JP2009232408A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device the inclination of which when an image of data is photographed can be known from the recorded image data. <P>SOLUTION: When a release button is pressed, image data is stored on an SDRAM 103 in image pickup processing in S41. Next, in S42, an angle θ stored in a temporary storage memory is read by angle calculation processing. Then, in S43, whether or not a folder corresponding to the read angle θ exists in a memory card 109 is determined. When a corresponding folder exists, the image data stored on the SDRAM 103 is classified and recorded in the corresponding folder in S45. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a function of detecting an inclination of the imaging apparatus and a function of recording image data acquired by imaging a subject.

  In recent years, in an imaging apparatus including a digital camera or the like, it is possible to detect the right and left inclination of the optical axis of the imaging apparatus at the time of shooting using an angle detection device such as a tilt angle sensor, a horizontal detection circuit, or a gyro. It was. The photographer can grasp the tilt of the digital camera at the time of photographing by the above angle detection function.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a video camera including an inclination detection sensor for detecting the inclination of the video camera. The inclination detection sensor is configured by an acceleration sensor, for example. The video camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether shooting is handheld shooting or fixed shooting using a tripod, and in the case of handheld shooting, if the tilt of the video camera is equal to or greater than the set value α, the tilt of the video camera is displayed. Set the guide display to be displayed to ON. On the other hand, in the case of fixed shooting, the guide display is turned ON if the tilt of the video camera is equal to or greater than the set value β. By setting the tilt setting value for turning the guide display ON / OFF so that it is smaller for fixed shooting than for handheld shooting, the handheld shooting reduces the hindrance to shooting by the guide display and makes the tilt stand out. At the time of fixed shooting, the video camera tilt can be corrected by a guide display for a smaller tilt, and the shooting accuracy can be improved.

  In Patent Document 2, a grid display line is displayed vertically and horizontally on a screen on which a through image is displayed at the time of shooting, and a horizontal display line is also displayed when the imaging device is tilted with respect to the horizon. An imaging apparatus that can visually grasp the inclination of the apparatus is disclosed. The photographer can shoot an image horizontal to the horizon by correcting the camera posture and aligning the grid display line with the horizontal display line. In addition, the imaging apparatus of Patent Document 2 includes a horizontal adjustment function that automatically adjusts the posture of an image horizontally. When the horizontal adjustment function is selected, the through image is automatically adjusted and displayed based on the tilt of the imaging device, and the photographer takes a horizontal image without worrying about the camera posture. be able to.

In such an imaging apparatus, a guide image indicating the tilt of the imaging apparatus on the display screen can shoot and record a horizontal image with the orientation of the imaging apparatus and the orientation of the captured image corrected, and thus a recorded image As a result, a horizontal image can be obtained. Further, an image with a desired inclination can be taken and recorded by a guide display showing the inclination of the imaging apparatus on the display screen.
JP 2007-286434 A JP 2006-165941 A

  However, in the conventional imaging apparatus as described above, when the photographer wants to shoot an image that is not horizontal and has a desired inclination, shooting is performed because it is known how much the imaging apparatus is tilted by the guide display at the time of shooting. However, after shooting, it is not possible to know from the recorded image data the tilt of the imaging device when the image data was shot and how much the image data is image data. was there.

  In conventional imaging devices, image data is mixed in a single folder according to the shooting date, for example, when shooting an image horizontal to the horizon or when shooting an image having a desired inclination that is not horizontal. Recorded. Therefore, there was no way to know from the recorded image data how much the image was captured when the imaging device was tilted, and how much the image was tilted with respect to the horizon. . Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to classify image data according to the tilt after shooting, or the user's need to acquire only an image having a desired tilt angle from the recorded image data. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of knowing the inclination of the imaging apparatus when the image data is captured from the recorded image data. .

  In order to achieve the above-described object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and acquires image data, a recording control unit that records image data acquired by the imaging unit, and an imaging apparatus. An inclination detection means for detecting the inclination of the image and outputting detection data; and an inclination information calculation means for calculating inclination information according to the inclination based on the detection data output from the inclination detection means, The recording control means classifies and records the image data acquired by the imaging means in a folder corresponding to the tilt information.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, it is preferable that the recording control unit records the image data and the tilt information as one image file.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, it is preferable that the recording control unit classifies and records the image data into a vertical shooting folder and a horizontal shooting folder according to the tilt information.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, the tilt detection means detects the tilt of the imaging device at the time of imaging, and the recording control means uses the image data acquired by the imaging means as the tilt information at the time of imaging. It is preferable to classify and record in the corresponding folder.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, it further comprises display control means for displaying the image data acquired by the imaging means as a captured image on the display unit of the imaging device, the display control means, together with the captured image, It is preferable to display an inclination guide display indicating the inclination information.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, the recording control unit classifies the image data acquired by the imaging unit into a folder according to the tilt information and records the data on the recording medium. When there is no folder corresponding to the tilt information, it is preferable to create a folder corresponding to the tilt information on the recording medium.

  Although not particularly limited in the present invention, it is preferable that the recording control unit creates a folder having a name corresponding to the tilt information when creating a folder corresponding to the tilt information.

  According to the present invention, image data acquired by imaging a subject is classified and recorded in a folder according to tilt information according to the tilt of the imaging device, so that after shooting, from the recorded image data, It is possible to know the inclination of the imaging device when the image data is captured. Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to classify image data according to the inclination after shooting or the user's need to acquire only an image having a desired inclination angle from the recorded image data. . Further, according to the present invention, image data can be classified into folders according to the inclination of the imaging apparatus during recording, so file management after shooting and recording is facilitated.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of a digital camera that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 1 includes a lens barrel unit (not shown) having various lenses and motors, a CCD 101 built in the camera body 1, and a front-end IC ("F / E-" in FIG. IC ") 102, a digital camera processor (hereinafter referred to as" processor ") 104, which plays a central role in the control and data processing of the entire camera body 1, and image data when performing various processing on the image data. Temporary saving SDRAM 103, built-in memory 107, ROM (not shown), operation key unit 110 for the user to make various settings and imaging instructions to the camera 1, and LCD driver for displaying images 105, an LCD monitor 106, a memory card 109 for recording image data, and an acceleration sensor 108 for detecting the attitude of the camera 1. There.

  Although not shown, the lens barrel unit is disposed in front of the CCD 101 and includes an imaging lens optical system, a lens barrel, and a plurality of motors that are pulse motors for driving the lens barrel. Adjust the aperture during exposure.

  An image captured from the lens barrel unit at the time of shooting is formed on the surface of the CCD 101 built in the camera body 1. The CCD 101 is a solid-state imaging device for photoelectrically converting an optical image, and the image data converted into an electrical signal (analog data) in the CCD 101 is then sent to the front end IC 102.

  The front end IC 102 makes various adjustments to the data output from the CCD 101. Although not shown, the front-end IC 102 is a CDS that performs correlated double sampling for image noise removal, AGC that performs gain adjustment, A / D that performs digital signal conversion, TG (timing generator) that generates a drive timing signal, and the like Have The vertical synchronization signal VD and the horizontal synchronization signal HD are supplied to the TG from the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 in the processor 104. The TG is controlled by the CPU block 1043.

  The electrical signal (digital data) subjected to the above-described various adjustments in the front end IC 102 is then sent to the digital camera processor 104. The digital camera processor 104 is a device that plays a central role in data processing of image data sent as an electrical signal and control of the operation of the entire camera body 1. The processor 104 includes a CCD1 signal processing block 1041, a CCD2 signal processing block 1042, a CPU block 1043, a JPEG CODEC block 1044, a RESIZE block 1045, a TV signal display block 1046, a memory card controller block 1047, an I2C block (communication interface) 1048, and the like. The data is exchanged between these components.

  The CCD1 signal processing block 1041 performs white balance setting and gamma setting on the data output from the front end IC 102, and supplies a vertical synchronizing signal VD and a horizontal synchronizing signal HD. The CCD2 signal processing block 1042 performs conversion into luminance data and color difference data by filtering processing. The CPU block 1043 controls the operation of each unit included in the camera body 1. The JPEG codec block 1044 performs JPEG compression and expansion. The RESIZE block 1045 enlarges or reduces the size of the image data by interpolation processing. The TV signal display block 1046 converts the image data into a video signal for display on the LCD monitor (hereinafter also referred to as “monitor screen”) 106 via the LCD driver 105. The memory card controller block 1047 controls the memory card 109 that records captured image data inserted into a memory card slot (not shown). An I2C block (communication interface) 1048 performs high-speed serial communication between the acceleration sensor 108 and the CPU block 1043.

  In addition to the above, the digital camera processor 104 is not shown, but the speaker included in the main body of the camera 1 via a temporary storage memory for temporarily storing data necessary for operation control of each part of the apparatus or the audio CODEC. An audio block for outputting audio data output from (not shown) is appropriately provided.

  Further, an SDRAM 103, a built-in memory 107, and a ROM (not shown) in which various control programs are stored are arranged outside the processor 104, and are connected to the processor 104 by a bus line.

  The SDRAM 103 temporarily stores image data when the processor 104 performs various processes on the image data. The image data to be stored is, for example, “RAW-RGB image data” or CCD2 signal processing in which the CCD1 signal processing block 1041 takes in the white balance setting and gamma setting from the CCD 101 via the front-end IC 102. “YUV image data” in which luminance data and color difference data are converted in block 1042, “JPEG image data” compressed in JPEG in JPEG CODEC block 1047, and the like.

  The built-in memory 107 is a memory for storing captured image data even when the memory card 109 is not inserted into the memory card slot described above.

  The ROM stores a control program written in a code readable by the CPU block 1043 in the processor 104 and parameters for control.

  When the digital camera 1 is powered on, the control program is loaded into a main memory (not shown). The CPU block 1043 controls the operation of each part of the apparatus according to the control program, and temporarily stores data necessary for control in a temporary storage memory (not shown) in the processor 104.

  By using a rewritable flash ROM as the ROM, it is possible to change the control program and parameters for control, and it is possible to easily upgrade the function.

  The final image data after various processes are stored in a built-in memory 107 provided in the apparatus or a removable external recording medium inserted into a memory card slot. Saved in the memory card 109.

  Further, the operation key unit 110 is provided in the main body of the digital camera 1. The user can perform various settings, imaging instructions, and the like for the camera 1 by operating a plurality of switches of the operation key unit 110. An output signal from the operation key unit 110 is output to the CPU block 1043 as user operation information. The CPU block 1043 performs various controls according to the output signal from the operation key unit 110.

  In addition, the acceleration sensor 108 is connected to the processor 104. The acceleration sensor 108 can acquire acceleration data corresponding to the two-axis tilts of X and Y. As an example of two axes, an acceleration sensor in which X and Y are vertical can be considered. The acceleration sensor 108 is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) that constitutes the above-described units in the camera 1 body.

  As will be described later, the inclination of the acceleration sensor 108 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth can be calculated from the gravity data output from the acceleration sensor 108 using the fact that the gravity of the earth is 1G. Here, it is assumed that the horizontal direction of the earth is perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the earth.

  After the acceleration sensor 108 is mounted on the PCB, the position where the CCD 101 is horizontal with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth is adjusted so that the inclination of the acceleration sensor 108 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth is 0 ° as a reference. Is called. Here, the CCD 101 has two axes, an x axis corresponding to the horizontal direction of an image displayed on the LCD monitor 106 and a y axis corresponding to the vertical direction. The horizontal direction is the longitudinal direction of the LCD monitor 106 of the camera 1 shown in FIG. 2, and the vertical direction is the short direction of the LCD monitor 106 of the camera 1 shown in FIG. In other words, the state in which the CCD 101 is horizontal with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth is a state in which the x-axis of the CCD 101 is horizontal with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth and perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the earth. One LCD monitor 106 is in a state where the longitudinal direction of the LCD monitor 106 is horizontal with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth and perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the earth.

  Then, since the inclination of the acceleration sensor 108 and the CCD 101 is linked, the inclination of the x axis of the CCD 101 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth can be obtained from the inclination of the acceleration sensor 108 with respect to the horizontal direction.

  In this embodiment, since the tilt of the CCD 101 and the tilt of the camera 1 main body are also linked, the longitudinal direction of the LCD monitor 106 of the camera main body 1 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth from the tilt of the x axis of the CCD 101 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth. Can be obtained. That is, the posture of the camera body 1 can be detected by the acceleration sensor 108.

  Although the acceleration sensor 108 has been described as being mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), the lens barrel unit of the camera 1 or the like can be used as long as it can be mounted according to the position of wiring, the CCD 101, the position of other components, and the like. It may be mounted on the camera body 1.

  Next, the inclination calculation process of the acceleration sensor 108 and the angle acquisition process of the camera body 1 will be described. FIG. 2 shows the inclination θ in the longitudinal direction of the LCD monitor 106 of the camera 1 body relative to the horizontal direction of the earth. Hereinafter, the inclination of the acceleration sensor 108 and the inclination / angle of the camera body 1 indicate the inclination θ with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth.

  The acceleration sensor 108 outputs biaxial X and Y acceleration data. The acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor 108 is transmitted to the I2C block 1048 and converted into a serial signal that can be recognized by the CPU block 1043. A serial signal including acceleration data is sent to the CPU block 1043, whereby serial communication is performed between the acceleration sensor 108 and the CPU block 1043.

  The CPU block 1043 can calculate the tilt angle θ of the camera body 1 by performing arithmetic processing described later based on the acceleration data.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a control flowchart of the acceleration sensor 108. The power source of the acceleration sensor 108 is turned on at the same time as the power source of the camera 1 is turned on. Alternatively, the power source of the acceleration sensor 108 may be turned on when a shooting mode or a recording mode that uses the acceleration sensor 108 is selected by the user.

  The shooting mode is a mode in which the user can perform shooting. In the shooting mode, for example, by setting a portrait mode, a night view mode, and the like, appropriate shooting conditions are automatically set for each scene, so that shooting according to the scene can be performed. In the present embodiment, it is possible to select a mode for acquiring the tilt angle θ of the camera 1 body in the shooting mode.

  FIG. 3 shows an angle calculation process performed when a monitoring image is displayed on the LCD monitor 106 in a mode for acquiring the tilt angle θ of the camera 1 main body in the shooting mode. The angle calculation process is periodically performed, for example, every 50 ms.

First, in step S31, the timer counter in the CPU block 1043 is set to zero. Next, in step S <b> 32, the biaxial X and Y acceleration data is acquired from the acceleration sensor 108. In step S33, the tilt angle θ is calculated based on the acquired biaxial X and Y acceleration data. When the output data at zero gravity of each of the acceleration data (X, Y) of the two axes X and Y is (X0, Y0), the inclination angle θ of the acceleration sensor 108 is expressed by the following equation (1). . The output data (X0, Y0) at zero gravity is data output by the acceleration sensor when there is no gravity, and (X0, Y0) is assumed to be held in advance on the camera side.
θ [deg] = 180 / π * arctan {(Y−Y0) / (X−X0)} (1)
In the range of −180 <θ <180, θ has two candidates, so whether X−X0 is positive or negative is determined, and the final θ is determined.

  The calculated θ is temporarily stored in a temporary storage memory of the digital camera processor 104 in step S34. In step S35, the CPU block 1043 waits until the counter reaches 50 ms. When the counter reaches 50 ms, the processing from step S31 to step S34 is repeated, the inclination angle θ is calculated, overwritten and held in the temporary storage memory.

  Here, the angle calculation process is performed periodically every 50 ms. However, the timing at which the angle calculation process is performed depends on the specifications of the acceleration sensor 108, the configuration of the digital camera 1, and the mode set by the camera 1. And can be set as appropriate according to the user's wishes.

  Next, recording processing at the time of shooting in the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining recording processing at the time of shooting in the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, as the recording mode of the camera 1, it is assumed that the folder classification mode is selected to be ON from the menu screen of the camera 1 by the user. Note that when the folder classification mode is set to ON, the power of the acceleration sensor 108 is turned ON when shooting is performed, and the angle calculation process in FIG. 3 is started.

  At the time of shooting, the CPU block 1043 of the camera 1 first determines whether or not the release button in the operation key unit 110 has been pressed. When it is detected that the release button has been pressed, in the imaging process of step S41. Then, the image data is taken in from the CCD 101 and the RAW-RGB image data is temporarily stored on the SDRAM 103. Next, YUV image data that has been converted into luminance data and color difference data is created, and the YUV image data is temporarily stored on the SDRAM 103. Then, the JPEG image data subjected to the JPEG compression process is stored again on the SDRAM 103.

  Next, in step S42, the angle θ stored in the temporary storage memory is read out by the angle calculation process of FIG. In step S43, the CPU block 1043 determines whether or not a folder corresponding to the read angle θ exists in the memory card 109. If there is a folder corresponding to the memory card 109, in step S45, the image data stored on the SDRAM 103 is classified and recorded in the corresponding folder. If there is no folder corresponding to the memory card 109, the CPU block 1043 creates a new folder in the memory card 109 in step S44, and then the image data stored on the SDRAM 103 is created in step S45. Classify and record.

  In the above description, the recording medium on which image data and folders are recorded / created is the memory card 109. However, the image data and folders may be recorded / created in the built-in memory 107 according to user settings.

  A folder corresponding to the angle θ will be described. Prior to shooting, when the user selects the folder classification mode ON on the menu screen of the camera 1, the user also sets the classification unit angle (how many times the read angle θ is classified) in advance. . Then, a folder for recording image data is created for each classification unit angle.

  For example, when the classification unit angle is set to 10 °, the folder is between −180 ° and 180 °, −180 °, −170 °,..., −10 °, 0 °, 10 °,. .. Folders are created every 10 ° at 170 °, 180 °, and so on.

  The folder corresponding to the read angle θ in step S43 is, for example, a folder corresponding to the angle rounded to the first digit of the angle θ. That is, for example, when the angle θ is −5 ° to 4 °, the image data is recorded in a folder corresponding to 0 °. If a folder corresponding to 0 ° does not exist, a folder corresponding to 0 ° is newly created. When the angle θ is 85 ° to 94 °, image data is recorded in a folder corresponding to 90 °.

  Through the above processing, the image data can be classified and recorded in a folder corresponding to the angle θ based on the camera body 1 tilt angle θ at the time of shooting. Therefore, after shooting, the tilt of the imaging device when the image data is shot can be known from the recorded image data. Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to classify image data according to the inclination after shooting or the user's need to acquire only an image having a desired inclination angle from the recorded image data. .

  In addition, since image data can be classified into folders according to the tilt of the imaging device during recording, file management after shooting and recording is facilitated.

  Furthermore, since the image data can be corrected substantially horizontally from the recorded image data using the angle corresponding to the classified folder, it is possible to cope with the case where a substantially horizontal image is required after shooting. It is.

  When creating a folder, it is preferable to give a folder name according to the corresponding angle. Then, when the user confirms the image data after shooting, it is possible to know at a glance what range of image data the tilt angle is stored in this folder.

  For example, a folder corresponding to 0 ° is given a folder name “DEG000”, and a folder corresponding to 90 ° is given a folder name “DEG090”.

  In addition, for example, the folder corresponding to the angle θ is not the folder corresponding to the angle rounded off the first digit of the angle θ as described above, but the angle rounded down to the first digit of the angle θ. In the case of the corresponding folder, when the angle θ is 0 ° to 9 °, the image data is recorded in the folder corresponding to 0 °, and when the angle θ is 170 ° to 179 °, it corresponds to 170 °. Image data is recorded in the folder. In such a case, if the folder corresponding to 0 ° is given a folder name “DEG00_09” and the folder corresponding to 170 ° is given a folder name “DEG170_179”, the range of the tilt angle of the folder is set by the user. It is easy to see if the image data is saved.

  The folder corresponding to the angle θ may be set by the user on the menu screen of the camera 1 for the classification method (rounding down the first digit, rounding down the first digit, etc.) of the range of the angle. In addition, a method for assigning the folder name may be set by the user on the menu screen of the camera 1.

  Thus, when the angle information calculated based on the output data from the acceleration sensor 108 is included in a part of the folder name, the user can determine the angle information at the time of image capturing from the folder name.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, when image data is recorded in a folder corresponding to the inclination angle θ, the angle θ is stored in the header of the JPEG file, and both the angle θ and the image data are recorded as one image file. May be. Then, since the angle for each classification unit angle is obtained from the angle corresponding to the classified folder, it is possible to roughly know the inclination of the imaging device at the time of shooting. In this embodiment, the angle θ itself is the image. Since it is obtained together with the data, the tilt of the imaging device at the time of shooting can be known with higher accuracy. Furthermore, when a horizontal image is required after shooting, the image data can be corrected horizontally using the tilt angle θ stored together with the image data.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the user may set a menu called vertical / horizontal classification instead of setting the classification unit angle on the menu screen of the camera 1. In vertical / horizontal classification, two folders are created as a vertical shooting folder and a horizontal shooting folder. For example, image data with an inclination angle θ of −110 ° to −70 ° and 70 ° to 110 ° is classified and recorded in the vertical shooting folder. In the landscape shooting folder, image data having an inclination angle θ of −180 ° to −160 °, −20 ° to 20 °, and 160 ° to 180 ° is classified and recorded. The inclination angle θ that is not within the above range may be classified into other classifications, and may be recorded on a recording medium without being divided into folders, or another classification folder may be created and recorded in the folder. Alternatively, when the angle θ is not classified into either the vertical shooting folder or the horizontal shooting folder, the image data may not be recorded.

  With vertical / horizontal classification, image data is classified into vertical and horizontal shooting and recorded in a folder. Therefore, if you want to play back only the image data taken vertically after shooting, you can play back the image data in the vertical shooting folder. Therefore, the time for confirmation can be shortened and the reproduction can be efficiently performed. If the vertically shot image data and the horizontally shot image data are recorded together without being classified into different folders, it is necessary to check the orientation of the image data when playing back the image data. However, according to this configuration, since the direction of image data reproduced from one folder is constant, the displayed image data can be easily confirmed.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the tilt angle θ of the camera 1 may be obtained during shooting. In the above embodiment, the tilt angle is stored by calculating the angle periodically before the release button is pressed, and the stored angle θ is read after the release button is pressed, and the image data is classified into folders. In this case, the read angle θ was used. In the present embodiment, the angle is calculated after the release button is pressed, and the angle θ calculated at the time of shooting is used to classify the image data into folders.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining recording processing at the time of shooting in a digital camera according to another embodiment of the present invention. When shooting, the CPU block 1043 of the camera 1 first determines whether or not the release button in the operation key unit 110 has been pressed. When it is detected that the release button has been pressed, in the imaging process of step S51. Then, processing similar to the imaging processing in step S 41 is performed, and JPEG image data is stored on the SDRAM 103.

  In the present embodiment, the processes of steps S52 to S55 are performed in parallel with step S51. The processing in step S52 and step S53 is the same as the processing in step S32 and step S33 in FIG. Then, based on the angle θ calculated in step S53, in step S54, the CPU block 1043 determines whether or not there is a folder corresponding to the calculated angle θ. If there is a corresponding folder, in step S56, the image data stored on the SDRAM 103 in step S51 is classified and recorded in the corresponding folder. Since steps S54 to S56 are the same as steps S43 to S45, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the tilt angle θ of the camera 1 is obtained when the release button is pressed at the time of shooting, and the image data is classified into folders using the obtained angle θ. Even in the case of performing folder classification, folder classification can be performed at an angle θ corresponding to the tilt of the camera.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, a tilt guide indicating the tilt angle of the camera body 1 may be displayed on the LCD monitor 106. Based on the angle θ calculated in the angle calculation process of FIG. 3, the CPU block 1043 displays an inclination guide indicating the angle θ and a monitoring image superimposed on a part of the LCD monitor 106 as shown in FIG. 2. . The user can select whether or not to display the tilt guide using a selection button in the operation key unit 110.

  By displaying the tilt guide on the LCD monitor 106, the user can visually check the tilt of the camera when taking a picture. Therefore, it is possible to predict which folder the image data to be shot from now on is classified according to the classification unit angle set by the user.

  In the above embodiment, the image data is classified into folders based on the tilt of the camera 1 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth. However, by increasing the number of mounted acceleration sensors 108 and calculating the tilt of the camera 1 with respect to the direction of gravity of the earth and the tilt of the camera 1 with respect to the horizontal direction and the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the earth, It is also possible to classify image data into folders based on the tilt of the camera 1 with respect to or the tilt of the camera 1 with respect to the horizontal direction of the earth and the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

  In the above embodiment, the acceleration sensor 108 is used as the tilt detection sensor of the camera 1. However, any tilt detection sensor such as a horizontal detection circuit or a gyro may be used as long as the tilt of the camera 1 can be detected.

  In the above description of the embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera is taken as an example. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, and a video camera, a mobile phone with a camera, and mobile information with a camera. It can also be applied to equipment.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, It cannot be overemphasized that various deformation | transformation implementation is possible. Moreover, each embodiment described above can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the inclination (theta) of the longitudinal direction of the LCD monitor 106 of the earth of the camera 1 main body which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the control flowchart of the acceleration sensor 108 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the recording process at the time of imaging | photography with the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the recording process at the time of imaging | photography in the digital camera which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera 101 CCD
102 Front-end IC
103 SDRAM
104 Digital Camera Processor 105 LCD Driver 106 LCD Monitor 107 Built-in Memory 108 Acceleration Sensor 109 Memory Card 110 Operation Key Unit 1041 CCD1 Signal Processing Block 1042 CCD2 Signal Processing Block 1043 CPU Block 1044 JPEG CODEC Block 1045 RESIZE Block 1046 TV Signal Display Block 1047 Memory Card controller block 1048 I2C block

Claims (7)

Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
Recording control means for recording the image data acquired by the imaging means;
Inclination detecting means for detecting the inclination of the imaging device and outputting detection data;
Inclination information calculation means for calculating inclination information corresponding to the inclination based on the detection data output from the inclination detection means,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the recording control unit classifies and records the image data acquired by the image pickup unit in a folder according to the tilt information.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records the image data and the tilt information as one image file.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit classifies and records the image data into a vertical shooting folder and a horizontal shooting folder according to the tilt information. The tilt detection means detects the tilt of the imaging device during imaging,
4. The recording control unit according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit classifies and records the image data acquired by the imaging unit in a folder corresponding to the tilt information at the time of imaging. Imaging device. Further comprising display control means for displaying the image data acquired by the imaging means as a captured image on the display unit of the imaging device;
5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an inclination guide display indicating the inclination information together with the photographed image.   When the recording control unit classifies the image data acquired by the imaging unit into a folder according to the tilt information and records it in a recording medium, the recording medium does not have a folder according to the tilt information. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a folder corresponding to the tilt information is created on the recording medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording control unit creates a folder having a name corresponding to the tilt information when creating a folder according to the tilt information.

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