JP2008017223A - Imaging apparatus, guide display method of imaging apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately capture a prescribed object of which the positional relationship or the like under a surrounding environment can be specified and to readily photograph the object in photographing the prescribed object. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging system including a photographing lens 11 for photographing an image of the object, and an imaging element 31; an electronic finder 22 for displaying the image obtained by the imaging system on a monitor; a data memory 59 stored with a prescribed rule denoting an arranged state of the object changed with an elapsed time; an azimuth/three-dimensional tilt angle sensor 13 for designating an installation position, an installation posture of the apparatus and a time; a posture detection section 49; a GPS receiving antenna 18; a GPS receiver 50; and a main control circuit 37 that references the rule on the basis of the designated installation position, the installation posture of the apparatus and the time, generates a guide image denoting the arranged state of the object and displays the generated guide image in addition to the monitor image of the electronic finder 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus suitable for capturing a predetermined subject that can specify a certain positional relationship of the subject depending on conditions, such as an astronomical photograph, a guide display method for the imaging apparatus, and a program.

In place of the traditional constellation quick-view board, there is one that can electronically calculate and display the position and direction of constellations and celestial bodies. For example, there is a device that can be said to be an electronic constellation quick-view board that has the following GPS equation and calculates and outputs the position of the star using the orbit data, observation position information, observation date and observation time information of the star to be observed as parameters. Yes. (For example, Patent Document 1)
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-129083

  However, even when observing a constellation using the above-described device, the actual constellation position can be finally confirmed by alternately comparing and referring to the display unit of the device and the actual starry sky. .

  In addition, when photographing a constellation or the like with a camera, in order to correctly photograph an area with a desired constellation, the above device, the actual starry sky, and the camera finder must be viewed alternately. The work for that is remarkably complicated.

  On the other hand, a highly functional astronomical telescope is a product installed on a computer-controlled motor-driven equator that automatically keeps the telescope pointing to the current visual position of the star when the equatorial coordinates of the desired celestial object are entered. There is also. If a camera is attached to the eyepiece portion of this type of product, tracking shooting can be performed in accordance with the circular movement of the star, but it is very expensive and the apparatus itself is not general.

  By the way, in a car navigation device for automobiles with a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, it is possible to display the current position, place name, surrounding map, etc., and display contents, specifically roads and various facilities, Products that change the background etc. according to the time (under the clear sky and at night, etc.) have been commercialized.

  However, it is troublesome to carry the car navigation device for photographing when confirming the terrain or target to be photographed with a camera even if the device is a portable type. In addition, it is a burden on the user to compare and associate the car navigation device screen with the camera monitor screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to accurately capture a subject when photographing a predetermined subject that can specify the positional relationship in the surrounding environment. An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of easily taking an image, a display control method for the image pickup apparatus, and a program.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, a display unit that displays on the monitor an image obtained by the imaging unit, and a predetermined state that indicates an arrangement state or a photographing state of the subject that changes over time. Storage means storing the rules, first specifying means for specifying the installation position and installation posture of the apparatus, second specifying means for specifying the time, and installation position and installation specified by the first specifying means A creation means for creating a guide image indicating a subject placement situation or a shooting situation with reference to the rules stored in the storage means by the posture and the time designated by the second designation means, and a guide created by the creation means And display control means for displaying an image in addition to the monitor image on the display means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when shooting a subject such as a celestial body whose positional relationship can be specified by specifying the surrounding environment such as the azimuth along with the time, the guide image is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to capture the subject very easily and accurately.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the external configuration, FIG. 1 (A) is mainly the front side of the digital camera 10 viewed from the upper left side, and FIG. 1 (B) is the rear side of the digital camera 10 viewed from the upper right side. It is each perspective view of a side.

  A photographing lens 11 having a zoom mechanism is attached to the front side of the digital camera 10, a release key 12 is disposed on the upper end surface of the grip portion at the right end, and an azimuth / three-dimensional tilt angle sensor 13 is included in the grip portion. Is done.

  Also, on the upper surface of the digital camera 10, a mode switching dial 14, a liquid crystal display unit 15, a pop-up built-in flash 16 of the pentaprism unit, an external flash hot terminal 17, a GPS receiving antenna 18 and the like are arranged from the right end side. The

  The GPS receiving antenna 18 receives incoming radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites (not shown) as will be described later, and detects the current position of the digital camera 10 together with accurate current time information in three-dimensional coordinates (latitude / longitude / altitude). It is provided to do.

  Further, on the back side of the digital camera 10, an optical finder 19, a cursor key 20, a numerical value input key 21, and an electronic finder 22 that functions as a monitor display unit and a touch panel function are provided.

  The electronic viewfinder 22 is formed by integrating a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight and a transparent touch panel, and the base portion is a biaxial hinge mechanism, so that the display surface / touch surface can be arbitrarily moved within a predetermined range. be able to.

  In addition, the outer surface of the rear right side to the right side forming the grip portion of the digital camera 10 also serves as a cover 23 for a storage portion for storing a battery serving as a power source for the digital camera 10 and a memory card serving as a recording medium.

  Next, the configuration of the electronic circuit of the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The photographing lens 11 has a diaphragm mechanism 11a and a shutter mechanism 11b inserted in the optical axes of a plurality of optical lens groups. The photographing light obtained through these mechanisms is, for example, an image sensor 31 composed of a CCD. Is imaged.

  This image sensor 31 is scanned and driven by a driver 32 and outputs a charge for each pixel corresponding to an optical image. After this is gain-adjusted and sample-held, it is digitized by an A / D converter 33 and image data. Is formed and sent to the video signal processing 34.

  The video signal processing 34 converts primary color image data to the same luminance / chrominance data, performs process processing such as γ correction, and holds the processed image data in an image memory 35 serving as a buffer memory. .

  The image data stored in the image memory 35 is read out by the photographing control circuit 36 and sent to a main control circuit 37 constituted by a CPU.

  The imaging control circuit 36 also receives a detection signal from a lens position detection unit 38 that detects the positions of the focus lens and zoom lens in the imaging lens 11 in particular, and sends a driving signal to a lens driving unit 39 to send each of the lenses. In addition to controlling the position, the control signal is sent to the shutter / aperture driving unit 40 to control the operation of the aperture mechanism 11a and the shutter mechanism 11b in the photographing lens 11.

  Light is incident on the photometry / ranging sensor 41 through a part of the photographing lens 11, and the detection signal is output to the color temperature detection unit 42, the photometry unit 43, and the distance measurement unit 44.

  The color temperature detection unit 42, the photometry unit 43, and the distance measurement unit 44 detect and measure the color temperature of the light image, the light amount, and the distance to the subject from the detection signal of the photometry / ranging sensor 41, respectively, and the result is obtained. Both are output to the imaging control circuit 36.

  Further, the photographing control circuit 36 drives the built-in flash 16 to emit light, a flash drive unit 45 including a large-capacitance capacitor, and a xenon discharge constituting the built-in flash 16 so as to vary the light emission irradiation angle of the built-in flash 16. A control signal is also sent to the irradiation angle drive unit 46 that varies the distance between the tube and its reflector.

  In addition to the shooting control circuit 36, the main control circuit 37 includes a voice decoding unit 47, a voice encoding unit 48, an attitude detection unit 49, a GPS receiver 50, an input circuit 51, a coordinate input circuit 52, a display memory 53, a display The drive unit 54, the image processing unit 55, the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56, the image data memory 57, the program memory 58, the data memory 59, the external memory interface 60, the input / output interface 61, and the power supply control unit 62 are also connected. The

  The audio decoding unit 47 decodes the given audio data to obtain a digital audio signal, which is converted into an analog signal via the D / A converter 63 and disposed on the back side of the digital camera 10. The loudspeaker 64 emits sound.

  On the other hand, the voice input from the microphone 65 disposed on the front side of the digital camera 10 is sampled by the A / D converter 66 and digitized, and then encoded by the voice encoding unit 48 using a predetermined modulation method. Is output to the main control circuit 37.

  The orientation detection unit 49 detects the orientation and orientation of the digital camera 10 that the front of the digital camera 10 is facing at that time based on the signals θyaw, θpitch, and θroll obtained from the orientation / three-dimensional tilt angle sensor 13. The detection result is output to the main control circuit 37.

  The GPS receiver 50 calculates the accurate current time based on the atomic clock and the three-dimensional coordinates (latitude / longitude / altitude) of the current position based on the incoming radio waves from the plurality of GPS satellites received by the GPS receiving antenna 18. To the main control circuit 37.

  The input circuit 51 receives the operation of various keys including the release key 12, the mode switching dial 14, the cursor key 20, and the numerical value input key 21, and outputs the operation signal to the main control circuit 37.

  The coordinate input circuit 52 generates two-dimensional coordinate data based on the touch on the touch panel 22 a that constitutes a part of the electronic viewfinder 22 and outputs the two-dimensional coordinate data to the main control circuit 37.

  The display memory 53 holds the image data given from the main control circuit 37 and reads it out to the display drive unit 54, so that the display drive unit 54 drives and displays the display unit 22 b formed of a color liquid crystal panel constituting the electronic viewfinder 22. To do.

  The image processing unit 55 executes various image processing such as white balance, contrast, sharpness conversion, luminance correction, monochrome / sepia processing, and the like on the image data based on control from the main control circuit 37.

  The compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56 compresses original image data by DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) based on, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) standard at the time of image recording, Huffman encoding as entropy encoding, or the like. On the other hand, at the time of image reproduction, the compressed data is decompressed by a procedure reverse to the above data compression.

  The image data memory 57 temporarily holds image data at the time of data compression / decompression in the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56.

  The program memory 58 fixedly stores an operation program executed by the main control circuit 37 during an operation described later, data such as constants used in the program, and the like.

  The data memory 59 is used as a work area of the main control circuit 37, as well as astronomical position coordinate data, astronomical visual position calculation data, building coordinate position data, building visual position calculation data, etc. Various data used in the operation described later is stored.

  The external memory interface 60 transmits and receives image data between the memory card 67 mounted as a recording medium in the digital camera 10 and the main control circuit 37.

  The input / output interface 61 is disposed with the communication unit 69 between the input / output terminal 68 provided with the digital camera 10, for example, a USB terminal, and the main control circuit 37, and transmits and receives various data including image data.

  The power supply control unit 62 receives the supply voltage from the battery 70 which is the power supply of the digital camera 10, stabilizes it and supplies it to the main control circuit 37, while performing monitor management of the battery 70 and the like.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
3 and 4 show the processing contents of the photographing control in the digital camera 10, and this control operation is mainly performed by the main control circuit 37 in the operation memory stored in the program memory 58 and fixed data such as constants. Run based on.

  At the beginning, the user arbitrarily sets the shooting mode, shooting conditions, and the like (step A01).

  Based on this setting, it is determined whether or not the astrophotography mode has been set (step A02). Only when it is determined that the astrophotography mode has been set, the current position of the digital camera 10 is input or automatic positioning processing is performed (step A03).

  FIG. 5 is a subroutine showing the contents of automatic positioning processing using GPS. At the beginning, it is determined whether or not the GPS receiver 50 is already activated and operating (step B01).

  Here, only when it is determined that the GPS receiver 50 has not been started yet and is not operating, the operation of the GPS receiver 50 is started again (step B02), and then the system waits for completion of the start and positioning. (Step B03).

  If it is determined in step B03 that activation has been completed, or if it is determined in step B01 that it has already been activated, then the incoming radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites are received using the GPS receiving antenna 18, First, a pseudo distance is measured by receiving and demodulating a code based on a pseudo random number sequence PRN (Pseudo-Random Noise) in the positioning signal (step B04).

  Next, astronomical history information and activation data of each GPS satellite are acquired (step B05), and the position of each GPS satellite and the distance from the current position are calculated (step B06).

  Then, from this calculation result, accurate three-dimensional coordinates where the digital camera 10 is currently located, that is, longitude λ, latitude φ, and altitude h are calculated together with the current time (step B07).

  Based on these coordinate values, conversion processing to geodetic system coordinates is performed (step B08). As a result, the current position where the digital camera 10 is located is acquired and output to the main control circuit 37 (step B09). Then, this subroutine is finished.

  In the main routine of FIG. 3, following the positioning process in step A03, the orientation (azimuth, elevation angle, inclination angle, etc.) of the digital camera 10 is now measured using the azimuth / three-dimensional inclination angle sensor 13 and the posture detection unit 49. Is detected (step A04).

  Next, an approximate astronomical search range that should be originally visible on the electronic viewfinder 22 is set based on the current position of the digital camera 10, the detected camera orientation, and the zoom magnification of the photographing lens 11 at that time (step A05).

  Based on the set celestial object search range, equatorial coordinates (red longitude α and declination δ) of the celestial object to be searched are set (step A06), and the visual position of the celestial object to be searched is calculated based on the current date and current position. (Step A07), the calculated visual position of the celestial body, that is, the azimuth angle Az and the altitude angle ψ are sequentially stored in the data memory 59 (Step A08).

  Then, it is determined whether or not all the visual positions of the celestial bodies to be searched have been calculated (step A09). If it is determined that the calculation has not yet been completed, the process returns to the processing from step A06. Steps A06 to A09 are repeatedly executed until it is determined to be calculated.

  FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing relating to the screen display of the celestial body visual position simulation image. First, the visual position of the celestial body is calculated by inputting the current date and time data and the current position data to the position coordinate data of the celestial body (FIG. 6A) (FIG. 6B).

  By projecting and drawing the calculation result as a two-dimensional image (FIG. 6C), a simulation visual field image is generated (FIG. 6D).

FIG. 7 explains the concept of the above calculation processing of the visual position of the celestial body. In the same figure, the observation point of the camera located at latitude φ and longitude λ, the equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) of the point indicating the position of the celestial body, and the hour angle which is the visual position of the celestial body (Hour Angle) The relationship among HA, azimuth angle (Azimus) Az, and altitude angle (elevation angle: Latitude) ψ is shown. That is,
cosψsinAz = cosδsinHA,
cosψcosAz = -cosφsinδ + sinφcosδcosHA,
sinψ = sinφsinδ + cosφcosδcosHA,
(However, the azimuth Az is from south to west.)
FIG. 8 shows the position coordinate data (red longitude α, declination δ) of major stars such as Sirius and Canopus constituting the celestial body. These data are stored in the data memory 59 in advance as the position coordinate data of the celestial body. Shall be kept.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show specific subroutines for the calculation processing of the visual position of a celestial body (star) such as a star or a constellation. First, the result of positioning the current position (latitude φ, longitude λ, altitude h) of the digital camera 10 is input (step C01). Here, when an angle unit is input in degrees [deg] and an altitude unit is input in [m], it is converted into [rad] [km] by the calculation formulas shown respectively.

In addition, when obtaining the planet position in detail, the latitude φ is converted into the geocentric latitude φ ′. Here, the geocentric latitude φ ′
φ '= tan ^-1 (0.9983055 + 0.000011 ^* h [km]) ^* tan (φ)
Given in.

  Next, the calculation date and time (YY / MM / DD, hh / mm / ss) and the time difference TD from the Greenwich Mean Time GMT are input (step C02).

  At the same time, the equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) of the celestial body to be searched are set according to the equations shown (step C03).

The quasi-Julian date (MJD1, corrected Julian date MJD2) is calculated from the above calculated date and time and time difference as follows:
MJD1 = INT (365.25 ^* YY) + INT (YY / 40) -INT (YY / 100)
+ INT (30.59 ^* (MM-2)) + DD + 721088.5-2400000.5
MJD2 = MJD1 + hh / 24 + mm / 1440 + ss / 86400 = TD / 24
(However, if MM ≦ 2, MM = MM + 12 and YY = YY-1)
(Step C04).

Next, from quasi-Julian date MJD2, the Greenwich star time θ _G is
ST = 0.671242 + 1.002737909 ^* (MJD2-40000)
ST = ST-INT (ST)
(However, INT () is an integer function.)
θ _G [hour] = 24 [hour] * ST
θ _G [rad] = 2π * ST
Is calculated (step C05).

Next, from the local stellar time at the longitude, “θ _G −longitude λ (west longitude +, east longitude −)” and the celestial red longitude α, the time angle HA of the celestial body is
HA [hour] = θ _G [hour] -λ [deg] / 15- [hour]
HA [rad] = HA [hour] ^* 15 ^* π / 180
(Step C06).

Next, the azimuth angle Az (south to west) of the celestial body is
S1: cosψsinAz ＝ cosδ * sinHA
C1: cosψcosAz = -cosLAT ^* sinδ + sinLAT ^* cosδ ^* cosHA,
Az = tan ^-1 (S1 / C1)
(Step C07).

Further, using the time angle HA and the declination δ of the celestial body, the altitude angle ψ of the celestial body is expressed by the following equation:
S2: sinψ = sinLAT ^* sinδ + cosLAT ^* cosδ ^* cosHA, cosδ * sinHA
C2: cosψ = √ ((1- (S2)) ² ) or √ ((S1) ² + (C1) ² )
ψ = tan ^-1 (S2 / C2)
(Step C08).

In the calculation of tan ⁻¹ (Sn / Cn) (n = 1, 2) in the calculation formula of the azimuth angle Az and altitude angle ψ, it can be expanded to a range of 0 ° to 360 ° (0 to 2π). The quadrant is determined as follows, and θ = tan ⁻¹ (Sn / Cn)
When C> 0 and S> 0, θ = tan ⁻¹ (Sn / Cn) may be maintained.
In the case of C> 0 and S <0, conversion is made into the form θ = 2π−θ.
Similarly, in the case of C <0, it is converted into the form of θ = π−θ.
When C = S = 0, θ = undefined (or zenith)
When C = 0 and S> 0, θ = π / 2
When C = 0 and S <, θ = 3π / 2
Convert to π-θ form.

The visual position of the celestial body obtained as described above, that is, the azimuth angle Az and the altitude angle ψ are output (step C09).
The above calculation is repeated for each celestial body.

  Further, in addition to the calculation of the visual position of the normal celestial body (star) described in FIGS. 9 and 10, detailed processing contents when calculating the visual position of the sun, the moon, and the planet are also shown in FIGS. Will be described.

  10 and 11 are subroutines for calculating the visual position of the visual position of the sun, the moon, and the planet. Unlike celestial bodies that hardly move on the equator, such as stars other than the sun, the equator coordinates of the sun, the moon, and the planets of the solar system change daily. When the equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) are obtained, the visual position (azimuth angle Az, altitude angle ψ) can be calculated in substantially the same manner as in the case of the star described with reference to FIGS.

  As a processing procedure, first, the result of positioning the current position (latitude φ, longitude λ, altitude h) of the digital camera 10 is input (step D01). Here, when an angle unit is input in degrees [deg] and an altitude unit is input in [m], it is converted into [rad] [km] by the calculation formulas shown respectively.

In addition, when obtaining the planet position in detail, the latitude φ is converted into the geocentric latitude φ ′. Here, the geocentric latitude φ ′
φ '= tan ^-1 (0.9983055 + 0.000011 ^* h [km]) ^* tan (φ)
Given in.

  Next, the calculation date and time (YY / MM / DD, hh / mm / ss) and the time difference TD from the Greenwich Mean Time GMT are input (step D02).

  In addition, the geocentric ecliptic coordinates of the sun and the moon are calculated (step D03). The sun's equatorial coordinates do not need to be calculated frequently because the daily changes are small. On the other hand, the equatorial coordinates of the sun go around the zodiac 12 constellations in about one year, so the change due to the season is large.

For the sun's equatorial coordinates, first, the sun's geocentric ecliptic coordinates (yellow longitude λ _S , longitude latitude β _S , distance r _S ) with the earth as the center are obtained using a position approximate expression described later. The calculated zodiac coordinates of the geocenter
U = cosβ * cosλ
V = cosβ * sinλ * cose-sinβ * sine
(However, the ecliptic inclination angle e = 23.43929.)
W ＝ cosβ * sinλ * sine + sinβ * cose
α = tan ^-1 (V / U)
δ = sin ^-1 (W)
To convert to the equatorial coordinates of the center (red longitude α, declination δ).

Since the moon is orbiting around the earth in about one day, its equatorial coordinates change greatly, and it is necessary to perform update calculations every short time. Similarly, the geocentric zodiacal coordinates (yellow longitude λ _M , longitude latitude β _M , distance r _M ) of the moon are obtained using the approximate lunar position formula. The determined ecliptic coordinates of the geocentric are converted into the lunar equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) in the same manner as in the case of the sun.

Each planet Mercury to Pluto constituting the solar system, using a position substantially formula for each planet, heliocentric ecliptic coordinates centered sun each planet (Kikei lambda _'P, Kinuki beta' _P, Dokei r ' _P ) is obtained (step D04). The calculated ecliptic coordinates of the center of the heart
X = r ′ _P * cos (β ′ _P ) ^* cos (λ ′ _P )
Y = r ′ _P * cos (β ′ _P ) ^* sin (λ ′ _P )
Z = r ′ _P * sin (β ′ _P )
Is used to convert to the centripetal coordinate (X, Y, Z) (step D05).

Next, using the sun's geocentric ecliptic coordinates (yellow longitude λ _S , longitude latitude β _S , distance r _S ),
A = X + r _S * cos (β _S ) ^* cos (λ _S )
B = Y + r _S * cos (β _S ) ^* sin (λ _S )
C = Z + r _S * sin (β _S )
To convert the ecliptic orthogonal coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the centroid of each planet into the ecliptic orthogonal coordinates (A, B, C) of the centroid of each planet (step D06).

Furthermore, the ecliptic Cartesian coordinates (A, B, C) of each planet ’s center are
λ _P = tan ^-1 (B / A)
β _P = tan ^-1 (C / √ (A ² + B ² ))
r _P = √ (A ² + B ² + C ² )
Is converted into the ecliptic coordinates of the earth center (yellow longitude λ _P , longitude latitude β _P , distance r _P ) (step D07).

Then, aberrations, the geocentric ecliptic coordinates by correcting the nutation (Kikei lambda _P, Kinuki beta _P, the distance _{r P)} to Miki through lambda _P, Mikinuki beta _P, the viewing distance _{r P} After the conversion (step D08), it is converted into the geocentric equator coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) of each planet (step D09), as in the case of the sun and moon described above.

As described above, the geocentric equator coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) of the sun, the moon, and each planet and the respective visual positions from the local stellar time, that is, the time angle HA, the azimuth angle Az, and the altitude angle ψ are calculated. Output (step D10).
Here, the approximate formulas for the position of the sun, the moon, and the planet will also be explained.
The orbital position of the planet is determined by six orbital elements, ie, the major radius a of the planetary orbit, the eccentricity e, the average perihelion angle M0 in the original period, the ecliptic orbital plane inclination i, the ascending intersection longitude longitude Ω, and the perihelion argument ω. By solving the Kevlar equation, etc., the planetary position at an arbitrary time can be calculated.

By the way, while the position calculation based on the orbital element is based on the two-body problem, the actual planetary motion is not a pure two-body problem, and the orbital element changes over time. Is often calculated using the approximate planetary position formulas described in the following books.
"New Koyomi Convenience Book-All of Astronomical Phenomena / Calendar Calculation" (History Calculation Study Group, Hoshiseisha Koseikaku, 1999/4)
"Astronomy position calculation augmented edition" (Takumi Nagasawa, Jinshokan, 1985/09)
For example, memorize multiple constants for each item of the day's meridian, the day's meridian, and the radius (in the case of the sun and the moon, the earth's longitude, the longitude, the distance). Substituting each constant into a formula for each time, such as Julian Day (JD) or Julian Century (T), and repeating the summation of multiple terms, the approximate value of each item is relatively simple and sufficient accuracy It can be calculated with

Specifically, the Julian date is JD (= the above-mentioned quasi-Julian date (MJD) +2400000.5),
ET = hour + minute / 60 + second / 3600- (± time difference) − (± longitude difference / 15 °)
Then,
T = (JD-245145.0) /36525.0+ET/ (24 * 36525.0)
Of the sun, the moon, and each planet's meridian, longitude, and distance (radial) with respect to the time T required for the period T (Early J2000.0 = equivalent to the Julian century from noon on January 1, 2000) For each item, n sets of constants such as A _i , T _i ′, B _i , C _i (i = 1 to n) are stored in advance (where T _i ′ is either T or 1). The approximate calculation formula S _i of the following equation can be sequentially calculated to obtain the sum Σ _i S _i . Ie
S _i = (A _i * T _i '* cos (B _i * T + C _i ))
S = Σ _{i (i = 1 ~ n)} S _i
For example, each constant for approximate calculation of the sun's geocentric longitude λ _S is as follows.
A ₁ = 36000.7695, T ₁ = T, B ₁ = 0, C ₁ = 0,
A ₂ = 280.4659, T ₂ = 1, B ₂ = 0, C ₂ = 0,
A ₃ = 1.9147, T ₃ = 1, B ₃ = 35999.05, C ₃ = 267.52,
A ₄ = 0.02, T ₄ = 1, B ₄ = 71988.1, C ₄ = 265.1,
A ₅ = -0.0048, T ₅ = T, B ₅ = 0, C ₅ = 268.0,
(Hereinafter, including constants for the geocentric latitude δ _S and the geocentric distance r _S , it will be complicated and will be omitted.)
The geocentric ecliptic coordinates of the moon (visual ecliptic longitude λ _M , visual ecliptic latitude β _M , viewing distance r _M ) are also calculated using the same approximate formula as the sun and constants A _i , T _i ′ for each item. It can be calculated by B _i , C _i (i = 1 to n).
For example, each constant for approximate calculation of lunar geocentric meridian λ _M is as follows.
A ₁ = 481267.8809, T ₁ = T, B ₁ = 0, C ₁ = 0,
A ₂ = 218.3162, T ₂ = 1, B ₂ = 0, C ₂ = 0,
A ₃ = 6.2888, T ₃ = 1, B ₃ = 477198.868, C ₃ = 44.963,
A ₄ = 1.274, T ₄ = 1, B ₄ = 413335.35, C ₄ = 10.74,
A ₅ = 0.6583, T ₅ = 1, B ₅ = 890534.22, C ₅ = 145.7,
(Hereinafter, including constants for the geocentric visual latitude δ _M and the geocentric visual distance r _M are omitted because they become complicated)
Each planet's dicentric zodiac coordinates (longitudinal longitude λ ' _P , declination β' _P , radial r ' _P ) are the same approximate equations as the sun and moon geocentric zodiac coordinates
S = Σ _{i (i = 1 to n)} (A _i * T _i '* cos (B _i * T + C _i ))
The calculation can be performed by storing constants A _i , T _i ′, B _i , and C _i (i = 1 to n) for each planet and each item.

For example, the constants for the approximate calculation of _Mercury 's day heart meridian λ ′ _{P (Mercury)} are as follows.
A ₁ = 149474.07, T ₁ '= T, B ₁ = 0, C ₁ = 0,
A ₂ = 252.2502, T ₂ '= 1, B ₂ = 0, C ₂ = 0,
A ₃ = 23.4405, T ₃ '= 1, B ₃ = 149472.5153, C ₃ = 84.7947,
A ₄ = 2.9818, T ₄ '= 1, B ₄ = 298945.031, C ₄ = 259.589,
A ₅ = 0.5258, T ₅ '= 1, B ₅ = 448417.55, C ₅ = 74.38,
(Hereinafter, including the constant for the diurnal latitude δ ' _{P (Mercury)} , the constant for the radial center r' _{P (Mercury)} , and the constants for other planets, it is abbreviated)
In each of the above approximate position formulas, an accurate position can be obtained as the number of terms n is increased. However, when the storage capacity of the position coordinate data of the celestial body, the visual position calculation data, etc. in the data memory 59 is small, If the calculation speed in the main control circuit 37 is slow and the display resolution in the electronic viewfinder 22 is low, an approximation with sufficient accuracy can be obtained even with about 4 to 5 terms for the approximate application as in this example. It is done.

  When the calculation and storage of all the visual positions regarding the celestial bodies in the search range are completed as described above, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. Using the photometry unit 43, each process of exposure setting and white balance setting according to the light amount and color temperature of the subject image is executed (step A10).

In addition, after performing zoom processing and AF processing for appropriately moving the zoom lens and focus lens in the photographing lens 11 as necessary (step A11), the subject image captured by the image sensor 31 and held in the image memory 35 the displayed as a through image _{P 0} at an electronic viewfinder 22 (step A12).

  At this time, it is determined whether or not a mode for performing astronomical photography is set (step A13).

  Only when it is determined that the astrophotography mode is set, the electronic finder is determined based on the focal length (f) of the photographing lens 11 at that time, the size (X ′) of the image sensor 31 and the digital zoom magnification (Md). The angle of view (θ) of the subject image to be displayed at 22 is calculated (step A14).

  Thereafter, the image position of each celestial body entering the field of view is calculated according to the orientation of the digital camera 10 and the angle of view (θ) of the subject image calculated in step A14. The image is superimposed and displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 (step A15).

  FIG. 6G illustrates the contents of a through image obtained by capturing an image with the image sensor 31 and performing image signal processing with the A / D converter 33 and the video signal processing 34.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6E, an image obtained by adding an image such as translucent conversion and character data, memory, etc. to the simulation image shown in FIG. 6D is generated. it is possible to generate a position simulation image P ₃ visual celestial as shown in (F).

The celestial viewing position simulation by superimposing the image P ₃ and the through image P _0, the display as shown in the electronic viewfinder 22 FIG 6 (H) is executed. Note that the image example shown in FIG. 6H is obtained by reversing the light and dark pattern in order to easily explain the present embodiment on paper, but in the actual electronic viewfinder 22, FIG. Since the object is a night view as shown in I), the whole is displayed in a dark color, and the stars, the moon, and the like constituting the celestial body are displayed in a bright color, thereby realizing a more natural image display.

  FIG. 13 shows a more detailed example of the image displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 at this time. In the figure, at the top of the screen of the electronic viewfinder 22, the remaining battery level I01, flash mark (flash prohibited) I02, white balance mode (sunlight) I03, shooting mode I04, image size I05, image quality I06, and remaining number I07 are shown. While displaying in parallel, the current position (longitude and latitude) I08 and the current date and time I09 are displayed at the bottom end of the screen.

  Thus, an image I10 in which the visual position simulation image of the astronomical object and the through image of the subject image are superimposed is displayed in most parts including the center of the electronic viewfinder 22. In addition, on the left end side of the image I10, the focal length I11 of the taking lens 11 and the scale display I12 of the zoom magnification are displayed, and on the right end side, the pointer and the scale I13 of the elevation angle of the digital camera 10 are displayed.

  In the superimposed image I10, an aim I14 that also serves as a focus frame is displayed at the center thereof, and an azimuth pointer and a scale I15 of the digital camera 10 are displayed at the center position in the left-right direction. In addition, constellation lines I16 and azimuth lines I17 of the celestial bodies are arranged, and the visual positions of each star, constellation, the sun, the moon, the planet, etc. are displayed. The figure shows an example of the display when the azimuth angle is 340 ° and the altitude angle is 20 ° from 19:00 on July 22, 2005, and the names of major constellations and stars are also displayed. , Can be easier to see.

  If it is determined in step A13 that the astrophotography mode has not been set, steps A14 and A15 are not performed as described above.

  Thereafter, the main routine proceeds to FIG. 4, and it is determined whether or not there is a photographing instruction by operating the release key 12 (step A16).

  If it is determined that the release key 12 has not been operated, other key processing is executed (step A17). If it is determined that the release key 12 has been operated, then the astronomical mode is set. In addition, it is determined whether or not the shooting is for a short time (for example, B (bulb) shooting or less than 30 [seconds] exposure) (step A17).

  When the astronomical shooting mode is set and it is determined that the shooting is single and short exposure, the shutter mechanism 11b of the shooting lens 11 is once completely closed and the subject image is not incident on the image sensor 31 at all. Photographing (dark frame photographing) is performed, and the image data is held in the image data memory 57 (step A18).

  Then, this time, the shutter mechanism 11b is opened and a shooting process based on the set shooting conditions is executed (step A19). By subtracting the image data based on the dark frame shooting held in the image data memory 57 from the image data obtained by the shooting for each corresponding pixel, noise caused by the pixel structure of each image pickup device 31 is obtained. Processing for removing the component is executed (step A20).

  The image data from which the noise component has been removed is compressed and encoded by the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56, and the memory card 67 is formed by attaching the shooting conditions and astronomical information at the time of shooting to a file. (Step A21), the above-described series of processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is temporarily ended, and the processing returns to the initial processing to prepare for the next shooting.

  If it is determined in step A17 that the astrophotography mode has not been set, or even if it has been set, the astrophotography mode has been set, It is determined whether or not long-time exposure (multiple exposure) shooting is performed by combining a plurality of sheets (step A22).

  If it is determined that the astrophotography mode is set and long exposure shooting by combining a plurality of images is selected, shooting is first performed with short exposure according to a preset shutter speed as the first exposure. (Step A23), the visual position of the celestial body at the time of photographing is calculated (step A24), and image data obtained by rotating the photographed image according to the calculated visual position is temporarily held in the image data memory 57 (step A23). Step A25).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot (step A26). If it is determined that the shooting has not ended, a standby process is performed for a predetermined interval time (step A27), and then the above step is performed again. At A23, the same processing is repeated.

  As described above, after repeatedly executing the processing of steps A23 to A27 for the set number of exposures, if it is determined in step A26 that a predetermined number of images have been taken, a series of image data held in the image data memory 57 at that time is stored. Aligned multiple synthesis processing is executed (step A28), and the combined image data after processing is compressed and encoded by the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56, and imaging conditions, astronomical information at the time of imaging, and the like are recorded. The file is attached and recorded on the memory card 67 (step A29), and the above-described series of processes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are temporarily terminated, and the process returns to the initial process to prepare for the next shooting. .

  If it is determined in step A22 that it is not long exposure (multiple exposure) shooting in the astrophotography mode, the astrophotography mode is not set and the normal shooting mode is set. In accordance with the operation of the key 12, shooting is performed based on various set shooting conditions (step A30), and the image data acquired by shooting is compressed by the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56. Encode, record the shooting conditions, astronomical information at the time of shooting, etc. and record it on the memory card 67 (step A31), and the series of processes in FIGS. Returning to the process from the beginning again to prepare for the next shooting.

  In this way, when shooting a subject with a celestial object whose positional relationship can be specified by specifying the surrounding environment such as time, direction, and current position, the guide image is superimposed on the through image of the celestial model. Thus, even a user unfamiliar with the celestial body can capture a desired subject very easily and accurately.

  Instead of displaying the superimposed image I10 on the electronic viewfinder 22 shown in FIG. 13, a half-sky map I20 or a full-sky map as shown in FIG. 14 may be displayed. For example, FIG. 14 shows a state in which the half celestial map I20 is displayed on the electronic finder 22 in order to search the direction of a desired constellation and display a list of constellations.

  In the figure, the current position I21 (place name, longitude, latitude) and the current date and time I22 (year, month, day, hour, minute, time difference) are displayed at the bottom of the screen, while using the majority of the screen, the horizon I23 A semi-circular half-sky map I20 with a diameter of is displayed. The azimuth (east, west, north, and south) is displayed below the horizon I23, and the central part of the semicircular arc is the zenith, and the proper name, constellation name, and line connecting the constellations are displayed.

  15 and 16 exemplify the displacement display of the celestial body position according to the direction (azimuth angle, elevation angle) of the digital camera 10. These figures show an example of Tokyo on December 22, 2004 at 19:00.

  FIG. 15A shows the positional relationship between the user U holding the digital camera 10 and the celestial body when the azimuth angle θyaw = 290 ° of the digital camera 10 and the elevation angle θpitch = + 70 °. The content displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 of the camera 10 is shown in FIG.

  Similarly, FIG. 15B shows the positional relationship between the user U who has the digital camera 10 and the celestial body when the azimuth angle θyaw = 290 ° of the digital camera 10 and the elevation angle θpitch = + 40 °. The content displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 of the digital camera 10 is shown in FIG.

  Further, FIG. 16C shows the positional relationship between the user U holding the digital camera 10 and the celestial body when the azimuth angle θyaw = 290 ° of the digital camera 10 and the elevation angle θpitch = + 20 °. FIG. 16C shows the contents displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 of the digital camera 10.

  As described above, the azimuth and altitude angle of the celestial body displayed on the electronic finder 22 can be automatically changed and displayed according to the orientation of the digital camera 10.

  Next, the contents when the visual position of the celestial body displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 is calculated from the orientation of the digital camera 10 and the focal length of the photographing lens 11 of the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the viewing position on the celestial body in the XYZ space is represented by an azimuth angle Az and an altitude angle (elevation angle) ψ. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17B, the orientation of the digital camera 10 is expressed by θyaw, θpitch, and θroll in the uvw space (w axis is the camera optical axis). Of these, θroll indicates an angle in a state where the digital camera 10 is also tilted left and right.

  FIG. 18 shows the contents in the case where the viewing position (azimuth angle Az, altitude angle ψ) is converted into camera coordinates in the uvw space, and the image position corresponding to the camera direction (θyaw, θpitch, θroll) is calculated. .

FIG. 18A is a side view thereof, and x, y, z, w, and w _xy are calculated using the above Az, ψ, and θpitch. Further, FIG. 18B is a top view thereof, and u, v, u ′, and v ′ are calculated based on these and the above θyaw.

Based on the calculation result thus obtained, display coordinates (Sx, Sy) on the imaging plane of the image sensor 31 or the electronic viewfinder 22 are obtained using the following equations, as shown in FIG. That is,
u _r = u'cos (θ _roll ) + v'sin (θ _roll )
v _r = -u'sin (θ _roll ) + v'cos (θ _roll )
Sx = Wv / 2 + u _r
Sy = Hv / 2−v _r
It becomes. Note that an inverted image by the photographing lens 11 is displayed as an erect image on the electronic viewfinder 22.

Next, FIG. 20 shows the relationship between the focal length f of the photographing lens 11 and the photographing field angle θ. As shown in FIG. 20A, when the focal length f of the lens or the magnification M of the optical zoom is changed, the photographing field angle of the photographing lens 11 changes as shown in the calculation of the display position in FIG. Therefore, the display position and display range of celestial bodies change. Assuming that the image size of the imaging surface of the taking lens 11 is X ′, as shown in the figure.
Due to the relationship X '/ 2f = tan (θ / 2)
Imaging angle of view θ = 2tan ^-1 (X '/ 2f)
Field range X = X 'x L / f
It becomes.

Note that when the digital zoom function is executed instead of the optical zoom, the imaging field angle at the photographing lens 11 does not change, but the recording field angle or the display field angle (θ ′) in the field of view of the electronic viewfinder 22 changes. If Md (Md ≧ 1),
θ '= θ / M
Thus, a narrow range of the visual position of the celestial object is displayed enlarged on the electronic finder 22 by Md times.

The display position of the above-described astronomical viewing position on the electronic viewfinder 22 is not only the focal length f (or optical zoom magnification M) of the photographing lens 11 but also the image position P ′ (u ′) in accordance with the digital zoom magnification Md. , V ')
P ′ (Md * u ′, Md * v ′)
It is necessary to convert and display the position corresponding to.

  FIG. 20B shows a horizontal field angle when a 1 / 2.5 inch CCD is used as the image sensor 31. The focal length f [mm], the optical zoom magnification M, and the digital zoom magnification Md. The relationship between the shooting angle of view θ [°] and the display / recording angle of view θ ′ [°] is illustrated.

  Next, FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the range of the display screen of the visual position of the astronomical object is variable according to the focal length f (zoom magnification M) and the angle of view.

  21A shows a focal length of 6 mm (optical zoom magnification of 1), FIG. 21B shows a focal length of 18 mm (optical zoom magnification of 3 times), and FIG. 21C shows a focal length. FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C show the display field of view of the electronic viewfinder 22 together with an indicator for the zoom factor on the left side in the case where is 30 [mm] (optical zoom magnification of 5 times). The actual display content at the focal length (optical zoom magnification) is illustrated.

  In this way, by performing an operation of changing the zoom magnification at the photographing lens 11, the photographing angle of view is varied, and the range displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 is automatically variably set in conjunction with this. It will be.

Finally, FIG. 22 shows an example of setting the range of a celestial body or the like that enters the viewfinder field.
In the calculation processing of astronomical positions in Step A07 of FIG. 3, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the visual positions of all astronomical objects are calculated, and the astronomical objects whose visual positions fall within the visual field range are displayed. The time and amount of calculation that the main control circuit 37 provided in the digital camera 10 must execute are enormous. Therefore, if only celestial bodies that can enter the field of view are calculated in advance, the time and amount of calculation can be greatly reduced.

The case where the calculation which limited such a range is performed is demonstrated by FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 22A, the field of view FV of the electronic viewfinder 22 is defined. That is, the horizontal size of the electronic viewfinder 22 is Wf, the vertical size is Hf, the horizontal angle of view is θ _W , the vertical angle of view is θ _H , the diagonal angle of view is θ _D, and the coordinates of the four corners of the viewfinder are It shall be defined as shown.

As shown in FIG. 22B, when the zenith Z is not included in the field of view FV, the equator coordinates in which the azimuth angle Az and altitude ψ are in the fan-shaped range shown by hatching in the figure are
(θyaw-θ _W / 2) ≦ Az ≦ (θyaw + θ _W / 2), and
(θpitch-√ (θ _W ² + θ _H ² ) / 2) ≦ ψ ≦ (θpitch + √ (θ _W ² + θ _H ² ) / 2)
To calculate only the celestial range.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22C, when the field of view FV includes the zenith Z, the equator coordinates in the circular range shown by hatching in the figure are similarly expressed by the following equation.
(θpitch-√ (θ _W ² + θ _H ² ) / 2) ≦ ψ ≦ 90 °
To calculate only the celestial range.

In the case of FIGS. 22B and 22C, when the digital zoom magnification Md exceeds 1,
θ _W = θ _W / Md, and
θ _H = θ _H / Md
Need to be calculated as

  Thus, by calculating the celestial object only in the range that can enter the field of view FV, the burden on the main control circuit 37 can be greatly reduced.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a digital image can be obtained even when the star is not visible to the naked eye regardless of the surrounding environment such as daytime, weather, nighttime, or the surrounding environment. The star or constellation ahead of the camera 10 can be easily viewed with the electronic viewfinder 22.

  Also, for celestial enthusiasts and celestial photographers, when it is difficult to search for stars and constellations due to bright ambient light, it is possible to easily visually recognize the direction in which the desired target should originally be.

  Furthermore, since the photographing can be started after the position of the star or constellation to be photographed is reliably grasped, the failure in photographing such as long exposure or multiple exposure can be reduced as much as possible.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The appearance configuration is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the electronic circuit is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Here, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
It is assumed that the star map data of the whole sky is stored in the data memory 59 in advance.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 23 shows the contents of processing in the astronomical photography mode in which astronomical photography is performed with this digital camera 10, and its control operation is mainly performed by the main control circuit 37 such as an operation program and constants stored in the program memory 58. Run based on fixed data.

  Initially, data on the current position and date and time of the digital camera 10 and the direction in which the photographing lens 11 faces is acquired (step E01).

  The current position and date / time data is obtained as information on longitude, latitude, altitude, and current time by the GPS receiver 50 by means of incoming radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites (not shown) via the GPS receiving antenna 18.

  On the other hand, the orientation data of the digital camera 10 is processed as detection information from the azimuth / three-dimensional tilt angle sensor 13 by the posture detection unit 49, and is used as information representing the azimuth, elevation angle, tilt angle, and the like of the digital camera 10. You can get it.

  Next, the azimuth and altitude angle of the visual field to be displayed on the electronic finder 22 are calculated (step E02).

  When the azimuth and altitude angle displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 can be calculated in this way, the range of the longitude and declination of the star corresponding to the acquired current date and field-of-view range is calculated (step E03).

  FIG. 24A illustrates a part of the star map data of the whole sky stored in the data memory 59. That is, in the data memory 59, the positions of stars and constellations are recorded in association with the celestial equator coordinates of the ecliptic (α: 0 to 24h) axis and the declination (δ: −90 ° to + 90 °) axis. It is assumed that the star map data for the whole sky is prepared in advance.

Accordingly, the current local vision star time (θ _G -longitude λ) of the digital camera 10 is calculated according to the current position and the current date and time, and the field of view FV of the electronic viewfinder 22 obtained from the orientation information of the digital camera 10 is calculated. Depending on the azimuth angle (θyaw), altitude angle (θpitch), and right / left tilt angle (θroll), the ascension of the star entering the field of view FV, the range of declination, or the ascension of four corners of the field of view FV of the electronic viewfinder 22 By calculating the declination backward, it is possible to cut out the range of the stellar map of the longitude and declination that falls within the field of view FV as shown in FIG. 24B (step E04).

  A stellar map suitable for display on the electronic viewfinder 22 is obtained by performing deformation, enlargement / reduction, and rotation processing on the range of the stellar map thus cut out according to the direction of the coordinate system and the direction in the field of view FV. (Step E05).

  Further, the star map as shown in FIG. 24C is obtained by applying coordinate conversion, distortion correction, and expansion / contraction correction to the star map according to the coordinate scale of the iso-azimuth line and iso-altitude line on the field of view FV. The guide display shown in the figure can be displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 (step E06). Thus, the series of processes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are temporarily ended, and the process returns to the initial process to prepare for the next shooting.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the visual positions of all the celestial bodies that enter the visual field are not obtained by astronomical calculation as in the first exemplary embodiment. It is only necessary to calculate the equatorial coordinates of the celestial body that defines the range of the field of view, such as the coordinates of the four corner positions, so that the visual position of many celestial bodies can be displayed relatively easily with the least amount of calculation and calculation time. It becomes possible.

  The star map data stored in advance in the data memory 59 is celestial map data projected and projected by means of isometric, equidistant, isometric, etc. The processing required for conversion and transformation after extracting the necessary range can be simplified.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The appearance configuration is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the electronic circuit is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Here, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show the processing contents of the imaging control based on the viewing position of the sun or the moon in this digital camera 10, and the control operation is mainly the operation in which the main control circuit 37 is stored in the program memory 58. Execute based on fixed data such as programs and constants.

  Initially, the user arbitrarily sets the shooting mode, shooting conditions, and the like (step F01).

  Based on this setting, it is determined whether or not an astronomical photography mode for photographing in the outdoor photography and using the visual position of the celestial object is set (step F02). If it is determined that the astronomical shooting mode is not set, another shooting process is executed according to the set content (step F03), but is not directly related to the operation of the present embodiment. The description is omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step F02 that the astrophotography mode has been set, the current position of the digital camera 10 is input next, or automatic positioning processing is performed (step F03).

  FIG. 5 is a subroutine showing the contents of automatic positioning processing using GPS. At the beginning, it is determined whether or not the GPS receiver 50 is already activated and operating (step B01).

  Here, only when it is determined that the GPS receiver 50 has not been started yet and is not operating, the operation of the GPS receiver 50 is started again (step B02), and then the system waits for completion of the start and positioning. (Step B03).

  If it is determined in step B03 that activation has been completed, or if it is determined in step B01 that it has already been activated, then the incoming radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites are received using the GPS receiving antenna 18, First, a pseudo distance is measured by receiving and demodulating a code based on a pseudo random number sequence PRN (Pseudo-Random Noise) in the positioning signal (step B04).

  Next, astronomical history information and activation data of each GPS satellite are acquired (step B05), and the position of each GPS satellite and the distance from the current position are calculated (step B06).

  Then, from this calculation result, accurate three-dimensional coordinates where the digital camera 10 is currently located, that is, longitude λ, latitude φ, and altitude h are calculated together with the current time (step B07).

  Based on these coordinate values, conversion processing to geodetic system coordinates is performed (step B08). As a result, the current position where the digital camera 10 is located is acquired and output to the main control circuit 37 (step B09). Then, the subroutine of FIG. 5 is finished.

  In the main routine of FIG. 25, following the positioning process in step F03, the equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) are obtained by calculation or setting as the celestial bodies to search for the sun and the moon (step F05).

  Regarding the calculation of the equatorial coordinates of the sun and the moon, as described in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 above, first, the calculation date and time (YY / MM / DD, hh / mm / ss) and the time difference TD from the Greenwich Mean Time GMT are input. (Step D02).

  In addition, the geocentric ecliptic coordinates of the sun and the moon are calculated. The sun's equatorial coordinates do not need to be calculated frequently because the daily changes are small. On the other hand, the equatorial coordinates of the sun go around the zodiac 12 constellations in about one year, so the changes due to the seasons are large.

For the sun's equatorial coordinates, first, the sun's geocentric ecliptic coordinates (yellow longitude λ _S , longitude latitude β _S , distance r _S ) with the earth as the center are obtained using a position approximate expression described later. The calculated zodiac coordinates of the geocenter
U = cosβ * cosλ
V = cosβ * sinλ * cose-sinβ * sine
(However, the ecliptic inclination angle e = 23.43929.)
W ＝ cosβ * sinλ * sine + sinβ * cose
α = tan ^-1 (V / U)
δ = sin ^-1 (W)
To convert to the equatorial coordinates of the center (red longitude α, declination δ).

Since the moon is orbiting around the earth in about one day, its equatorial coordinates change greatly, and it is necessary to perform update calculations every short time. Similarly, the geocentric zodiacal coordinates (yellow longitude λ _M , longitude latitude β _M , distance r _M ) of the moon are obtained using the approximate lunar position formula. The determined ecliptic coordinates of the geocentric are converted into the lunar equatorial coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ) in the same manner as in the case of the sun.

  When the equatorial coordinates of the sun and the moon are thus obtained, the orientation (azimuth, elevation angle, inclination angle, etc.) of the digital camera 10 is then detected using the azimuth / three-dimensional inclination angle sensor 13 and the posture detection unit 49 (step) F06).

  Next, the visual position of the celestial body to be searched, that is, the azimuth angle Az and the altitude angle ψ is calculated from the current position of the digital camera 10 and the equatorial coordinates of the sun and the moon that are the acquired search celestial bodies (step F07).

A description will be given of approximate equations for calculating the respective visual positions, that is, the time angle HA, the azimuth angle Az, and the altitude angle ψ from the sun and the lunar center equator coordinates (red longitude α, declination δ).
The orbital position of the planet is determined by six orbital elements, ie, the major radius a of the planetary orbit, the eccentricity e, the average perihelion angle M0 in the original period, the ecliptic orbital plane inclination i, the ascending intersection longitude longitude Ω, and the perihelion argument ω. By solving the Kevlar equation, etc., the planetary position at an arbitrary time can be calculated.

By the way, while the position calculation based on the orbital element is based on the two-body problem, the actual planetary motion is not a pure two-body problem, and the orbital element changes over time. Is often calculated using the approximate planetary position formulas described in the following books.
"New Koyomi Convenience Book-All of Astronomical Phenomena / Calendar Calculation" (History Calculation Study Group, Hoshiseisha Koseikaku, 1999/4)
"Astronomy position calculation augmented edition" (Takumi Nagasawa, Jinshokan, 1985/09)
For example, a plurality of constants are stored for each item of the sun, the lunar longitude of the sun, the lunar latitude, and the distance, and each constant for each time such as Julian Day (JD) or Julian Century (T). By substituting into the calculation formula and repeating the summation of a plurality of terms, the approximate value of each item can be calculated with relatively simple and sufficient accuracy.

Specifically, the Julian date is JD (= the above-mentioned quasi-Julian date (MJD) +2400000.5),
ET = hour + minute / 60 + second / 3600- (± time difference) − (± longitude difference / 15 °)
Then,
T = (JD-245145.0) /36525.0+ET/ (24 * 36525.0)
For each item of the longitude, longitude, and distance of the sun and the moon for the time T calculated in (J2000.0 = equivalent to the Julian century from 1 noon on January 1, 2000) n sets of constants (where T _i ′ is either T or 1) such as _i , T _i ′, B _i , C _i (i = 1 to n) are stored in advance, and approximate calculation of the following equation This can be roughly calculated by sequentially calculating the equation S _i and obtaining the sum Σ _i S _i thereof. Ie
S _i = (A _i * T _i '* cos (B _i * T + C _i ))
S = Σ _{i (i = 1 ~ n)} S _i
For example, each constant for approximate calculation of the sun's geocentric longitude λ _S is as follows.
A ₁ = 36000.7695, T ₁ = T, B ₁ = 0, C ₁ = 0,
A ₂ = 280.4659, T ₂ = 1, B ₂ = 0, C ₂ = 0,
A ₃ = 1.9147, T ₃ = 1, B ₃ = 35999.05, C ₃ = 267.52,
A ₄ = 0.02, T ₄ = 1, B ₄ = 71988.1, C ₄ = 265.1,
A ₅ = -0.0048, T ₅ = T, B ₅ = 0, C ₅ = 268.0,
(Hereinafter, including constants for the geocentric latitude δ _S and the geocentric distance r _S , it will be complicated and will be omitted.)
The geocentric ecliptic coordinates of the moon (visual ecliptic longitude λ _M , visual ecliptic latitude β _M , viewing distance r _M ) are also calculated using the same approximate formula as the sun and constants A _i , T _i ′ for each item. It can be calculated by B _i , C _i (i = 1 to n).
For example, each constant for approximate calculation of lunar geocentric meridian λ _M is as follows.
A ₁ = 481267.8809, T ₁ = T, B ₁ = 0, C ₁ = 0,
A ₂ = 218.3162, T ₂ = 1, B ₂ = 0, C ₂ = 0,
A ₃ = 6.2888, T ₃ = 1, B ₃ = 477198.868, C ₃ = 44.963,
A ₄ = 1.274, T ₄ = 1, B ₄ = 413335.35, C ₄ = 10.74,
A ₅ = 0.6583, T ₅ = 1, B ₅ = 890534.22, C ₅ = 145.7,
(Hereinafter, including constants for the geocentric visual latitude δ _M and the geocentric visual distance r _M are omitted because they become complicated)
In each of the above approximate position formulas, an accurate position can be obtained as the number of terms n is increased. However, when the storage capacity of the position coordinate data of the celestial body, the visual position calculation data, etc. in the data memory 59 is small, If the calculation speed in the main control circuit 37 is slow and the display resolution in the electronic viewfinder 22 is low, an approximation with sufficient accuracy can be obtained even with about 4 to 5 terms for the approximate application as in this example. It is done.

  When the calculation of the visual position regarding the sun and the moon as search objects is completed as described above, the process returns to FIG. 25 which is the main routine, and the data of each calculated visual position is stored in the data memory 59 (step F08).

  Next, after performing zoom processing and AF processing for appropriately moving the zoom lens and the focus lens in the photographing lens 11 as necessary (step F09), the subject image captured by the image sensor 31 and held in the image memory 35 is captured. The image is displayed as a through image on the electronic viewfinder 22 (step F10).

At this time, the photographing field angle (θ) of the subject image to be displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 based on the focal length (f) of the photographing lens 11 at that time, the size (X ′) of the image sensor 31, and the digital zoom magnification (Md). Is calculated (step F11).
The angle of view θ is expressed by the following equation:
Shooting angle of view θ = 2tan ^-1 (X '/ 2f)
Display and recording angle of view θ '= θ / Md
Is required.

  Based on the results thus obtained, the degree of search astronomical object (whether or not the viewing position of the sun is in the field of view or in the vicinity of the field of view) is determined with respect to the direction and angle of view of the camera (step F12). Then, it is determined whether or not the angle is within a predetermined angle 1 from the center of the visual field (step F13).

FIG. 27A shows the relative positional relationship between the sun, which is a search object, the subject, and the digital camera 10, and the azimuth angle Az and altitude angle ψ of the sun are the camera orientation (azimuth θ yaw, elevation angle θ pitch). Assuming that the predetermined angle 1 below is, for example, “θ ′ / 2 + ε” with respect to the display field angle θ ′, the first condition,
Az−θyaw ≦ predetermined angle 1 and
ψ−θpitch ≦ predetermined angle 1
It is determined whether or not there is a possibility of being affected by the search object when the subject is photographed.

Only when it is determined that the angle is within the predetermined angle 1, the object such as the sun or the full moon is assumed to be in or near the visual field including the subject.
"Be careful because the sun is in or near the field of view"
By displaying a guide message using such a character string, a warning is given to the user of the digital camera 10 to prevent damage to the naked eye or the image sensor 31, failure of photographing, or the like.

  Thereafter, regardless of whether or not the process in step F14 is executed, the white balance is set so that the color temperature corresponds to the altitude angle of the sun for the white balance process executed in the video signal process 34 (step F15). ).

  FIG. 27B shows the relationship between the change in the altitude angle of the sun during the day and the color temperature of the white balance to be set. When shooting outdoors or in fine weather, the color temperature of the solar light source changes depending on the altitude of the sun, and the color temperature of the light source is 2000 to 3000 K (Kelvin) when the altitude angle is low such as morning and evening and is close to the horizon. Because it becomes low, it will be taken a little reddish.

  On the other hand, when the solar altitude is high such as noon and close to the zenith, the color temperature of the plateau becomes as high as 5000 to 6700 (Kelvin), so the image is taken a little bluish.

  Therefore, based on the sun altitude angle ψ, even if the sun altitude changes depending on the season, time, and region, the white balance is automatically set so that the color temperature corresponds to the sun altitude angle. The white balance adjustment is easily performed by adjusting the gains of the RGB components of the primary colors of the image signal or the Cb and Cr components of the color differences in the processing 34, and the setting is made to eliminate the influence of the solar altitude. Will be able to.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a shooting instruction by operating the release key 12 (step F16).

  If it is determined that the release key 12 is not operated, the process returns to the process from step F06 and the same process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the release key 12 is operated, Whether or not a celestial body such as the sun or the full moon is near the field of view, that is, whether or not it is within the range of the backlight angle 2 in the forward and backward directions from the center of the field of view, determines whether the backlight correction is necessary (step) F17).

Specifically, the second condition is that each predetermined 2 is 45 °, for example.
｜ Az−θyaw | ≦ predetermined angle 2
It is determined by calculation whether or not

  When it is determined that the backlight correction is necessary, in order to set the light metering and exposure conditions for the backlight, for example, the exposure value is measured by automatically spot metering the center of the imaging area (step F18). .

  Next, a photographing process is performed assuming that the photographing condition is for backlight (step F19).

  In this case, one of the methods such as applying exposure correction of about +1 to 2 [EV], forcibly driving the pop-up built-in flash 16 by the daylight sync function, etc. is executed. This avoids a situation in which only the background is properly exposed and the main subject causes the so-called “blackout”.

  Then, the image data obtained by shooting is compressed and encoded by the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56, and the shooting conditions, astronomical information at the time of shooting, etc. are attached to a file and stored in the memory card 67. Recording is performed (step F20), and the series of processes shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is temporarily ended, and the process returns to the start from the beginning to prepare for the next shooting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step F17 that backlight correction is not necessary, the exposure value is directly measured by normal photometry processing, for example, multi-area photometry (step F21).

  Next, a shooting process is performed in accordance with the shooting conditions set in advance in step F01 (step F22), and the image data obtained by shooting is compressed by the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56 and encoded, The shooting conditions, astronomical information at the time of shooting, etc. are attached and recorded as a file (step F23), and the series of processing of FIG. 25 and FIG. To prepare for this, the process returns to the beginning.

  In this way, depending on the viewing position of a specific celestial object such as the sun or the moon, the digital camera 10 is simply pointed at the subject and the specific celestial object enters, or white balance adjustment, backlight correction, etc. It is possible to reliably set the shooting conditions and perform shooting within the failure without failing to significantly hinder or impair the health of the digital camera 10 or the user who uses the digital camera 10. .

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The appearance configuration is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration of the electronic circuit is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2, so the same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Here, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

28 and 29 show an outline of the operation of the present embodiment.
In the first to third embodiments, celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, stars, and planets are photographed. In this embodiment, mountains, landforms, buildings, bridges, and the like that can be subjects. Geographic information including buildings is reflected on the through image.

  That is, various types of geographical information that can be the subject are converted into data and stored in advance in the data memory 59 (G01), and data such as the position, orientation, and tilt of the digital camera 10 at the time of shooting is input (G02).

  Based on these, the visual position (azimuth Az, altitude angle ψ) of the subject is estimated and calculated from the position coordinates (longitude λ, latitude φ, altitude h) of the subject within the camera field of view (G03).

  In addition, depending on the camera orientation (azimuth θyaw, elevation angle θpitch, tilt angle θroll) and shooting field angle θ (or display field angle θ ′ = θ / Md in the case of digital zoom), the three-dimensional object in the field of view is displayed. A simulation image is generated (G04).

  On the other hand, an actual subject image obtained by the image sensor 31 is subjected to A / D conversion and various process processes to create a through image of the subject (G05).

  Thus, the three-dimensional simulation image of the subject is semi-transparently processed on the through image of the subject and superimposed and displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 (G06), thereby obtaining a composite image as shown in FIG. it can.

  FIG. 29 shows an example in which the outline of the subject drawn by the simulation is displayed together with its name, and although there is a slight deviation from the actual subject, the subject can be judged sufficiently accurately. it can. In the figure, in addition to the composite display of the actual subject and the subject obtained by the simulation on the electronic viewfinder 22, a scale of the pointer elevation angle with the altitude angle ψ of the camera is displayed on the right end side, and at the same time, the orientation of the camera The pointer and scale of the angle Az are displayed.

  When shooting is performed by operating the release key 12 in such a display state, the geographic information of the subject and shooting information such as shooting conditions are encoded together with the image data obtained by shooting as one data file. It is recorded on the memory card 67 which is a recording medium.

  FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show the processing contents of control executed in the digital camera 10 in the shooting mode including the ground scenery (hereinafter referred to as “subject position finder mode”), and the control operation is mainly the main control. The circuit 37 executes based on the operation program stored in the program memory 58 and fixed data such as constants.

  Initially, the user arbitrarily sets the shooting mode, shooting conditions, and the like (step H01).

  Based on this setting, it is determined whether or not the subject position finder mode for photographing outdoors and combining and displaying the ground landscape as a simulation image has been set (step H02).

  Only when it is determined that the subject position finder mode is set, the current position of the digital camera 10 is input next, or automatic positioning processing is performed (step H03).

  FIG. 5 is a subroutine showing the contents of automatic positioning processing using GPS. At the beginning, it is determined whether or not the GPS receiver 50 is already activated and operating (step B01).

  Here, only when it is determined that the GPS receiver 50 has not been started yet and is not operating, the operation of the GPS receiver 50 is started again (step B02), and then the system waits for completion of the start and positioning. (Step B03).

  If it is determined in step B03 that activation has been completed, or if it is determined in step B01 that it has already been activated, then the incoming radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites are received using the GPS receiving antenna 18, First, a pseudo distance is measured by receiving and demodulating a code based on a pseudo random number sequence PRN (Pseudo-Random Noise) in the positioning signal (step B04).

  Next, astronomical history information and activation data of each GPS satellite are acquired (step B05), and the position of each GPS satellite and the distance from the current position are calculated (step B06).

  Then, from this calculation result, accurate three-dimensional coordinates where the digital camera 10 is currently located, that is, longitude λ, latitude φ, and altitude h are calculated together with the current time (step B07).

  Based on these coordinate values, conversion processing to geodetic system coordinates is performed (step B08). As a result, the current position where the digital camera 10 is located is acquired and output to the main control circuit 37 (step B09). Then, the subroutine of FIG. 5 is finished.

In the main routine of FIG. 30, after the coordinates of the current position obtained by the positioning process in step H03 are held as longitude λ ₀ , latitude φ ₀ , and altitude h ₀ , the azimuth / three-dimensional tilt angle sensor 13 and the posture detection unit 49 is used to detect the orientation (azimuth, elevation angle, inclination angle, etc.) of the digital camera 10 (step H04).

  Next, an approximate subject position range entering the viewfinder field is set from the current position and orientation of the digital camera 10 (step H05).

  Based on the set contents, the position coordinates (longitude λ, latitude φ, altitude h) of one subject are read out from the geographical information stored in the data memory 59 (step H06).

  Based on the read position coordinates of one subject, the visual position in the field of view is calculated based on the current position of the camera (step H07).

FIG. 32 shows the contents of the subroutine of step H07, and FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the concept. First, the coordinates (longitude λ ₀ , latitude φ ₀ , and altitude h ₀ ) of the current position of the digital camera 10 obtained in the above step H03 are input (step I01), and then the subject position coordinates obtained in the immediately preceding 06. (Longitude λ, latitude φ, altitude h) is input (step I02).

From these position coordinates, from the current location where the digital camera 10 is located and the position coordinates of the subject,
x = (r + h) ^* cos (φ) ^* cos (λ)
y = (r + h) ^* cos (φ) ^* sin (λ)
z = (r + h) ^* sin (φ) ^*
(Where r is the radius of the earth at the point)
Is converted into orthogonal coordinates XYZ at the center of the center (step I03).

The orthogonal coordinates XYZ obtained in this way are rotated by the longitude λ ₀ of the current location around the Z axis,
x '= (r + h) ^* cos (φ) ^* cos (λ)
y '= (r + h) ^* cos (φ) ^* sin (λ)
z '= (r + h) ^* sin (φ) ^*
Is converted into orthogonal coordinates X′Y′Z ′ (step I04).

Next, the orthogonal coordinates X′Y′Z ′ are rotated around the Y axis by (π / 2−φ ₀ ), and
x "= x '* cos (π / 2-φ ₀ ) -z' * sin (π / 2-φ ₀ )
y "= y '
z "= x '* sin (π / 2-φ ₀ ) + z' * cos (π / 2-φ ₀ ) h)
-(R + h ₀ )
Is converted into orthogonal coordinates X "Y" Z "(step I05).

The distance R from the current location to the point of the subject, the azimuth angle Az, and the altitude angle ψ are
X = x "-x" ₀
Y = y "-y" ₀
Z = z "-z" ₀
R = √ (X ² + Y ² + Z ² )
Az = tan ^-1 (Y / X)
ψ = sin ^-1 (Z / R)
(Step I07), and the obtained distance R, azimuth angle Az, and altitude angle ψ are output (Step I07). Thus, the subroutine of FIG. 32 is temporarily terminated, and the process returns to FIG.

  In the main routine of FIG. 30, after the obtained viewing positions (distance R, azimuth angle Az, and altitude angle ψ) of the subject are stored in the image data memory 57 (step H08), all the subjects located within the field of view range are recorded. On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the visual position has been calculated, in other words, whether or not there is a subject to be subjected to the same calculation (step H09).

  If it is determined that there is a subject that has not yet been calculated, the process returns to the processing from step H06, and the calculation of the visual position for the new subject is executed.

  In this way, by repeatedly executing the processes of steps H06 to H09, when the visual positions of all the subjects located within the visual field range of the digital camera 10 have been calculated, this is determined in step I09, and the subsequent step H10 is reached.

  If it is determined in step H02 that the shooting mode is not the subject position finder mode, the processes in steps H03 to H09 are not performed.

  In Step H10, the photometry / ranging sensor 41, the color temperature detection unit 42, and the photometry unit 43 perform photometry processing and white balance adjustment processing. Thereafter, zoom processing and AF processing for appropriately moving the zoom lens and focus lens in the photographing lens 11 as necessary are executed (step H11).

  As described above, an appropriate shooting state for the entire subject image is obtained. At that time, the subject image captured by the image sensor 31 and held in the image memory 35 is displayed as a through image on the electronic viewfinder 22 (step H12). .

  Here again, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is the subject position finder mode (step H13).

Only when it is determined that the subject position finder mode is selected, the image is displayed on the electronic finder 22 based on the focal length (f) of the photographing lens 11 at that time, the size (X ′) of the image sensor 31 and the digital zoom magnification (Md). The shooting angle of view (θ) of the power subject image is calculated (step H14).
The angle of view θ is expressed by the following equation:
Shooting angle of view θ = 2tan ^-1 (X '/ 2f)
Display and recording angle of view θ '= θ / Md
Is required.

  Based on the result thus obtained, the image position of the subject entering the field of view is calculated with respect to the camera direction and the display angle of view, and the subject information at the viewing position is synthesized (or three-dimensional CG (Computer Graphics) drawing) halfway. The transparency processing is performed, and the image is superimposed on the actually obtained subject image and displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22 (step H15).

  FIG. 34 shows details of the three-dimensional CG drawing processing generated for display on the electronic finder 22 at this time, and FIG. 35 shows the drawing model at each processing stage.

  At the beginning of the process, first, a three-dimensional modeling process is performed based on the map information of the subject entering the field of view (step J01).

  As this modeling process, as shown in the figure, by applying geographical coordinates / contour model, wire frame model, surface model, solid model, etc. (steps J02 to J05), the unevenness in the three-dimensional space is faithfully reproduced from the map information. Get a reproduced model. FIG. 35A shows an example of a geographic coordinate / contour model, and FIG. 35A-2 shows an example of a wire frame model.

By subjecting the three-dimensional model obtained in this way to rendering processing, the subject information in the visual field range that is actually visible to the naked eye is drawn.
That is, first, a perspective projection process is performed on the three-dimensional model as a two-dimensional image viewed from the current position by a projection / coordinate conversion process (step J06).

  FIG. 35B illustrates this two-dimensional perspective projection image. Specifically, parallel projection processing (step J07) or perspective projection processing (step J08) is executed. In coordinate conversion, the shape specified in the local coordinate system is placed in the world coordinate system, the fulcrum coordinate system in the visual axis direction is determined in the world coordinate system, and the position of this world coordinate system is then set on the visual axis. To the position of the uvn coordinate system (coordinate system of the visual field window).

  After that, from the two-dimensional image obtained by the projection processing, clipping processing (step J09) according to the visual field range is performed, so that only necessary portions in the visual field window are cut as shown in FIG. put out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 35 (D), the part appearing on the screen is determined from the current viewpoint position, and the hidden line and the hidden surface that are not in the field of view, that is, the position behind each subject, are erased (step J10). ).

  As the erasing process, any one of the Z sort method (step J11), the Z buffer method (step J12), the scan line method (step J13), and the ray tracing method (step J14) is used.

  Next, the state of comparison, reflection, and transmission are calculated, and based on the set lighting conditions, a shading process for shading and shading the subject surface and a shadowing process for drawing a shadow on the ground are executed. (Step J15).

  These processing contents include flat shading method (step J16), Gouraud shading method (step J17), von shading method (step J18), ray tracing method (step J19), and radiosity method (step J02) is used.

  FIG. 35E illustrates an image obtained at this time, and shows a state where subject information, geographic information, and the like are superimposed and displayed after shading is added by shading processing.

  Furthermore, it is possible to give a sense of reality to the image by performing a mapping process in which a pattern, fine unevenness, or the like is applied to each surface of the subject image (step J21). This mapping method includes a texture mapping method (step J22), a bump mapping method (step J23), a transparent mapping method (step J24), a reflection mapping method (step J25), and an environment mapping method (step J26). At least one of them is used.

  Finally, anti-aliasing processing for smoothing jagged edges and the like of the above-described series of digital processing is performed (step J27), and the series of three-dimensional CG rendering processing ends.

  In the main routine of FIG. 31, the release key is displayed in step H15 while the composite image corresponding to the viewing position is translucent and superimposed on the actually obtained subject image and displayed on the electronic viewfinder 22. It is determined whether or not there is a shooting instruction by operation 12 (step H16).

  If it is determined that the release key 12 has not been operated, a key operation or display other than the release key 12 is executed (step H19), while it is determined that the release key 12 has been operated. Performs a shooting process in accordance with the shooting conditions set at that time (step H17), and compresses and encodes the image data obtained by the shooting by compressing and encoding the data in the compression encoding / decompression decoding unit 56. The conditions and the subject information at the time of shooting are attached to form a file and recorded in the memory card 67 (step H18). Thus, the series of processes in FIGS. Return to the process from the beginning again to be prepared.

  In this way, even when shooting at night, in the distance, or on unknown land, the digital viewfinder 22 of the digital camera 10 displays the positions of mountains, topography, main buildings, etc. that should be visible in the field of view. And the direction can be visually recognized, so that the subject to be photographed can be identified without making a mistake.

  For example, even if there is no scenery map or the like at a sightseeing spot or the like, just point the digital camera 10 in the desired direction and the name and position of the subject mountain, main building, town, etc. It is possible to perform photographing after identification.

  In addition, if a 3D CG rendering processing function is provided so that locations other than the current position can be entered and searched, the shooting location can be ascertained from realistic virtual scenery or a bird's-eye view of the subject's topography or building. It is also possible to easily select a shooting composition and plan shooting conditions.

  As described above, each of the first to fourth embodiments describes the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a camera function is provided. The present invention can be similarly applied to various small electronic devices such as a mobile phone having PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) having a camera function and a communication function and a portable personal computer.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. In a case where at least one of the obtained effects can be obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the digital camera according to the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the embodiment. The flowchart of the subroutine which shows the more detailed process content of the positioning process by GPS of FIG. 3 which concerns on the embodiment. The figure explaining stepwise the screen display of the visual position simulation image of the astronomical object according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the relationship between the equatorial coordinate of the celestial body which concerns on the same embodiment, and the visual position of a celestial body. The figure which illustrates the positional coordinate data of the star which concerns on the same embodiment. The flowchart of the subroutine which shows the detailed processing content of calculation of the visual position of the astronomical object of FIG. 3 which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart of the subroutine which shows the detailed processing content of calculation of the visual position of the astronomical object of FIG. 3 which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart of the subroutine which shows the detailed processing content of the calculation of the visual position of the celestial body (sun, moon, planet) of FIG. 3 which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart of the subroutine which shows the detailed processing content of the calculation of the visual position of the celestial body (sun, moon, planet) of FIG. 3 which concerns on the embodiment. The figure which shows the non-command of the astronomical view position matched with the viewfinder angle of view concerning the embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a finder display of the half sky map which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure which illustrates the transition state of the automatic display of the celestial body position according to the direction of the camera which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure which illustrates the transition state of the automatic display of the celestial body position according to the direction of the camera which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure explaining calculation of the finder display position of the astronomical position which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure explaining calculation of the finder display position of the astronomical position which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure explaining calculation of the finder display position of the astronomical position which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between the lens focal distance which concerns on the same embodiment, and a field angle. The figure which illustrates the transition state of the automatic display of the astronomical object position according to the focal distance (zoom magnification, angle of view) concerning the embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a setting of the search range of the position of the to-be-photographed object which enters into the finder visual field which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content of the calculation of the visual position of the astronomical object which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the display process of the visual position of the astronomical object which concerns on the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the embodiment. The figure explaining the judgment content of the influence of the sun which concerns on the same embodiment. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the operation | movement process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrates the synthetic | combination display screen in the electronic finder which concerns on the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing content at the time of imaging | photography concerning the embodiment. FIG. 31 is a subroutine flowchart showing the detailed processing contents of the calculation of the visual position of the subject in FIG. 30 according to the embodiment; FIG. The figure which visualizes and shows the process concept in FIG. 32 which concerns on the embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing detailed contents of a three-dimensional CG drawing process for the subject in FIG. 31 according to the embodiment; The figure which illustrates the drawing model in each process step in FIG. 34 concerning the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Shooting lens, 12 ... Release key, 13 ... Direction / three-dimensional tilt angle sensor, 14 ... Mode switching dial, 15 ... Liquid crystal display part, 16 ... Built-in flash, 17 ... Hot terminal for external flash , 18 ... GPS receiving antenna, 19 ... Optical finder, 20 ... Cursor key, 21 ... Numeric input key, 22 ... Electronic finder, 23 ... Cover, 31 ... Image sensor, 32 ... Driver, 33 ... A / D converter, 34 Image signal processing, 35 Image memory, 36 Shooting control circuit, 37 Main control circuit, 38 Lens position detection unit, 39 Lens drive unit, 40 Shutter / aperture drive unit, 41 Photometry / ranging sensor , 42 ... color temperature detection unit, 43 ... photometry unit, 44 ... distance measurement unit, 45 ... flash drive unit, 46 ... irradiation angle drive unit, 47 ... voice decoding unit, 48 ... voice code Conversion unit, 49 ... posture detection unit, 50 ... GPS receiver, 51 ... input circuit, 52 ... coordinate input circuit, 53 ... display memory, 54 ... display drive unit, 55 ... image processing unit, 56 ... compression encoding / decompression decoding 57: Image data memory, 58 ... Program memory, 59 ... Data memory, 60 ... External memory interface (I / F), 61 ... Input / output (I / O) interface, 62 ... Power supply control unit, 63 ... D / A converter, 64 ... speaker, 65 ... microphone, 66 ... A / D converter, 67 ... memory card, 68 ... input / output terminal, 69 ... communication unit, 70 ... battery.

Claims (7)

Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject;
Display means for monitoring and displaying an image obtained by the imaging means;
Storage means for storing a predetermined rule indicating an arrangement situation or photographing situation of a subject that changes with time;
First designation means for designating the installation position and installation posture of the apparatus;
A second designation means for designating time;
By referring to the rules stored in the storage unit according to the installation position and installation posture specified by the first specifying unit and the time specified by the second specifying unit, a guide image indicating the arrangement state or photographing state of the subject is obtained. Creating means to create,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying a guide image created by the creating means in addition to a monitor image on the display means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating unit creates a guide image that specifies how the subject looks as a guide image. The creating means creates a predicted image of the subject as a guide image,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted image of the subject superimposed on the monitor image on the display unit in a semi-transparent state.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject is a plurality of objects constituting a celestial body.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject is an object that reflects sunlight at a fixed position on the ground. A guide display method of an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and a display unit that monitors and displays an image obtained by the imaging unit,
A storing step for storing a predetermined rule indicating an arrangement state or a photographing state of a subject that changes with time;
A first designation step for designating the installation position and installation posture of the device;
A second designation step for designating time;
By referring to the rules stored in the storage step according to the installation position and installation posture specified in the first specification step and the time specified in the second specification step, a guide image indicating the arrangement state or photographing state of the subject is obtained. Creating process to create,
A guide display method for an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display control step for displaying the guide image created in the creation step in addition to the monitor image on the display unit. A program executed by a computer incorporated in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and a display unit that displays an image obtained by the imaging unit on a monitor,
A storage step for storing a predetermined rule indicating an arrangement state or photographing state of a subject that changes with time;
A first designation step for designating the installation position and installation posture of the apparatus;
A second specifying step for specifying a time;
By referring to the rules stored in the storage step according to the installation position and installation posture specified in the first specification step and the time specified in the second specification step, a guide image indicating the arrangement state or photographing state of the subject is obtained. A creation step to create,
A program that causes a computer to execute a display control step of displaying a guide image created in the creation step in addition to a monitor image on the display unit.

Images