JP2006311209A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera easy for a photographer to use without permitting an image displayed on a liquid crystal monitor to be reduced by the unintended operation of the photographer. <P>SOLUTION: Imaging means 16 photographs a subject. A screen 10 displays an image photographed by the imaging means 16. Contact detection means 12 detects the position of a hand of the photographer disposed on the screen 10 and in contact with the screen 10. Time detection means 24 detects contact time that is a time when the hand makes contact with the screen 10 by receiving the detection by the contact detection means 12. Display control means 24 displays the image over the whole of the screen 10 as a full image when the contact time is less than a predetermined time, while it displays, when the contact time exceeds the predetermined time, a reduced image reduced in the full image at a position excepting a position in the screen 10 where the hand makes contact with the screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera having an image display function.

  A camera having an image display function includes, for example, an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a lens that forms a subject image on the imaging element, a liquid crystal monitor that displays the captured image, and a memory that stores the captured image data And an operation unit including a shutter switch pressed by the photographer when photographing the subject. The liquid crystal monitor and the operation unit are formed, for example, on the back surface of the camera body (housing).

In this type of camera, the liquid crystal monitor tends to be large, and the ratio of the liquid crystal monitor to the back of the camera body is high. For this reason, when a photographer grips the side part of the camera body during image reproduction or photographing, his / her finger may hang on the liquid crystal monitor and a part of the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor may not be visually recognized. As a countermeasure, a method of reducing an image displayed on a liquid crystal monitor has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-289484

  However, in Patent Document 1, even when the photographer accidentally puts a finger on the liquid crystal monitor for a short time or when the area of the liquid crystal monitor covered by the finger is very small, the image is reduced. Is displayed. When switching to a reduced image by an operation unintended by the photographer, there is a problem that the photographer feels inconvenience because he cannot concentrate on the composition of the subject and focusing.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that is easy to use for a photographer without reducing an image displayed on a liquid crystal monitor by an operation not intended by the photographer.

  In the camera according to the first aspect, the screen displays the image of the subject imaged by the imaging means. The contact detection means arranged on the screen detects the position of the photographer's hand in contact with the screen. The time detection means detects a contact time that is a time during which the hand is in contact with the screen in response to detection by the contact detection means. When the contact time is less than or equal to the predetermined time, the display control means displays the image as a full image on the entire screen, and when the contact time exceeds the predetermined time, excludes the position where the hand is in contact on the screen. A reduced image obtained by reducing the full image is displayed at the position.

  According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, the screen displays an image of the subject imaged by the imaging means. The contact detection means arranged on the screen detects the position of the photographer's hand in contact with the screen. The area detecting means detects a contact area that is an area in which a hand is in contact with the screen upon receiving detection by the contact detecting means. The display control means displays the image as a full image on the entire screen when the contact area is less than or equal to the predetermined area, and excludes the position where the hand is in contact with the screen when the contact area exceeds the predetermined area. A reduced image obtained by reducing the full image is displayed at the position.

  In the camera according to the seventh aspect, the screen displays an image of the subject imaged by the imaging means. The contact detection means arranged on the screen detects the position of the photographer's hand in contact with the screen. The number-of-times detecting means detects the number of times the screen is touched by the photographer's hand in response to detection by the contact detecting means. The display control means displays the image as a full image on the entire screen when the number of contacts is equal to or less than a preset first number. When the number of contacts exceeds the first number, the hand touches the screen. A reduced image obtained by reducing the full image is displayed at positions other than the existing position.

  According to the camera of the first aspect, when the photographer accidentally touches his / her hand with the screen for a short time (predetermined time or less), the full image can be prevented from being reduced to a reduced image. Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. For this reason, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject. As a result, a camera that is easy for the photographer to use can be provided.

  In the camera according to claim 4, even when the photographer accidentally touches his / her hand with the screen, the full image is reduced when the area of the screen covered by the hand is very small (below a predetermined area). It is possible to prevent the image from being reduced. Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. For this reason, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject. As a result, a camera that is easy for the photographer to use can be provided.

  In the camera according to the seventh aspect, the full image can be prevented from being reduced to a reduced image when the photographer unconsciously touches his / her hand with the screen a small number of times (the first number or less). Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. For this reason, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject. As a result, a camera that is easy for the photographer to use can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the camera of the present invention. The camera 100 (for example, a compact digital camera) includes a liquid crystal monitor 10 (screen), a resistive touch panel 12 (contact detection means), a lens system 14, a CCD 16 (imaging means), an A / D conversion circuit 18, a RAM 20, and a ROM 22 ( Time storage means and storage means), CPU 24 (time detection means, display control means, first timing selection means and number of times detection means), I / F (Interface) circuit 26, operation unit 28, storage medium 30, slot 32 and bus 34 etc. In FIG. 1, mechanical elements such as a shutter mechanism and a mirror mechanism are not shown.

  The liquid crystal monitor 10 includes a liquid crystal panel and a driver circuit (not shown) for driving the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal monitor 10 displays an image captured by the CCD 16 and a setting screen before and after a shutter switch SW4 described later is pressed. The liquid crystal monitor 10 is also used as a viewfinder that displays an image of a subject formed by the lens system 14. The photographer determines the composition of the subject by looking at the image of the subject displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10. In this example, a transparent resistive touch panel 12 (details will be described later) that can be pressed by the photographer's finger or the like is attached to the entire surface of the liquid crystal monitor 10.

The lens system 14 includes a plurality of lenses including a focus lens that focuses on a subject and a zoom lens that zooms the subject image. The position of the focus lens and zoom lens in the optical axis direction is adjusted by a lens driving driver (not shown).
The CCD 16 is disposed at a position facing the lens system 14 via a shutter. The CCD 16 is driven by a CCD driver (not shown) and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the lens system 14. The A / D conversion circuit 18 A / D converts an image captured by the CCD 16 from an analog value to a digital value. The RAM 20 temporarily stores image data captured by the CCD 16.

  The ROM 22 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM or flash memory that can electrically rewrite data, and retains data even when the power of the camera 100 is off. The ROM 22 stores a program executed by the CPU 24 for operating the camera 100. The ROM 22 can be replaced by a built-in ROM (not shown) mounted on the CPU 24.

The CPU 24 controls the operation of the camera 100 by executing a program stored in the ROM 22. For example, the CPU 24 detects contact of the photographer's finger with the liquid crystal monitor 10 by the resistive touch panel 12 and displays a reduced image (described later) on a block BLK (described later) where the finger is not in contact.
The I / F circuit 26 connects the camera 100 to an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via a terminal (not shown). The operation unit 28 includes various switches (not shown) including a zoom switch SW1, a main power switch SW2, a selection switch SW3, and a shutter switch SW4, which will be described later. The operation of the various switches is recognized by the CPU 24.

The storage medium 30 is composed of, for example, a flash memory, and holds data even when the camera 100 is turned off. The storage medium 30 is connected to the bus 34 via the slot 32. The storage medium 30 is a memory card, and stores image data and the like A / D converted by the A / D conversion circuit 18. The bus 34 connects each circuit in the camera 100.
FIG. 2 shows the back of the camera body 102 of the camera 100 to which the present invention is applied. On the back of the camera body 102, a liquid crystal monitor 10, a resistive touch panel 12, a zoom switch SW1 for zooming the subject image, a main power switch SW2 that can be slid left and right to turn the camera 100 on and off, a subject A selection switch SW3 for selecting various modes and images, such as a "shooting mode" for shooting images, a "playback mode" for playing back images on the LCD monitor 10, and a "setup mode" for changing language settings and date / time settings are arranged. Has been.

On the upper side of the camera body 102, a shutter switch SW4 that is depressed by the photographer when photographing a subject is disposed. On the side surface (right side in the figure) of the camera main body 102, a storage cover 36 of a storage unit that stores the storage medium 30, a battery, and the like is disposed.
For example, the resistive touch panel 12 is attached to the entire liquid crystal monitor 10. The resistance film type touch panel 12 includes, for example, a pair of resistance films (not shown) formed with a minute interval. In this example, the resistive touch panel 12 is partitioned into a plurality of 8 blocks × 12 blocks BLK by a resistive film.

For example, when the photographer grasps the side surface of the camera body 102 during photographing and the photographer's finger touches the liquid crystal monitor 10 as shown in the drawing, the contact is detected by the resistive touch panel 12. Specifically, a change in resistance value between the resistance films corresponding to the block BLK (four blocks indicated by hatching in the drawing) in contact with the finger is detected.
The CPU 24 detects whether or not the time during which the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10 (contact time) exceeds a reference time RT (for example, 3 seconds) described later by detecting a change in the resistance value. . In the present invention, the reference time RT indicates a time for determining the contact time. In this example, the photographer can set an arbitrary reference time RT on the setup mode screen.

When the CPU 24 recognizes that the contact time is equal to or shorter than the reference time RT (for example, 3 seconds), the CPU 24 displays the subject image (full image) on the entire liquid crystal monitor 10. In this example, the aspect ratio of the full image (the number of vertical blocks BLK: the number of horizontal blocks BLK) is 2: 3.
On the other hand, when the CPU 24 recognizes that the contact time exceeds the reference value RT (for example, 3 seconds), the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 and is surrounded by a block BLK (for example, the bold line in the figure) in which the finger is not in contact. A reduced image obtained by reducing the full image is displayed in the area). At this time, the aspect ratio of the reduced image is also set to 2: 3.

FIG. 3 shows an example of image display of the camera 100. In this example, an image of a person or the like is displayed on the entire liquid crystal monitor 10. As shown in the figure, when the photographer's finger is not in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10, the CPU 24 displays a full image (FIG. 2) on the liquid crystal monitor 10.
FIG. 4 shows another example of image display of the camera 100. In this example, the finger of the photographer's right hand contacts the right side of the liquid crystal monitor 10.

  In response to the contact time exceeding the reference time RT (for example, 3 seconds), the CPU 24 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 10 a reduced image (aspect ratio is 2: 3) obtained by reducing the full image (FIG. 3). To do. The reduced image is displayed in an area where the finger of the right hand is not in contact only when the contact time exceeds a reference time RT (for example, 3 seconds). The aspect ratio of the reduced image is kept equal to the aspect ratio of the full image. For this reason, the composition of the subject can be easily determined.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of image display of the camera 100. In this example, the finger of the photographer's left hand contacts the left side of the liquid crystal monitor 10 (FIG. 4). When the time during which the finger of the left hand is in contact exceeds the reference time RT (for example, 3 seconds), the reduced image is displayed again in an area where the fingers of both hands are not in contact as shown in the figure. Thus, even when a finger contacts a plurality of locations on the liquid crystal monitor 10, the photographer can continue to visually recognize the reduced image. For this reason, the photographer can continue to visually recognize the reduced image. As a result, the composition of the subject can be determined without interruption.

6 to 8 show the image display operation in the first embodiment. The operation shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is realized by the CPU 24 executing a program stored in the ROM 22.
First, in step S100, when the CPU 24 receives a power-on request from the photographer, the CPU 24 turns on the camera 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S <b> 102, the CPU 24 starts to detect the contact number N <b> 1 that is the number of times the photographer's finger has touched the liquid crystal monitor 10. In this example, the contact count N1 is detected until the power of the camera 100 is turned off for each block BLK. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.
In step S <b> 104, when the CPU 24 receives a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the CPU 24 displays a menu screen for setting the reference time RT on the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S <b> 106, the CPU 24 stores the reference time RT set by the photographer in the ROM 22. Thus, the time RT from when the photographer's finger touches the liquid crystal monitor 10 until the full image is switched to the reduced image can be set to an arbitrary time by the operation of the photographer. Therefore, the time until switching to a reduced image can be adjusted for each photographer according to the photographer's preference. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S <b> 108, when the CPU 24 receives a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the time when the contact time T <b> 1 when the photographer's finger touches the liquid crystal monitor 10 is detected is “when the shooting mode is selected”, “playback mode” A menu screen for selecting from “when selected” and “when shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, when the CPU 24 detects that “when photographing mode is selected” by the photographer, for example, the CPU 24 sets “10 (binary number)” in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “when playback mode is selected” is selected, for example, “01” is set in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “both when shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected”, for example, flag FLG1 is set to “11”. Therefore, the CPU 24 determines that the contact time T1 detected in any of “when shooting mode is selected”, “when playback mode is selected” and “when both shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected” is the reference time RT (for example, 3 When the time exceeds (second), the reduced image is displayed on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact. In general, in the shooting mode, the photographer needs to hold the camera body 102 firmly in order to prevent camera shake and the like. For this reason, the photographer's finger is more likely to touch the liquid crystal monitor 10 when the shooting mode is selected than when the playback mode is selected. For this reason, according to the use condition of the camera 100, the time which switches a full image to a reduced image can be selected. As a result, an easy-to-use camera can be provided in accordance with the convenience of the photographer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, when the photographer receives a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the CPU 24 continuously displays the reduced image on the liquid crystal monitor 10 when the photographer's finger leaves the liquid crystal panel 10, or reduces the image. A menu screen for selecting whether to switch the image to a full image and display it on the liquid crystal monitor 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, when the CPU 24 detects that “continue display of reduced image” is selected by the photographer, for example, the CPU 24 sets “0 (binary number)” to the flag FLG2. On the other hand, when it is detected that “display by switching to a full image” is selected, for example, “1” is set in the flag FLG2. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.
In step S116, when the CPU 24 receives a shooting mode selection request from the photographer, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG. When the photographer receives a reproduction mode selection request, the process proceeds to step S152 in FIG.

In step S118, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S120. When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S122.
In step S120, the CPU 24 starts detecting the contact time T1. That is, it is possible to detect the time T1 when the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the CPU 24, for example, drives the lens system 14 and the CCD 16 to display an image for determining the composition of the subject on the liquid crystal monitor 10, and receives reflected light from the subject for each pixel. The received reflected light is photoelectrically converted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.
In step S124, the CPU 24 detects for each block BLK from when the camera 100 is turned on last time until it is turned off, and the contact count N1 stored in the ROM 22 is a predetermined reference count RN1 (second count). Detect whether or not In the present invention, the reference count RN1 indicates the count for determining the contact count N1 for each block BLK. If there is no block BLK exceeding the reference count RN1, the process proceeds to step S126. If there is a block BLK that exceeds the reference count RN1, the process proceeds to step S128.

In step S126, the CPU 24 displays the image of the photographer's subject as a full image on the liquid crystal monitor 10 based on the A / D converted image data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.
In step S128, the CPU 24 displays the image of the subject of the photographer as a reduced image in the blocks BLK excluding the block BLK exceeding the reference count RN1 based on the A / D converted image data. The block BLK exceeding the reference count RN1 can be determined as an area that is most frequently touched by the photographer's finger in accordance with the habit of the photographer who uses the camera 100. The photographer can visually recognize the reduced image without bringing his / her finger into contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S132 (determination of contact time T1 is started). When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S142.
In step S132, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact time T1 exceeds the reference time RT (3 seconds in this example)”, the process proceeds to step S134. If the reference time RT has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S134, the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display a reduced image on the block BLK in which no finger is in contact as shown in FIG. In this way, the reduced image is displayed only when the time during which the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10 exceeds the reference time RT (3 seconds in this example). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the full image from being reduced when the photographer accidentally touches his / her finger with the liquid crystal monitor 10 for a short time (for example, 1 second). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S136.

In step S136, when the CPU 24 detects that the finger has moved away from the liquid crystal monitor 10 (the value of the resistance film has returned to the value before the contact with the finger), the process proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, when the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10, the process proceeds to step S134 (the reduced image is continuously displayed).
In step S138, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the bit of the flag FLG2 is “1”. When the bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S134 (the reduced image is continuously displayed). For this reason, when the “shooting mode” is selected, the photographer can continue to visually recognize the reduced image by determining the composition of the subject even after releasing his / her finger from the screen. As a result, an easy-to-use camera can be provided in accordance with the convenience of the photographer. On the other hand, when the bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S140.

In step S140, the CPU 24 switches the reduced image to a full image and displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 10. That is, the image of the subject is displayed on the entire liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S142.
If the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “0” in step S130, or if the contact time T1 does not exceed the reference time RT in step S132, or after the reduced image is switched to the full image in step S132, In step S142, the CPU 24 waits for the photographer to press down the shutter switch SW4. If pressing of the shutter switch SW4 is detected, the process proceeds to step S144. Step S142 is repeated until the depression of the shutter switch SW4 is detected.

In step S144, the CPU 24 drives the lens system 14 and the CCD 16, etc., receives reflected light from the subject for each pixel, and photoelectrically converts the received reflected light. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S146.
In step S146, the CPU 24 stores the A / D converted image data in the storage medium 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S148.

In step S148, the CPU 24 detects whether or not a power-off request has been issued by the photographer. If a power off request is detected, the process proceeds to step S150. If a power-off request is not detected, the process proceeds to step S122 (shooting mode is repeated).
In step S150, the CPU 24 stores the contact count N1 detected after power-on in the ROM 22 for each block BLK, and then turns off the power of the camera 100.

On the other hand, when the reproduction mode selection request is received in step S116 of FIG. 6, in step S152 of FIG. 8, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S154. When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S156.
In step S154, the CPU 24 starts detecting the contact time T1. That is, it is possible to detect the time T1 when the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S156.

In step S156, the CPU 24 reads the image data stored in the storage medium 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S158.
In step S158, the CPU 24 detects for each block BLK from when the camera 100 is turned on last time until it is turned off, and whether or not the contact count N1 stored in the ROM 22 exceeds a predetermined reference count RN1. To detect. If there is no block BLK exceeding the reference count RN1, the process proceeds to step S160. If there is a block BLK exceeding the reference count RN1, the process proceeds to step S162.

In step S160, the CPU 24 reproduces the image of the subject from the read image data, and displays the reproduced image on the liquid crystal monitor 10 as a full image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S164.
In step S162, the CPU 24 reproduces the image of the subject from the read image data, and drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display the reproduced image as a reduced image on the blocks BLK excluding the block BLK exceeding the reference number RN1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S164, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S166 (the determination of the contact time T1 is started). When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S176.
In step S166, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact time T1 exceeds the reference time RT (3 seconds in this example)”, the process proceeds to step S168. If the reference time RT has not been exceeded, the process moves to step S176.

In step S168, the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display a reduced image on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S170.
In step S170, when the CPU 24 detects that the finger has moved away from the liquid crystal monitor 10 (the value of the resistance film has returned to the value before the contact with the finger), the process proceeds to step S172. On the other hand, when the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10, the process proceeds to step S168 (the reduced image is continuously displayed).

In step S172, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the bit of the flag FLG2 is “1”. When the bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S168 (reduced images are continuously displayed). On the other hand, when the bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S174.
In step S174, the CPU 24 switches the reduced image to a full image and displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 10. That is, the image of the subject is displayed on the entire liquid crystal monitor 10. For this reason, the reproduced image can be visually recognized on the entire liquid crystal monitor 10 to select or delete the image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S176.

In step S176, when the CPU 24 receives a frame advance request from the photographer, the process proceeds to step S178. If no frame advance request is received, the process proceeds to step S164.
In step S178, the CPU 24 reads the next image data stored in the ROM 22. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S180.

In step S180, the CPU 24 detects whether or not a power-off request has been issued by the photographer. If a power off request is detected, the process proceeds to step S182. If a power-off request is not detected, the process proceeds to step S158 (reproduction mode is repeated).
In step S182, the CPU 24 stores the contact count N1 detected after power-on in the ROM 22 for each block BLK, and then turns off the power of the camera 100.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the full image from being reduced to a reduced image when the photographer accidentally touches the liquid crystal monitor 10 with his / her finger for a short time (for example, 1 second). . Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. For this reason, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject. As a result, a camera that is easy for the photographer to use can be provided.

9 to 11 show an image display operation in the second embodiment. Detailed description of the same elements as those described in the first embodiment is omitted. In this embodiment, the program stored in the ROM 22 to be executed by the CPU 24 shown in FIG. 1 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the camera 100 of the first embodiment.
Detailed description of the same processing as in FIGS. 6 to 8 described above is omitted. 9 to 11 is realized by the CPU 24 (area detection means, display control means, and second time selection means) executing a program stored in the ROM 22 (area storage means). 11 and 12 show that steps S104, S106, S108, S120, S132, S154 and S166 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 6 to 8) are changed to steps S200, S202, S204, S206, S208, S210 and S212. It is the same as FIGS. 6 to 8 except that each is replaced.

First, in step S100, when the CPU 24 receives a power-on request from the photographer, the CPU 24 turns on the camera 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.
In step S <b> 102, the CPU 24 starts to detect the contact number N <b> 1 that is the number of times the photographer's finger has touched the liquid crystal monitor 10. In this example, the contact count N1 is detected until the power of the camera 100 is turned off for each block BLK. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S <b> 200, when receiving a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the CPU 24 displays a menu screen for setting the reference area RA on the liquid crystal monitor 10. In the present invention, the reference area RA refers to a number for determining an area A1 where the photographer's finger contacts the liquid crystal monitor 10 (in this example, the area of the block BLK that is touched by the finger). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S <b> 202, the CPU 24 stores the reference area RA set by the photographer in the ROM 22. The reference area RA can be arbitrarily set in accordance with, for example, the area of the block BLK that the photographer contacts with the liquid crystal monitor 10. For this reason, the reference area RA can be adjusted according to the individuality of the photographer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, when the CPU 24 receives a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the time when the contact area A1 is detected is “when the shooting mode is selected”, “when the playback mode is selected”, “when the shooting mode is selected and when playback is performed”. A menu screen for selecting one of “both when mode is selected” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, when the CPU 24 detects that “when photographing mode is selected” by the photographer, for example, the CPU 24 sets “10 (binary number)” in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “when playback mode is selected” is selected, for example, “01” is set in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “both when shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected”, for example, flag FLG1 is set to “11”. Therefore, the CPU 24 determines that the contact area A1 detected in any of “when shooting mode is selected”, “when playback mode is selected” and “when both shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected” is the reference area RA (for example, block When the area exceeds the area of 3 BLKs), a reduced image is displayed on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact. As described above, in the shooting mode, the photographer needs to hold the camera body 102 firmly. For this reason, the photographer's finger is more likely to touch the liquid crystal monitor 10 when the shooting mode is selected than when the playback mode is selected. For this reason, according to the use condition of the camera 100, the time which switches a full image to a reduced image can be selected. As a result, an easy-to-use camera can be provided in accordance with the convenience of the photographer. Thereafter, steps S112 and S114 are executed in the process, and after FLG2 is set, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, when the CPU 24 receives a shooting mode selection request from the photographer, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG. When the photographer receives a reproduction mode selection request, the process proceeds to step S152 in FIG.
In step S118, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S206. When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S206, the CPU 24 starts detecting the contact area A1. That is, the area A1 where the photographer's finger contacts the liquid crystal monitor 10 can be detected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.
In step S122, the CPU 24, for example, drives the lens system 14 and the CCD 16 to display an image for determining the composition of the subject on the liquid crystal monitor 10, and receives reflected light from the subject for each pixel. The received reflected light is photoelectrically converted. Thereafter, steps S124 to S128 are executed, and after the reduced image or the full image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S208 (the determination of the contact area A1 is started). When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S142.
In step S208, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact area A1 exceeds the reference area RA (in this example, the area for three blocks BLK)”, the process proceeds to step S134. If the reference area RA is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step 134, the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display a reduced image on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact, as shown in FIG. Thus, the reduced image is displayed only when the area A1 where the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10 exceeds the reference area RA (in this example, the area corresponding to three blocks BLK). For this reason, when the photographer accidentally touches his / her finger with the liquid crystal monitor 10, if the area touched by the finger is small (for example, the area of one block), the full image is reduced to a reduced image. Can be prevented. Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. For this reason, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject. As a result, a camera that is easy for the photographer to use can be provided. Thereafter, steps S136 to S140 are executed, and after the reduced image is switched to the full image, the process proceeds to step S142.

  If the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “0” in step S130, or if the contact area A1 does not exceed the reference area RA in step S208, or after the reduced image is switched to the full image in step S132, In step S142, the CPU 24 waits for the photographer to press down the shutter switch SW4. If pressing of the shutter switch SW4 is detected, the process proceeds to step S144. Step S142 is repeated until the depression of the shutter switch SW4 is detected.

Thereafter, steps S144 to S150 are executed. In step S150, the CPU 24 stores the detected number of contacts N1 in the ROM 22 for each block BLK, and then turns off the power of the camera 100.
On the other hand, when the reproduction mode selection request is received in step S116 of FIG. 9, in step S152 of FIG. 11, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S210. When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S156.

In step S210, the CPU 24 starts detecting the contact area A1. That is, the area A1 where the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10 can be detected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S156.
In step S156, the CPU 24 reads the image data stored in the storage medium 30. Thereafter, steps S158 to S162 are executed, and after either the reduced image or the full image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10, the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S164, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S212. When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S176.
In step S212, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact area A1 exceeds the reference area RA (in this example, the area for three blocks BLK)”, steps S168 to S174 are executed, and the reduced image is full. After switching to the image, the process proceeds to step S176. On the other hand, if the reference area RA is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S176.

Thereafter, steps S176 to S180 are executed. In step S182, the CPU 24 stores the detected number of contacts N1 in the ROM 22 for each block BLK, and then turns off the power of the camera 100.
As described above, in the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the reference area RA can be arbitrarily set according to the area of the block BLK that the photographer contacts with the liquid crystal monitor 10. For this reason, the reference area RA can be adjusted according to the individuality of the photographer.

  12 to 14 show an image display operation in the third embodiment. Detailed description of the same elements as those described in the first embodiment is omitted. In this embodiment, the program stored in the ROM 22 to be executed by the CPU 24 shown in FIG. 1 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the camera 100 of the first embodiment. 12 to 14 is realized by the CPU 24 (number detection means, display control means, and third time selection means) executing a program stored in the ROM 22 (number storage means).

  12 to 14, steps S102, S112, S114, S124, S128, S136, S138, S140, S158, S162, S170, S172, and S174 are excluded from the first embodiment (FIGS. 6 to 8). Except that steps S104, S106, S108, S120, S132, S150, S154, S166, and S182 are replaced with steps S300, S302, S304, S306, S308, S310, S312, S314, and S316, respectively, FIG. It is the same as FIG.

First, in step S100, when the CPU 24 receives a power-on request from the photographer, the CPU 24 turns on the camera 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S300.
In step S300, upon receiving a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the CPU 24 displays a menu screen for setting the reference number RN2 (first number) on the liquid crystal monitor 10. In the present invention, the reference number RN2 indicates the number of times for determining the number N2 of contact of the photographer's finger with the liquid crystal monitor 10 (hereinafter referred to as contact number). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the CPU 24 stores the reference count RN2 set by the photographer in the ROM 22. The reference number RN2 can be arbitrarily set according to the number N2 of times when the photographer unconsciously places his / her finger on the liquid crystal monitor 10. For this reason, the reference count RN2 can be adjusted for each photographer according to the individuality of the photographer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, upon receiving a setup mode screen display request from the photographer, the CPU 24 determines when the contact count N2 is detected as “when shooting mode is selected”, “when playback mode is selected” and “when shooting mode is selected and when playback is performed. A menu screen for selecting one of “both when mode is selected” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, when the CPU 24 detects that “when photographing mode is selected” by the photographer, for example, the CPU 24 sets “10 (binary number)” in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “when playback mode is selected” is selected, for example, “01” is set in the flag FLG1. On the other hand, when it is detected that “both when shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected”, for example, flag FLG1 is set to “11”. Therefore, the CPU 24 determines that the contact count N2 detected in any of “when shooting mode is selected”, “when playback mode is selected” and “when both shooting mode is selected and when playback mode is selected” is the reference count RN2 (for example, 2 When the number of times exceeds (times), the reduced image is displayed on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact. As described above, in the shooting mode, the photographer needs to hold the camera body 102 firmly. For this reason, the photographer's finger is more likely to unconsciously touch the liquid crystal monitor 10 when the shooting mode is selected than when the playback mode is selected. For this reason, according to the use condition of the camera 100, the time which switches a full image to a reduced image can be selected. As a result, an easy-to-use camera can be provided in accordance with the convenience of the photographer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, when the CPU 24 receives a shooting mode selection request from the photographer, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG. When the photographer receives a reproduction mode selection request, the process proceeds to step S152 in FIG.
In step S118, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S306. When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S306, the CPU 24 starts detecting the number of contact times N2. That is, the number N2 of times that the photographer's finger contacts the liquid crystal monitor 10 can be detected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.
Thereafter, Steps S122 and S126 are executed, and after the full image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10, in Step S130, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the upper bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the upper bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S308 (determination of contact number N2 is started). When the upper bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S142.

In step S308, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact count N2 exceeds the reference count RN2 (two times in this example) stored in the ROM 22”, the process proceeds to step S134. If the reference count RN2 is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S142.
In step S134, the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display a reduced image on the block BLK where the finger is not in contact. Thus, the reduced image is displayed only when the number N2 of times that the finger contacts the liquid crystal monitor 10 exceeds the reference number RN2 (in this example, twice). For this reason, when the photographer unconsciously touches the liquid crystal monitor 10 with his / her finger a small number of times (for example, once), the full image can be prevented from being reduced to a reduced image. Therefore, the full image is not switched to the reduced image by an operation not intended by the photographer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S142.

Thereafter, steps S142 to S148 are executed, and when a photographer detects a power-off request, the CPU 24 turns off the power of the camera 100 in step S310. If a power-off request is not detected, the process proceeds to step S122 (shooting mode is repeated).
On the other hand, when the reproduction mode selection request is received in step S116 of FIG. 12, in step S152 of FIG. 14, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S312. When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S156.

In step S312, the CPU 24 starts detecting the number of contact times N2. That is, it is possible to detect the number N2 of times that the finger is in contact with the liquid crystal monitor 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S156.
In step S156, the CPU 24 reads the image data stored in the storage medium 30. Thereafter, step S160 is executed, and after a full image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10, the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S164, the CPU 24 detects whether or not the lower bit of the flag FLG1 is “1”. When the lower bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S314. When the lower bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S176.
In step S314, when the CPU 24 detects that “the contact count N2 exceeds the reference count RN2 (in this example, 2 times)”, the process proceeds to step S168. If the reference count RN2 has not been exceeded, the process moves to step S176.

In step S168, the CPU 24 drives the liquid crystal monitor 10 to display a reduced image on the block BLK that is not in contact with the finger. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S176.
Thereafter, steps S176 to S180 are executed, and when the photographer detects a power-off request, the CPU 24 turns off the power of the camera 100 in step S316. If the power off request is not detected, the process proceeds to step S160 (reproduction mode is repeated).

As described above, in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the reference count RN2 can be set according to the number of times the photographer unconsciously places his / her finger on the liquid crystal panel 10. For this reason, the reference count RN2 can be adjusted for each photographer in accordance with the individuality of the photographer.
In the first to third embodiments of the camera described above, an example in which contact with the liquid crystal panel 10 by a finger is detected using the resistive touch panel 12 has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a touch on the liquid crystal panel 10 by a finger may be detected using a capacitive touch panel that detects a change in capacitance formed between a pair of electrodes.

In the first to third embodiments of the camera described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera having a liquid crystal monitor has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It may be applied to a mobile phone having a liquid crystal monitor.
In the first to third embodiments of the camera described above, an example in which the reference time RT, the reference area RA, and the reference count RN2 are set by the operation of the photographer has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The reference time RT, the reference area RA, and the reference count RN2 may be set to predetermined values (default values).

  In the first and second embodiments of the camera described above, when the finger leaves the liquid crystal monitor 10, the reduced image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 10, or the reduced image is switched to the full image and the liquid crystal monitor is displayed. An example of selecting whether or not to display in 10 has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. After the shutter switch SW4 is pressed, it may be selected whether to continuously display the reduced image on the liquid crystal monitor 10, or to switch the reduced image to a full image and display it on the liquid crystal monitor 10.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail, said embodiment and its modification are only examples of this invention, and this invention is not limited to this. Obviously, modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is applied to a camera having an image display function.

It is a block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the back surface of the camera main body of the camera with which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the image display of a camera. It is a figure which shows another example of the image display of a camera. It is a figure which shows another example of the image display of a camera. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 1st Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 1st Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 1st Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 3rd Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 3rd Embodiment of the camera of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement in 3rd Embodiment of the camera of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 LCD monitor, 12 resistive touch panel, 14 lens system, 16 CCD, 18 A / D converter, 20 RAM, 22 ROM, 24 CPU, 26 I / F circuit, 28 operation unit, 30 storage media, 32 slots, 34 bus, 36 storage cover, 100 camera, 102 camera body

Claims (14)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
A screen for displaying an image captured by the imaging means;
Contact detection means for detecting a position of a photographer's hand that is arranged on the screen and contacts the screen;
Time detection means for receiving a detection by the contact detection means and detecting a contact time which is a time during which a hand is in contact with the screen;
When the contact time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, the image is displayed as a full image on the entire screen, and when the contact time exceeds a predetermined time, the position where the hand is in contact is excluded from the screen. And a display control means for displaying a reduced image obtained by reducing the full image at a position. The camera of claim 1,
A time storage means for storing an arbitrary time input from the outside;
The display control means displays the full image on the screen when the contact time is less than or equal to the time stored by the time storage means, and when the contact time exceeds the time stored by the time storage means The camera, wherein the full image is switched to the reduced image and displayed on the screen. The camera of claim 1,
First timing selecting means for selecting the time at which the contact time is detected from any of “at the time of imaging”, “at the time of reproduction” and “both at the time of imaging and at the time of reproduction”;
The time detection means activates the time detection means only when the subject is imaged when “when imaging” is selected, and displays the captured image on the screen when “when playback” is selected. Enable the time detection means only at the time of playback, and if "both at the time of imaging and playback" is selected, enable the time detection means at both the time of imaging and playback,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the full image on the screen when the time detection means is invalid. Imaging means for imaging a subject;
A screen for displaying an image captured by the imaging means;
Contact detection means for detecting a position of a photographer's hand that is arranged on the screen and contacts the screen;
Area detection means for detecting a contact area that is an area in which a hand is in contact with the screen in response to detection by the contact detection means;
When the contact area is less than or equal to a predetermined area, the image is displayed as a full image on the entire screen, and when the contact area exceeds a predetermined area, the position where the hand is in contact is excluded from the screen. And a display control means for displaying a reduced image obtained by reducing the full image at a position. The camera according to claim 4.
Comprising an area storage means for storing an arbitrary area inputted from the outside;
The display control means displays a full image on the screen when the contact area is equal to or less than the area stored by the area storage means, and when the contact area exceeds the area stored by the area storage means, A camera, wherein the full image is switched to the reduced image and displayed on the screen. The camera according to claim 4.
A second time selection means for selecting the time at which the contact area is detected from any of “at the time of imaging”, “at the time of reproduction” and “both at the time of imaging and at the time of reproduction”;
The area detecting means activates the area detecting means only when the subject is imaged when “when imaging” is selected, and displays the captured image on the screen when “when reproducing” is selected. Enable the area detection means only when playing back, and if "both during imaging and playback" is selected, enable the area detection means both during imaging and playback,
The display control means displays the full image on the screen when the area detection means is invalid. Imaging means for imaging a subject;
A screen for displaying an image captured by the imaging means;
Contact detection means for detecting a position of a photographer's hand that is arranged on the screen and contacts the screen;
In response to detection by the contact detection means, the number of times detection means for detecting the number of times the screen is touched by the photographer's hand;
When the contact count is less than or equal to a preset first count, the image is displayed as a full image on the entire screen. When the contact count exceeds the first count, a hand touches the screen. A camera comprising: display control means for displaying a reduced image obtained by reducing the full image at a position excluding the existing position. The camera according to claim 7, wherein
A number storage means for storing an arbitrary number of times input from the outside as the first number of times;
The display control means displays a full image on the screen when the number of contacts is less than or equal to the number stored by the number storage means, and when the number of contacts exceeds the number stored by the number storage means, A camera, wherein the full image is switched to the reduced image and displayed on the screen. The camera according to claim 7, wherein
A third time selecting means for selecting the time at which the number of times of contact is detected from any one of “at the time of imaging”, “at the time of reproduction” and “at the time of imaging and at the time of reproduction”;
The number detection means activates the number detection means only when the subject is imaged when “at the time of imaging” is selected, and displays the captured image on the screen when “at the time of reproduction” is selected. Enable the number of times detection means only at the time of playback, if "both at the time of imaging and playback" is selected, enable the number of times detection means at both the time of imaging and playback,
The display control means displays the full image on the screen when the number detection means is invalid. The camera according to claim 1 or 4,
The contact detection means is divided and arranged on the screen, and includes a plurality of detection units that respectively detect contact of a photographer's hand,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the reduced image on an area corresponding to a detection unit excluding a detection unit that detects contact of a photographer's hand on the screen. The camera according to any one of claims 1, 4, and 7,
The aspect ratio of the reduced image is equal to the aspect ratio of the full image. The camera according to claim 1 or 4,
The contact detection means is divided and arranged on the screen, and includes a plurality of detection units that respectively detect contact of a photographer's hand,
The display control means, when the hand moves on the screen, redisplays the reduced image in accordance with a change in a detection unit that detects contact of the hand. The camera according to claim 1 or 4,
During the display of the reduced image, when the contact detection unit detects that the photographer's hand has left the screen, the reduced image is switched to the full image and displayed on the screen, or Comprising display condition selection means for selecting whether to continuously display a reduced image on the screen;
The display control means displays the reduced image or the full image on the screen according to the condition selected by the display condition selection means. The camera according to claim 1 or 4,
A plurality of detection units that are included in the contact detection unit and arranged on the screen and detect contact of a photographer's hand;
A period of time from when the power is turned on until it is turned off, receiving detection by each of the detection units, and detecting the number of times the photographer's hand touches the screen for each detection unit;
Storage means for storing the number of times of contact detected by the number of times detection means for each of the detection units,
When the power is turned on next time, the display control unit displays the reduced image in an area corresponding to the detection unit on the screen except for the detection unit in which the number of contacts stored in the storage unit exceeds a preset second number. A camera characterized by displaying.

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