JP2008131224A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device that makes it easy for a photographer to know a zoom place during photography without increasing the cost and then can prevent a subject from being not within an angle of field owing to too much zooming. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging device has a zooming operation means for designating a manipulated variable for zooming, a display control means for performing control to superimpose a display 41 showing a field angle size corresponding to the manipulated variable designated by the zooming operation means on a picked-up image, and a zooming means for performing zooming operation so that the size of the picked-up image is adjusted to the field angle size corresponding to the manipulated variable designated by the zooming operation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a zoom function.

  Conventionally, when a photographer performs a zoom operation during shooting, a zoom operation is performed with a zoom amount and a zoom speed depending on the operation or setting. Zoom operations during shooting require complicated operations such as tracking the movement of the subject and adjusting the optimum angle of view.

In order to assist the zoom operation as described above, when the zoom operation is performed, one frame of the captured image is stored as a still image, and the still image is displayed as a sub screen in the main screen on the display unit. The technique to do is proposed (patent document 1). In this technique, a photographer is made to recognize which area is enlarged by looking at the sub-screen. According to this proposal, the photographer can be notified of which side of the wide-angle image the telephoto image is captured.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-217027

  In recent imaging devices equipped with high-magnification zoom, it is difficult to recognize the telephoto side position compared to the wide-angle side, and the subject image often goes out of the field angle because the zoom speed is too high. There is a possibility of degrading the quality of the captured image. Even if the proposed technique is used, the photographer cannot check both the main screen and the sub screen on the display unit, and cannot prevent an operation error such as excessive zooming. Furthermore, a storage medium for displaying the sub screen is required. That is, there is a possibility that the operation burden on the photographer increases and the cost increases.

(Object of invention)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that makes it easy for a photographer to understand a zoom position during shooting and prevents an object from protruding outside the angle of view due to excessive zooming without incurring an increase in cost. It is something to try.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention superimposes a zoom operation means for instructing a zoom operation amount and a display indicating an angle of view according to the operation amount instructed by the zoom operation means on a captured image. An image pickup apparatus having display control means for performing control and zoom means for performing a zoom operation so as to adjust the size of the picked-up image to an angle of view corresponding to an operation amount instructed by the zoom operation means. is there.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that makes it easy for the photographer to understand the zoom location during shooting and prevents the subject from protruding outside the angle of view due to excessive zooming without causing an increase in cost. It can be done.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is as shown in Examples 1 to 3 below.

  1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an image pickup apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image pickup apparatus viewed from the front oblique direction, and FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the direction.

  The imaging device 11 includes an imaging optical system 15, a display unit 21 that displays a captured image, a shooting trigger key 12 for still images, and a shooting trigger key 22 for moving images. Further, the zoom key 13 is used as a zoom operation means when performing a zoom operation, and includes a zoom key 13 for instructing start / stop of the zoom operation, an operation amount and a zoom direction, a menu key 14 for switching various menus, and the like. The zoom key 13 can switch the zoom in two directions, the telephoto side (T) and the wide angle side (W).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration inside the imaging apparatus 11.

  Reflected light from the subject passes through the optical lens 31 (corresponding to the imaging optical system 15 in FIG. 1), is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging device 32, and is input to the video processing unit 33. The video processing unit 33 performs various signal processing and outputs the video signal to the display unit 34. Thus, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 34 (corresponding to the display unit 21 in FIG. 2). The video signal from the video processing unit 33 is also output to the recording unit 35 which is various recording media, and is recorded in the recording unit 35.

  When the photographer operates the operation unit 37, the control unit 36 is configured to control the operation of each unit including display control for the display unit 34. The operation unit 37 includes the shooting trigger keys 12 and 22 for the still image and the moving image, the zoom key 13, the menu key 14, and the like.

  In the above configuration, it is assumed that the zoom key 13 included in the operation unit 37 is operated by the photographer. Then, in response to the operation, the control unit 36 moves the optical lens 31 composed of a plurality of sheets in the zoom direction by an amount corresponding to the operation via a drive unit (not shown). As a result, the captured image can be enlarged or reduced. Further, electronic zooming is also possible by signal processing in the video processing unit 33, and a part of the photographed image can be enlarged electronically.

  Next, it is assumed that a zoom operation is also performed with the zoom key 13 while the photographer is operating the shooting trigger key 22 for moving images to perform moving image shooting. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, a cursor display 41 appears on the display unit 21 in FIG. 2 (the display unit 34 in FIG. 3) so as to overlap the captured image. The cursor display 41 changes in size according to the operation amount of the zoom key 13 (in the direction of the arrow), and indicates the angle of view displayed after the zoom operation in the entire screen. The photographer determines the composition so that the subject 42 to be photographed is contained in the cursor display 41. When the photographer stops the operation of the zoom key 13 with an arbitrary angle of view and the subject 42 within the angle of view, the zoom operation starts automatically, and the portion surrounded by the cursor display 41 is enlarged. As shown in FIG.

  The automatic zoom function in the first embodiment can select whether or not to execute this function according to the zoom operation amount by the photographer. For example, when photographing a subject while zooming slowly, this function may not be operated, and the function may be performed only when it is determined that the zoom operation amount is large and the zoom amount or speed is large.

  Here, the operation at the time of automatic zooming in the control unit 36 when the zoom operation is performed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, various settings relating to the function of displaying the zoom location by the photographer are accepted. Examples of various settings include permission of this function, zoom speed, and automatic zoom permission. In the next step S102, it is determined whether or not a zoom operation has been performed with the zoom key 13 during shooting after the start of shooting. If the zoom operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S101.

  If it is determined that a zoom operation has been performed during shooting, the process proceeds from step S102 to step S103, where it is determined whether the zoom operation amount is larger or smaller than a predetermined operation amount per unit time. As a result, when the amount of zoom operation is smaller than the predetermined amount and the cursor display 41 is not performed on the screen of the display unit 21, the process proceeds to step S104, the cursor display 41 is not performed on the display unit 21, and the normal display is performed. Perform zooming.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the zoom operation amount is greater than a certain amount, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, a cursor display 41 as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21, for example. In a succeeding step S106, it is determined whether the photographer has stopped the zoom operation or the zoom position has reached the telephoto end. If the zooming operation is continued without reaching the telephoto end, the process returns to step S105 to start the operation of changing the size of the cursor display 41 according to the zooming operation amount (see the arrow in FIG. 4A). Assist the photographer in zooming as described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106, and the determination as to whether the zoom operation has been stopped as described above or whether the zoom position has reached the telephoto end is repeated. If the zoom operation is still continued, the operation of changing the size of the cursor display 41 is repeated until the zoom position reaches the telephoto end or the zoom operation is stopped.

  Thereafter, when the zoom operation is stopped or reaches the telephoto end in step S106, the process proceeds to step S104, and the zoom operation is performed up to the angle of view size at the time when the zoom operation is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the subject whose field angle size is changed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21.

  According to the first embodiment, when an angle of view change operation is performed by the photographer, the view angle size (cursor display 41) corresponding to the change operation is superimposed on the captured image on the screen of the display unit 21. Control to do. Therefore, it is possible to inform the photographer of the zoom location being photographed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In addition, the angle-of-view size changing operation is performed up to an arbitrary angle of view size, and when the zoom operation is stopped, the subject image zoom operation is performed up to the view angle size. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subject from protruding outside the angle of view due to excessive zooming.

  In addition, since the subject photographed due to a mistake in the zoom operation is not recorded in the recording unit 35, the photographing quality is improved. Furthermore, since there is no need for a recording unit for recording an image to be displayed on a sub-screen for assisting a photographer's zoom operation, it is possible to reduce costs.

  Next, an image pickup apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the imaging apparatus is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shown in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the zoom operation start condition is the stop of the zoom operation. However, in the second embodiment, as the zoom operation start condition, the view angle size is set to a predetermined size (automatic zoom point). .

  In an imaging apparatus having a high-power zoom, the cursor display 41 may be too small. Therefore, an automatic zoom function as shown in FIG. 6 may be incorporated. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the zoom is automatically performed when it is detected that the zoom has been performed up to the angle of view of a predetermined automatic zoom point (black dot in FIG. 6) with respect to the current angle of view. It is.

  Alternatively, when the angle of view for each of a plurality of automatic zoom points (black dots in FIG. 7) as shown in FIG. 7 is reached, the automatic zoom may be repeated stepwise. This also restricts the zoom amount, so that it is possible to prevent a situation where the user is unable to know where the camera is zooming to the telephoto end due to an operation error. In addition, it is easy for the photographer to handle because the user can concentrate only on placing the subject in the cursor display 41.

  Hereinafter, the operation at the time of automatic zooming by the control unit 36 when the zoom operation is performed by the zoom key 13 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, various settings relating to the function of displaying the zoom location by the photographer are received. Then, in the next step S202, it is determined whether or not a zoom operation has been performed with the zoom key 13 during shooting after the start of shooting. If the zoom operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S201.

  If it is determined that a zoom operation has been performed during shooting, the process proceeds from step S202 to step S203, where it is determined whether the zoom operation amount is larger or smaller than a predetermined operation amount per unit time. As a result, when the amount of zoom operation is smaller than the predetermined amount and the cursor display 41 is not performed on the screen of the display unit 21, the process proceeds to step S204, the cursor display 41 is not performed on the display unit 21, and the normal display is performed. Perform zooming.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the zoom operation amount is greater than a certain amount, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, a cursor display 41 as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21, for example. In a succeeding step S206, it is determined whether the photographer has stopped the zoom operation or the zoom position has reached the telephoto end. Here, when the zoom operation is stopped or reaches the telephoto end, the process proceeds to step S204, and the zoom operation is performed up to the angle of view size when the zoom operation is stopped.

  On the other hand, if the telephoto end is not reached in step S206 and the zoom operation is continued, the process proceeds to step S207. Here, it is determined whether or not the zoom operation has been performed until an automatic zoom point having a predetermined angle of view shown in FIG. 6, for example, is reached. As a result, if the zoom operation is not performed until the automatic zoom point is reached, the process returns to step S205.

  If it is determined in step S207 that the zoom operation has been performed until the automatic zoom point is reached, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, a zoom operation up to an automatic zoom point having a predetermined angle of view is performed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the subject whose field angle size is changed is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21.

  According to the second embodiment described above, when the zoom operation is performed up to a predetermined angle of view of the automatic zoom point, a display indicating the angle of view (cursor display 41) is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21. Therefore, it is possible to inform the photographer of the zoom position being photographed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  Further, after a display changing operation up to a predetermined angle of view of the automatic zoom point is performed, the subject image is zoomed up to that angle of view. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subject from protruding outside the angle of view due to excessive zooming.

  Also, when a zoom operation to the wide-angle side is performed with the zoom key 13 while photographing the subject 51 on the telephoto side, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the same automatic zoom function is activated. be able to.

  In Embodiments 1 and 2, the zoom operation start condition is set to stop the zoom operation or reach the automatic zoom point. In Embodiment 3, the zoom operation start condition is preset as a zoom operation start member. It is added that the member is operated. For example, the setting screen is called in advance with the menu call key 14 or the like, and the shooting trigger key 12 for still images is set as the zoom operation start key. Then, the zoom key 13 is operated during shooting so that the cursor display 41 on the display unit 21, that is, the subject is within the desired angle of view, and then the shooting trigger key 12 is pressed to operate the zoom. .

  In the case of such a function, the zoom key can be operated on both the telephoto side and the wide-angle side, so that the photographer can also correct it to a desired angle of view.

  Hereinafter, the operation at the time of automatic zooming by the control unit 36 when the zoom operation is performed will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S301, various settings relating to the function of displaying the zoom location by the photographer are accepted. At this time, the zoom operation start key is set (for example, the shooting trigger key 12 is set as the zoom operation start key). Then, in the next step S302, it is determined whether or not a zoom operation has been performed with the zoom key 13 during shooting after the start of shooting. If the zoom operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S301.

  If it is determined that a zoom operation has been performed during shooting, the process proceeds from step S302 to step S303, where it is determined whether the zoom operation amount is larger or smaller than a predetermined operation amount per unit time. As a result, when the amount of zoom operation is smaller than the predetermined amount and the cursor display 41 is not performed on the screen of the display unit 21, the process proceeds to step S304, the cursor display 41 is not displayed on the display unit 21, and the normal display is performed. Perform zooming.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the zoom operation amount is greater than a certain amount, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, a cursor display 41 as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21, for example. In the subsequent step S306, it is determined whether or not the photographer has set the shooting trigger key 12 as a zoom operation start key as an initial setting. As a result, if the zoom operation start key is set, the process proceeds to step S308, and if not set, the process proceeds to step S307.

  If the zoom operation start key has not been set and the process proceeds to step S307, it is determined whether the photographer has stopped the zoom operation or the zoom position has reached the zoom end (telephoto end or wide-angle end). Here, when the zoom operation is stopped or reaches the zoom end, the process proceeds to step S304, and the zoom operation is performed up to the angle of view size when the zoom operation is stopped.

  If the zoom end is not reached in step S306 and the zoom operation is continued, the process proceeds to step S309. Here, it is determined whether or not the zoom operation has been performed until an automatic zoom point having a predetermined angle of view shown in FIG. 6, for example, is reached. As a result, if the zoom operation is not performed until the automatic zoom point is reached, the process returns to step S305.

  If it is determined in step S309 that the zoom operation has been performed until the automatic zoom point is reached, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S310, a zoom operation is performed up to an automatic zoom point having a predetermined angle of view. Thereafter, the process returns to step S306, where it is determined again whether or not the zoom operation start key has been set. If it has not been set, the process proceeds to step S307 and the same operation as described above is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the shooting trigger key 12 is set as the zoom operation start key, the process proceeds to step S308 as described above. In step S308, it is determined whether or not the zoom operation start key has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S305 to repeat the same operation. Thereafter, the zoom operation is performed until a desired angle of view size is obtained. When the photographer operates the set zoom operation start key, it is determined in step S308 that the zoom operation start key has been operated. In step S304, the zoom operation is performed up to the angle of view when the zoom operation start key is operated.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the shooting trigger key 12 is set as the zoom operation start key, and the angle of view size (cursor display 41) on the screen of the display unit 21 that is changed in accordance with the zoom operation is seen. Assume that the zoom operation start key is operated. Then, the zoom operation of the subject image is performed up to the field angle size. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the subject from protruding outside the angle of view due to excessive zooming.

  According to the first to third embodiments, when the zoom operation start condition is satisfied, the zoom operation is performed to match the size of the subject image (captured image) with the angle of view when the zoom operation start condition is satisfied. I have to. The zoom operation start start condition is set in advance as a zoom operation start member when the zoom operation is stopped (Example 1) or when the angle of view becomes a predetermined size (Example 2). (Example 3). The angle of view (cursor display 41) is displayed on the screen of the display unit 21.

  Therefore, it is possible to inform the photographer of the zoom location being photographed in an easy-to-understand manner, and to prevent the subject from sticking out of the angle of view due to excessive zooming. Further, since the subject photographed due to a mistake in zoom operation is not recorded in the recording unit 35, the photographing quality is improved. Furthermore, since there is no need for a recording unit for recording an image to be displayed on the sub-screen for assisting the photographer's zoom operation as in the prior art, the cost can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the optical zoom has been mainly limited, but the present invention can also be applied to an electronic zoom. The electronic zoom is a method in which a part of the image received on the image sensor 32 is electronically enlarged and zoomed. This is an effective zoom method for recent high-pixel image receiving elements.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on a display part at the time of performing zoom operation to the telephoto side in Example 1 of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic zoom operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation point of automatic zoom in Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation point of stepwise automatic zoom in Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic zoom operation | movement of the imaging device concerning Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display on a display part at the time of performing zoom operation to the wide angle side in Example 2 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic zoom operation of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Imaging device 12 Still image shooting trigger key 13 Zoom key 14 Menu call key 15 Imaging optical system 21, 34 Display unit 22 Moving image shooting trigger key 31 Optical lens 32 Imaging element 33 Video processing unit 35 Recording unit 36 Control unit 37 Operation unit 41 Cursor display 42 Subject

Claims (4)

Zoom operation means for instructing the zoom operation amount;
Display control means for controlling the display indicating the angle of view according to the operation amount instructed by the zoom operation means to be superimposed on the captured image;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: zoom means for performing a zoom operation so that the size of the picked-up image is matched with an angle of view according to an operation amount instructed by the zoom operation means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the zoom unit performs a zoom operation so that the size of the captured image is matched with a field angle size when the zoom operation is stopped.   The zoom means performs a zoom operation so that the size of the captured image matches the angle of view when the angle of view changed by the zoom operation reaches a predetermined size. The imaging device according to claim 1.   2. The zoom unit according to claim 1, wherein when a preset member is operated, the zoom unit performs a zoom operation so as to match the size of the captured image with a field angle size at the time of the operation. Imaging device.

Images