JP2008152147A - Imaging apparatus, photographing system, input processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus designed so that even with a waterproof case attached to the apparatus, key operations can be performed, as in the operation of an ordinary camera, without unnatural feeling. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 10 has a rotary zoom key 16. When the zoom key 16 is rotated, the digital camera 10 detects the attachment or the detachment of a waterproof case 30. If the waterproof case 30 is attached to the digital camera 10, the camera 10 performs the process in a direction reverse to the rotating direction of the zoom key 16. Thus, even with the mechanism in which the rotating direction of the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 is reverse to the rotating direction of the rotation switch 39 of the waterproof case 30, the zoom key 16 can be operated through the rotation switch 39, as in the operation of an ordinary camera, without unnatural feeling. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus, an imaging system, an input processing method, and a program in which a waterproof case can be attached.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, opportunities to perform underwater photography using an underwater housing as well as land photography are increasing. The underwater housing is a transparent waterproof case that houses a camera device, and has a mechanism capable of operating various keys such as a shutter key from the outside.

Conventionally, various proposals have been made regarding such a waterproof case. For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a large number of push button switches (hereinafter referred to as push buttons) are installed in the waterproof case body in accordance with the key arrangement on the camera side, and these push buttons are pressed. And operating various keys on the camera side.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-310585 JP 2006-114431 A

  By the way, some digital cameras use a rotary switch as a zoom key, which is rotatably arranged around a shutter key. In such a waterproof case used for a digital camera, the zoom key connection mechanism is simplified because the size and shape are usually given priority, and the rotation direction of the zoom key is reversed. is there. For this reason, when the waterproof case is attached, the zoom key cannot be operated like a normal camera operation, which is very inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. An imaging apparatus, an imaging system, an input processing method, and a program capable of performing key operations without a sense of incongruity in the same manner as normal camera operations even when a waterproof case is attached. The purpose is to provide.

  An imaging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an imaging apparatus in which a waterproof case can be attached, and is provided in the apparatus main body, and includes a first key for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process, When a key 1 is operated, a process execution unit that executes a process according to the operation direction, and a process according to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key are executed by the process execution unit. And an execution control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the apparatus further includes a mounting determination unit that determines whether or not the waterproof case is mounted on the device body. When the mounting determination unit determines that the waterproof case is mounted, the processing execution unit causes the processing execution unit to execute a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the image pickup apparatus further includes a control determination unit that determines whether control for attaching the waterproof case is necessary, and the execution control unit includes the execution control unit, When it is determined by the control determination means that the control for mounting the waterproof case is necessary, the processing execution means is caused to execute a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key. Features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, the sensor includes a sensor that detects that the waterproof case is mounted on the apparatus main body, and the mounting determination unit includes a detection signal of the sensor. The mounting state of the waterproof case is determined based on the above.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, the image pickup apparatus further includes an instruction unit that explicitly instructs the mounting of the waterproof case, and the mounting determination unit is based on a mounting instruction by the instruction unit. And determining a mounting state of the waterproof case.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, the photographing apparatus includes a photographing mode setting unit that sets a photographing mode using the waterproof case, and the attachment determining unit is set by the photographing mode setting unit. The mounting state of the waterproof case is determined based on the photographed shooting mode.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system comprising an imaging device body and a waterproof case that is detachably attached to the imaging device body, wherein the imaging device body is rotatable with respect to the imaging device body. A first key for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process, and a process execution means for executing a process according to the rotation direction when the first key is rotated. When the first key is rotated while the waterproof case is attached to the imaging device body, execution of causing the processing execution unit to execute a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction. Control unit, and the waterproof case is an operation unit for rotating the first key, and a force in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the operation unit acts on the first key. Configured first Characterized by comprising an operation unit.

  In addition, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing system according to the seventh aspect, the image capturing system further includes mounting determination means for determining whether or not the waterproof case is mounted on the main body of the photographing apparatus, and the execution control means is When the mounting determination unit determines that the waterproof case is mounted, the processing execution unit causes the processing execution unit to execute a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key. And

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing system according to the seventh aspect, the photographing device main body is provided with a second key adjacent to the first key, and the case includes: The first operation unit is disposed on the side of the first key when mounted on the photographing apparatus main body, and the second operation unit is provided on the upper side of the second key. It is characterized by.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing system according to the ninth aspect, the first key is a zoom key for instructing a zoom in a wide-angle direction or a telephoto direction by a rotation operation, and the second key The key is a shutter key for instructing shutter timing by a pressing operation.

  An input processing method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an input processing method used in an imaging apparatus including an apparatus main body in which a first key for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process is rotatably provided. A step of determining whether or not a waterproof case having a coupling mechanism with the first key is attached to the apparatus main body; and a state in which it is determined that the waterproof case is attached. And a step of executing processing corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key when the key is rotated.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program by a computer for controlling an operation of an image pickup apparatus including an apparatus main body in which a first key for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process is rotatably provided. A program to be executed, wherein the computer is equipped with a function for determining whether or not a waterproof case having a connection mechanism with the first key is attached to the apparatus main body, and the waterproof case is attached. When the first key is rotated in a state determined to be, a function of executing processing according to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key is realized. .

  According to the present invention, even when a waterproof case is attached, key operations can be performed without a sense of incongruity as in normal camera operations.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are views showing an external configuration when a small digital camera is taken as an example of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the digital camera as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera. 3 and 4 are views showing an external configuration of the waterproof case in the embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waterproof case as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the waterproof case.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes a hexahedral camera body 11. On the front surface of the camera body 11, a photographing lens unit 12, a flash unit 13, and the like are provided.

  The photographic lens unit 12 realizes a zoom function such as a telephoto function and a wide-angle function by protruding the lens barrel 12a from the front surface of the camera body 11 in three steps. The photographing lens unit 12 is immersed and accommodated in the camera body 11 when not photographing, and is about 1 to 1.5 times the thickness of the camera body 11 when photographing, for example, from the front surface of the camera body 11. It is comprised so that it may protrude.

  Further, on the upper surface of the camera body 11, a power key 14, a shutter key 15, a zoom key 16, and the like are provided. Here, the shutter key 15 is composed of a circular push-down switch, and a zoom key 16 composed of a rotary switch is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the shutter key 15. An operation lever 16a protrudes from one end of the outer peripheral portion of the zoom key 16, and the zoom operation is performed by rotating the operation lever 16a in the left-right direction as shown by an arrow during photographing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a display unit 17 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 11, and a shooting key 18, a playback key 19, a DISP key 20, and a menu key 21 are provided around the display unit 17. Various keys such as a multi-function key 22 and a best shot key 23 are provided.

  The display unit 17 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight, etc., and displays a through image on the monitor as an electronic viewfinder in the photographing mode, and reproduces and displays the selected image and the like in the reproduction mode.

  The shooting key 18 is used when setting the shooting mode. The reproduction key 19 is used when setting the shooting mode. The DISP key 20 is used to switch the display mode. The menu key 21 is used when selecting various menu items and the like.

  The multi-function key 22 includes a set key 22a located in the center and four selection keys 22b to 22e arranged on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the set key 22a. Various setting items can be set by pressing the selection keys 22b to 22e. Is selected, and the selected item is determined by pressing the set key 22a. The best shot key 23 is used when selecting various shooting modes prepared in advance.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the bottom surface of the camera body 11 has a memory card slot for attaching / detaching a memory card used as a recording medium, a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer, etc. (Universal Serial Bus) connector, tripod hole, etc. are provided.

  On the other hand, the waterproof case 30 used in the digital camera 10 enables underwater shooting at a water depth of 40 meters, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, the waterproof case 30 includes a hexahedron-shaped case body 31 for housing the camera body 11.

  The case body 31 is made of a transparent synthetic resin such as a transparent polycarbonate resin, and is composed of a front case 32 and a rear case 33. The front case 32 constitutes the front surface of the case main body 31, and the rear case 33 constitutes the rear surface of the case main body 31, and forms a storage space for the camera main body 11 in a closed state.

  The front case 32 and the rear case 33 are rotatably connected via a hinge portion 34 provided on one side of each. A lock member 35 is provided on each other side of the case body 31 opposite to the hinge portion 34, and the lock member 35 can be engaged and disengaged with the front case 32 and the rear case 33 closed. It is configured to lock. In addition, on the front surface of the case body 31, a storage cylinder portion 36 for storing the taking lens portion 12 of the digital camera 10 is formed integrally with the front case 32.

  On the upper surface of the front case 32, push buttons 37 and 38 for pressing the power key 14 and the shutter key 15 of the digital camera 10 are provided. The push button 38 corresponding to the shutter key 15 is provided with a push switch 40 so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction about the shaft 40a, and the push button 38 is pushed through the push switch 40. It is configured.

  Further, a rotation switch 39 for rotating the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 is rotatably provided on the upper surface of the front case 32. The rotary switch 39 is engaged with the zoom key 16 when the digital camera 10 is stored in the waterproof case 30. The relationship between the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 and the rotary switch 39 of the waterproof case 30 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, push buttons 41 to 50 corresponding to the various keys 18 to 23 of the digital camera 10 are provided on the rear surface of the rear case 33.

  The push button 41 is a button for pressing the photographing key 18. The push button 42 is a button for pressing the reproduction key 19. The push button 43 is a button for pressing the DISP key 20. The push button 44 is a button for pressing the photographing key 18. The push button 45 is a button for pressing the set key 22 a in the multi-function key 22.

  The push buttons 46 to 49 are buttons for pressing the selection keys 22b to 22e in the multi-function key 22, respectively. The push button 50 is a button for pressing the best shot key 23. The arrangement of these push buttons 41 to 50 corresponds to the arrangement of various keys 18 to 23 of the digital camera 10.

  In such a configuration, the front case 32 and the rear case 33 of the waterproof case 30 are opened by turning the hinge portion 34 as a fulcrum, and the digital camera 10 is disposed inside the front case 32 and the rear case 33. close. In this state, the front case 32 and the rear case 33 are locked by the lock member 35, so that the digital camera 10 can be accommodated while ensuring waterproofness.

  In a state where the digital camera 10 is stored in the waterproof case 30, the push buttons 37, 38, 41 to 50 provided on the waterproof case 30 face the various keys 14, 15, 18 to 23 of the digital camera 10. Thus, the photographer operates the various keys 14, 15, 18 to 23 of the digital camera 10 housed therein by pressing the push buttons 37, 38, 41 to 50 of the waterproof case 30. be able to.

  However, the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 has a problem that when the rotary switch 39 of the waterproof case 30 is rotated, the rotation direction at that time is reversed left and right. This is shown in FIG.

  5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 and the rotary switch 39 of the waterproof case 30. FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B is a side sectional view, and FIG. (C) is an upper cross-sectional view. In FIGS. 5B and 5C, members such as the push switch 40 disposed above the push button 38 are omitted for easy understanding of the connecting portion between the zoom key 16 and the rotary switch 39. It is shown.

  A push button 38 is disposed on the waterproof case 30 so as to face the shutter key 15 of the digital camera 10. The push button 38 includes a button shaft 51, a button head 52 provided at the outer end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 5), and an elastic contact provided at the inner end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 5) of the button shaft 51. The coil spring 54 urges the portion 53 and the button head 52 toward the outside (upper part in FIG. 5).

  With such a structure, when the photographer pushes down the button head 52 of the push button 38 with a finger, the elastic contact portion 53 comes into contact with the shutter key 15 and the shutter key 15 can be pressed. When the photographer's finger is released from the button head 52, the elastic contact portion 53 is separated from the shutter key 15 by the biasing force of the coil spring 54 and returns to the original position. The structure of other push buttons provided on the waterproof case 30 is the same.

  On the other hand, the rotary switch 39 corresponding to the zoom key 16 is disposed on the side of the zoom key 16 when the case is mounted. The rotation switch 39 includes a first rotating part 61 provided outside the case, a second rotating part 62 provided inside the case, and a connection for connecting the first rotating part 61 and the second rotating part 62. Part 63.

  A protrusion 61 a for hooking the photographer's finger is formed at one end of the outer peripheral portion of the first rotating portion 61. Further, the second rotating part 62 rotates in the same direction as the first rotating part 61 via the connecting part 63. A notch 62a is formed at one end of the outer peripheral portion of the second rotating portion 62, and the operation lever 16a of the zoom key 16 is engaged with the notch 62a.

  With such a structure, when the photographer rotates the first rotation unit 61 of the rotation switch 39 with a finger, the second rotation unit 62 rotates in conjunction with the first rotation unit 61 via the connection unit 63. To do. The zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 is rotated by the rotation of the second rotation unit 62. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5C, due to the principle of the gear, a force in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotary switch 39 acts on the zoom key 16, so that the wide angle direction and the telephoto direction are reversed from the normal key operation. Will do.

Here, a structure as shown in FIG. 6 is considered.
6A and 6B are diagrams in the case where the rotary switch 39 of the waterproof case 30 is disposed above the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10, where FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 6B is a side sectional view. In FIG. 6B, members such as the push switch 40 disposed on the push button 38 are omitted.

  Reference numeral 64 in the drawing is a lever movable portion attached to the second rotating portion 62, and its tip is provided in contact with the operation lever 16 a of the zoom key 16. When the first rotating part 61 rotates, the second rotating part 62 rotates through a connecting part 63 (not shown) here. The zoom key 16 is rotated in the same direction as the rotation switch 39 through the lever movable portion 64 by the rotation of the second rotating portion 62.

  As described above, if the rotation switch 39 is arranged above the zoom key 16, the zoom key 16 can be rotated in the same direction by the operation of the rotation switch 39. However, with such a structure, since the zoom mechanism and the shutter mechanism are accumulated in the axial direction of the push button 38, the size of the waterproof case 30 in the height direction is increased, and the design is not attractive. There is a problem.

  Hereinafter, a method for operating the zoom key 16 in the same manner as a normal camera operation without requiring a structural improvement of the waterproof case 30 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 10. The digital camera 10 includes a control unit 101, an imaging unit 102, an input processing unit 103, a display processing unit 104, a storage unit 105, a mounting detection unit 106, and the like.

  The control unit 101 performs overall control of the digital camera 10. The control unit 101 includes a CPU, and executes a predetermined process by reading a program stored in the storage unit 105. In the present embodiment, when the configuration of the control unit 101 is functionally shown, it includes a process execution unit 101a and an execution control unit 101b. When the zoom key 16 is operated, the process execution unit 101a executes a process according to the operation direction. When the digital camera 10 is in a specific state, the execution control unit 101b causes the processing execution unit 101a to execute a process according to an operation in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the zoom key 16. The “specific state” is a state in which the waterproof case 30 is mounted (specifically, a state in which the digital camera 10 is housed in the waterproof case 30).

  The input processing unit 103 performs input processing of signals input by operating various keys 14 to 16 and 18 to 23 provided on the digital camera 10. The display processing unit 104 performs display processing on the display unit 17 illustrated in FIG.

  The storage unit 105 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and the like, and stores various data necessary for the processing operation of the control unit 101. The storage unit 105 includes a program storage unit 105a, an image storage unit 105b, and an input table 105c. Various programs related to the photographing operation of the digital camera 10 are stored in the program storage unit 105a. Among them, a program for realizing the present invention is also included. In the image storage unit 105b, image data obtained by photographing is compressed and stored in a predetermined format.

  The input table 105c stores processing contents corresponding to the operation signals of the various keys 14-16 and 18-23. FIG. 8 shows an example of the input table 105c. For example, a signal input by pressing the power key 14 corresponds to power ON / OFF processing. A signal input by rotating the zoom key 16 corresponds to zoom processing. In this case, since the zoom key 16 is composed of a rotary switch, wide-angle processing or telephoto processing is executed according to the rotation direction at that time, and the magnification is changed according to the amount of rotation at that time.

  The wearing detection unit 106 detects the wearing state of the waterproof case 30. Specifically, a contact sensor 107 as shown in FIG. 9 is used. The contact sensor 107 is installed in the camera body 11 and electrically detects contact of a contact pin 108 provided inside the case body 31 by a change in resistance value or the like. The wearing detection unit 106 detects the wearing state of the waterproof case 30 by inputting the detection signal of the contact sensor 107. Note that the contact sensor 107 may be, for example, one using light, magnetism, or the like.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the first embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is stored in advance in the storage unit 105 in the form of a program code. The control unit 101, which is a computer mounted on the digital camera 10, executes the following process by reading this program code.

  That is, when various keys provided on the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10 are operated, the operation signals are input to the control unit 101 via the input processing unit 103 (step A11). Here, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the input operation signal is due to the operation of the zoom key 16 (step A12).

  When the signal is an operation other than the zoom key 16 (No in Step A12), the digital camera 10 refers to the input table 105c and executes a process corresponding to the operation signal (Step A13).

  On the other hand, when the signal is an operation signal of the zoom key 16 (Yes in Step A12), the control unit 101 detects the mounting state of the waterproof case 30 through the mounting detection unit 106 (Step A14).

  Here, when the mounting state of the waterproof case 30 is detected by the mounting detection unit 106, in other words, in a state where the digital camera 10 is stored in the waterproof case 30 (Yes in Step A14), the control unit 101 After detecting the rotation direction of the zoom key 16 based on the operation signal, the rotation direction is reversed (step A15). And the control part 101 performs a zoom process with reference to the input table 105c based on the rotation direction after inversion (step A16).

  More specifically, it is assumed that the right rotation of the zoom key 16 indicates telephoto and the left rotation indicates wide angle. Here, when an operation signal for the right rotation of the zoom key 16 is input, it is recognized that a wide-angle instruction has been given by replacing the right rotation with the left rotation. Then, the zoom magnification is changed to the wide angle side according to the rotation amount at that time. On the other hand, when an operation signal for left rotation of the zoom key 16 is input, it is recognized that a telephoto instruction has been given by replacing left rotation with right rotation. Then, the zoom magnification is changed to the telephoto side according to the rotation amount at that time.

  In step A14, if the waterproof case 30 is not attached, the control unit 101 executes zoom processing without reversing the rotation direction of the zoom key 16 (step A16).

  Thus, when the waterproof case 30 is attached to the digital camera 10, processing in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the zoom key 16 is executed. Thereby, even in the mechanism in which the rotation direction is reversed between the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 and the rotation switch 39 of the waterproof case 30, the zoom key 16 can be operated through the rotation switch 39 in the same way as normal camera operation. can do.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5, in the waterproof case 30 used for the digital camera 10 provided with the shutter key 15 and the zoom key 16 adjacent to each other, the push button 38 and the rotary switch 39 corresponding to each are arranged separately. By doing so, the size in the height direction is suppressed. Even in such a size-priority configuration, the operability can be ensured by rotating the operation signal of the zoom key 16 in a software direction.

  Further, by detecting the wearing state of the waterproof case 30 by the contact sensor 107, the operation signal of the zoom key 16 is rotated in the direction only when the waterproof case 30 is attached, without the photographer being particularly conscious, and the rotation switch. The zoom operation can be performed in accordance with the rotation direction of 39.

  In the first embodiment, when the zoom key 16 is rotated, the detection state of the contact sensor 107 is acquired and the mounting state of the waterproof case 30 is determined. When the mode is set, the detection state of the contact sensor 107 is acquired, and a flag indicating the mounting of the waterproof case 30 is set according to the detection state, or the mode is switched to the waterproof case mounting mode, and the zoom key When 16 is rotated, the wearing state of the waterproof case 30 may be determined based on the set flag and mode.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, when zoom operation is performed, it is determined that the waterproof state 30 is attached and the process is branched. However, such a configuration is not necessarily used. There is no need.

  For example, when the power is turned on or when the shooting mode is set, the process may be branched by determining the wearing state of the waterproof case 30. With such a configuration, the reversing process of step A15 can be executed immediately without requiring the determination process of step A14 after the zoom operation.

  Two types of programs are available: a normal program that does not reverse the operation direction when zoom operation is performed, and a waterproof case installation program that reverses the operation direction when zoom operation is performed. When it is determined that the mounting control is necessary (specifically, when the waterproof case mounting mode is set by a predetermined operation), the waterproof case mounting program may be executed. . The waterproof case mounting program can be arbitrarily downloaded via a recording medium or a communication medium such as the Internet. By using such a waterproof case mounting program, when a zoom operation is performed, the inversion process can be performed immediately.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the contact state of the waterproof case 30 is detected using the contact sensor 107. However, in the second embodiment, the photographer explicitly instructs the waterproof case 30 to be attached. It is characterized by.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shooting setting screen 110 of the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment.

  The shooting setting screen 110 is displayed on the display unit 17 by operating the menu key 21 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the shooting setting screen 110 includes various setting items 111 to 114 relating to shooting conditions such as “size”, “image quality”, “white balance”, “color enhancement”, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the shooting setting screen 110 is further provided with a setting item 115 for setting the presence / absence of “waterproof case”, and the photographer explicitly attaches the waterproof case 30 through this setting item 115. Configured to direct.

  Note that the setting items of the shooting conditions are not limited to those shown in FIG. 11, but there are actually a larger number of setting items that can be arbitrarily set by the photographer. Further, the configuration of the shooting setting screen 110 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, and for example, a setting date item corresponding to each shooting condition may be displayed one by one in response to a key operation. good.

  The operation as the second embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the second embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is stored in advance in the storage unit 105 in the form of a program code. The control unit 101, which is a computer mounted on the digital camera 10, executes the following process by reading this program code.

  That is, when the menu key 21 provided on the digital camera 10 is pressed, the operation signal is input to the control unit 101 via the input processing unit 103. In this case, when the waterproof case 30 is attached (the digital camera 10 is stored in the waterproof case 30), the best shot key 23 is pressed through the push button 50 on the waterproof case 30 side shown in FIG.

  When the operation signal of the menu key 21 is input, the control unit 101 displays the shooting setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 17 through the display processing unit 104 (step B11). As described above, the shooting setting screen 110 includes “waterproof case” in addition to various setting items 111 to 114 regarding shooting conditions such as “size”, “image quality”, “white balance”, “color enhancement”, and the like. A setting item 115 for setting presence / absence is provided.

  Here, it is assumed that the photographer operates the multi-function key 22 to instruct the setting item 115 on the photographing setting screen 110 to “attach waterproof case” (Yes in Step B12). By inputting this instruction signal, the control unit 101 sets a mounting flag F1 indicating that the waterproof case 30 is mounted in a predetermined area of the storage unit 105 (step B13).

  Thereafter, when the zoom key 16 is operated during shooting, the mounting state of the waterproof case 30 is determined based on the mounting flag F1 in step A14 of FIG. 10, and when the waterproof case 30 is mounted, the zoom key 16 is Reverse the rotation direction.

  As described above, even when the photographer explicitly indicates whether or not the waterproof case 30 is attached, the operability of the zoom key 16 when the waterproof case 30 is attached can be ensured as in the first embodiment. it can. Further, as in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that it can be realized without requiring sensors such as the contact sensor 107 for physically automatically detecting the mounting of the waterproof case 30.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the installation of the waterproof case 30 is explicitly instructed. In the third embodiment, the installation state of the waterproof case 30 is determined based on the currently set shooting mode. And

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shooting mode setting screen 120 of the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment.

  The shooting mode setting screen 120 is displayed on the display unit 17 by operating the best shot key 23 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the shooting mode setting screen 120 is provided with sample scenes 121 to 123 of shooting modes prepared in advance such as “person”, “landscape”, “person and landscape”, and so on. ing. In these shooting modes, optimum shooting conditions are programmed in advance. For example, in the “person” shooting mode, “white balance”, “color enhancement”, and the like are set so that the skin color is emphasized and the bare skin can be photographed beautifully. In the “landscape” shooting mode, the focus is switched to infinity and the saturation is set higher.

  In this embodiment, a sample scene 124 corresponding to the “underwater” shooting mode is further provided on the shooting mode setting screen 120. When this sample scene 124 is selected, a shooting mode in which shooting conditions optimal for underwater shooting are programmed is automatically set.

  Note that the sample scenes in the shooting mode are not limited to those shown in FIG. 13, but actually there are sample scenes corresponding to a larger number of shooting modes, which can be arbitrarily selected by the photographer. In addition, the shooting mode setting screen 120 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 13, and may be configured such that, for example, sample scenes corresponding to each shooting mode are displayed one by one in response to a key operation.

  The operation as the third embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 10 in the third embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is stored in advance in the storage unit 105 in the form of a program code. The control unit 101, which is a computer mounted on the digital camera 10, executes the following process by reading this program code.

  That is, when the best shot key 23 provided on the digital camera 10 is pressed, the operation signal is input to the control unit 101 via the input processing unit 103. In this case, when the waterproof case 30 is mounted (the digital camera 10 is stored in the waterproof case 30), the new key 21 is pressed through the push button 44 on the waterproof case 30 side shown in FIG.

  When the control signal of the best shot key 23 is input, the control unit 101 displays the shooting mode setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 17 through the display processing unit 104 (step C11). As described above, the shooting mode setting screen 120 includes the “underwater” shooting mode in addition to the sample scenes 121 to 123 corresponding to the shooting modes such as “person”, “landscape”, “person and landscape”. A corresponding sample scene 124 is provided.

  Here, it is assumed that the photographer has selected the selection item 124 of the “underwater” photographing mode by operating the multifunction key 22 (Yes in Step C12). The control unit 101 sets the underwater shooting mode in accordance with the input of this selection signal (step C13).

  It is known that the color changes under the influence of light attenuation in water. That is, the sun's light is divided into seven colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and purple depending on the wavelength. The absorption of light by the water acting on these seven colors is selectively performed according to the wavelength of the light as in the blue filter effect. Specifically, first, red having a long wavelength is absorbed, and then orange, yellow, and blue having a short wavelength remain until the end. This is why red objects do not look red in water and are close to the blue world. The phenomenon of color change due to the attenuation of light becomes stronger as the water depth increases, that is, the deeper place where sunlight does not reach.

  For this reason, unlike an image taken on land, an image taken underwater often has poor contrast and a dull color. Therefore, in the underwater shooting mode, the color change accompanying such light attenuation is appropriately corrected to obtain a good shot image.

  Further, since the underwater shooting mode is set, the control unit 101 sets the mounting flag F1 indicating that the waterproof case 30 is mounted in a predetermined area of the storage unit 105 (step C14). .

  Thereafter, when the zoom key 16 is operated during photographing, the state of the waterproof case 30 is determined based on the mounting flag F1 in step A14 in FIG. 16 rotation directions are reversed.

  As described above, the operability of the zoom key 16 when the waterproof case 30 is mounted can be ensured by detecting the presence or absence of the waterproof case 30 based on the photographing mode as in the first embodiment. . Further, as in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that it can be realized without requiring sensors such as the contact sensor 107 for physically automatically detecting the mounting of the waterproof case 30. Further, as in the second embodiment, there is an advantage that the photographer can determine the presence or absence of the waterproof case 30 without giving an explicit instruction by manual operation.

  In the third embodiment, it has been described that a shooting mode corresponding to the shooting scene is set by selecting a shooting scene prepared in advance. However, a desired shooting mode is set by, for example, operating the menu key 21 or the like. The configuration may be set. In this case also, the mounting flag F1 is set in response to the setting of the underwater shooting mode to cope with the zoom operation.

  In each of the above embodiments, the zoom key 16 of the digital camera 10 has been described as an example. However, even with other keys, a switch that reverses the operation direction of the switch when the waterproof case 30 is attached. Any structure can be applied.

  The present invention is not limited to the digital camera 10 and can be similarly applied to an electronic device having a similar switch structure and a case that houses the electronic device.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the respective embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In addition, the method described in the above-described embodiment is a program that can be executed by a computer. The program can be written on a medium and applied to various apparatuses, or the program itself can be transmitted through a transmission medium such as a network and applied to various apparatuses. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium or a program provided via a transmission medium, and performs the above-described processing by controlling operations by this program.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration when a small digital camera is taken as an example of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the digital camera as seen from the front. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the waterproof case in the embodiment, and is a perspective view of the waterproof case as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the waterproof case in the embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the zoom key of the digital camera and the rotation switch of the waterproof case in the embodiment, FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B is a side sectional view, and FIG. (C) is an upper cross-sectional view. 6A and 6B are diagrams in the case where the rotation switch of the waterproof case in the same embodiment is arranged on the upper part of the zoom key of the digital camera, where FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 6B is a side sectional view. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an input table provided in the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the mounting detection unit of the digital camera in the same embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shooting setting screen of the digital camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shooting mode setting screen of the digital camera according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Camera body, 12 ... Shooting lens part, 12a ... Lens barrel, 13 ... Strobe part, 14 ... Power key, 15 ... Shutter key, 16 ... Zoom key, 16a ... Operation lever, 17 ... Display part, 18 ... Shooting key, 19 ... Playback key, 20 ... DISP key, 21 ... Menu key, 22 ... Multi-function key, 22a ... Set key, 22b-22e ... Selection key, 23 ... Best shot key, 30 ... Waterproof case, 31 ... Case body, 32 ... Front case, 33 ... Rear case, 34 ... Hinge part, 35 ... Lock member, 36 ... Storage cylinder part, 37, 38, 41-50 ... Push button, 39 ... Rotary switch, 40 ... Press switch , 40a ... shaft, 51 ... button shaft, 2 ... button head, 53 ... elastic contact portion, 54 ... coil spring, 61 ... first rotating portion 61, 62 ... second rotating portion, 63 Connection part 61a ... Projection part 62a ... Notch part 101 ... Control part 101a ... Processing execution part 101b ... Execution control part 102 ... Imaging part 103 ... Input processing part 104 ... Display processing part 105 ... Storage unit, 105a ... Program storage unit, 105b ... Image storage unit, 105c ... Input table, 106 ... Mounting detection unit, 107 ... Contact sensor, 108 contact pin, 110 ... Shooting setting screen, 111-115 ... Various setting items, 120 ... shooting mode setting screen, 121-124 ... sample scenes in shooting mode.

Claims (12)

An imaging device capable of mounting a waterproof case,
A first key provided on the apparatus main body for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process;
Processing execution means for executing processing according to the operation direction when the first key is operated;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an execution control unit that causes the processing execution unit to execute a process according to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key. The apparatus further comprises attachment determining means for determining whether or not the waterproof case is attached to the apparatus body,
The execution control means causes the process execution means to perform a process according to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key when the attachment determination means determines that the waterproof case is attached. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is executed. Further comprising a control judging means for judging whether or not the control for mounting the waterproof case is necessary,
The execution control means performs processing according to an operation in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the first key when the control determination means determines that the control for mounting the waterproof case is necessary. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is executed by an execution unit. A sensor for detecting that the waterproof case is attached to the apparatus main body;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting determination unit determines a mounting state of the waterproof case based on a detection signal of the sensor. Instructing means to explicitly instruct the mounting of the waterproof case,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting determination unit determines a mounting state of the waterproof case based on a mounting instruction by the instruction unit. A shooting mode setting means for setting a shooting mode using the waterproof case;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the mounting determination unit determines a mounting state of the waterproof case based on a shooting mode set by the shooting mode setting unit. In an imaging system comprising an imaging device body and a waterproof case that is detachably attached to the imaging device body,
The imaging device body is
A first key which is rotatably provided in the imaging apparatus main body and for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process;
Processing execution means for executing processing according to the rotation direction when the first key is rotated;
When the first key is rotated while the waterproof case is attached to the imaging device body, execution of causing the processing execution unit to execute a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction. Control means,
The waterproof case is
An operation unit for rotating the first key, comprising a first operation unit configured such that a force in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the operation unit acts on the first key. An imaging system characterized by that. The apparatus further comprises an attachment determining means for determining whether or not the waterproof case is attached to the photographing apparatus body,
The execution control means performs a process corresponding to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key in the process execution means when the attachment determination means determines that the waterproof case is attached. The photographing system according to claim 7, wherein the photographing system is executed. The imaging device main body is provided with a second key adjacent to the first key,
When the case is attached to the photographing apparatus main body, the first operation unit is disposed on the side of the first key, and the second operation unit is provided on the upper side of the second key. 8. The photographing system according to claim 7, wherein the photographing system is provided. The first key is a zoom key for instructing zooming in a wide-angle direction or a telephoto direction by a rotation operation,
The photographing system according to claim 9, wherein the second key is a shutter key for instructing a shutter timing by a pressing operation. An input processing method used in an imaging apparatus including an apparatus main body in which a first key for instructing an operation direction related to a specific process is rotatably provided,
Determining whether a waterproof case having a coupling mechanism with the first key is attached to the apparatus main body;
Executing a process according to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key when the first key is rotated in a state where it is determined that the waterproof case is attached; An input processing method characterized by comprising: A program executed by a computer for controlling an operation of an imaging apparatus including an apparatus main body provided with a first key for freely rotating an operation direction related to a specific process,
In the computer,
A function of determining whether a waterproof case having a coupling mechanism with the first key is attached to the apparatus main body;
A function of executing processing according to an operation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first key when the first key is rotated in a state where it is determined that the waterproof case is attached; A program characterized by realizing.

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