JP2007158616A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera which can instantaneously be zoomed to a desired magnification without the need for consecutive operations. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic camera 1 includes: a zoom means for applying electronic zooming or optical zooming to an optical image; an operation means 4 for detecting the desired zoom magnification Z1 by detecting an absolute position P1 of an operating point H within a zoom operating region 4c denoting a zoom range of the zoom means; and a control means for controlling the zoom means on the basis of a direct revision mode wherein a zoom magnification Z0 of the zoom means is directly revised into the desired zoom magnification Z1. Thus, the electronic camera can instantaneously be zoomed to the desired zoom magnification Z1 without need for continuously operating the operation means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that can be suitably used for an electronic camera with a zoom function that controls optical zoom and electronic zoom by operating an operation unit.

  Generally, an electronic camera such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera has a zoom unit having a zoom function such as an optical zoom function and an electronic zoom function, and an operation unit for operating the zoom unit. Yes.

  The conventional electronic camera has an operation unit such as a seesaw type zoom controller 109 as shown in FIG. 9 or a slide type zoom controller (not shown). As shown in FIG. ”Side or“ Tele (T) ”side by continuing to operate, the zoom magnification preset in a plurality of stages by the control means of the zoom means is changed stepwise and continuously, and the operator's desired When the zoom magnification is reached, the operation of the operation unit is terminated and the zoom operation is completed (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in order to prevent image quality deterioration, the conventional electronic camera generally compensates for an insufficient magnification with the electronic zoom after performing the optical zoom.

JP-A-5-107442

  However, the conventional electronic camera cannot reach the desired zoom magnification from the initial or current zoom magnification unless it continues to operate the operation unit, which is inconvenient from the viewpoint of operability. there were.

  In addition, the conventional electronic camera has to be zoomed step by step because the operation of the operation unit becomes difficult when the zoom speed is too high, and the optical zoom is mechanically performed first. It was. For this reason, a time loss occurs until the desired zoom magnification is reached, and inconveniences such as missing a great photo opportunity have occurred.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can instantaneously zoom to a desired magnification without performing continuous operation. .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can perform linear zooming without causing a time loss for reaching a desired zoom magnification.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to a first aspect of the electronic camera of the present invention, a zoom unit that performs electronic zoom or optical zoom on an optical image formed on an imaging surface, and a zoom range by the zoom unit On the basis of a direct change mode for directly changing the zoom magnification of the zoom means to the desired zoom magnification And a control means for controlling the zoom means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, after the zoom unit completes zooming to a desired zoom magnification by the electronic zoom, the optical value is not changed without changing the value of the entire zoom magnification. The present invention is characterized in that an operation of increasing the ratio of the zoom magnification of the zoom and decreasing the ratio of the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom is performed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first or second aspect, the zoom magnification of the zoom unit is changed stepwise and continuously from the direct change mode to the end of the operation of the operation unit in the control performed by the control unit. It is characterized by comprising switching means for switching to a step change mode for changing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to third aspects, the switching unit changes a zoom range.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation means is formed using a variable resistor, a pressure sensor, or a capacitive sensor. It is characterized by.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the switching means is located below the linear operation area of the operation means and is operated after the operation means is operated. The switch is operated in two steps by pressing the means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the zoom is instantaneously performed to a desired zoom magnification according to the absolute position of the operation point by the operator's finger or the like, it is possible to take an image without missing a photo opportunity. Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the movement of the operator's finger or the like that operates the operation means is detected, and the zoom means moves according to the detection result. The effect is that it is possible to perform an easy zoom operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a desired zoom magnification is quickly reached by electronic zoom so as not to miss a photo opportunity, and the image quality of video data is improved by optical zoom before shooting. Can do.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the conventional stepwise zoom change familiar to the operator.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, zoom operations such as fine adjustment of zoom magnification and maximum zoom up / down are facilitated.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operating means can be easily manufactured by using a circulating apparatus.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the switching means can be operated without moving the operator's finger or the like from the operation means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electronic camera of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera 1 according to this embodiment includes an arithmetic device 2 that controls the electronic camera 1, a storage device 3 connected to the arithmetic device 2, a zoom controller 4, a zoom motor 5, and a focus motor. 6, video processing device 7 and changeover switch 8, optical lens 9 connected to zoom motor 5 and focusing motor 6, photoelectric conversion element 10 connected to video processing device 7, recording device 11 and image display device 12.

  The storage device 3 is a direct change mode for directly zooming from a detection position of the zoom controller 4 to a desired zoom magnification, and a step change mode for changing the zoom magnification of the zoom means stepwise and continuously until the operation of the zoom controller 4 is completed. , A program related to a zoom ratio for changing the ratio of the electronic zoom and the ratio of the optical zoom without changing the value of the entire zoom magnification, a zoom range changing program for changing the zoom range by the zoom magnification straight line 13, and other normal photographing Is a device that stores a program necessary for the above, and a memory is mainly used.

  The arithmetic unit 2 uses various zoom modes, zoom ratio programs, zoom range change programs, and other programs necessary for normal shooting, which are stored in the storage device 3. 6. Image processing device 7 is a device for controlling other means related to photographing, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is mainly used. The arithmetic device 2 is used as a control means.

  The zoom motor 5 and the focus motor 6 are means for optically zooming the optical lens 9 by zoom adjustment or focus adjustment, and are used as optical zoom means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the zoom controller 4 has an operation region 4c in which a zoom magnification straight line 13 linearized with the maximum wide (W) end and the maximum tele (T) end of the zoom range is written at both ends. And is used as an operating means. The operation area 4c is formed on the back side of the horizontally long rectangular sheet 4a with a detection sensor capable of detecting an absolute position, such as a variable resistor, a pressure sensor, or a capacitance sensor. As a specific example, when the variable resistor 4b is used in the zoom controller 4, as shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the operation region 4c formed in a rectangular shape using a sheet 4a that is easily deformed is placed on the operator's finger. When traced with H or the like, the electrode 4d placed on the back surface of the electrode contacts the variable resistor 4b below, and the value of the detection voltage Vcc supplied to the variable resistor 4b changes to be detected as the operation voltage Vz. It has become. When a capacitance sensor is used for the zoom controller 4, as shown in FIG. 4, an operation region in which a zoom magnification line 13 is displayed on a part of the surface of the image display device 12 that displays captured video data. When a plurality of X transparent electrodes and Y transparent electrodes (not shown) orthogonal to 4c are arranged and the surface of the transparent sheet 4e disposed on the surfaces of the X transparent electrode and the Y transparent electrode is traced with an operator's finger The values of the plurality of X transparent electrodes and Y transparent electrodes are locally changed and detected as operation voltages.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the changeover switch 8 is a changeover device disposed around the zoom controller 4 and is used as a changeover means. As this change-over switch 8, a contact switch, a pressure-sensitive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like that can detect pressing or touching of an operator's finger or the like is used. As shown in FIG. 3, the change-over switch 8 is operated by pressing the seat 4a of the zoom controller 4 so that the insulating actuator 8a attached below the variable resistor 4b contacts the contact portion 8b. It may be formed so as to detect the voltage Vs.

  The photoelectric conversion element 10 is an element that converts an optical image picked up on an image pickup surface through an optical lens 9 into a video signal, and a CCD (charge coupled device) is mainly used.

  The recording device 11 is a device that records the video signal photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion element 10 as video data after video processing by the video processing device 7.

  The video processing device 7 is a device that processes video signals obtained from the photoelectric conversion element 10 and the recording device 11 to generate video data, and an IC (integrated circuit) is mainly used. The video processing device 7 also performs video data processing for enlarging / reducing a part of the video data to the size of the entire video data frame based on the video data of the maximum number of pixels output from the photoelectric conversion element 10. It also has a function and is used as an electronic zoom means.

  The image display device 12 is a device that displays video data recorded in the recording device 11 after processing by the video processing device 7, and a liquid crystal display panel is mainly used. The image display device 12 is also used as a part of the zoom controller 4 as described above.

  Next, the operation of the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 shows the zoom controller 4 and the zoom magnification line 13 corresponding thereto. As shown in FIG. 5, when the zoom controller 4 detects the absolute position P1 of the operation point such as the finger H of the operator who has touched the operation area 4c of the zoom controller 4, the zoom magnification line and the zoom controller corresponding to the arithmetic device 2 correspond to each other. Based on the detected position of 4, the zoom magnification Z1 desired by the operator is calculated. The computing device 2 that has calculated the zoom magnification controls the zoom motor 5, the focus motor 6, and the video processing device 7 to zoom to the desired zoom magnification Z1. The controlled zoom motor 5 and focus motor 6 drive the respective motors to perform optical zoom of the optical lens 9, and the video processing device 7 performs video data based on the entire video data recorded in the recording device 11. Perform electronic zoom. Since the desired zoom magnification Z1 has already been designated by the operator, this zoom operation is not performed step by step and continuously as in the prior art, but directly from the initial zoom magnification Z0. To reach the desired zoom magnification Z1.

  Through such a zooming operation, the operator can obtain an operation feeling that directly designates a desired zoom position (zoom magnification) with his / her finger H or the like, and can shoot without missing a photo opportunity. become.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the operator's finger H or the like is moved on the operation region 4c of the zoom controller 4, the zoom controller 4 detects the absolute position of the operator's finger H. 6 (b) and (c), the optical zoom and the electronic zoom are operated in accordance with the movement of the operator's finger H or the like (P1 → P2 → P3 or P3 → P2 → P1) (Z1 → Z2). → Z3 or Z3 → Z2 → Z1), a linear zoom operation can be performed in accordance with the movement of the operator's finger H or the like.

  Here, in the optical zoom operation, since the zoom motor 5 and the focus motor 6 are driven, it is difficult to reach a desired zoom magnification without feeling time loss. For this reason, the zoom process described above is preferably performed in the order of the flowchart shown in FIG. This zoom process will be described below.

  When the zoom operation is started by the operation of the zoom controller 4 (step S1), the zoom is completed to a predetermined zoom magnification by the electronic zoom by the video processing device 7 with almost no time loss (step S2). If the image is captured immediately after the completion of the electronic zoom (step S3), the image capture is completed only by the electronic zoom. Thereby, it is possible to shoot without missing a photo opportunity.

  Further, after the desired zoom is completed only by the electronic zoom (step S2), if the image is not photographed immediately (step S3), the ratio depending on the electronic zoom is reduced without changing the desired zoom magnification, and the dependence on the optical zoom. To increase the ratio (step S4). By performing this electronic zoom-down and optical zoom-up (step S4), the video data to be photographed obtained from the photoelectric conversion element 10 is changed from video data having a high electronic zoom ratio to video data having a low electronic zoom ratio. While replacing, it is possible to record on the recording device 11 using high-resolution video data obtained by optical zoom. This zoom ratio changing operation (step 4) is repeated until the predetermined zoom magnification is achieved by optical zoom or the maximum zoom magnification by optical zoom is reached (step 5). Then, when a predetermined zoom magnification is achieved by optical zoom (step 5), the zoom process is terminated.

  Further, the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a function for improving the operability of the zoom function as well as the zoom function described above.

  When the changeover switch 8 is operated, the arithmetic device 2 performs zoom control by changing the mode from the direct change mode stored in the storage device 3 to the step change mode. As described above, the direct change mode is a mode in which the calculation device 2 determines the contact position of the zoom controller 4 as the desired zoom magnification and the zoom is directly and instantaneously controlled to the desired zoom magnification. In the change mode, the zoom movement direction from the contact position of the zoom controller 4 to the “wide” or “tele” side is detected as in the conventional zoom control, and the computing device 2 performs zooming until the operation of the zoom controller 4 is completed. This is a mode for continuous and continuous control. Since this step change mode has been used conventionally, the operator is familiar with the sensory sense. Therefore, by performing this operation, a mode that is easy for the operator to use can be selected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the step change mode is provided at the lower portion of the zoom controller 4 like a two-step switch, so that the operator's finger H or the like is not pushed away from the zoom controller 4 but only pressed. Switching can be performed, and further convenience can be improved.

  Further, the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment is configured to change the zoom range of the zoom magnification straight line 13 as well as the mode related to the zoom operation by operating the changeover switch 8. As shown in FIG. 8B, for example, when the zoom magnification line is divided into 10 steps from 0 to 10, and the current zoom magnification is the “5” step of the zoom magnification line, the changeover switch 8 is set. By performing the operation, as shown in FIG. 8C, the center position of the zoom magnification straight line is not changed from the “5” stage, and both ends thereof are changed from “0” and “10” to “4.5” and “ 5.5 ". That is, the zoom magnification interval for one step is reduced. By operating the changeover switch 8, the operator can easily perform fine adjustment of the zoom. Of course, by operating the changeover switch 8, the zoom magnification interval for one step can be increased as shown in FIG. 8C to FIG. 8B, so zooming from the lowest zoom magnification to the highest zoom magnification, etc. Zoom operation within the maximum zoom range can be easily performed.

  That is, by using the zoom controller 4 that detects the absolute position by the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to move directly to a designated zoom position instead of stepwise movement, and an image related to the zoom Data quality can also be improved over time.

  In addition, by operating the changeover switch 8, a familiar zoom mode can be selectively used and the zoom magnification range can be easily changed, which is convenient for the operator. Can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above etc., A various change is possible as needed. For example, in the present embodiment, the zoom range is linearized by the zoom magnification straight line 13, but in other embodiments, the curved range is operated by sliding the operator's finger H or the like in the circumferential direction of the circle. The zoom controller 4 may be formed with the operation area 4c, and the zoom magnification straight line 13 may be curved and written together. The operation area 4c of the zoom controller 4 may be a curved surface as well as a flat surface.

The block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the electronic camera of this invention Front view showing the zoom controller of the present embodiment Schematic circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit of the zoom controller and changeover switch of the present embodiment Front view showing the zoom controller and LCD of the present embodiment The figure which shows the state which made the operator's finger H contact the surface of the zoom controller of this embodiment locally; (a) has shown the zoom controller and the operator's finger. (B) shows a zoom magnification straight line. (C) shows zoomed video data. The figure which shows the state which made the operator's finger | toe H contact the surface of the zoom controller of this embodiment, and was slid and moved; (a) has shown the zoom controller and the operator's finger | toe. (B) shows a zoom magnification straight line. (C) shows zoomed video data. The flowchart which shows the zoom process of the electronic camera of this embodiment The figure which shows the state by which the zoom range of the zoom magnification straight line was changed by operating the changeover switch of this embodiment. The circuit diagram which shows an example of the operation part in the conventional electronic camera The figure which shows the relationship between operation of the conventional operation part, and zoom; (a) has shown the operation part. (B) shows a zoom magnification straight line. (C) shows zoomed video data.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic Camera 2 Computing Device
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Memory | storage device 4 Zoom controller 4a Sheet | seat 4b Variable resistor 4c Operation area | region 4d Electrode 4e Transparent sheet 5 Motor for zoom 6 Motor for focus 7 Image processing apparatus
8 Switch 8a Actuator 8b Contact
9 Optical lens 10 Photoelectric conversion element
11 Recording Device 12 Image Display Device 13 Zoom Magnification Line

Claims (6)

Zoom means for performing optical zoom or electronic zoom on the optical image formed on the imaging surface;
Operation means for detecting a desired zoom magnification by detecting an absolute position of an operation point in a zoom operation area representing a zoom range by the zoom means;
An electronic camera comprising: control means for controlling the zoom means based on a direct change mode for directly changing the zoom magnification of the zoom means to the desired zoom magnification. The zoom means, after completing zooming to the desired zoom magnification by the electronic zoom, does not change the value of the entire zoom magnification, and increases the proportion of the zoom magnification of the optical zoom to increase the proportion of the electronic zoom. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein an operation of reducing a ratio occupied by the zoom magnification is performed. The control performed by the control means comprises switching means for switching to a step change mode for changing the zoom magnification of the zoom means stepwise and continuously from the direct change mode to the end of operation of the operation means. The electronic camera according to claim 1 or 2. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the switching unit changes the zoom range. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation means is formed using a variable resistor, a pressure-sensitive sensor, or a capacitance sensor. The switching means is located below a linear operation area of the operating means, and is a switch that is operated in two steps by pressing the operating means after operating the operating means. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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