JP2008278480A - Photographing apparatus, photographing method, photographing apparatus control program and computer readable recording medium with the program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accomplish a photographing apparatus which allows a user to easily settle the image of a subject within an electronic zoom frame all the time. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile phone 1 of the present invention comprises: a subject position detection section 401 for detecting a subject position that is the position of a subject to be traced on a display screen, at a photographing apparatus comprising a function of enlarging a part of the photographed image; and a moving direction notification section 402 for notifying the user about a direction in which the present apparatus is turned, in accordance with a predetermined area if the subject detected by the subject position detection section 401 is present in the predetermined area on the display screen. Therefore, the user can recognize, beforehand, the direction in which the present apparatus is turned. Thus, when the user changes the direction of the present apparatus, it is possible to support the user so as to settle the image of the subject within the electronic zoom frame. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, and particularly to a photographing apparatus having an electronic zoom function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many video cameras or the like that take an image have a zoom function. The zoom function includes an optical zoom and an electronic zoom. The optical zoom is to change a region of an image to be captured by changing a focal length between the imaging element and the lens. On the other hand, the electronic zoom is to enlarge a part of an image.

  In a photographing apparatus such as a video camera having an electronic zoom function, an electronically zoomed image (zoom image) is displayed and recorded on a display screen.

  However, in this case, since only the zoom image is displayed on the display screen, it is easy to lose sight of the subject that is the subject of shooting.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, an imaging device that displays two images, that is, an image (standard image) captured by an image sensor and a zoom image on one display screen, and records the zoom image is also conceivable.

  By simultaneously displaying two images, a standard image and a zoom image, on the display screen, the subject can be easily captured.

  In the electronic zoom, an image in the range (electronic zoom area) of the electronic zoom frame at the center of the standard image is enlarged.

  Therefore, when photographing a subject with the electronic zoom, it is necessary to always photograph the subject so that the subject is in the electronic zoom frame.

  However, when photographing a moving subject with the electronic zoom, it is not easy to move the photographing device so that the subject always enters a not-so-large electronic zoom frame in accordance with an unpredictable subject movement. Also, it is easy to lose sight of the subject, and once the subject is lost, it is not easy to supplement the subject again. Furthermore, moving the photographing apparatus in various directions is a major cause of camera shake.

  In order to solve these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an electronic zoom frame is provided in addition to the central portion of a standard image. By providing an electronic zoom frame other than the central part, photographing by the electronic zoom is possible even if the subject does not necessarily enter the central part of the standard image. By selecting an electronic zoom frame that contains the subject according to the movement of the subject, it is possible to shoot the subject using the electronic zoom.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for automatically tracking a subject and driving tracking means so that the subject can be captured and displaying that the subject is absent when the subject is lost and cannot be automatically tracked. Has been.

Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for simultaneously displaying a captured image (standard image) and a zoomed image obtained by electronically zooming the central portion of the captured image on one display device. In addition, the display range of the zoom image is shown in the center of the standard image, and a technique is described in which the display range can be changed by changing the aspect ratio and the zoom magnification.
JP 6-78198 A (publication date: March 18, 1994) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-30795 (Publication date: January 31, 1995) JP-A-5-252440 (publication date: September 28, 1993)

  However, the conventional configuration causes the following problems.

  That is, in the method of selecting the electronic zoom frame described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to always move the electronic zoom frame while following the moving subject. In this case, it is not known in which direction the subject will move next, and the difficulty of placing the subject in the electronic zoom frame is not much different from the conventional technology.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, it can be seen that the subject is out of the frame of the electronic zoom, but nothing more is known. Therefore, in order to continue shooting, the user must find the subject by some method.

  Further, there is a method in which a technique for displaying two images of a standard image and a zoom image on the display screen of Patent Document 3 is used to find and track the subject from the standard image when the subject cannot be tracked with the zoom image. Conceivable.

  However, the subject is only small on the standard image screen, and it is difficult to find a small subject on the screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a photographing apparatus that allows a user to easily fit an image of a subject in an electronic zoom frame.

  In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention detects a subject position that is a position on a display screen of a subject to be tracked in an imaging apparatus having a function of enlarging a part of a captured image. If the subject position detection means and the subject position detected by the subject position detection means are present in a predetermined area on the display screen, the moving direction in which the user reports the direction in which the user should point to his / her device according to the predetermined area And a notification means.

  According to the above configuration, the subject position detection unit detects the subject position that is the position on the screen of the subject that is the tracking target. When the detected subject position exists in a predetermined area, the moving direction notifying means notifies the user of the direction in which the user should point.

  Therefore, when the subject position exists in a predetermined area, the user can recognize in which direction the photographing apparatus should be directed next.

  Here, as the predetermined area, a frame (tracking frame) of an area that is smaller than an area (electronic zoom area) in which an image is enlarged and includes the center of the electronic zoom area is provided. It can be considered to be an area between the outer frame (informing area A).

  Assuming that the predetermined area is the notification area A, when the subject position is close to the outer frame of the electronic zoom area, the movement direction notification means notifies the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus. In other words, the moving direction notifying means notifies the user of the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus when the subject position is likely to be out of the electronic zoom area.

  It is also conceivable to use an area (notification area B) between the outer frame of the electronic zoom area and the outer frame of the captured image that is the captured image.

  Assuming that the predetermined area is the notification area B, when the subject position exists outside the outer frame of the electronic zoom area, the movement direction notification means notifies the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus. In other words, when the subject position is out of the electronic zoom area, the user is notified of the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to consider a region (notification region C) between the tracking frame and the outer frame of the captured image, which is a region obtained by combining the notification region A and the notification region B.

  Assuming that the predetermined area is the notification area C, when the subject position exists outside the tracking frame, the movement direction notification means notifies the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus. In other words, the movement direction notifying means notifies the user of the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus when the subject position is about to deviate from the electronic zoom area or deviates from the electronic zoom area.

  As described above, when the subject position is likely to deviate from the electronic zoom area, or when the subject position deviates from the electronic zoom area, the user can place the image of the object in the electronic zoom area by pointing the shooting device. You can recognize if you can. As a result, the user can easily change the orientation of the photographing apparatus so that the image of the subject is within the electronic zoom area.

  The subject that is the tracking target may be configured to be specified by the user.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the moving direction notifying unit notifies the user of the direction in which the user should point by displaying an image indicating the direction on the display screen.

  By setting it as said structure, the direction which a user should point an imaging device is displayed.

  As a result, the user can visually recognize the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed. Examples of the image indicating the direction in which the user should turn his / her device include an arrow, a triangle, and a pointing symbol.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a sound output unit, and the moving direction notifying unit notifies the user of the direction in which the user should turn his / her device by outputting sound indicating the direction from the sound output unit. It may be.

  According to said structure, the direction which a user should face an imaging device is alert | reported by an audio | voice.

  As a result, even when the user is not looking at the display screen, it is possible to recognize the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a plurality of sound output units, and the moving direction notifying unit determines a direction in which the user should turn his / her device from a sound output unit present in a direction in which the user should face his / her device. You may alert | report by making a sound emit.

  According to said structure, a sound is alert | reported from the direction where a user should point an imaging device.

  As a result, even when the user is not looking at the display screen, there is an additional effect that the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed can be recognized.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a direction display unit, and the movement direction notifying unit notifies the user of the direction in which the user should turn his / her device by displaying an image indicating the direction on the direction display unit. There may be.

  According to said structure, the direction which a user should point an imaging device is displayed on a direction display part. As a result, the subject is displayed on the display screen, and the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed is displayed on the direction display unit. Therefore, the subject and the image indicating the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed are overlapped, making it difficult to confirm the subject. Can be prevented, and the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed can be displayed.

  As a result, there is a further effect that the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed while reliably confirming the subject.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention further includes a plurality of direction display units, and the moving direction notifying unit includes a direction display unit that is present in a direction in which the user should turn his / her device and in a direction in which the user should face his / her device. You may alert | report by making it light.

  According to said structure, the direction which a user should point an imaging device is shown by lighting the direction display part which exists in the direction. As a result, the subject is displayed on the display screen, and the direction in which the photographing device should be directed is indicated by the direction display unit. Therefore, the subject and the image indicating the direction in which the photographing device should be directed overlap, making it difficult to confirm the subject. Can be prevented, and the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed can be displayed.

  As a result, there is a further effect that the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed while reliably confirming the subject. In addition, since the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed is indicated by the direction display unit existing in that direction, there is an additional effect that the user can intuitively recognize.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, two images of a photographed image that is a photographed image and an enlarged image that is an enlarged image of a part of the photographed image are displayed on the display screen at the same time, In addition to displaying the area corresponding to the enlarged image on the captured image on the display screen, the moving direction of the subject may be notified by marking the subject position.

  According to the above configuration, the position of the subject on the captured image displayed on the screen is marked and displayed. And the display which shows an electronic zoom area | region is also performed.

  As a result, the user can recognize where the subject is on the captured image and what positional relationship the subject position and the electronic zoom area are. As a result, there is an additional effect that the user can easily recognize the case where the position of the subject is likely to deviate from the electronic zoom region or the case where the subject deviates from the electronic zoom region.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, two images of a photographed image that is a photographed image and an enlarged image that is an enlarged image of a part of the photographed image are simultaneously displayed on the display screen. The moving direction of the subject may be notified by marking the subject position on the enlarged image on the display screen.

  According to the above configuration, the subject on the enlarged image displayed on the screen is marked and displayed.

  Thus, the user can recognize where the subject is located on the enlarged image, and can further easily recognize the case where the subject is likely to deviate from the enlarged image.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a moving speed detecting unit that detects a moving speed of the subject on the display screen, and the moving direction notifying unit directs the user's own device according to the moving speed of the subject. The display content for notifying the power direction may be changed.

  According to said structure, a moving speed detection means detects the moving speed of the to-be-photographed object on a display screen. Then, according to the moving speed of the subject, the moving direction notifying unit can change the display content for notifying the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus.

  Therefore, the user can recognize the moving speed of the subject on the display screen from the notified display content. As a result, the user can change the orientation of the photographing apparatus in accordance with the moving speed of the subject on the display screen.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a sound output unit and a moving speed detecting unit that detects a moving speed of the subject on the display screen, and the moving direction notifying unit is operated by the user according to the moving speed of the subject. You may change the sound output from the said sound output part which alert | reports the direction which should turn its own apparatus.

  According to said structure, a moving speed detection means detects the moving speed of the to-be-photographed object on a display screen. Then, according to the moving speed of the subject, the moving direction notifying unit can change the sound output for notifying the direction in which the user should point the photographing apparatus.

  Therefore, the user can recognize the moving speed of the subject on the display screen from the notified sound output without looking at the display screen. As a result, the user can change the orientation of the photographing apparatus according to the moving speed of the subject on the display screen even when the user is not looking at the display screen.

  Examples of changes in sound output include making the sound louder, making the sound louder, and shortening the sound output interval as the moving speed of the subject increases.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, a moving speed detecting unit that detects a moving speed of the subject on the display screen, and a region in which the predetermined region is changed according to the moving speed of the subject detected by the moving speed detecting unit. And a change unit.

  According to the above configuration, the predetermined area is changed according to the moving speed of the subject detected by the moving speed detecting means. Therefore, by setting the predetermined region corresponding to the moving speed of the subject, it is possible to make the timing for notifying the user of the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed more accurately.

  For example, when the notification area A is considered as the predetermined area, when the moving speed of the subject is faster than the predetermined speed, the tracking frame is made smaller (that is, the notification area A is made larger), and the moving speed of the subject is predetermined. When the speed is slower than this, the tracking frame is made larger (that is, the notification area A is made smaller). This is because when the subject speed is high, the time for the subject to leave the electronic zoom region is short.

  As a result, when the moving speed of the subject is high, a notification indicating the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be pointed is made even if the position of the subject is somewhat away from the outer frame of the electronic zoom area. On the other hand, when the moving speed of the subject is slow, the position of the subject comes near the outer frame of the electronic zoom area, and notification indicating the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed is made. In other words, because the subject speed is fast, even if the subject is far away from the outer frame of the electronic zoom region, or if the subject is immediately outside the electronic zoom region, it may be far away from the outer frame of the electronic zoom region. The direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed can be notified. On the other hand, if it takes time until the subject is removed from the electronic zoom area because the speed of the subject is slow, the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be pointed may be notified after the subject comes near the outer frame of the electronic zoom area. it can.

  Therefore, according to the moving speed of the subject, the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed can be notified at an appropriate timing, and the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing apparatus should be directed at the appropriate timing.

  An imaging apparatus control method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus control method for controlling an imaging apparatus having a function of enlarging a part of a captured image, on a display screen of a subject to be tracked When the subject position detection step for detecting the subject position, which is a position, and the subject detected by the subject position detection step are present in a predetermined area on the display screen, the user points his / her device according to the predetermined area. And a moving direction notifying step for notifying the power direction.

  According to the above method, the subject position which is the position on the screen of the subject to be tracked is detected in the subject position detection step. When the detected subject position exists in a predetermined area, the direction in which the user should turn his / her device is notified in the movement direction notification step.

  Therefore, when the subject position exists in a predetermined area, the user can recognize in which direction the photographing apparatus should be directed next.

  The photographing apparatus may be realized by a computer, and in this case, a control program for the photographing apparatus that causes the computer to realize the photographing apparatus by operating the computer as the above-described means, and recorded the same. Computer-readable recording media are also within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention is a photographing apparatus having a function of enlarging a part of a photographed image, and a subject position detection that detects a subject position that is a position on a display screen of a subject that is a tracking target. And a moving direction notifying means for notifying a direction in which the user should turn his / her device according to the predetermined area when the subject detected by the subject position detecting means is present in the predetermined area on the display screen. This provides an effect that it is possible to support the user to change the orientation of the apparatus so that the user can fit the subject image within the electronic zoom frame.

[Embodiment 1]
One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an appearance of a mobile phone (photographing device) 1 having a photographing function according to the present embodiment. The present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, but is applied to a mobile communication terminal such as a car phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a notebook PC (Personal Computer). Can. It can also be applied to devices that take images, such as digital still cameras and digital video cameras.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 1 is a so-called clamshell type, and is shown in an open state in the figure. FIG. 4A shows a portion that becomes an inner side when the cellular phone 1 is closed, and this portion is a side that is mainly used by the user when the cellular phone 1 is opened. Therefore, in this application, the side shown in FIG. FIG. 2B shows a portion that is on the outside when the cellular phone 1 is closed, and this portion is on the opposite side to the side in FIG. 1A when the cellular phone 1 is opened. . Therefore, in the present application, the side shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 1 includes a main body 102 and a lid 103, and the main body 102 and the lid 103 are connected in a hinge shape. The lid 103 is provided with a display unit 5 mainly used by the user on the front side.

  The main body 102 is provided with an operation unit 6 on the front side. The operation unit 6 includes a function button group 107 for performing various settings such as video shooting and switching functions in the mobile phone 1, and an input button group 108 for inputting symbols such as numbers and letters. ing. The photographing unit 2 is provided on the back side of the main body 102.

  Next, details of the mobile phone 1 will be described. FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of the mobile phone 1. In addition, since the function regarding the telephone call of the mobile phone 1 is not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile phone 1 includes a photographing unit 2, a video processing unit 3, a control unit 4, a display unit 5, an operation unit 6, a large-capacity memory 7, a work memory 8, a program memory 9, and a voice processing unit 10. , A speaker (sound output unit) 11 and a microphone 12.

  The control unit 4 includes a subject position detection unit (subject position detection unit) 401, a movement direction notification unit (movement direction notification unit) 402, an image acquisition unit 404, an electronic zoom control unit 405, a cutout control unit 406, and a zoom image generation. 407, a direction display character generation unit (movement direction notification means) 408, and an image composition unit 409.

  Next, the function of each part and the data flow between each part are demonstrated.

  The imaging unit 2 includes an optical system and an image sensor, and converts an optical image that has passed through the optical system into an electrical signal using the image sensor. Then, the photographing unit 2 transmits the converted electric signal to the video processing unit 3.

  The video processing unit 3 includes a camera signal processing circuit and an A / D converter. Then, the video processing unit 3 performs camera signal processing such as gamma correction and color adjustment on the electrical signal received from the photographing unit 2, and performs processing to convert an analog signal output by the camera signal processing into a digital signal. .

  The control unit 4 performs processing of an image taken with the mobile phone 1. Details of the processing will be described later.

  The display unit 5 receives image data from the control unit 4 and displays an image based on the received image data. The display unit 5 may be realized by any device as long as it can display an image, and a specific example is a liquid crystal display device.

  The operation unit 6 receives various instructions such as recording, reproduction, stop, zoom, and designation of a subject to be tracked by the user, and transmits a signal based on the received instructions to the control unit 4. The operation unit 6 includes the function button group 107 and the input button group 108 as described above.

  The large-capacity memory 7 is a memory that stores captured image data and the like. Note that the large-capacity memory 7 does not necessarily have to be provided in the mobile phone 1 and may be configured to connect an external recording device. A specific example of the large capacity memory 7 is a flash memory.

  The work memory 8 is a memory that temporarily stores image data being processed when the control unit 4 processes the image data. A specific example of the work memory 8 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) capable of temporary storage.

  The program memory 9 is a memory that stores a program including a processing method in the control unit 4. A specific example of the program memory 9 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a read-only memory.

  The audio processing unit 10 converts the audio data received from the control unit 4 into an audio signal, and outputs audio from the speaker 11. Moreover, the process which converts the audio | voice signal received from the microphone 12 into audio | voice data is performed. Specifically, the audio processing unit 10 includes an A / D converter, a D / A converter, an amplifier, an audio codec circuit, and the like.

  The speaker 11 converts the sound signal received from the sound processing unit 10 into sound and outputs the sound. The microphone 12 converts the input voice into a voice signal and transmits the voice signal to the voice processing unit 10.

  3 and 4 show screens displayed on the display unit 5. FIG. 3 is a screen for designating a subject to be tracked. FIG. 4 is a screen when the user shows the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed. In both figures, the upper side shows a zoom image, and the lower side shows a standard image. In the central portion of the standard image, there are an outer frame 40 of the electronic zoom region that is a region including the contents of the zoom image in the standard image, and a tracking frame 41 that is a frame slightly smaller than the outer frame 40 of the electronic zoom region. . In the present invention, when a subject exists in an area (notification area) between the outer frame of the standard image displayed in the lower half of the display unit 5 and the tracking frame 41, an arrow 42 is displayed as shown in FIG. The

  As a result, when the subject position is likely to be out of the electronic zoom area, or when the subject position is out of the electronic zoom area, the user can place the image of the subject in the electronic zoom area in advance by pointing the image capturing apparatus in either direction. You can recognize if you can. As a result, the user can easily change the orientation of the photographing apparatus so that the image of the subject is within the electronic zoom area.

  Next, functions of the control unit 4 will be described.

  The subject position detection unit 401 detects the position on the screen of the subject that has been designated for tracking by the user. The position of the subject on the screen is detected by the same method as in the prior art. The method of specifying the subject to be tracked is performed by displaying the cursor 31 (FIG. 3) on the display unit 5. That is, the user moves the cursor using the operation unit 6, and specifies the subject by operating the operation unit 6 when the subject to be tracked and the cursor exist at the same position on the screen.

  The subject can also be specified by the following method. That is, the display unit 5 is used as a touch panel, and the user designates a subject on the screen. A designation frame for designating the subject is provided, and when the subject enters the designation frame, the user performs an operation such as pressing the enter button. A designated area is provided, and a subject that remains within the designated area for a predetermined time or longer is set as a tracking target. Examples of the method are as follows.

  The moving direction notifying unit 402 sends data indicating the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 to the direction display character generating unit 408 when the subject being tracked exists in the notification region of the electronic zoom region. Send.

  Here, the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 is determined as follows. In other words, when viewed from the center of the display screen, the direction of the position of the tracked subject is the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 4, the position of the tracked subject is left when viewed from the center of the display screen, so the moving direction notification unit 402 sends the data indicating the left direction to the direction display character generation unit 408. Send.

  The image acquisition unit 404 transmits the image data received from the video processing unit 3 to the large capacity memory 7 and the work memory 8. The image data is also transmitted to the subject position detection unit 401, the clipping control unit 406, and the image composition unit 409.

  When the electronic zoom control unit 405 receives an electronic zoom instruction from the user, the electronic zoom control unit 405 transmits, to the clipping control unit 406, zoom instruction data for performing electronic zoom on the captured image.

  When the crop control unit 406 receives zoom instruction data from the electronic zoom control unit 405, the crop control unit 406 crops an area to be electronic zoomed from the image data received from the image acquisition unit 404. Then, the cut-out image data is transmitted to the zoom image generation unit 407.

  The zoom image generation unit 407 enlarges the image based on the image data received from the cutout control unit 406. Then, the image data of the enlarged image (zoom image) is transmitted to the image composition unit 409.

  The direction display character generation unit 408 transmits arrow data indicating the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 to the image composition unit 409 based on the data received from the movement direction notification unit 402.

  The image composition unit 409 generates composite image data from the image data received from the image acquisition unit 404, the image data of the zoom image received from the zoom image generation unit 407, and the arrow data received from the direction display character generation unit 408. Then, the composite image is displayed on the display unit 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, two images of a standard image that is a captured image and a zoom image that is an enlarged electronic zoom region that is a part of the standard image are displayed simultaneously. When the position of the tracked subject exists in the notification area, an arrow indicating the direction is also displayed at the same time. The image indicating the direction is not limited to the arrow, and may be any image indicating the direction, such as a triangle or a pointing symbol.

  Next, the flow of processing from the start of shooting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the control unit 4.

  First, when the electronic zoom control unit 405 receives an instruction to perform electronic zoom from the user during shooting (YES in S401), the zoom image generation unit 407 enlarges the image cut out by the cutout control unit 406. Thus, a zoom image is generated.

  On the other hand, if the electronic zoom control unit 405 does not receive an instruction to perform electronic zoom from the user during shooting (NO in S401), the image composition unit 409 displays only the standard image on the display unit 5 as it is.

  Next, when the image composition unit 409 receives a two-screen display instruction for simultaneously displaying two images of the standard image and the zoom image on the display unit 5 (YES in S402), the standard image and the zoom image are displayed on the display unit 5. Are displayed (S403). Then, a frame corresponding to the zoom screen is displayed on the standard screen (S404).

  On the other hand, if a two-screen display instruction for simultaneously displaying two images is not received (NO in S402), whether a standard image is displayed on display unit 5 (YES in S441) or a zoom image is displayed (in S441) And NO) is displayed on the display unit 5 based on the selected instruction.

  Next, when receiving an instruction to track the subject from the operation unit 6 (YES in S405), the subject position detection unit 401 selects a subject to be tracked (S406). Then, the selected subject is tracked (S407). Next, when the subject is present in the notification area on the display screen (YES in S408), the movement direction notification unit 402 displays the arrow generated by the direction display character generation unit 408 on the zoom image of the display unit 5. The arrow is displayed so that the user points in the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 (S409). The image indicating the direction is not limited to the arrow, and may be any image indicating the direction, such as a triangle or a pointing symbol. Thereafter, the process returns to S407 and the above operation is repeated.

  If no instruction for the subject to be tracked is received (NO in S405), the two images are displayed simultaneously and the tracking instruction is awaited.

  In addition, it is also possible to notify the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 by the following method.

  That is, instead of the direction display character generation unit 408, a voice information generation unit (movement direction notification unit) is provided to notify the direction by voice.

  Specifically, when the tracked subject is present on the tracking frame, the moving direction notification unit 402 sounds the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 from the speaker 11 via the audio information generation unit. To output. For example, “right”, “upper”, “lower left”, and the like.

  Thereby, the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed.

  Further, instead of the direction display character generation unit 408, an output sound control unit (movement direction notification unit) may be provided, and a plurality of speakers 11 may be provided to notify the direction.

  Specifically, when the tracked subject exists on the notification area, the moving direction notification unit 402 is connected to the speaker 11 that exists in the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 via the output sound control unit. Sound is output from.

  Thereby, the sound is output from the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1. Therefore, the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to notify the direction by displaying characters indicating the direction on a display unit different from the display unit 5.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of the mobile phone 1 further including a sub display unit (direction display unit) 51 and a direction display character generation unit (movement direction notification means) 410 as compared with FIG.

  The direction display character generation unit 410 receives data indicating the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 from the movement direction notification unit 402 and transmits character data indicating the direction indicated by the data to the sub display unit 51. To do.

  The sub display unit 51 can display characters indicating directions such as “right”, “left”, and “lower left”. Then, the sub display unit 51 displays the character indicated by the character data received from the direction display character generation unit 410. The sub-display unit 51 may be anything as long as it can display characters, and examples thereof include an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display).

  Thereby, when the subject to be tracked is present on the tracking frame, the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 is displayed on the sub display unit 51 by characters such as “right” and “left”. The Therefore, the user can recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed. Further, it is possible to prevent the subject and the image indicating the direction in which the photographing unit 2 should be directed from overlapping and making it difficult to confirm the subject.

  Further, a method of providing a plurality of auxiliary display units 52 and a direction display control unit instead of the direction display character generating unit 410 and informing the directions by the plurality of auxiliary display units 52 is also possible.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where four auxiliary display sections 52 are provided at the vertical and horizontal positions of the display section 5. In addition, although the example which provided four auxiliary display parts 52 here is shown, the number and position of the auxiliary display parts 52 are not restricted to this, and if the direction which should point the imaging | photography part 2 can be alert | reported Good.

  Specifically, the plurality of auxiliary display units 52 are provided on the top, bottom, left, and right of the display unit 5, which are positions indicating the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed. When the subject being tracked is present on the tracking frame, the movement direction notifying unit 402 is located in the direction in which the user should point the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 via the direction display control unit. 52 is turned on.

  Thereby, the user can intuitively recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed. Further, it is possible to prevent the subject and the image indicating the direction in which the photographing unit 2 should be directed from overlapping and making it difficult to confirm the subject. In addition, an LED lamp is mentioned as said some auxiliary | assistant display part.

  In addition, when the subject being tracked is present on the tracking frame, instead of notifying the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be pointed, the subject being tracked is always marked so that the user can It is also possible to recognize the position of the subject on the screen.

  Specifically, on the standard image, a tracked subject is marked and a frame indicating the electronic zoom area is displayed. Thus, the user can recognize the positional relationship between the subject position and the electronic zoom area. Therefore, when the position of the subject is likely to be out of the electronic zoom area, the user can recognize in which direction it is likely to be out. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed.

  Further, it may be a zoom image that marks the subject being tracked. Also in this case, the user can recognize the positional relationship between the position of the subject and the electronic zoom area. Therefore, the user can recognize in which direction the subject is likely to deviate when the position of the subject is likely to deviate from the electronic zoom area. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed. Therefore, the user can recognize in which direction the subject is likely to deviate from the electronic zoom area, and can recognize the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same functions as the configurations shown in the above-described embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that a moving speed detecting unit (moving speed detecting means) 403 is provided.

  The moving speed detector 403 detects the moving speed of the tracked subject on the display screen. Then, the detected moving speed is transmitted to the moving direction notifying unit 402 via the subject position detecting unit 401. The moving direction notification unit 402 displays an arrow on the display unit 5 in the same manner as in the above embodiment when the subject being tracked exists in the notification region. When the moving direction notifying unit 402 transmits data indicating the direction to the direction display character generating unit 408, the moving direction notifying unit 402 also transmits data indicating the moving speed of the subject. The direction display character generation unit 408 that has received both data creates arrow data by changing the size of the arrow according to the moving speed of the subject. Thereafter, the arrow data is transmitted to the image composition unit 409. Specifically, the arrow is enlarged when the moving speed is fast, and the arrow is made small when the moving speed is slow. FIG. 8 shows an arrow 81 when the moving speed is high.

  As a result, the user can visually grasp the moving speed of the subject, and can easily recognize how fast the direction of the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be changed next.

  By the way, when the moving speed of the subject on the screen is fast, there is a possibility that the subject does not already exist in the zoom image area when the arrow is displayed on the display unit 5. Therefore, the moving direction notifying unit 402 may change the size of the tracking frame 41 according to the moving speed of the subject. Specifically, a tracking frame changing unit (area changing means, not shown) is provided, and the tracking frame changing unit reduces the tracking frame when the moving speed of the subject is fast, and sets the tracking frame when the subject is slow. Enlarge.

  As a result, the user can be notified of the direction in which the photographing unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 should be directed at a more effective timing.

  Next, the flow of processing in the present embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the difference from the first embodiment is that after the subject position detection unit 401 in S407 starts tracking the subject, the movement speed detection unit 403 detects the movement speed of the subject on the screen (S501). The size of the tracking frame is changed according to the moving speed of the subject on the screen (S502), and the size of the arrow displayed by the moving direction notifying unit 402 when the subject is on the notification area is determined. The point is set according to the moving speed of the subject on the screen (S503).

  The image indicating the direction is not limited to the arrow, and may be any image indicating the direction, such as a triangle or a pointing symbol. Further, the moving speed may be expressed by changing not only the size of the arrow but also the shape and color of the arrow.

  Further, even in the case of notification by sound described in the above embodiment as well as the arrow, the moving speed of the subject can be expressed by changing the volume.

  Further, when the sub display unit 51 and the plurality of auxiliary display units are provided, the moving speed of the subject can be expressed by changing the size, color, brightness, and the like of the displayed character.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the mobile phone 1, in particular, the control unit 4 may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the cellular phone 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM that stores the program, a RAM that expands the program, a memory that stores the program and various data, and the like Storage device (recording medium). An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program for the mobile phone 1 which is software for realizing the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the mobile phone 1 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The mobile phone 1 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  Since a photographing apparatus having an electronic zoom function can be supported so that the subject fits within the zoom frame, the photographing apparatus is suitable for a moving image photographing apparatus, particularly a photographing apparatus that is carried around.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the mobile telephone provided with the imaging | photography function which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the said mobile telephone, The figure (a) is a front view, The figure (b) is a rear view. It is a figure which shows the screen which designates the to-be-tracked object in the display part of the said mobile phone. In the said display part, it is a figure which shows the display content showing the direction which a user should face his own apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the control part of the said mobile telephone. FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a mobile phone having a photographing function according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the control part of the mobile telephone of said other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display content showing the direction which a user should turn his own apparatus in the display part of the mobile telephone of said other embodiment. FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a mobile phone having a photographing function according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of this invention and shows the example of a some auxiliary | assistant display part.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile phone (photographing device)
2 photographing section 3 video processing section 4 main control section 5 display section 6 operation section 7 large capacity memory 8 work memory 9 program memory 10 audio processing section 11 speaker (sound output section)
12 Microphone 51 Sub display section (direction display section)
52 Auxiliary display (direction display)
401 Subject position detection unit (Subject position detection means)
402 Movement direction notification unit (movement direction notification means)
403 Moving speed detector (moving speed detector)
404 Memory interface unit 405 Electronic zoom control unit 406 Cutout control unit 407 Zoom image generation unit 408 Direction display character generation unit (movement direction notification means)
409 Image composition unit 410 Direction display character generation unit (movement direction notification means)

Claims (14)

In a photographing apparatus having a function of enlarging a part of a photographed image,
Subject position detection means for detecting a subject position that is a position on a display screen of a subject to be tracked;
When the subject position detected by the subject position detection means is present in a predetermined area on the display screen, a moving direction notifying means for notifying the direction in which the user should turn his / her device is provided according to the predetermined area. An imaging apparatus characterized by that.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving direction notifying unit notifies the user of a direction in which the user should turn his / her own device by displaying an image indicating the direction on the display screen. A sound output unit,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving direction notifying unit notifies the user of a direction in which the user should turn his / her device by outputting a sound indicating the direction from the sound output unit. A plurality of sound output units;
The said moving direction alerting | reporting means alert | reports the direction which a user should point his apparatus by making a sound emit from the sound output part which exists in the direction which a user should face his apparatus. The imaging device according to 2. With a direction indicator,
The said moving direction alerting | reporting means alert | reports the direction which a user should turn his apparatus by displaying the image which shows this direction on the said direction display part. The imaging device described. A plurality of direction display units;
The said moving direction alerting | reporting means alert | reports the direction which a user should turn his apparatus by lighting the direction display part which exists in the direction which a user should face his apparatus. The imaging device according to any one of the above. Two images, a captured image that is a captured image and an enlarged image that is an enlarged image of a part of the captured image, are simultaneously displayed on the display screen,
The moving direction notifying unit displays a region corresponding to the enlarged image on the captured image of the display screen, and notifies the moving direction of the subject by marking the subject position. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Two images, a captured image that is a captured image and an enlarged image that is an enlarged image of a part of the captured image, are simultaneously displayed on the display screen,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving direction notifying unit notifies the moving direction of the subject by marking a subject position on the enlarged image of the display screen. . A moving speed detecting means for detecting the moving speed of the subject on the display screen;
The photographing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the moving direction notifying unit changes display contents for notifying a direction in which the user should turn his / her device in accordance with a moving speed of a subject. apparatus. A sound output unit;
A moving speed detecting means for detecting the moving speed of the subject on the display screen,
The said moving direction alerting | reporting means changes the sound output from the said sound output part which alert | reports the direction which a user should turn to an own apparatus according to the moving speed of a to-be-photographed object. The imaging device according to item 1. A moving speed detecting means for detecting a moving speed of the subject on the display screen;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a region changing unit that changes the predetermined region according to a moving speed of the subject detected by the moving speed detecting unit. An imaging apparatus control method for controlling an imaging apparatus having a function of enlarging a part of a captured image,
A subject position detecting step for detecting a subject position which is a position on a display screen of a subject to be tracked;
A moving direction notifying step of notifying the moving direction of the subject according to the predetermined region when the subject position detected by the subject position detecting step is present in a predetermined region on the display screen. Shooting method.   A photographic device control program for operating the photographic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the photographic device control program causes a computer to function as each of the means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the photographing program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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