JP2009164755A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing normal photographing and self-photographing by nearly the same sense, and making identical the direction of an image in the normal photographing and that of an image in the self-photographing by determining whether the photographing is the normal photographing or the self-photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has: an imaging means for imaging an image by converting light to an electric signal; a first shutter button (8); a second shutter button (9); and a display means (4) for displaying a prescribed display content. The display means displays and stores the image imaged by the imaging apparatus as it is, and/or stores the image imaged by the imaging apparatus by adding information indicating that the image is turned upside down for storage, when the first shutter button is pressed. The display means displays and stores the image imaged by the imaging means upside down, and/or stores the image imaged by the imaging apparatus by adding the information indicating that the image is turned upside down for storage, when the second shutter button is pressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, for example, a camera-equipped mobile phone.

  In recent years, mobile phones having various functions other than the telephone function have appeared. Typically, some mobile phones have a camera function using an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). .

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a conventional camera-equipped mobile phone. This camera-equipped mobile phone has a so-called clamshell type shape, and includes a first casing 21 and a second casing 22 that are connected to each other by a hinge portion 23 so as to be freely opened and closed. This figure shows a state in which these housings are opened. FIG. 8A shows a surface that becomes the inner side when the camera-equipped mobile phone is closed. In this aspect, the first casing 21 includes a display unit 24, and the second casing 22 includes an operation unit 25. FIG. 8B shows a surface that becomes the outer side when the camera-equipped mobile phone is closed. In this aspect, the first housing 21 includes a lens 26 and a sub display unit 27. In addition to these parts, the camera-equipped mobile phone is naturally provided with a portion that is provided as a normal mobile phone, for example, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, etc., although not shown for the sake of simplicity.

  The operation unit 25 includes a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, characters and symbols, a function key for activating a specific function, a cursor key for selecting an item displayed on the display unit, a determination key, and the like. Further, a part of these keys or other operation means may be present on a portion other than the operation unit 25, for example, on the side surface of the first housing 21 or the second housing 22. Typically, it is the shutter button 28 used as a shutter button of the camera function in FIG. The shutter button 28 does not have to be dedicated, and may also be used with other functions.

  The display unit 24 is typically a liquid crystal screen, and displays an operation screen, an address book, a mail screen, a caller's telephone number, an image taken by the image sensor through the lens 26, and the like. When the camera function is activated, an image currently captured by the image sensor via the lens 26 is displayed on the display unit 24 in real time.

  The sub display unit 27 is usually used for viewing the camera-equipped mobile phone in a folded state, and displays a clock, the name of the caller at the time of incoming call, and the like.

  When the camera function is activated by pressing a predetermined key on the operation unit 25 or a key provided at another position, the light incident from the lens 26 forms an image on an image sensor arranged in the first housing 21. , Converted into an electrical signal and displayed as an image on the display unit 24 in real time. The user adjusts the composition by moving the camera-equipped mobile phone while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 24, or adjusts the zoom by pressing a predetermined button on the operation unit 25, and the like. The shutter button 28 is pressed at the moment when is obtained. An image at the moment when the shutter button 28 is pressed is displayed on the display unit 24 as a preview image, and a selection item for selecting whether to save or discard the image is further displayed on the preview image, and is determined by the operation unit 25. When the button is pressed, the image is stored in a built-in memory of the camera-equipped mobile phone, a memory card inserted in the camera-equipped mobile phone, or the like. Images stored in a built-in memory, a memory card, or the like can be displayed on the display unit 24 by a predetermined operation, or can be transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail.

  When the position of the shutter button 28 is provided on the side surface of the second housing 22 as shown in FIG. 8, when taking a horizontally long picture, the shutter is pushed in the same way as when taking a picture with a normal digital camera. It becomes easy to use.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone as described above, so-called self-photographing may be performed in which the user himself / herself or a person next to the user is photographed. When taking a self-portrait, the lens 26 is directed in a direction opposite to that during normal shooting, that is, toward the user himself / herself. Patent Document 1 describes a camera-equipped mobile phone that displays a preview image taken on a sub display screen to facilitate self-portrait.

JP 2003-198676 A

  When taking a self-portrait, it is necessary to hold the camera-equipped mobile phone in the opposite direction to that during normal shooting so that the lens faces the user's own direction. When taking such a self-portrait, the following two ways of holding the camera-equipped mobile phone can be considered.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a first method of holding the camera-equipped mobile phone when taking a self-portrait. FIG. 9A shows a mobile phone with a camera as viewed from the user. In this case, the user presses the shutter 8 with the thumb of the right hand and is difficult to operate. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, an image taken in such a manner is displayed on the display unit 24 in an upside-down state during normal photographing. In normal shooting, since it is not normal to take an image upside down, only the self-taken image is turned upside down, and the image has to be rotated when viewed or saved later, which is troublesome.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second method of holding the camera-equipped mobile phone when taking a selfie. FIG. 10A shows a camera-equipped mobile phone as viewed from the user. In this case, the user presses the shutter 28 with the index finger of the left hand. As shown in FIG. 10B, an image taken with such a posture is in the same direction as during normal shooting. However, when taking a self-portrait in such a manner, the user needs to make the distance between the lens 26 and himself / herself as long as possible in order to include himself / herself and the next person in the image. You must hold the camera phone with your left hand and press the shutter 28. Therefore, there is a problem that the composition is limited.

  In view of the above, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus that can perform normal shooting and self-taking with the same feeling, and can determine whether normal shooting or self-shooting.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts light into an electrical signal to capture an image, a first shutter button, a second shutter button, and a display unit that displays predetermined display contents. And when the first shutter button is pressed, the display means displays the image taken by the imaging means as it is, and when the second shutter button is pushed, the display means is the imaging means. The image picked up by the above is displayed upside down, stored, and / or stored with information indicating that it is upside down. Since the first shutter button is used during normal shooting and the second shutter button is used during self-shooting, the position of the second shutter button when taking a self-shoot is the first position during normal shooting. The position of the shutter button can be the same as that of the shutter button, and the operability during self-shooting can be improved. In addition, by turning the image upside down when the second shutter button is pressed to take a self-portrait, the orientation of the image can be made the same as when the first shutter button is pressed to perform normal shooting.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a clamshell camera mobile phone including a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable. The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first housing that is on the inner side with the housing closed, and the imaging unit is disposed on a surface of the first housing opposite to the surface on which the display unit is disposed. The first shutter button is disposed on one side surface of the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion, and the first shutter button of the second casing is disposed. The second shutter button may be disposed on a side surface opposite to the formed side surface.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a straight-bar or slide-type mobile phone with a camera, and the display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing is disposed on the surface. The lens of the imaging means is disposed on the surface opposite to the surface, the first shutter button is disposed on one side surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing opposite to the surface on which the first shutter button is disposed. The second shutter button may be disposed on a side surface.

  Another imaging device of the present invention displays imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal to capture an image, a shutter button, a normal shooting designation button, a self-portrait designation button, and predetermined display contents. Display means, and when the shutter button is pressed after the normal shooting designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image taken by the imaging means as it is, and the self-portrait designation button is pressed. After that, when the shutter button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means upside down, stores and / or saves it with information indicating that it is upside down. It is characterized by doing.

  Still another image pickup apparatus of the present invention displays an image pickup means for picking up an image by converting light into an electrical signal, a shutter button, a normal shooting designation button, a self-portrait designation button, and predetermined display contents. Display means, and when the shutter button is pressed while the normal shooting designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image taken by the imaging means as it is, and the selfie designation button When the shutter button is pressed while the button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means upside down, adds information indicating that the image is upside down. And storing it.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a clamshell camera mobile phone including a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable. The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first housing that is on the inner side with the housing closed, and the imaging unit is disposed on a surface of the first housing opposite to the surface on which the display unit is disposed. Are arranged, the normal photographing designation button is arranged on one side surface of the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion, and the normal photographing designation button of the second casing is arranged. The self-portrait designation button may be arranged on the side surface opposite to the side surface.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a straight-bar or slide-type mobile phone with a camera, and the display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing is disposed on the surface. The lens of the imaging means is disposed on the surface opposite to the surface, the normal photographing designation button is disposed on one side surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing opposite to the surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. The self-portrait specifying button may be arranged on the side surface.

  Still another imaging device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts light into an electrical signal and captures an image, a shutter button, a self-portrait designation button, and a display unit that displays predetermined display contents. When the shutter button is pressed without pressing the self-portrait specifying button, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is, and the shutter button is pressed after the self-portrait specifying button is pressed. When the button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means upside down, stores it, and / or stores it with information indicating that it is upside down. .

  Still another imaging device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts light into an electrical signal and captures an image, a shutter button, a self-portrait designation button, and a display unit that displays predetermined display contents. When the shutter button is pressed while the self-portrait designation button is not pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is, and the self-portrait designation button is pressed. When the shutter button is pressed, the display means displays the image picked up by the image pickup means upside down, displays and saves it, and / or saves it with information indicating that it is upside down. Features.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a clamshell camera mobile phone including a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable. The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first housing that is on the inner side with the housing closed, and the imaging unit is disposed on a surface of the first housing opposite to the surface on which the display unit is disposed. Are arranged, the normal photographing designation button is arranged on one side surface of the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion, and the normal photographing designation button of the second casing is arranged. The self-portrait designation button may be arranged on the side surface opposite to the side surface.

  The imaging device of the present invention may be a straight-bar or slide-type mobile phone with a camera, and the display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing is disposed on the surface. The lens of the imaging means is disposed on the surface opposite to the surface, the normal photographing designation button is disposed on one side surface of the housing, and the surface of the housing opposite to the surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. The self-portrait specifying button may be arranged on the side surface.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, normal shooting and self-shooting can be performed with the same feeling, and the orientation of the image during normal shooting and the image during self-shooting can be made the same.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a camera-equipped mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. The camera-equipped mobile phone of the present embodiment has a so-called clamshell type shape. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment includes a first casing 1 and a second casing 2 that is separate from the first casing 1, and the first casing 1 and the second casing 2 are hinged to each other. The part 3 is connected to be freely opened and closed. This figure shows a state in which these housings are opened. Fig.1 (a) shows the surface which becomes an inner side when a mobile phone with a camera is closed. In this aspect, the first casing 1 includes a display unit 4, and the second casing 2 includes an operation unit 5. FIG.1 (b) shows the surface which becomes an outer side when a mobile phone with a camera is closed. In this aspect, the first housing 1 includes a lens 6 and a sub display unit 7. In addition to these parts, the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment naturally includes parts provided as a normal mobile phone, for example, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, etc., although not shown for the sake of simplicity. .

  The operation unit 5 includes a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, characters, and symbols, a function key for activating a specific function, a cursor key for selecting an item displayed on the display unit, a determination key, and the like. Further, a part of these keys or other operation means may be present on a portion other than the operation unit 5, for example, on the side surface of the first housing or the second housing.

  The display unit 4 is typically a liquid crystal screen, and displays an operation screen, an address book, a mail screen, a caller's telephone number, an image taken by the image sensor through the lens 6, and the like. In addition, when the camera function is activated, an image currently captured by the image sensor via the lens 6 is displayed on the display unit 4 in real time.

  The sub-display unit 7 is usually used for viewing the camera-equipped mobile phone in a folded state, and displays the clock, the name of the caller at the time of incoming call, and the like.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone of the present embodiment, a first shutter button 8 used as a shutter button for a camera function is disposed on one side surface of the first housing 1 or the second housing 2, and the side surface on the opposite side. The second shutter button 9 is disposed on the screen. The shutter buttons 8 and 9 do not have to be dedicated, and may be combined with other functions.

  When viewed from the user, the camera-equipped mobile phone according to this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 1A during normal shooting and as shown in FIG. In the case of self-portrait, the orientation of the image is upside down during normal shooting.

  When the camera function is activated by pressing a predetermined key on the operation unit 5 or a key provided at another position during normal photographing, the light incident from the lens 6 is picked up by the image sensor disposed in the first housing. Is converted into an electrical signal and displayed as an image on the display unit 4 in real time. The user adjusts the composition by moving the camera-equipped mobile phone while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 4, or presses a predetermined button on the operation unit 5 to adjust the zoom. The first shutter button 8 is pressed at the moment when is obtained. An image at the moment when the first shutter button 8 is pressed is displayed on the display unit 4 as a preview image. A selection item for saving or discarding the image is further displayed on the preview image, and a determination button on the operation unit 5 is pressed. When pressed, the image is stored in a built-in memory of the camera-equipped mobile phone, a memory card inserted in the camera-equipped mobile phone, or the like. Images stored in a built-in memory, a memory card, or the like can be displayed on the display unit 4 by a predetermined operation, or can be transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail.

  In self-portrait, the user holds the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment with the camera function activated as shown in FIG. 1B, directs the lens toward himself / herself, and presses the second shutter button 9. Then, it is switched as shown in FIG. 1A, and the preview image is confirmed and the image is saved or discarded as in normal shooting.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone of the present embodiment, the first shutter button 8 is pressed during normal shooting, and the second shutter button 9 is pressed during self-shooting. Depending on which one of the first shutter button 8 and the second shutter button 9 is pressed, it is determined whether the normal photographing or the self-taking is performed. If it is determined that the second shutter button 9 has been pressed and a self-portrait has been performed, the image is turned upside-down and is oriented in the same direction as an image obtained by normal shooting.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of shooting of the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment. In step s101, it is determined whether any of the first shutter button 8 and the second shutter button 9 is pressed. If the button is pressed, the process proceeds to step s102. In step s102, it is determined whether the first shutter button 8 or the second shutter button 9 is pressed. If the first shutter button 8 is pressed, the process proceeds to step s103, and the second shutter button 9 is pressed. If yes, go to Step s104. In step s104, since the second shutter button 9 is pressed, it is determined that it is a self-portrait, the photographed image is rotated by 180 degrees, and the process proceeds to step s103. In step s103, the captured image is displayed as a preview image on the display unit 4, and a selection item for selecting whether to save or discard the image is displayed. At this time, the image shot normally and the image shot by self-portrait are facing the same direction. The user confirms the preview image displayed on the display unit 4, operates the cursor key in the operation unit 5, selects one of the selection items of save and discard, presses the determination key in the operation unit 5, Confirm the selection. In step s105, it is determined whether saving or discarding is selected. If saving is selected, the image is stored in a memory built in the camera-equipped mobile phone or a memory card inserted in the camera-equipped mobile phone in step s106. Save and finish operation. If discard is selected in step s105, the image is discarded in step s107, and the process returns to step s101.

  The rotation of the image in step s104 can be performed as follows. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating image rotation. An image before rotation is shown on the left side, and an image after rotation is shown on the right side. If the size of the image is X × Y pixels and the upper left pixel of the image before rotation is (0, 0), the lower right pixel is (X, Y). By replacing all the pixels (x, y) with the pixels (X-x, Y-y), the image can be rotated 180 degrees.

  Further, in the image storage in step s106, the image may be stored by adding information indicating that it is upside down. For example, in the Exif format of a digital camera image, there is a property called image direction, and it can be set to be upside down.

  Some digital cameras including camera-equipped mobile phones have a function of searching for a lens position with the highest contrast and focusing. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining the relationship between contrast and lens position. When it is determined that the self-portrait is performed by pressing the second shutter button 9, the distance to the subject, that is, the user who is performing the self-portrait is determined to be about several tens cm to 1 m, which is the length of a human hand You may make it do. As a result, the time required to determine the lens position that focuses on the subject can be shortened.

  Further, when the distance from the focused lens to the subject is about several tens of cm to 1 m, it is determined that the self-portrait is taken, and a preview is displayed on the sub display unit 7 facing the user who is taking the self-portrait. Display an image. This makes it easy for the user to check the preview image.

  Furthermore, when it is determined that the image is self-portrait, settings such as white balance may be adjusted for photographing a person or a skin tone correction algorithm may be applied.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a camera-equipped mobile phone according to the second embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those of the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The camera-equipped mobile phone of the present embodiment has a so-called clamshell type shape. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment includes a first casing 1 and a second casing 2 that is separate from the first casing 1, and the first casing 1 and the second casing 2 are hinged to each other. The part 3 is connected to be freely opened and closed. This figure shows a state in which these housings are opened. FIG. 5A shows a surface that becomes the inner side when the camera-equipped mobile phone is closed. In this aspect, the first casing 1 includes a display unit 4, and the second casing 2 includes an operation unit 5. FIG. 5B shows a surface that becomes the outer side when the camera-equipped mobile phone is closed. In this aspect, the first housing 1 includes a lens 6 and a sub display unit 7. In addition to these parts, the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment naturally includes parts that are not shown in the drawing for the sake of simplicity, but are provided as ordinary mobile phones, such as a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, and the like. .

  The operation unit 5 includes a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, characters, and symbols, a function key for activating a specific function, a cursor key for selecting an item displayed on the display unit, a determination key, and the like. Further, a part of these keys or other operation means may be present on a portion other than the operation unit 5, for example, on the side surface of the first housing or the second housing.

  The display unit 4 is typically a liquid crystal screen, and displays an operation screen, an address book, a mail screen, a caller's telephone number, an image taken by the image sensor through the lens 6, and the like. In addition, when the camera function is activated, an image currently captured by the image sensor via the lens 6 is displayed on the display unit 4 in real time.

  The sub-display unit 7 is usually used for viewing the camera-equipped mobile phone in a folded state, and displays the clock, the name of the caller at the time of incoming call, and the like.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment, a predetermined key in the operation unit 5, for example, the enter key 10 is used as a shutter button.

  When the camera function is activated by pressing a predetermined key on the operation unit 5 or a key provided at another position, the light incident from the lens 6 forms an image on an image pickup device arranged in the first casing, It is converted into a signal and displayed as an image on the display unit 4 in real time. The user adjusts the composition by moving the camera-equipped mobile phone while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 4, or presses a predetermined button on the operation unit 5 to adjust the zoom. At the moment when is obtained, the enter key 10 is pressed. An image at the moment when the enter key 10 is pressed is displayed as a preview image on the display unit 4, and a selection item for saving or discarding the image is further displayed on the preview image. When the enter button on the operation unit 5 is pressed, The image is stored in a built-in memory of a camera-equipped mobile phone, a memory card inserted in the camera-equipped mobile phone, or the like. Images stored in a built-in memory, a memory card, or the like can be displayed on the display unit 4 by a predetermined operation, or can be transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment, the normal photographing designation button 11 is disposed on one side surface of the first housing 1 or the second housing 2, and the self-portrait designation button 12 is disposed on the opposite side surface. . After the normal shooting designation button 11 is pressed or when the enter key 10 (shutter button) is pressed while the normal shooting designation button 11 is pressed, it is determined that the normal shooting is being performed, and the self-shooting designation button If the determination key 10 (shutter button) is pressed after the button 12 is pressed or when the self-portrait designation button 12 is pressed, it is determined that the self-portrait is being performed. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The normal shooting designation button 11 and the self-shooting designation button 12 may be provided not as a side surface of the second housing 2 as shown in FIG.

  Further, even if only one of the normal shooting designation button 11 and the self-shooting designation button 12 is provided, the same effect can be obtained. For example, when only the self-portrait specifying button 12 is provided and only the enter key 10 (shutter button) is pressed, it is determined that normal shooting has been performed, and the self-portrait specifying button 12 is pressed or self-portrait If the determination key 10 (shutter button) is pressed while the designation button 12 is pressed, it may be determined that the self-portrait has been performed.

<Third Embodiment>
The image pickup apparatus of the present invention may not be a clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone as described above, and may be, for example, a slide-type or straight bar-type camera-equipped mobile phone. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a straight bar type camera-equipped mobile phone according to a third embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those of the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment includes a housing 13, and the display unit 4 and the operation unit 5 are disposed on the surface of the housing 13 illustrated in FIG. 9A, and the surface illustrated in FIG. The lens 6 is disposed. In addition to these parts, the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment naturally includes parts that are not shown in the drawing for the sake of simplicity, but are provided as ordinary mobile phones, such as a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, and the like. .

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment, a first shutter button 8 used as a shutter button for a camera function is disposed on one side surface of the housing 13, and a second shutter button 9 is disposed on the opposite side surface. Is done. The shutter buttons 8 and 9 do not have to be dedicated, and may be combined with other functions.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 6A during normal shooting, and as shown in FIG. In the case of self-portrait, the orientation of the image is upside down during normal shooting.

  When the camera function is activated by pressing a predetermined key on the operation unit 5 or a key provided at another position during normal photographing, the light incident from the lens 6 is picked up by the image sensor disposed in the first housing. Is converted into an electrical signal and displayed as an image on the display unit 4 in real time. The user adjusts the composition by moving the camera-equipped mobile phone while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 4, or presses a predetermined button on the operation unit 5 to adjust the zoom. The shutter button 8 is pressed at the moment when is obtained. An image at the moment when the shutter button 8 is pressed is displayed as a preview image on the display unit 4, and a selection item for saving or discarding the image is further displayed on the preview image, and when a determination button on the operation unit 5 is pressed, The image is stored in a built-in memory of a camera-equipped mobile phone, a memory card inserted in the camera-equipped mobile phone, or the like. Images stored in a built-in memory, a memory card, or the like can be displayed on the display unit 4 by a predetermined operation, or can be transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail.

  In self-portrait, the user holds the camera-equipped mobile phone according to the present embodiment with the camera function activated as shown in FIG. 6B, directs the lens toward himself / herself, and presses the second shutter button 9. Then, it is switched as shown in FIG. 6A, and the preview image is confirmed and the image is saved or discarded as in normal shooting.

  In the camera-equipped mobile phone of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first shutter button 8 is pressed during normal shooting, and the second shutter button 9 is pressed during self-shooting. Depending on which one of the first shutter button 8 and the second shutter button 9 is pressed, it is determined whether the normal photographing or the self-taking is performed. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

<Fourth embodiment>
Further, the imaging apparatus of the present invention may not be a camera-equipped mobile phone, and may be a digital camera, for example. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera of the present embodiment includes a display unit 15 and an operation unit 16 on the surface of the housing 14 shown in FIG. The digital camera of this embodiment includes a lens 17 and a flash 18 on the surface of the housing 14 shown in FIG. In addition to these parts, the digital camera of the present embodiment naturally includes a part provided as a normal digital camera (not shown) for the sake of simplicity.

  The operation unit 16 includes buttons, a dial, and the like that are used for switching a shooting mode, erasing a shot image, and adjusting a zoom. Further, at least a part of the operation unit 16 may be disposed on a portion other than the surface illustrated in FIG.

  The display unit 15 is typically a liquid crystal screen, and displays an image photographed by the image sensor through the lens 17 and a setting screen.

  In the digital camera of the present embodiment, the first shutter button 19 is disposed on the upper right side and the second shutter button 20 is disposed on the lower right side in the orientation shown in FIG.

  The digital camera according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 7A during normal shooting and as shown in FIG.

  When the digital camera is set to the shooting mode by switching a predetermined switch in the operation unit 16 during normal shooting, the light incident from the lens 17 forms an image on an image pickup device arranged in the housing of the digital camera, and It is converted into a signal and displayed as an image on the display unit 15 in real time. The user obtains a desired image by moving the digital camera while viewing the image displayed on the display unit 15 and adjusting the composition, or by pressing a predetermined button on the operation unit 16 to adjust the zoom. At the moment, the first shutter button 19 is pressed. The image at the moment when the first shutter button 19 is pressed is displayed as a preview image on the display unit 15 for a certain period, and then stored in a built-in memory of the digital camera, a memory card inserted in the digital camera, or the like. Images stored in the built-in memory, memory card or the like can be displayed on the display unit 15 by a predetermined operation.

  In the case of self-portrait, the orientation of the image is upside down during normal shooting. In the digital camera of this embodiment, in the case of self-shooting, the second shutter button 20 is pressed to shoot. Depending on which of the first shutter button 19 and the second shutter button 20 is pressed, it is possible to determine whether the normal shooting has been performed or the self-shooting has been performed. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by providing a shutter button for normal shooting and a shutter button for self-taking, or by providing a normal shooting specifying button and a self-shooting specifying button, You can take a selfie with the same feeling, distinguish between normal shooting and self-taking, and add information indicating that it is upside down to the image at the time of self-taking, or turn the image at the time of upside-down By doing so, the image at the time of normal shooting and the image at the time of self-shooting can be in the same orientation.

  The present invention may be a method for realizing the embodiment described above in the imaging apparatus as well as the imaging apparatus, and a program for executing the method in the imaging apparatus or a storage medium storing the program There may be.

  The present invention can be used for an imaging device, for example, a camera-equipped mobile phone.

(A) And (b) is a top view which shows the mobile telephone with a camera which is 1st Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of imaging | photography of the mobile phone with a camera which is 1st Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention. It is a figure explaining rotation of an image. It is a graph explaining the relationship between contrast and a lens position. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the mobile telephone with a camera which is 2nd Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the mobile telephone with a straight bar type | mold camera which is 3rd Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the digital camera which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the conventional mobile phone with a camera. It is a top view explaining the 1st holding method of the mobile phone with a camera in the case of taking a selfie. (A) shows the mobile phone with a camera when viewed from the user, and (b) shows the orientation of the image displayed on the display unit. It is a top view explaining the 2nd way of holding of the mobile phone with a camera in the case of taking a selfie. (A) shows the mobile phone with a camera when viewed from the user, and (b) shows the orientation of the image displayed on the display unit.

Explanation of symbols

1, 21 First housing 2, 22 Second housing 3, 23 Hinge unit 4, 15, 24 Display unit 5, 16, 25 Operation unit 6, 17, 26 Lens 7, 27 Sub display unit 8, 19 First Shutter buttons 9 and 20 Second shutter button 10 Enter key 11 Normal shooting designation button 12 Self-shooting designation buttons 13 and 14 Housing 18 Flash 28 Shutter button

Claims (14)

An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A first shutter button;
A second shutter button;
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the first shutter button is pressed, it is determined that the shooting is normal,
When the second shutter button is pressed, it is determined that the self-portrait is taken. An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A first shutter button;
A second shutter button;
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the first shutter button is pressed, the display unit displays the image captured by the imaging unit as it is,
When the second shutter button is pressed, the display unit displays the image captured by the imaging unit upside down, displays and stores the image, and / or stores the information indicating that it is upside down. An imaging apparatus characterized by that. A clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone comprising a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be freely opened and closed,
The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first casing on the inner side with the first casing and the second casing closed,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the first housing is disposed;
The first shutter button is disposed on one side surface of the first casing or the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion;
3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second shutter button is disposed on a side surface of the first housing or the second housing opposite to a side surface on which the first shutter button is disposed. . It is a mobile phone with a straight bar type or slide type camera,
The display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the housing is disposed;
The first shutter button is disposed on one side of the housing;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second shutter button is disposed on a side surface of the housing opposite to a surface on which the first shutter button is disposed. An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A shutter button;
Normal shooting designation button,
Selfie designation button,
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the shutter button is pressed after the normal shooting designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is,
An image pickup apparatus, wherein when the shutter button is pressed after the self-portrait designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image picked up by the image pickup means upside down. An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A shutter button;
Normal shooting designation button,
Selfie designation button,
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the shutter button is pressed while the normal shooting designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is,
When the shutter button is pressed while the self-portrait button is pressed, the display means displays, saves, and / or upside down the image captured by the imaging means. An image pickup apparatus, characterized in that information indicating information is added and stored. A clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone comprising a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be freely opened and closed,
The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first casing on the inner side with the first casing and the second casing closed,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the first housing is disposed;
The normal shooting designation button is disposed on one side surface of the first casing or the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion,
The imaging according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the self-portrait designation button is disposed on a side surface of the first casing or the second casing opposite to a side surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. apparatus. It is a mobile phone with a straight bar type or slide type camera,
The display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the housing is disposed;
The normal shooting designation button is arranged on one side of the housing,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the self-portrait designation button is disposed on a side surface of the casing opposite to the surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A shutter button;
Selfie designation button,
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the shutter button is pressed without pressing the self-portrait designation button, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is,
When the shutter button is pressed after the self-portrait designation button is pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means upside down, saves it, and / or upside down. An image pickup apparatus, characterized in that information indicating information is added and stored. An imaging means for converting light into an electrical signal and capturing an image;
A shutter button;
Selfie designation button,
Display means for displaying predetermined display contents,
When the shutter button is pressed while the self-portrait designation button is not pressed, the display means displays the image captured by the imaging means as it is,
When the shutter button is pressed while the self-portrait button is pressed, the display means displays, saves, and / or upside down the image captured by the imaging means. An image pickup apparatus, characterized in that information indicating information is added and stored. A clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone comprising a first casing and a second casing that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be freely opened and closed,
The display unit is disposed on the surface of the first casing on the inner side with the first casing and the second casing closed,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the first housing is disposed;
The normal shooting designation button is disposed on one side surface of the first casing or the second casing that is perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion,
11. The imaging according to claim 9, wherein the self-portrait designation button is disposed on a side surface of the first housing or the second housing opposite to a side surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. apparatus. It is a mobile phone with a straight bar type or slide type camera,
The display unit is disposed on one surface of the housing,
A lens of the imaging means is disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the display unit of the housing is disposed;
The normal shooting designation button is arranged on one side of the housing,
11. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the self-portrait designation button is disposed on a side surface of the housing opposite to a surface on which the normal photographing designation button is disposed. A method for displaying and saving an image taken by a photographing device,
When the first shutter button is pressed, it is determined that the shooting is normal, the image is displayed and saved as it is,
When the second shutter button is pressed, it is determined that it is a self-portrait, and the image is displayed upside down, displayed, stored, and / or stored with information indicating that it is upside down. how to.   A program causing a photographing apparatus to execute the method according to claim 13.

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