switch 62 is operated, the flow moves to step S308. On the other hand, if the OK switch 62 is not operated, the flow returns to step S303 to continue the handwriting input.

  As described above, in steps S303 to S307, handwriting input corresponding to the movement of the digital camera 100 is continuously performed while the multi-switch 61 is operated, and the locus is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11. When the operation of the multi-switch 61 is stopped, the handwriting input is finished once. If the OK switch 62 is operated, the locus input so far is recognized and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 and stored in step S308. On the other hand, if the multi-switch 61 is operated again without operating the OK switch 62, the flow returns to step S303 and again proceeds to a new handwriting input operation. In this case, the input locus so far is stored until the OK switch 62 is operated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the digital camera is moved diagonally to the right while pressing the multi-switch 61 and then moved diagonally to the lower right and the multi-switch 61 is released, the liquid crystal monitor 11 is shown in FIG. A trajectory like this is displayed. In order to display the locus continuously, the digital camera 100 may be moved while pressing the multi-switch again.

  In step S308, character recognition of the locus pattern input by handwriting is performed. That is, the locus pattern input by handwriting is compared with a predetermined locus pattern stored in advance. When performing the comparison here, the shape of the trajectory pattern varies depending on the time required for handwriting input, and the comparison result is affected. Therefore, the comparison is made after each stored trajectory pattern is normalized on the time axis. Is done. The difference between the normalized trajectory pattern and the trajectory pattern stored in advance is calculated by the X-direction component and the Y-direction component after the coordinate conversion. It is determined that the trajectory pattern is the same as the trajectory pattern stored in advance, that is, character recognition is successful. After this, the flow moves to step S311.

  In step S311, characters corresponding to the input pattern are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 and stored. After this, the flow moves to step S312, and this operation ends.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of an input locus pattern of alphabets A to Z and numerals 1 to 0. For example, when the input shown in FIG. 15 is made, a pattern corresponding to the alphabet A shown in FIG. 16 is obtained, so that the locus pattern is converted into the alphabet A and displayed and stored. After this, the operation ends.

  On the other hand, in step S309, if the input trajectory pattern does not match the trajectory pattern stored in advance, the flow proceeds to step S310, the buzzer 38 is sounded, an alarm is sounded, the input trajectory pattern is cleared, and then the flow returns to step S303. .

  Note that the size of the character when the converted character is displayed on the liquid crystal screen is determined in advance according to the number of characters to be displayed, and is displayed without protruding from the liquid crystal screen.

  As described above, by using the movement (tilt) of the camera as a handwritten character input from the operator, a character input operation which requires a forward operation in a general input operation method such as a cross direction key is performed. It can be done quickly.

  In addition, the number of operation switches installed in the imaging apparatus can be reduced, which is an advantage in terms of cost and layout.

  Also, by combining the transition of angular acceleration as a pattern and making each pattern correspond to a different operation action, a plurality of operations can be performed with the same input method.

  In addition, a sensor for an anti-shake function can be used as a sensor for carrying out the present invention, and since it is not necessary to provide a new sensor, it can be realized without being limited by cost or layout.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of the fourth embodiment.

  In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor 47B that detects acceleration is used as the sensor 47, and the operator moves the digital camera 100 up and down and left and right while pressing the multi-switch 61 (hereinafter referred to as handwriting input). Predetermined characters assigned in advance to the movement pattern of the digital camera 100 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 and stored together with the captured image.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the multi-switch (described as multi-SW in FIG. 17) 61 is operated. When the multi switch 61 is operated, the flow moves to step S402. On the other hand, when the multi-switch 61 is not operated, this operation does not operate, the flow proceeds to step S412 and this operation ends.

  In step S402, a cross cursor is displayed at a predetermined position (lower left in FIG. 13) of the liquid crystal monitor 11, as shown in FIG. After this, the flow moves to step S403.

  In step S403, the acceleration sensor 47B measures the initial acceleration of the digital camera 100 in the coordinate axes X, Y, and Z directions of the orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, the acceleration in the Z direction can be performed without using it. After this, the flow moves to step S404.

  In step S404, the acceleration in the coordinate axes X, Y, and Z is measured every minute time t seconds by the acceleration sensor 47B, and the change in acceleration every minute time t seconds is integrated, whereby the coordinate axes X, Y of the digital camera 100 are integrated. The amount of change from the initial position in the Z direction is calculated. After this, the flow moves to step S405.

  In step S405, it is determined whether or not the operation of the multi-switch 61 is continued. If the operation of the multi-switch 61 is continued, the flow moves to step S406. On the other hand, when the operation of the multi-switch 61 is stopped, it is determined that the handwriting input is delimited, and the flow proceeds to step S407.

  In step S406, the displacement amount calculated in step S404 is coordinate-converted to a displacement position on the liquid crystal monitor, and the cross cursor moves to the displacement position. The movement trajectory is displayed with a line. After this, the flow moves to step S407.

  In step S407, it is determined whether or not the OK switch 62 indicating the end of handwriting input has been operated. When the OK switch 62 is operated, the flow moves to step S408. On the other hand, if the OK switch 62 is not operated, the flow returns to step S403 to continue the handwriting input.

  As described above, in steps S403 to S407, handwriting input corresponding to the movement of the digital camera 100 is continuously performed while the multi-switch 61 is operated, and the locus is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11. When the operation of the multi-switch 61 is stopped, the handwriting input is finished once. If the OK switch 62 is operated, the locus input so far is recognized and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 and stored in step S408. On the other hand, when the multi-switch 61 is operated again without the OK switch 62 being operated, the flow returns to step S403 and again proceeds to a new handwriting input operation. In this case, the input locus so far is stored until the OK switch 62 is operated.

  In step S408 and subsequent steps, the locus pattern input by handwriting is compared with a predetermined pattern, character recognition is executed, and the recognized character is displayed and stored on the liquid crystal monitor. Here, since the character recognition method, display method and storage method are the same as those of the third embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  By performing the operation as described above, an effect equivalent to that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail with drawing, an Example is only an illustration of this invention and this invention is not limited only to the structure of an Example. Accordingly, it is a matter of course that the present invention includes any design change within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the sensor 47 is not limited to the gyro sensor 47A and the acceleration sensor 47B, and other sensors that can detect an acceleration change and a position change may be used. In this case, the parameters to be detected are not limited to the angular acceleration and acceleration in the three directions described in the embodiment, and parameters detected by the sensor to be used can be used.

  Further, the input operation detected by the sensor and the corresponding operation of the digital camera 100 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. For example, when the image is rotated in the + γ direction in the first embodiment, the input operation and the corresponding operation can be variously set, such as a shooting state in which strobe light emission is forcibly prohibited. The input operation and the corresponding operation may be selected and set by the operator through the liquid crystal monitor 11.

  The characters described by the input operation are not limited to those shown in FIG. 16, and various settings can be made.

  Further, in the third and fourth embodiments, the recognized character may be stored when the OK switch 62 is operated, for example.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the coordinate axis of the imaging device of 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between input operation | movement of the imaging device of 1st Example of this invention, and corresponding | compatible operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the direction of input operation | movement of the imaging device of 1st Example of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the imaging device of 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart of the imaging device of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between input operation | movement of the imaging device of 2nd Example of this invention, and corresponding | compatible operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the direction of input operation | movement of the imaging device of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart of the imaging device of 3rd Example of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the imaging device of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the input operation of the imaging device of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the imaging device of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the character corresponding to the input operation of the imaging device of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the imaging device of the 4th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sub liquid crystal monitor 2 Memory card and battery cover 3 Strobe light emission part 4 Optical finder 5 Distance measuring unit 6 Remote control light-receiving part 7 Lens barrel unit 7A Zoom lens 7B Zoom motor 7C Zoom optical system 7D Focus lens 7E Focus motor 7F Focus optical system 7G Aperture 7H Aperture motor 7I Aperture unit 7J Mechanical shutter 7K Shutter motor 7L Mechanical shutter unit 7M Motor driver 8 Autofocus LED
9 Strobe LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Optical finder 11 Liquid crystal monitor 20 Liquid crystal driver 21 Strobe drive circuit 22 Liquid crystal driver 23 Sub CPU
30 control unit 30A A / D conversion unit 30B CCD signal processing unit 1
30C CCD signal processor 2
30D CPU
30E Local SRAM
30F USB unit 30G Serial communication unit 30H JPEG CODEC unit 30I RESIZE unit 30J TV signal display unit 30K Memory card control unit 31 SDRAM
32 ROM
33 Internal memory 34 RAM
35 D / A converter 36 Amplifier 37 Piezoelectric element 38 Buzzer 39 Video signal amplifier 40 Video jack 41 Memory card slot 42 Memory card 43 Serial driver 44 RS232C connector 45 USB connector 46 Amplifier 47 Sensor 50 Operation switch unit 51 Mode dial 52 Release shutter 53 Wide-angle zoom switch 54 Telephoto zoom switch 55 Self-timer switch / deletion switch 56 Menu switch 57 Up direction operation switch / strobe switch 58 Right direction operation switch 59 Down direction operation switch / macro switch 60 Left direction switch 61 Multi switch 62 OK switch 63 LCD monitor ON / OFF switch 64 Power switch 70 CCD
71 Front-end IC (F / E-IC)
71A Noise removal sampling unit (CDS unit)
71B Automatic gain adjustment unit (AGC unit)
71C A / D converter 71D Timing signal generator (TG unit)
80 audio input unit 80A microphone 80B microphone signal amplification unit 80C audio signal recording unit 90 loudspeaker unit 90A speaker 90B audio signal amplification unit 90C audio signal reproduction unit 100 digital camera

Claims (26)

An imaging device in which an operator performs various operations with operation switches provided on a main body,
The imaging apparatus includes detection means for detecting acceleration or angular acceleration,
An imaging apparatus, wherein a predetermined operation among the various operations is performed based on detection information detected by the detection means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a size of the detection information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a direction of the detection information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a change amount of the detection information.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus includes at least two operation modes of a shooting mode for shooting an image and a playback mode for playing back the shot image.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined operation on the same detection information is different in each operation mode. The imaging apparatus further includes camera shake prevention means for preventing an image shake due to an operator's camera shake when an operator takes an image of a subject while holding the imaging apparatus in his hand,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera shake preventing unit operates based on detection information of the detecting unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for electronically recording a captured image; and display means for displaying the recorded image.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined operation includes a locus display operation for displaying a change in the detection information as a locus on the display unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined operation includes a character display operation for displaying a character on the display unit based on a pattern of change in the detection information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the trajectory and the characters displayed on the imaging apparatus are recorded by being superimposed on an image captured by the imaging apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is performed when the imaging apparatus is in a predetermined state.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which a predetermined switch provided in the imaging apparatus is operated. An operation method of an imaging apparatus in which an operator performs various operations with operation switches provided on a main body,
The imaging apparatus includes detection means for detecting acceleration or angular acceleration,
An operation method of an imaging apparatus, wherein a predetermined operation among the various operations is performed based on detection information detected by the detection means.   The method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a size of the detection information.   The method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a direction of the detection information.   The method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined operation is performed based on a change amount of the detection information.   18. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the imaging apparatus includes at least two operation modes: an imaging mode for capturing an image and a playback mode for reproducing the captured image.   19. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined operation on the same detection information is different in each operation mode. The imaging apparatus further includes camera shake prevention means for preventing an image shake due to an operator's camera shake when an operator takes an image of a subject while holding the imaging apparatus in his hand,
20. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the camera shake prevention unit operates based on detection information of the detection unit.   15. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the imaging apparatus further includes means for electronically recording a captured image and display means for displaying the recorded image.   The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the predetermined operation includes a trajectory display operation for displaying a change in the detection information as a trajectory on the display means.   The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the predetermined operation includes a character display operation for displaying a character on the display unit based on a change pattern of the detection information.   The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the trajectory and the characters displayed on the imaging apparatus are recorded by being superimposed on an image captured by the imaging apparatus.   25. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined operation is performed when the imaging apparatus is in a predetermined state.   26. The method of operating an imaging apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which a predetermined switch provided in the imaging apparatus is operated.

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