JP2008288923A - Portable information apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera that enables a user to enjoy images on beautiful screens and also effectively use two display units. <P>SOLUTION: The camera has two right and left display panels 8W and 8M for image display and a touch panel 8T provided to one of those two display panels, and detects at which of the right and left the touch panel 8T is disposed and a state of a user's touch on the touch panel 8T to select a function such as a photography mode, a playback mode, an editing mode, a retrieval mode, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a portable information device, and more particularly to a portable information device having a touch panel on a display unit.

In recent years, in portable information devices such as digital cameras, it has become possible to enjoy images that have not been possible with conventional film cameras by using the ease of image editing and transmission. For example, image appreciation has been widespread in which an image is transmitted using PC communication, the Internet, a mobile phone line, etc., and the image is enjoyed in that environment. In this application, images are often processed and edited, and a camera suitable for image processing / editing is awaited. In addition, with the increase in memory capacity, a large amount of images can be recorded in the camera, and there is also a demand for quickly searching for images to be viewed from a large amount of images.

Such image search, editing, and character input are very convenient when handwriting or finger movement is reflected, and touch panels are used in mobile phones, games, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and the like. There are a plurality of types of touch panels, and touch panels are produced by a resistance film method, an analog capacitance method, an ultrasonic acoustic wave method, and the like.

Of these, the resistive touch panel is an electrode that is placed between glass and is pressed to sense the electrical signal by energizing the electrodes. The cost is low, and in environments where dust or water is present. But there is an advantage that it can be used. However, it is inferior in scratch resistance compared to other methods.

A capacitive touch panel is a glass surface coated with a substance that receives electrical signals. It is a method that senses electrical signals by input touch (using a transparent conductive substrate), and durability of the touch surface. It has the advantages of being excellent in resistance to impact and impact. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that it is weak in scratch resistance, and if the surface is scratched, the electrical signal may be interrupted. Moreover, since the electrostatic capacitance film is applied, the surface remains glaring.

Further, the ultrasonic touch panel transmits surface acoustic waves to the glass surface by an ultrasonic oscillation element, detects the interruption of the waves, and detects the coordinates of the input position. This method is very excellent in touch durability and scratch resistance, but can only input with a device that absorbs waves, so input with a hard material such as a pen is not possible. It also reacts with water. However, it is suitable for frequently used applications where the same point is used or for applications where it is desired to avoid malfunctions, and is suitable for adverse environments where vibrations and impacts occur.

Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera that displays an effective area of a liquid crystal display touch panel. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a camera having a two-screen display unit that displays both captured images and TV images, although there is no description about a touch panel.
JP 2006-67439 A JP-A-8-289203

As described above, there are various types of touch panels, and it has been proposed to provide a touch panel on a camera or the like. However, when a touch panel is installed on a display panel such as a liquid crystal display of a camera, there is a problem in that the visibility when viewing photos is deteriorated and fingerprints are difficult to see, regardless of the type of touch panel. In many cameras, the adoption of touch panels is not progressing.
Moreover, although the display part of 2 screens is disclosed by patent document 2, it is not suggested at all about combining this and a touch panel and utilizing two display parts effectively.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information device that can enjoy an image on a clean screen and can effectively use two display units. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the portable information device according to the first invention includes two left and right image display units, a touch panel provided on one of the two image display units, and whether the touch panel is positioned on the left or right side. And a function switching unit for switching functions based on the operation of the touch panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information device including a display switching unit that switches display contents of the image display unit depending on whether the touch panel unit is located on the left or right side.
The portable information device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the portable information device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the touch panel is selectively movable to one of the display units, and the function switching unit is the touch panel unit. Switches the function based on the operation of the touch panel depending on which of the two image display units is arranged.

Furthermore, the portable information device according to the fourth invention is based on the operation of the touch panel when the position of the touch panel is reversed left and right by inverting the top and bottom of the portable information device in the first or second invention. Switch functions.
The portable information device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the portable information device according to the first aspect, wherein the portable information device has a function as an imaging device, and the right direction when the touch panel grips the portable information device. When the camera is positioned at, an imaging operation is performed based on the operation of the touch panel.

Furthermore, the portable information device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the portable information device according to the first aspect, wherein the portable information device has a function as an image editing device, and the right side when the touch panel grips the portable information device. When positioned in the direction, the image displayed on the other image display unit is edited based on the operation of the touch panel.
Furthermore, a portable information device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the portable information device according to the first aspect, wherein the portable information device has a function as an image playback device, and the left side when the touch panel grips the portable information device. A predetermined reduced image is selected from a plurality of reduced images displayed on the image display unit on the side where the touch panel is arranged based on the operation of the touch panel, and the selected reduced image is located in the direction. An enlarged image corresponding to the image is displayed on the other image display unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is arranged on the front side of either the display unit in which the first and second display screens are arranged side by side or the first and second display screens. A touch panel, a determination unit that determines on which side of the first and second display screens the touch panel is located, and a display control unit that switches a display mode according to the determination result of the determination unit.

In the camera according to a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the display control unit switches between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode and the image search mode according to the determination result of the determination unit.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the camera has a release button for performing a photographing operation, and the touch panel is based on the output of the touch panel when positioned on the release button side. When the touch panel detects the contact state of the user, the display control unit switches the display on the display unit to the photographing mode.
Furthermore, in the camera according to the eleventh aspect, in the eighth aspect, when the touch panel does not detect the contact state of the user based on the output of the touch panel, the display control unit displays the display on the display unit. Switch to playback mode.

Furthermore, the camera according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, which is switched to the playback mode, and when the user rubs the touch panel, the recorded images are sequentially sent or returned. Perform the action.
Furthermore, the camera according to the thirteenth invention is the first or second display screen in the eleventh invention, when the mode is switched to the reproduction mode and a handwriting input or a character input is made on the touch panel. Edit the image displayed in.
Furthermore, the camera according to the fourteenth invention displays a thumbnail image on the display screen provided on the back side of the touch panel in the eighth invention, and enlarges and displays the selected image on the other display screen.
Furthermore, in the camera according to the fifteenth aspect, when handwritten input or character input is performed on the touch panel in the eighth aspect, editing is performed on an image displayed on a display screen arranged in parallel therewith.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to enjoy an image with a beautiful screen, the portable information device which can utilize two display parts effectively can be provided.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The camera according to the present embodiment has a two-screen display panel on the left and right, and a touch panel is provided on one of the display panels. Depending on whether the touch panel is located on the left or right, the camera mode is changed to, for example, the playback mode or the edit mode. It has been switched to. As will be described in detail later, one of the two screens is a working liquid crystal panel, and the other one screen is a monitor liquid crystal panel. The touch panel is provided on the front surface of the working liquid crystal panel. Furthermore, the contact state of the user with respect to the touch panel is detected, and the shooting mode, the playback mode, and the like are switched according to the detection result.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. A camera 100 used by a user includes a photographic lens 2, an AF (autofocus) control unit 2a, an aperture 2b, an aperture control unit 2c, an image sensor 3, and an analog front end (hereinafter referred to as AFE) unit 4. Yes. The photographing lens 2 has a focus lens inside, and forms an image of the incident light of the subject 20 on the image sensor 3.

The AF control unit 2a performs image processing in an image processing unit 5 to be described later, detects an in-focus position of the photographic lens 2, detects it by a so-called hill-climbing method, drives the focus lens, and moves it to the in-focus position. Note that the hill-climbing method is a method for detecting the in-focus position (focus position) from the contrast signal peak of the captured image. In addition to the hill-climbing method, for example, a known focusing method such as a phase difference method or a triangulation method can be used. It may be replaced. When the in-focus position is reached by AF, the distance can be determined by detecting the photographing lens 2 at this time. In this case, when the photographing lens 2 is a zoom lens, the distance is determined in consideration of the zoom position and the like.

A diaphragm 2b that provides the effects of a shutter and a diaphragm is provided in or near the photographing lens 2. The diaphragm 2b is opened to a predetermined aperture at the time of photographing, and is closed when the exposure is finished to finish the exposure. The aperture control unit 2c drives the aperture 2b to set the aperture diameter. By changing the aperture, the depth of field of the lens changes, so you can change the expression by adjusting the blurring of the background, etc. Can do. The image pickup device 3 is a CCD or CMOS sensor having a large number of light receiving surfaces (pixels), and receives an image from the subject 20 via the photographing lens 2 and converts it into an image signal.

The analog front end (AFE) unit 4 includes analog-to-digital conversion (AD) means, and converts a signal from the image sensor 3 into a digital signal. The AFE unit 4 performs various processes on the image signal output from the image sensor 3. The AFE unit 4 is also provided with a function of reading several pixels of the image pickup device 3 together and reading them together. For example, when the signal level of each pixel is small, such as 4 pixels (2 × 2) and 9 pixels (3 × 3), several pixel signals can be added to improve the S / N. Sensitivity can also be increased.

Sensitivity can be increased by such an operation, and it is possible to devise photography such as increasing the shutter speed. When the shutter speed is high, it is possible to shoot as if the moving subject is stopped.

The AFE unit 4 has a function of selecting signals output from the image sensor 3 and can extract image data in a limited range from the light receiving range. In general, when pixel signals thinned out from the pixels of the image sensor 3 are extracted, high-speed reading is possible. As a result, the image signal for composition confirmation is processed at high speed by the image processing unit 5 and displayed on the display panel 8M via the display control unit 8a, thereby enabling framing.

The output of the AFE unit 4 is connected to the image processing unit 5. The image processing unit 5 corrects the color, gradation, and sharpness of the input signal. Further, it has an intensifying unit that amplifies the image signal obtained from the image sensor 3 to a predetermined level and sets the correct gray level and the correct gray level. This is a digital operation so that the digitized signal level becomes a predetermined level. In addition, the image processing unit 5 includes a resizing unit 5b that processes a signal from the image sensor 3 to a size that can be displayed on the display panel 8M so that a through image can be displayed on the display unit in real time. By this function, an image incident on the image sensor can be confirmed prior to shooting, and the timing and photo opportunity at the time of shooting can be determined while viewing this.

In addition, the image processing unit 5 has an image determination function for determining characteristics of an image input from the image sensor using the signal of the image processing unit 5. For example, a shape determination unit 5a that detects the shape of what is being imaged from the contour information obtained by processing the image information, and a face detection unit 5d that checks the characteristics of the image and detects the position of the main subject. Included in this system. This is for optimizing the shooting control by determining what kind of photo the user is going to take at the time of shooting.

The image processing unit 5 has a function of determining the contrast of the image described above, and controls autofocus in conjunction with the focusing unit of the photographic lens. The distance of the subject, the distance of the background, and the like can be determined based on the information on the lens position when the photographing lens 2 is focused.

Further, the image processing unit 5 is provided with a touch reflection unit 5c that detects an operation of the touch panel unit 8T provided on the working display panel 8W of the two display panels. In the touch panel unit 8T, an image input by handwriting can be reflected in a captured image, and written characters can be converted into text by a character recognition technique and attached to image data.

The camera 100 includes a compression unit 6, a recording unit 9a, a recording medium 9, a data transmission / reception unit 9c, a working display panel 8W, a monitor display panel 8M, a touch panel unit 8T, a display control unit 8a, and a multi-image processing unit 8b. It has been. The compression unit 6 compresses a signal output from the image processing unit 5 at the time of shooting, attached information input through the touch panel 8T, image editing information, and the like. The compression unit 6 includes MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 4 and H.264. A compression unit for moving images composed of a compression core unit such as H.264 and JPEG (Joint
A still image compression unit such as a Photographic Experts Group) core unit is provided. The compression unit 6 also performs image expansion when reproducing an image recorded on the recording medium 9 on the display panel 8.

The recording unit 9 a records the compressed image signal, attached information, image editing information, and the like on the recording medium 9. The recording medium 9 is a storage recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera. In recording the image signal, in addition to the accompanying data for image editing, the image transmission destination and time information at the time of taking a picture may be recorded together. The photographing time information is measured by a clock unit 1t in the MPU 1 described later, and the MPU 1 associates with the image.

The captured image data recorded on the media 9 or the recording unit 9a can be transferred to another device such as a server 34 for managing images via the communication line 32 such as the Internet or a mobile phone by the data transmission / reception unit 9c. . The image transmitted to the server 34 can be viewed immediately by the third party 31, and communication can be promoted while viewing the image.

The display panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal or an organic EL, and has a two-screen configuration of the working display panel 8W and the monitor display panel 8M as described above. On these display panels, a subject image is displayed for observation during shooting, and a recorded image that has been subjected to expansion processing is displayed during playback.

The display control unit 8a controls display on the display panels 8M and 8W. The multi-image processing unit 8b is a control unit for displaying a plurality of images on the display panels 8M and 8W. The multi-image processing unit 8b can selectively display a plurality of images on the panel 8W or 8M. It is possible to display a character of a destination address and various warnings on a photographed image or a photographed image.

The camera 100 is provided with an auxiliary light emitting unit 11, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 1, a release switch 1a, a mode switch 1b, and another switch 1c. The auxiliary light emitting unit 11 includes a white LED and a Xe discharge light emitting tube, and the amount of light can be controlled by the amount of current. Depending on the situation, the subject 20 is irradiated with light to prevent lack of brightness and uneven brightness.

The MPU 1 is a control unit that controls the entire camera. A release switch 1a, a mode switch 1b, another switch 1c, and a ROM (not shown) storing a program and the like are connected to the MPU 1. A clock unit 1t for detecting the date and time is provided in the MPU 1, and the shooting date and time of the photo is detected and associated with the captured image. Note that the switches 1b and 1c are generically displayed switches, and are actually composed of a large number of switch groups.

Each switch 1a-1c detects a user's operation, and notifies the result to MPU1 which is a calculation control means consisting of a microcontroller. The MPU 1 switches the operation according to the operation of these switches. Further, the MPU 1 functions as a shooting control unit that controls the AF control unit 2a, the aperture control unit 2c, and the like during shooting.

Further, the MPU 1 is connected to an up / down determination unit 1u, and the up / down determination unit 1u determines whether the touch panel 8T is located on the left or right side as viewed from the user. The vertical determination is performed based on the posture detection from the posture / operation determination unit 9d connected to the MPU 1. In the posture / operation determination unit 9d, the camera posture is detected by using an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a mechanical switch that operates by gravity.

Next, the usage of the two-screen camera in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The camera of the present embodiment is a right-handed user camera. In the case of a left-handed user camera, the left and right may be reversed. FIG. 2 (a) shows the usage during normal shooting. As shown in the figure, the user looks at the left liquid crystal panel 8M to check the subject image for shooting. At this time, the release button 1a faces upward, and the user's thumb is placed on the touch panel 8T on the right liquid crystal panel 8W. Since the thumb touches the right side of the touch panel 8T, it can be determined that the shooting mode is in effect if the output of the touch panel 1T satisfies this condition.

FIG. 2B shows the usage when the user confirms the captured image. At this time, as shown in the figure, the photographed image is displayed on the left display panel 8M, the user turns the camera 100 downward, and the thumb comes off from the right touch panel 8T. If the output of the touch panel 1T satisfies this condition, it can be determined as the playback mode. FIG. 2C shows a state in which the captured image is sent back or returned when the captured image is reproduced. At this time, the finger moves from the lower left to the upper right on the touch panel 8T on the right side. Based on the output of the touch panel 1T, it is possible to determine whether the reproduced image is to be sent or returned.

  FIG. 2D shows the time of editing or character writing. At this time, since writing is performed with the right hand, the user's finger is not touched on the touch panel 8T, and a thin pen or the like makes point contact. At this time, the movement of the pen is observed from the output of the touch panel 1T, and character input is performed. As described above, in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the release button 1a is on the upper side as viewed from the user.

FIG. 2E shows an image search or the like, and the touch panel 1T is on the left side. At this time, the top and bottom of the camera 100 are reversed and used so that the touch panel 1T is on the left side. The posture is detected by the posture / operation determination unit 9d and the vertical determination unit 1u of the camera, and when it is detected, the search mode is automatically set. Since a thumbnail image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8W on the back surface of the touch panel 1T, an arbitrary image can be searched from the thumbnail images displayed there by tracing on the touch panel 1T.

Next, the display state on the two-screen display panel provided on the back surface of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A corresponds to the state of FIG. 2A, and two display portions are provided on the back surface of the camera 100, and the monitor display panel 8 </ b> M is not covered with a touch panel. I can see the image. On the other hand, the working display panel 8W is covered with the touch panel 8T and is on the right side. However, since the touch panel 8T has a sensor function as a main function, the touch panel 8T is effectively used such as detecting a holding at the time of photographing.

Further, when editing a captured image, as shown in FIG. 3B, the movement of a pen or the like on the touch panel 8T is detected, and the detection result is reflected in the image or a comment is written in the image. . In this editing mode, it is possible to select a character reading mode or a handwriting input mode. Switching is performed by pressing the display on the touch panel 8T with a pen or the like.

FIG. 3C shows a search for searching for an image from many images. When searching, the top and bottom of the camera 100 is reversed and the touch panel 8T is set to the left side. Then, thumbnails are displayed, and a favorite image can be selected with a finger. With the feeling of writing horizontally written characters from left to right, you can bring the image to the right side from the candidates on the left and enlarge it to enjoy viewing the image.

Next, the control operation of the camera 100 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the main power SW is on (S1). As a result of the determination, when the power is off, the apparatus enters a standby state in which the power supply SW is periodically detected. If the result of determination is that the power switch is on, it is determined whether or not the release button is down. In addition, normal camera control is performed by the flow after step S2, S3. The determination as to whether or not the release button is down is performed by the vertical determination unit 1u using the posture sensor in the posture / operation determination unit 9d as described above.

If the result of determination in step S2 is that the release button is not down, that is, if the release button is up or left and right, it is next determined whether or not the finger is uniformly touching the right side of the touch panel 8T. Perform (S3). As a result of the determination, if the finger is touching the right side of the touch panel 8T, the through mode is displayed because it is the shooting mode (S4). The through image display is performed by displaying a subject image as a moving image in real time on the monitor display panel 8M based on the output of the image sensor 3.

Subsequently, it is determined whether the release switch is turned on and a photographing operation (release operation) is performed (S5). If the result of determination is that a release operation has not been performed, processing returns to step S1 and the above steps are repeated. On the other hand, when the release operation is performed as a result of the determination, the subject image formed by the photographing lens 2 of the camera is photoelectrically converted by the imaging device 3 to acquire image data, and the image data is acquired to the recording unit 9 and the recording medium 9. In step S6 and step S7, the image is recorded and recorded like an original camera. When the recording ends, the process returns to step S1.

As a result of the determination in step S3, when it is determined that the finger is uniformly touching the right side of the touch panel 8T, it is determined as the reproduction mode, and the recorded image is reproduced and displayed (S21). In the reproduction display, the image data recorded in the recording unit 9a or the recording medium 9 is read and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8M. Next, it is determined whether or not the reproduced image is transmitted to an external server or the like (S21a). As a result of the determination, when communication for transmission is performed, an image transmission destination is input and transmitted (S21b). In this embodiment, it transmits to the transmission destination instruct | indicated by pen input on the touch panel 8T. Pen input is performed in steps S26 and S27 described later, and the input result is displayed in step S21.

Here, the user's intention to reproduce and display is determined by whether or not the finger is removed from the right side of the touch panel. In step S21, when the processing of steps S21a and S21b is finished in a state where an image obtained by photographing is displayed, the pressure on the left side of touch panel 8T changes to the right or the opposite direction. Whether or not there is a change is determined based on the output of the touch determination unit 5c (S22). It is determined whether or not the result of the rubbing operation determination is rightward (S23). As a result of the determination, if the image is directed to the right, the reproduced image is forwarded (S24). On the other hand, if the image is directed to the left, the reproduced image is returned (S25). That is, switching between image sending and returning is performed according to the direction of rubbing the touch panel 8T.

If the result of determination in step S22 is that the touch panel 8T has not been rubbed with a finger, determination of pen movement is made (S26). If there is a movement of the pen, it is reflected in the image (S27). This reflection may be handwritten or character recognition and text data added to describe the destination of the image. In addition, a comment for posting on a blog or the like may be added in a text format. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, correction writing may be performed on the captured image.

If the result of determination in step S2 is that the release button is down, that is, when the top and bottom of the camera 100 is reversed, thumbnails of acquired images are displayed on the working display panel 8W (S12). Since the top and bottom of the camera 100 is reversed, as shown in FIG. 3C, the touch panel 8T is on the left side. Since the top and bottom of the camera 100 is reversed, the display panel 8W performs display control that is upside down. Next, when one thumbnail display is selected with a finger, the image is enlarged and displayed on the display panel 8M (S13). As in step S12, the enlarged image is displayed upside down.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by detecting the user's contact state with respect to the touch panel 8T and the posture state of the camera, whether the camera is at the time of shooting or at the time of playback, or the pen input on the touch panel 8T. The function is automatically switched, for example, when editing by inputting with a finger or when searching for a thumbnail image or the like. Therefore, the user can switch automatically without performing various mode settings, which is very convenient.

In the present embodiment, the display panels 8W and 8M are provided on two screens, and the touch panel 8T is disposed so as to cover the display panel 8W where the user's hand or finger can easily touch. For this reason, the display panel 8M is almost free from the fingerprints of the user's hand and fingers and is always a clean surface, so that a clear image can be viewed.

Next, a modification of the camera control shown in FIG. 4 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In the camera control operation shown in FIG. 5, the mode is switched depending on whether or not there is an operation of rotating the camera body without determining the posture of the camera 100 or the like. The rotation of the camera body may be provided by providing an acceleration sensor or the like in the posture / operation determination unit 9d, and this output may be used. Also, the image processing unit 5 monitors and detects a change in the output of the image sensor 3. Also good. Steps for performing the same processing as in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

If the power switch of the camera is on, it is determined whether or not there is a finger on the right side of the touch panel 8T (S3). If there is no finger, the process proceeds to step S4 and subsequent steps, which is the same shooting mode control as in FIG. If there is a finger on the right side of the touch panel 8T as a result of the determination, it is next determined whether a rotation operation has been performed on the camera body (S11). As a result of the determination, if there is no rotation operation, the captured image confirmation, appreciation, and editing are performed in S21 and subsequent steps. That is, since the user's finger is not touching the touch panel 8T and the rotation operation is not performed, it is determined that editing is performed as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, and step S21 and subsequent steps are executed. To do. Step S21 and subsequent steps are the same as the flow shown in FIG.

If the result of determination in step S <b> 11 is that there is a rotation operation, next, as in the flow of FIG. 4, the thumbnail image search mode is executed in steps S <b> 12 and S <b> 13. That is, the top and bottom of the camera is reversed by the rotation operation, and the camera state is determined as shown in FIGS. 2E and 3C, and the thumbnail image search mode is performed. As in the case shown in FIG. 4, in this case as well, since the top and bottom of the camera is reversed, the images displayed on the display panels 8W and 8M are reversed upside down.

When steps S12 and S13 are completed, it is determined whether or not a rotation operation has been performed again (S14). If the result of determination is that a rotation operation has not been performed, processing returns to step S12 and the above steps are repeated. If the result of the determination is that a rotation operation has been performed, it is determined again that the release button will return to the normal position, text addition or handwriting editing will be performed, and the image selected on the monitor display panel 8M. Is displayed (S15). On the display panel 8M, the magnified image is inverted (reversed and thus not inverted) and displayed. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S22 and subsequent steps, and an editing operation can be performed in the same manner as in the flow of FIG.

As described above, in the flow of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the camera top and bottom has been reversed from the posture of the camera body in step S <b> 2, but in the flow of FIG. 5, it is detected whether or not the rotation operation has been performed. By doing so, it is determined whether the top and bottom of the camera is reversed.

Next, a modified example of the touch panel will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described two-screen display panel, two display panels are arranged in parallel, and the touch panel is fixed so as to cover the display panel on one side. In the modification shown in FIG. 6, the touch panel 8T is movable. That is, the touch panel 8T is disposed between the left display panel 8L and the right display panel 8R so as to be rotatable around the hinge. In addition, a photo reflector 8Ts is provided as a detection unit that detects whether the touch panel 8T is on the left or right display panel. The photo reflector 8Ts is disposed at a position where the touch panel 8T is hidden when the touch panel 8T is positioned to cover the left display panel 8L.

FIG. 6A shows a state at the time of shooting and reproduction. When the detection unit detects that the touch panel 8T covers the right display panel 8R, the mode is switched to the shooting and reproduction mode. . In the search, as shown in FIG. 6B, the touch panel 8T may be switched depending on whether the touch panel 8T is arranged on the display panel 8R or the display panel 8L. In this case, the touch panel may be held by a hinge and tilted to either side as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6C shows a state when searching for a thumbnail image. When the photo reflector 8Ts detects that the touch panel 8T covers the left display panel 8L, the search mode is switched to this search mode. Change. The detection unit is not limited to a photo reflector, but may be another optical sensor or a mechanical switch. Moreover, if it is a panel which can detect which of the front and back of the touch panel 8T is pressed, it determines using the detection result of a press.

As described above, the modification of the touch panel 8T shown in FIG. 6 is configured to be rotatable about the hinge, so that it is possible to search for thumbnail images without reversing the top and bottom of the camera, which is convenient. .

Next, another modification of the touch panel 8T will be described with reference to FIG. In another modification, the touch panel 8T can be slidably moved and can be switched between left and right. That is, the left display panel 8L and the right display panel 8R are juxtaposed, and the touch panel 8T having a size covering either the display panel 8L or 8R is configured to be slidable on both display panels.

In addition, a photo reflector 8Ts is provided as a detection unit that detects whether the touch panel 8T is on the left or right display panel. The photo reflector 8Ts is disposed at a position where the touch panel 8T is hidden when the touch panel 8T is positioned to cover the left display panel 8L. Of course, the photo reflector 8Ts may be arranged in a hidden position when the photo reflector 8Ts is in a position covering the display panel 8R.

Further, the detection unit is not limited to the photoreflector, as in the case of the modification shown in FIG. 6, and may be another optical sensor or a mechanical switch. Further, since the touch panel 8T slides to the left and right, it is connected to the electric circuit system of the camera with a flexible printed board and moved freely. Further, it may be electrically connected by a sliding piece or the like.

In accordance with the output of the detection unit such as the photo reflector 8Ts, various modes such as the shooting mode, the playback mode, the edit mode, and the search mode are switched as described above according to the position of the touch panel 8T.

As described above, the camera according to this embodiment has the two-screen display panels 8W and 8M on the left and right, the touch panel on one of them, and the touch panel 8T on the left and right. Since the mode is automatically switched automatically, it is possible to provide a camera with excellent operability and visibility. Further, the display panel 8M used for a monitor is less likely to have fingerprints attached thereto, so that a beautiful image can be enjoyed without hindering viewing of the image. In addition, since the two liquid crystal display units are effectively used, the operability can be improved.

In the description of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an example of the portable information device, but it is needless to say that the digital camera can be applied to a camera such as a general compact digital camera or a digital single lens reflex camera. In addition, the present invention can be applied to any portable information device having a screen display unit such as a mobile phone, a portable game device, and a PDA.

1 is a block diagram of a camera and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the usage method of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display state on the display panel of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the control operation of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the touchscreen of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other modification of the touchscreen of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MPU, 1a ... Release switch, 1b ... Mode changeover switch, 1c ... Other switch, 1t ... Clock part, 1u ... Up / down determination part, 2 ... Shooting lens 2a ... AF (autofocus) control unit, 2b ... aperture, 2c ... aperture control unit, 3 ... imaging device, 4 ... analog front end (AFE) unit, 5 ... Image processing unit, 5a ... shape determination unit, 5b ... resizing unit, 5c ... touch reflection unit, 5d ... face detection unit, 6 ... compression unit, 8W ... display for working Panel, 8M ... Display panel for monitor, 8L ... Left display panel, 8R ... Right display panel, 8T ... Touch panel, 8Ts ... Photo reflector, 8a ... Display control unit 8b ... multi-image processing unit, 9 ... recording medium A, 9a, recording unit, 9c, data transmission / reception unit, 9d, posture / operation determination unit, 11 ... auxiliary light emitting unit, 20 ... subject, 31 ... other users, 32 ... communication line, 34 ... server, 100 ... camera

Claims (15)

Two left and right image display units,
A touch panel provided on one of the two image display units;
A function switching unit that switches functions based on the operation of the touch panel, depending on whether the touch panel is located on the left or right;
A portable information device characterized by comprising:   2. The portable information device according to claim 1, further comprising a display switching unit that switches display contents of the image display unit depending on whether the touch panel unit is located on the left or right side.   The touch panel is selectively movable to one of the display units, and the function switching unit is a function based on the operation of the touch panel depending on which of the two image display units the touch panel unit is arranged. The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein the portable information device is switched.   The portable information device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the position of the touch panel is reversed left and right by inverting the top and bottom of the portable information device, the function based on the operation of the touch panel is switched. The portable information device has a function as an imaging device,
The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein when the touch panel is positioned in a right direction when the portable information device is gripped, an imaging operation is performed based on an operation of the touch panel. The portable information device has a function as an image editing device,
The image displayed on the other image display unit is edited based on an operation of the touch panel when the touch panel is positioned in a right direction when the portable information device is gripped. 1. A portable information device according to 1. The portable information device has a function as an image playback device,
Among the plurality of reduced images displayed on the image display unit on the side where the touch panel is arranged based on the operation of the touch panel when the touch panel is positioned in the left direction when the portable information device is gripped. 2. The portable information device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined reduced image is selected from the image, and an enlarged image corresponding to the selected reduced image is displayed on the other image display unit. A display unit in which the first and second display screens are arranged side by side;
A touch panel disposed on either front side of the first and second display screens;
A determination unit for determining on which side of the first and second display screens the touch panel is located;
A display control unit that switches a display mode according to a determination result of the determination unit;
A camera comprising:   9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein the display control unit switches to one of a shooting mode and a reproduction mode and an image search mode according to a determination result of the determination unit. In the case of having a release button for performing a shooting operation and the touch panel is located on the release button side,
The camera according to claim 8, wherein when the touch panel detects a contact state of a user based on an output of the touch panel, the display control unit switches the display on the display unit to a shooting mode.   9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein when the touch panel does not detect a contact state of a user based on an output of the touch panel, the display control unit switches the display on the display unit to a reproduction mode.   12. The camera according to claim 11, wherein the camera is switched to the playback mode and when a state where the user rubs on the touch panel is detected, the recorded images are sequentially sent or returned.   When the mode is switched to the reproduction mode and a handwriting input or a character input is made on the touch panel, the image displayed on the first or second display screen is edited. Item 12. The camera according to Item 11.   9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein a thumbnail image is displayed on a display screen provided on the back side of the touch panel, and the selected image is enlarged and displayed on another display screen.   9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein when handwritten input or character input is performed by the touch panel, editing is performed on an image displayed on a display screen arranged in parallel therewith.