JP2010192998A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of making display contents such as an image and photographing condition information easily viewed by effectively using a plurality of display parts, in a camera including a plurality of display parts. <P>SOLUTION: An upper display part and a back display part provided for this electronic camera can be arranged in a first positional relationship allowing them to be invisible at the same time, and in a second positional relationship (a positional relationship in which they are nearly parallel to each other) allowing them to be visible at the same time. A computer of the electronic camera determines whether the two display parts are nearly parallel to each other (S10). When they are not nearly parallel to each other, "photographing condition information" is displayed on the upper display part (S20), and "a shot image+photographing condition information" are displayed on the back display part (S30). When they are nearly parallel to each other, "photographing condition information" is displayed on the upper display part (S40), and "a shot image" is displayed on the back display part (S30). That is, when they are nearly parallel to each other, the display of the photographing condition information is removed from the back display part and only the shot image is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera provided with a plurality of display units.

  Conventionally, an electronic camera (digital camera) is provided with a liquid crystal display device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a camera including a display device and a liquid crystal display. The display device displays the frame number or the remaining number of images that can be recorded and the remaining recording time, and the LCD displays the contents of the memory card or displays a live view image and a viewfinder. Used as In recent years, in many electronic cameras, shooting condition information such as shutter speed and ISO sensitivity is also displayed on a display device. In addition, an electronic camera in which at least one of the two display units is configured to be movable so that the posture can be changed, and the two display units can be arranged in a positional relationship in which the screens are substantially orthogonal to each other and a positional relationship in which the screens are substantially parallel Has also appeared.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-326552

  By the way, in an electronic camera having a display unit, photographing condition information is displayed together with an image on the screen of the liquid crystal display, and photographing condition information is displayed on the display device. As a result, the display area of live view images, captured images, movies, etc. displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display is narrowed, or shooting condition information and other images are superimposed on these images and some of the images are hidden. There was a problem that the image was difficult to see.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to display an image, photographing condition information, and the like by effectively using a plurality of display units in a camera having a plurality of display units. The object is to provide a camera that can make the contents easy to see.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a camera including a first display unit and a second display unit, wherein at least one of the first display unit and the second display unit changes its posture. When the first display unit and the second display unit are in a first positional relationship where both cannot be viewed at once, the first detection state is established, and both can be viewed at once. The detection means that is in the second detection state when in the second positional relationship, and the display contents of the first display unit and the second display unit are changed to the positional relationship based on the detection result of the detection unit. The gist of the invention is that it includes display control means for switching in response.

  According to the present invention, when the first display unit and the second display unit are in the first positional relationship where both cannot be seen at once, the detection means is in the first detection state. On the other hand, when the first display unit and the second display unit are in a second positional relationship in which both can be viewed at once, the detection means is in the second detection state. The display control means is based on the detection result of the detection means, depending on the positional relationship between the first display unit and the second display unit (whether the first positional relationship or the second positional relationship). Switches display contents with the display unit. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to see the display contents such as the image displayed on the display unit at the time of shooting and the shooting condition information by effectively using the plurality of display units provided in the camera.

  In the camera according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the second positional relationship is a positional relationship in which display screens of the first display unit and the second display unit are substantially parallel to each other. According to the present invention, in a positional relationship in which the display screens of the first display unit and the second display unit are substantially parallel, the user can visually recognize the two display units at the same time. The display contents can be displayed efficiently by effectively utilizing the screen.

  In the camera according to the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may display the first display unit and the second display unit in duplicate in the second detection state of the detection unit in the first detection state. It is preferable to display the overlapping display content on one display unit. According to the present invention, when the first display unit and the second display unit are in the second positional relationship in which both can be visually recognized at the same time, the first display unit and the second display unit overlap each other when in the first positional relationship. The displayed contents are displayed on one display section. Therefore, the overlapping display content is eliminated or reduced from the other display unit, and the display content of the other display unit is easy to see.

  In the camera of the present invention, in the first detection state, the display control means includes a second display unit corresponding to the image in addition to the image on one of the first display unit and the second display unit. It is preferable to display an image in a partial area of the screen and switch the display destination of the second image from the one display unit to the other display unit in the second detection state.

  According to the present invention, in the second detection state, in the first detection state, the first display unit and the second display unit, which corresponds to the image displayed on a part of the screen together with the image on one display unit. The display destination of the second image is switched to the other display unit. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the second image on the other display unit while confirming the image on one display unit. In addition, since the second image is excluded from the display content of one display unit, the image of one display unit is easy to see.

  In the camera according to the aspect of the invention, when the detection unit is switched from the first detection state to the second detection state in a state where the first display unit and the second display unit are in the power saving mode, the first display is performed. It is desirable to further include mode switching means for switching the unit and the second display unit from the power saving mode to the display mode.

  According to the present invention, in the power saving mode, at least one of the first display unit and the second display unit is operated, and both display units are switched from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship. Then, the detection means switches from the first detection state to the second detection state. Then, the first display unit and the second display unit are switched to the display mode from the power saving mode which has been turned off until then. Therefore, when the user arranges the two display units in the second positional relationship so that the two display units can be viewed at a time, both the display units are in the display state. Therefore, there is no need to perform a special operation for switching from the power saving mode to the display mode.

  In the camera according to the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may display one of the first display unit and the second display unit during live view display and captured image display under the second detection state of the detection unit. When it is detected that an operation for enlarging and displaying a partial region of an image is performed, the enlarged image of the partial region is displayed on the other display unit, so that the other display unit is dedicated to enlarged display. preferable.

  According to the present invention, under the second detection state of the detection means, when one of the first display unit and the second display unit is in live view display or captured image display, a partial region of the image is enlarged and displayed. When it is detected that the operation has been performed, the display control unit displays an enlarged image of a partial area on the other display unit, so that the other display unit is dedicated to enlarged display.

  Furthermore, in the camera of the present invention, the display control means is configured to display a histogram when one of the first display section and the second display section is displaying a captured image under the second detection state of the detection means. When it is detected that an operation for displaying is performed, it is desirable to display the histogram on the other display unit so that the other display unit is dedicated to the histogram display.

  According to this invention, under the second detection state of the detection means, when one of the first display unit and the second display unit is displaying a captured image, it is detected that an operation for displaying a histogram has been performed. Then, the display control means displays the histogram on the other display unit, and this other display unit is dedicated to the histogram display.

  In the camera according to the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may be configured to display one of the first display unit and the second display unit during live view display or movie shooting under the second detection state of the detection unit. When it is detected that an operation for displaying the digital level is performed, it is preferable that the other display unit is dedicated to display the digital level by displaying the digital level on the other display unit.

  According to this invention, under the second detection state of the detection means, one of the first display unit and the second display unit is operated to display the digital level during live view display or movie shooting. When this is detected, the display control means displays the digital level on the other display unit, so that the other display unit is dedicated to display the digital level.

  Furthermore, in the camera of the present invention, the first display unit and the second display unit include an upper display unit capable of displaying camera setting information in characters and a rear display unit displaying live view and captured images. Is preferred. According to the present invention, when the upper display unit and the rear display unit are in the second positional relationship, it is possible to efficiently display the necessary display contents by effectively using the total display area of the upper display unit and the rear display unit. .

The perspective view of an electronic camera when two display parts are in a 1st positional relationship. The perspective view of an electronic camera when two display parts have a 2nd positional relationship. The perspective view of an electronic camera when two display parts are in the 2nd positional relationship different from FIG. The model side sectional view of an electronic camera. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an electronic camera. (A), (b) Table data figure. The screen front view which shows the display content at the time of the live view when it exists in the 1st positional relationship. The screen front view which shows the display content at the time of the live view when it exists in the 2nd positional relationship. The screen front view which shows the enlarged display at the time of live view when it exists in the 1st positional relationship. The screen front view which shows the enlarged display at the time of live view when it exists in the 2nd positional relationship. The screen front view which shows the enlarged image display at the time of the video recording in the 2nd positional relationship. The screen front view which shows the histogram display when it exists in the 1st positional relationship. The screen front view which shows a histogram display when it exists in the 2nd positional relationship. The screen front view which shows a level display when it exists in the 1st positional relationship. The screen front view which shows a level display when it exists in the 2nd positional relationship. The flowchart which shows a normal display process routine. The flowchart which shows the enlarged display process routine at the time of live view. The flowchart which shows the expansion display process routine at the time of video recording. The flowchart which shows a histogram display process routine. The flowchart which shows a level display processing routine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an electronic camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are perspective views of the electronic camera as seen from the back side, and each show a state in which two display units provided in the camera body are arranged in different positional relationships.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 11 (digital camera) of the present embodiment has a camera body 12 and a lens unit 13 (lens barrel) (shown in FIG. 4) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electronic camera 11 includes an upper liquid crystal display unit (hereinafter referred to as “upper display unit 14”) having a small screen disposed on the upper surface portion of the camera body 12 and a large screen disposed on the back surface portion of the camera body 12. And a rear liquid crystal display unit (hereinafter referred to as “back display unit 15”).

  The upper display unit 14 is connected to the camera body 12 so as to be rotatable about a single axis, and can be arranged in the stowed state shown in FIG. 1 and the standing state shown in FIG. . On the other hand, the rear display unit 15 is connected to the camera body 12 so as to be biaxially rotatable at the lower center portion. That is, the connecting portion of the rear display unit 15 includes a horizontal rotation shaft 12a parallel to the bottom surface of the camera body 12, and a vertical rotation shaft 12b orthogonal to the horizontal rotation shaft 12a. The rear display unit 15 tilts up and down about 180 degrees around the horizontal rotation shaft 12a and about 360 around the vertical rotation shaft 12b with the electronic camera 11 placed horizontally. The degree of rotation is possible.

  In FIG. 1, both the display parts 14 and 15 are in the storage state. In this state, the screen 14 a of the upper display unit 14 is disposed upward, and the screen 15 a of the rear display unit 15 is disposed substantially parallel to the rear surface of the camera body 12. In this state, the screens 14a and 15a of the display units 14 and 15 are substantially orthogonal to each other, and the display units 14 and 15 are in a positional relationship that cannot be viewed simultaneously (at a time) by the user.

  In FIG. 2, the upper display unit 14 is in an upright state with the screen facing the front side (rear side), and the rear display unit 15 is in a stored state with the screen 15 a facing the back side. In this state, the screens 14a and 15a of both the display units 14 and 15 are in a substantially parallel positional relationship facing the same side, and the user takes a line-of-sight direction when looking at the electronic camera 11 from the back side, so , 15 can be viewed simultaneously (at the same time).

  Further, in FIG. 3, the rear display unit 15 is tilted about 90 degrees downward about the horizontal rotation shaft 12a from the housed state, and is inverted about 180 degrees about the vertical rotation shaft 12b. 15 screens 15a face upward. Moreover, the upper display part 14 is arrange | positioned in the accommodation position, and the screen 14a has faced the upper side. Therefore, since both the display parts 14 and 15 are in the substantially parallel state in which the screens 14a and 15a face upward, the user can take both the display parts 14 and 15 by taking a line-of-sight direction looking into the electronic camera 11 from above. Can be viewed simultaneously (at the same time).

  As described above, both the display units 14 and 15 have a positional relationship (hereinafter referred to as “first positional relationship”) as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. Deviating from the first positional relationship, the screens 14a and 15a are arranged in a substantially parallel second positional relationship in which the screens 14a and 15a can be simultaneously viewed (viewed at a time). Here, the angle range that can be regarded as substantially parallel is, for example, within 30 degrees. Of course, since the angle range that can be viewed simultaneously is determined by the viewing angle of the display units 14 and 15, the angle range that defines the first positional relationship can be set to a range other than the angle range within 30 degrees. . For example, an angle range such as within 20 degrees when the viewing angle is small and within 40 degrees when the viewing angle is large may be set.

  Further, on the upper right side of the camera body 12, there are provided a rotary operation type power switch 17 and a release button 18 disposed at the center of the annular portion of the power switch 17. A command dial 19 is provided on the upper right side of the camera body 12, and a shooting mode dial 20 is provided on the upper left side. Further, a built-in flash 21 capable of up / down operation is provided in the upper center portion of the camera body 12, and an accessory shoe 22 is provided in the vicinity thereof.

  In addition, a finder 23 (finder eyepiece window) is provided on the upper back of the electronic camera 11. Further, a live view button 25, a selection switch 26 (multi-selector), an OK button 27 (decision button), and a button switch 28 are provided on the right side of the rear display unit 15. The selection switch 26 is configured to be able to select any one direction among multiple directions including up, down, left, and right.

  Further, a play button 31, a menu button 32, a white balance button 33, a 1SO sensitivity button 34, and an image quality mode / image size button 35 are arranged in a column at the left side of the rear display unit 15 in FIG. Is provided. In addition, the function demonstrated when these buttons 31-35 are operated changes with modes at the time.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the electronic camera. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic camera 11 includes the camera body 12 and the lens unit 13 described above. An imaging lens group 38 and a diaphragm 39 are provided in the lens unit 13. The imaging lens group 38 includes a plurality of lenses including lenses 38a to 38c. The camera body 12 also includes a quick return mirror 40, a focusing screen 41, a pentaprism 42, an eyepiece lens 43, a photometric sensor 44, a shutter 45, an image sensor 46, and a focus detection sensor 47.

  In the electronic camera 11 of the present embodiment, a shooting mode and a live view mode are provided as operation modes. As the shooting mode, a still image mode, a moving image mode, and the like are provided. When a shooting operation is performed with the release button 18 in a state where the still image mode is selected, the electronic camera 11 performs up / down driving of the quick return mirror 40 for each shooting frame to shoot and record a still image. . On the other hand, in the moving image mode, shooting and recording are performed while displaying the moving image on the rear display unit 15 with the quick return mirror 40 held at the up position indicated by the broken line in FIG. The live view mode is a mode in which a through image is displayed on the rear display unit 15 as a moving image before release when the still image mode is set.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic camera. In FIG. 5, the inside of the computer is shown as functional blocks performed by the computer.
As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic camera 11 includes a computer 50, a power switch 17, a release button 18, an operation unit 51, a photometric sensor 44, a focus detection sensor 47, a level 52 (for example, an acceleration sensor), and a first detector. 53, a second detector 54, a first display driver 55, an upper display unit 14, a second display driver 56, a rear display unit 15, a power supply circuit 57, an image sensor 46, an analog signal processing circuit 58, and the like.

  Specifically, the computer 50 includes a power switch 17, a release button 18, an operation unit 51, a photometric sensor 44, a focus detection sensor 47, a level 52, a first detector 53, and a second detector 54 as input systems. Electrically connected. The computer 50 is electrically connected with a first display driver 55 and a second display driver 56 as an output system, and the computer 50 performs display control of the upper display unit 14 via the first display driver 55. Display control of the rear display unit 15 is performed via the second display driver 56.

  The first detector 53 is a detector that detects the rotational position (posture angle) of the upper display unit 14, and outputs a detection signal having a value corresponding to the rotational position of the upper display unit 14. In addition, the second detector 54 is configured as a detection unit having a first detector and a second detector that can separately detect the rotational positions of the rear display unit 15 in the biaxial direction. Then, the second detector 54 outputs two detection signals having values corresponding to the respective rotational positions (each posture angle) in the biaxial direction of the rear display unit 15 to the computer 50. And the computer 50 is based on each detection signal from the detectors 53 and 54, and the positional relationship of both the display parts 14 and 15 is a substantially parallel positional relationship which can be visually recognized by the user simultaneously (both can be visually recognized at once). It is determined whether or not (second positional relationship). If both the display units 14 and 15 are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 1, for example, the computer 50 determines that they are not substantially parallel (second positional relationship). Further, if the display units 14 and 15 are in the positional relationship shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the computer 50 determines that the positional relationship between the display units 14 and 15 is substantially parallel (second positional relationship). To do.

  The power supply circuit 57 connected to the computer 50 converts the voltage supplied from the power supply battery 59 accommodated in the battery chamber of the camera body 12 into a voltage necessary for each part in the electronic camera 11 and is necessary for each part. To supply power. Specifically, when the power switch 17 is turned on, the computer 50 controls the power supply circuit 57 to start supplying power to each part in the electronic camera 11. On the other hand, when the power switch 17 is turned off, the computer 50 controls the power circuit 57 to stop the power supply to each part in the electronic camera 11. The electronic camera 11 is provided with a power saving mode. The computer 50 shifts to a power saving mode and turns off the power when a certain time elapses without any operation in a state where nothing is operated under the power-on state. Even in the power-off state, standby power is supplied to a part of the computer 50 and operation input systems such as the power switch 17, the release button 18, and the operation unit 51 so that an operation signal can be detected even in the power-off state. It has come to be.

  Further, in a power saving mode in which both the display units 14 and 15 are turned off, the user performs an operation to change the posture of the display units 14 and 15, so that both the display units 14 and 15 are changed from the first positional relationship to the second. The computer 50 detects the change to the second positional relationship based on the detection signals from the first and second detectors 53 and 54. Then, the computer 50 controls the power supply circuit 57 to turn on the electronic camera 11 and then puts the display units 14 and 15 into the display state. Therefore, in order for the user to secure a wide display area using both the screens 14a and 15a of both the display units 14 and 15, and to check the image and the photographing condition information, the both display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel. If it operates so that it may become, it will be in a power-on state automatically and both the display parts 14 and 15 will be in a display state. That is, assuming that the user has changed the display units 14 and 15 from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship as an operation to use the electronic camera 11, the computer 50 supplies power to the electronic camera 11. Is turned on, and both display portions 14 and 15 are brought into the display state. For this reason, an extra operation for operating the power switch 17 can be omitted.

  When the release button 18 is pressed halfway, the computer 50 calculates the focus adjustment state such as the defocus amount based on the focus detection signal input from the focus detection sensor 47. Then, the computer 50 drives and controls a focusing motor (not shown) based on the defocus amount, controls the position of the movable lens in the imaging lens group 38, and performs automatic focusing control (AF control). Further, the computer 50 calculates the shutter speed and the aperture value based on the brightness of the subject and the imaging sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) calculated based on the photometric signal input from the photometric sensor 44. The computer 50 adjusts the aperture amount of the aperture 39 to the calculated aperture value by driving and controlling an aperture motor (not shown) based on the aperture value. Further, when the release button 18 is fully pressed, the computer 50 drives the shutter 45 by driving and controlling a shutter motor (not shown) based on the calculated shutter speed. When a still image is captured in this manner, an image signal output from the image sensor 46 is input to the computer 50 via the analog signal processing circuit 58.

  Here, the imaging element 46 has a light receiving surface in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a two-dimensional shape (matrix shape). Then, the image sensor 46 photographs the subject by photoelectrically converting the light beam that has passed through the lens unit 13 with the light receiving element. The output of the image sensor 46 is input to an analog signal processing circuit 58. Note that a known solid-state image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS is used for the image sensor 46 of the present embodiment.

  The analog signal processing circuit 58 includes an analog front end circuit that performs analog signal processing on the output of the image sensor 46. The analog signal processing circuit 58 performs correlated double sampling, adjustment of the gain of the image signal, and A / D conversion of the image signal. The digital image signal output from the analog signal processing circuit 58 is input to the computer 50.

  The operation unit 51 includes the command dial 19, the shooting mode dial 20, the live view button 25, the selection switch 26, the OK button 27, the button switch 28, the playback button 31, the menu button 32, and the respective buttons shown in FIG. It consists of buttons 33-35. In addition, the electronic camera 11 of the present embodiment includes a live view function, a captured image display function (still image playback function), a moving image shooting function, a moving image playback function, a histogram display function, a digital level display function, and the like.

  A computer 50 shown in FIG. 5 includes a CPU, a ROM (including a nonvolatile memory (such as an EEPROM)), a RAM, and the like. In the present embodiment, the computer 50 executes various image storage processing programs (see FIG. 16 to FIG. 20) among various programs stored in the ROM or the like, whereby various functional units formed of software in the computer 50. Is constructed. Of course, each functional unit in the computer 50 in FIG. 5 is not limited to software, but is configured by hardware such as an electronic circuit (such as an integrated circuit) provided inside or outside the computer 50, or between software and hardware. A configuration realized by cooperation may be used.

  Next, functional blocks in the computer 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the computer 50 includes a control unit 61, a memory 62, a mode setting unit 63, a determination unit 64, a power control unit 65, an image processing unit 66, a face detection unit 67, a focus control unit 68, and a display. A control unit 69 and the like are provided. The control unit 61 comprehensively controls each unit in the computer 50. The memory 62 stores a table data storage unit 62a storing the table data shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an enlargement magnification storage unit 62b for storing enlargement magnification setting data, and various flags. A flag storage unit 62c is provided. Here, when the user wants to enlarge and display a partial region including the focus point in the image, the user operates the operation unit 51 to select the enlargement setting item on the menu screen displayed on the rear display unit 15 and the selection switch 26 and The OK button 27 is operated to select and set “With enlargement setting”. Further, a desired enlargement magnification (enlargement magnification setting data) is set by operating the selection switch 26 and the OK button 27 from the enlargement magnification candidates in the enlargement magnification setting items prepared as a lower layer of the enlargement setting item. Then, the control unit 61 stores the set enlargement setting presence / absence information and the enlargement factor setting data in the enlargement factor storage unit 62 a of the memory 62. The size of the partial area including the focus point to be enlarged in the image, that is, the enlarged display area is determined by the set enlargement magnification. A configuration in which the display control unit 69 displays an enlarged image obtained by enlarging the image of the enlarged display area at the enlargement magnification on at least one of the two display units 14 and 15 determined according to the display conditions at that time. It has become.

  The mode setting unit 63 sets a mode set by the user operating the operation unit 51. In the electronic camera 11 of this example, there are a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a live view mode, a captured image display mode for reproducing a still image, a moving image reproduction mode for reproducing a moving image, and the like. When the corresponding mode is set by the operation of the operation unit 51, the mode setting unit 63 stores bit data (for example, 2 bits) of a value corresponding to the set mode as the mode setting data in the flag storage of the memory 62. Store in the unit 62c. In this example, the captured image mode, live view mode, and moving image mode are managed with flags.

  Based on the detection signals input from the first detector 53 and the second detector 54, the determination unit 64 is in a substantially parallel state in which the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 can be simultaneously viewed from the same direction ( That is, it is determined whether or not the second positional relationship is satisfied. Specifically, the determination unit 64 obtains the posture angles of the display units 14 and 15 based on the detection signals (posture angle signals) from the detectors 53 and 54, and displays the display units 14 and 15 from both posture angles. Is in a positional relationship. When the determination unit 64 determines that the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship that is not substantially parallel, the determination unit 64 writes the determination flag “0” in the flag storage unit 62 c, while the display units 14 and 15 are approximately the same. If it is determined that the second positional relationship is parallel, the determination flag “1” is written in the flag storage unit 62c. The determination unit 64 executes this determination process every predetermined time (for example, a predetermined value within a range of several tens to several hundreds of milliseconds), and sets the determination flag according to the positional relationship between the display units 14 and 15 at that time. Update sequentially to the new value. In the present embodiment, when the first detector 53, the second detector 54, and the determination unit 64 are configured as a detection unit and are determined to be in the first positional relationship, this corresponds to the first detection state. The time when it is determined to be in the second positional relationship corresponds to the second detection state.

  The image processing unit 66 shown in FIG. 5 performs various types of image processing (color interpolation processing, gradation conversion processing, contour enhancement processing) on the digital image signal for one frame input from the analog signal processing circuit 58. White balance adjustment, etc.) to generate image data. Further, the image processing unit 66 generates image data of a display image (live view image) of the rear display unit 15 from the through image data according to an instruction from the control unit 61. The image data generated by the image processing unit 66 is input to the display control unit 69 and the face detection unit 67. Further, the image processing unit 66 executes processing for compressing the data of the main image in the JPEG format and processing for decompressing and restoring the compressed captured image data.

  When the face detection mode is set, the face detection unit 67 inputs a digital image signal of a live view image or a moving image during live view display or moving image shooting, and performs face detection on the live view image or moving image. Recognition processing and face detection processing are performed. When a face is detected in the face detection mode, the face detection information is sent to the focus control unit 68 and the display control unit 69.

  Further, when the release button 18 is half-pressed, the focus control unit 68 is used for adjusting the focus such as a defocus amount based on a focus detection signal input from the focus detection sensor 47 according to an instruction from the control unit 61. Calculate the control value. Then, the focusing control unit 68 controls the position of the movable lens in the imaging lens group 38 by driving and controlling a focusing motor (not shown) based on the defocus amount, and performs automatic focusing control (AF control). )I do. At this time, when the focus control unit 68 is in the face detection mode, the face detected by the face detection unit 67 is set as a focus point, and automatic focus control is performed to focus on the face at the focus point.

  The display control unit 69 performs display control for displaying images on the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15. The display control unit 69 includes an image generation unit 71 that generates a necessary image such as an enlarged image, a histogram, and a level, a first display processing unit 72 that performs a display process for displaying an image on the upper display unit 14, And a second display processing unit 73 that performs display processing for displaying an image on the rear display unit 15.

  The image generation unit 71 includes an enlarged image generation unit 74 that generates an enlarged image, a histogram generation unit 75 that generates a histogram, a level image generation unit 76 that generates an image of a level, and a focus point frame and an enlargement And a superimposed display image generation unit 77 that generates various images for superimposed display such as a frame of the display area. A digital image signal from the image processing unit 66 is input to the image generation unit 71 via a buffer (not shown).

  Further, the enlarged image generation unit 74 generates enlarged image data obtained by enlarging a partial area having a predetermined size including the focus point at that time in the image based on the digital image signal. Here, on the setting screen in the menu displayed on the rear display unit 15 by operating the operation unit 51 of the electronic camera 11, the enlargement magnification setting data (enlargement magnification setting data) set by the user is the enlargement magnification of the memory 62. It is stored in the storage unit 62b. The enlarged image generation unit 74 performs enlargement processing for enlarging a partial area (enlargement point) of the image to the enlargement magnification read from the enlargement magnification storage unit 62b to generate image data for the enlarged image.

  The histogram generation unit 75 obtains a histogram by summing up the pixels for each luminance based on the image data of the photographed image from the image processing unit 66, and a histogram image 90 on which the obtained histogram is drawn (see FIGS. 12 and 13). ) Is generated.

  The level image generation unit 76 detects the tilt of the electronic camera 11 based on the detection signal from the level 52, and includes a level image 91 including a camera image that changes the tilt according to the detected tilt of the electronic camera. (Level indicator) (see FIGS. 14 and 15) is generated.

  The superimposed display image generation unit 77 includes a focus point frame FP that is superimposed on an image during live view display or moving image shooting, and an enlarged display area ZA that indicates an enlarged area in the entire image (both in FIGS. 10 and 11). Frame image) is generated. For example, when the face detection mode is set, the face area detected by the face detection unit 67 is selected as the focus point, and the focus control unit 68 performs focus control so that the focus point is in focus. Then, the superimposed display image generation unit 77 generates a frame image surrounding the focus point area of the face. The enlarged display area ZA is generated as a frame image of a predetermined size including the focus point. At this time, the frame image of the enlarged display area ZA is generated with a frame size corresponding to the magnification of the magnification setting data read from the magnification storage unit 62b of the memory 62. At this time, the frame size of the enlarged display area ZA is such that when the image portion in the enlarged display area ZA is enlarged at the enlargement magnification set at that time, the enlarged image size is the enlarged image on the display unit of the display destination. It is determined to match the display size. Therefore, the larger the enlargement magnification, the smaller the frame size of the enlarged display area ZA. In addition to the face detection mode, the electronic camera 11 has a method for determining a plurality of focus points. For example, focus control is also provided to focus on a point selected arbitrarily (for example, the subject's eyes in portrait photography). In addition, the superimposed display image generation unit 77 includes a part of the imaging conditions displayed on the image in the imaging condition information 82 (see FIGS. 7, 9, 12, and 13) displayed on the rear display unit 15. It also generates information images.

  The first display processing unit 72 lays out image data obtained by laying out image data from the image processing unit 66 and the image generation unit 71, shooting condition information, and the like on one screen according to the screen shape and screen size of the upper display unit 14. The generated image data is displayed on the upper display unit 14 via the first display driver 55 based on the generated image data. The first display processing unit 72 includes a first image data generation unit 78, and the first image data generation unit 78 generates image data of one screen layout.

  In addition, the second display processing unit 73 lays out the image data from the image processing unit 66 and the image generation unit 71, shooting condition information, and the like on one screen according to the screen shape and screen size of the rear display unit 15. Data is generated, and an image based on the generated image data is displayed on the rear display unit 15 via the second display driver 56. The second display processing unit 73 includes a second image data generation unit 79, and the second image data generation unit 79 generates image data of one screen layout.

  FIG. 6 shows the table data. FIG. 6A shows table data TD1 for the live view mode and the captured image display mode, and FIG. 6B shows table data TD2 for the moving image mode. In the lower layers of these operation modes, display modes of “normal display”, “enlarged display”, “histogram display”, and “level display” are prepared.

  The current mode can be acquired by examining the mode flag written in the flag storage unit 62c. That is, when the user operates the operation unit 51 to select an operation mode or a display mode, the mode setting unit 63 determines the current mode (operation mode and display mode) based on the operation signal from the operation unit 51 at that time. And the determined current mode information is written into the flag storage unit 62c as 4-bit bit data. Therefore, the display control unit 69 can grasp the current mode by reading the mode information from the flag storage unit 62c. In this example, the upper 2 bits of the 4-bit mode information indicate “operation mode” and the lower 2 bits indicate “display mode”. For example, a live view mode “00”, a captured image display mode “01”, and a moving image mode “10” are assigned to the operation modes. In addition, normal display “00”, enlarged display “01”, histogram display “10”, and level display “11” are assigned to the display mode. For example, “0000” indicates normal display (“00”) in the live view mode (“00”).

  Then, the display control unit 69 refers to the table data TD1 and TD2 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B based on the current mode information and the determination flag read from the flag storage unit 62c, thereby displaying the display unit. The display contents 14 and 15 are determined. Note that the moving image mode in FIG. 6B includes both the moving image shooting mode and the moving image reproduction mode, and common table data TD2 is used in the moving image shooting mode and the moving image reproduction mode.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15, the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 have a first positional relationship (a positional relationship that is not substantially parallel) and a second positional relationship (a positional relationship that is approximately parallel). ) Will be described.

  7 and 8 show display contents of the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 in the live view mode. Here, FIG. 7 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship, and FIG. 8 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when in the first positional relationship, a live view image 81 and shooting condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. The shooting condition information 82 is superimposed on the live view image 81, displays character information of the shooting mode “M” (manual), data type “RAW”, and white balance “Auto”, and further displays the live view image 81. Character information such as a metering mode mark, shutter speed, aperture value (F value), ISO sensitivity, number of frames that can be recorded, etc. is displayed in a form arranged on the lower side. On the other hand, the upper display unit 14 displays photographing condition information 83 such as a metering mode mark, shutter speed, aperture value (F value), data type “RAW”, white balance, and number of recordable frames.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the live view image 81 is displayed on the rear display unit 15 when in the second positional relationship. On the other hand, shooting condition information 83 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. That is, the upper display unit 14 can record the overlapped display contents, that is, the photometric mode mark, the shutter speed, the aperture value (F value), which are duplicated in the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 in FIG. The number of frames is displayed, and in addition, ISO sensitivity and white balance are displayed. Since all necessary shooting condition information is displayed as shooting condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14, the live display image 81 is superimposed and displayed on the rear display unit 15 almost completely on the screen 15a. All displayed without. Note that a display of the photographing mode “M” may be added to the upper display unit 14 in FIG.

  9 and 10 show display contents of the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 when the enlarged display is performed in the live view mode. Here, FIG. 9 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship, and FIG. 10 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship. As shown in FIG. 9, when in the first positional relationship, an enlarged image 84 and shooting condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. In this enlarged display mode, the entire image 85 is superimposed and displayed on the enlarged image 84.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when in the second positional relationship, an enlarged image 84 and shooting condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. In addition, the entire image 85 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. That is, when both the display units 14 and 15 are changed from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship, the display destination of the entire image 85 is switched from the rear display unit 15 to the upper display unit 14. Therefore, it is possible to view the whole image without superimposing and displaying the enlarged image 84 on the rear display unit 15 while confirming the entire image on the upper display unit 14.

  It should be noted that the focus point frame FP and the enlarged display area ZA are superimposed on the entire image 85. Here, the focus point frame FP indicates a focused area in the entire image 85, and the enlarged display area ZA is displayed as a rectangular area having a predetermined size including the focus point frame FP. When the user operates the operation unit 51 to register the enlargement setting in the electronic camera 11, the enlargement display mode is selected during the live view thereafter. The enlargement setting operation is performed by selecting “with enlargement setting” in the enlargement setting item on the menu screen displayed on the rear display unit 15 and then setting “enlargement magnification”. The enlarged setting information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 62 by the control unit 61.

  FIG. 11 shows the display contents of the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 when the enlarged display is performed in the moving image mode. In the figure, a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship is shown. As shown in FIG. 11, when in the second positional relationship, the rear display unit 15 displays a moving image 86 and shooting condition information 82 disposed below the moving image 86. The shooting condition information 82 includes photometric mode marks, video shooting marks, and character information such as shooting time and ISO sensitivity. In addition, the enlarged display area ZA is superimposed on the moving image 86. An enlarged image 87 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. That is, when both the display units 14 and 15 are changed from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship, the display destination of the enlarged image 87 is switched from the rear display unit 15 to the upper display unit 14. Therefore, while confirming the enlarged image 87 on the upper display unit 14, the moving image 86 can be viewed on the rear display unit 15 without hiding anywhere. The enlargement setting operation in the moving image mode is basically the same as that in the live view mode.

  12 and 13 show the display contents of the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 when displaying a histogram in the captured image display mode. Here, FIG. 12 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship, and FIG. 13 shows a case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship. In FIG. 12, two types of display formats are shown as examples of display contents of the rear display unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when in the first positional relationship, the rear display unit 15 displays a captured image 88, a histogram 89, and shooting condition information 82. In the display format of the upper rear display unit 15 in FIG. 12, the histogram 89 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the captured image 88. Further, in the display format of the lower rear display unit 15 in FIG. 12, the captured image 88 and the histogram image 90 on which the histogram 89 is drawn are displayed in separate screen frames. Further, shooting condition information 83 is displayed on the upper display unit 14.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when in the second positional relationship, the captured image 88 and the imaging condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. A histogram image 90 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. That is, when both the display units 14 and 15 are changed from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship, the display destination of the histogram 89 is switched from the rear display unit 15 to the upper display unit 14. Therefore, it is possible to see the entire captured image 88 displayed relatively large on the rear display unit 15 while confirming the histogram 89 on the upper display unit 14.

  14 and 15 show the display contents of the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 when the level display is performed in the live view mode or the moving image mode. Here, FIG. 14 shows the case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship, and FIG. 15 shows the case where both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship. In FIG. 14, two types of display formats are shown as examples of display contents of the rear display unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when in the first positional relationship, a live view image 81, a level image 91 (level indicator), and shooting condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. In the display format of the upper rear display unit 15 in FIG. 14, the level image 91 is displayed in a form superimposed on the live view image 81. In the display format of the lower rear display unit 15 in FIG. 14, the live view image 81 and the level image 91 are displayed in separate screen frames. Further, shooting condition information 83 is displayed on the upper display unit 14.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when in the second positional relationship, a live view image 81 and shooting condition information 82 are displayed on the rear display unit 15. In addition, a level image 91 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. That is, when both the display units 14 and 15 are changed from the first positional relationship to the second positional relationship, the display destination of the level image 91 is switched from the rear display unit 15 to the upper display unit 14. Therefore, it is possible to see the entire live view image 81 displayed relatively large on the rear display unit 15 while checking the inclination of the electronic camera 11 by viewing the level image 91 on the upper display unit 14. . Note that the moving image mode also has a level display mode, but the display method of the level image is basically the same only in the difference between the live view and the moving image.

  Next, display processing of the electronic camera 11 will be described. First, normal display processing during live view will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 using the flowchart of FIG. When the user performs a live view execution operation using the operation unit 51 (live view button 25), the computer 50 executes the normal display processing program shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S10, the determination unit 64 determines whether the two display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel, that is, whether or not they are in the second positional relationship. If it is not substantially parallel (second positional relationship), the process proceeds to step S20, and if it is approximately parallel, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S <b> 20, “imaging condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S30, “photographed image + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “0” in the normal display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 is “shooting condition information”, and the rear display unit 15 is “taken image”. + Shooting condition information ”. In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying “imaging condition information” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays the photographing condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the image data of the through image from the image processing unit 66 and the character data of the shooting condition information set at that time read from the memory 62. Then, image data for displaying “captured image + capturing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated. Then, the second display processing unit 73 displays the live view image 81 and the shooting condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 7 based on the image data.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 40, “imaging condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S <b> 50, “captured image” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “1” in the normal display mode in the live view mode, each display content is “photographing condition information” on the rear display. The unit 15 becomes a “photographed image”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying “imaging condition information” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays the shooting condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the image data of the through image from the image processing unit 66 and the character data of the shooting condition information set at that time read from the memory 62. Thus, image data for displaying “captured image + capturing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated. Then, the second display processing unit 73 displays the live view image 81 on the rear display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 8 based on the image data.

  Next, enlargement display processing during live view will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 using the flowchart of FIG. When a user performs an enlargement setting using the operation unit 51 and a live view execution operation is performed by the operation unit 51, the computer 50 executes an enlargement display processing program shown in FIG.

  First, in step S110, the determination unit 64 determines whether the two display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel, that is, whether or not they are in the second positional relationship. If not substantially parallel (second positional relationship), the process proceeds to step S120, and if approximately parallel, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S <b> 120, “imaging condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S 130, “enlarged image + entire image + imaging condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “0” in the enlarged display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 is “imaging condition information”, and the rear display unit 15 is “enlarged image”. + Overall image + Shooting condition information ”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying “imaging condition information” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays the shooting condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. In addition, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the enlarged image obtained by enlarging the through image from the image processing unit 66 by the enlarged image generation unit 74 and the through image from the image processing unit 66. Based on the whole image generated by the superimposed display image generation unit 77 and the character data of the shooting condition information set at that time read from the memory 62, the “enlarged image + whole image + shooting” for the rear display unit is used. Image data for displaying “condition information” is generated. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 displays an enlarged image 84, an entire image 85 superimposed on this, and shooting condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15, as shown in FIG. 9. Display. At this time, a part of the shooting condition information 82 is superimposed and displayed on the enlarged image 84.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 140, “imaging condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S150, “enlarged image + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “1” in the enlarged display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 displays the “whole image” and the rear display unit. 15 is “enlarged image + photographing condition information”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying the “overall image” for the upper display unit. Then, the first display processing unit 72 displays the entire image 85 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 10 based on the image data. In addition, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 has the image data of the enlarged image in which the through image is enlarged and displayed from the image processing unit 66 and the photographing condition set at that time read from the memory 62. Image data for displaying “enlarged image + photographing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated using the character data of the information. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 causes the rear display unit 15 to display an enlarged image 84 and shooting condition information 82, as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are in the second positional relationship (a positional relationship that is substantially parallel) that can be viewed simultaneously, the entire image 85 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. The rear display unit 15 displays an enlarged image 84 in which the entire image that hides a part of the image is not superimposed and displayed. Therefore, the user can check the enlarged image 84 of the enlarged display area ZA in the entire image 85 on the rear display unit 15 while viewing the entire image 85 on the upper display unit 14.

  Next, enlargement display processing during moving image shooting will be described with reference to FIG. 11 using the flowchart of FIG. When the user performs an enlargement setting using the operation unit 51 and a moving image shooting execution operation is performed by the operation unit 51, the computer 50 executes the enlargement display processing program shown in FIG.

  First, in step S210, the determination unit 64 determines whether the two display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel, that is, whether or not they are in the second positional relationship. If not substantially parallel (second positional relationship), the process proceeds to step S220, and if approximately parallel, the process proceeds to step S240.

In step S <b> 220, “shooting condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S230, “whole image + enlarged image + imaging condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15.
On the other hand, in step S240, an “enlarged image” is displayed on the upper display unit. In the next step S250, “whole image + shooting condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “1” in the enlarged display mode in the moving image mode, the upper display unit 14 displays “enlarged image” and the rear display unit 15 displays the respective display contents. Becomes “whole image + shooting condition information”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 uses the “enlarged image” for the upper display unit based on the image data of the enlarged image in which the through image from the image processing unit 66 is enlarged. "Is generated. Then, the first display processing unit 72 displays the enlarged image 87 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 11 based on the image data. Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the image data of the moving image from the image processing unit 66 and the character data of the shooting condition information set at that time read from the memory 62. Thus, image data for displaying “whole image + shooting condition information” for the rear display unit is generated. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 displays the moving image 86 and the shooting condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15 as shown in FIG.

  In this way, when the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are in the second positional relationship (a positional relationship that is substantially parallel) that can be viewed simultaneously, the enlarged image 87 is displayed on the upper display unit 14, The rear display unit 15 displays a moving image 86 that does not superimpose an entire image that hides a part of the image. Therefore, the user can check the enlarged image 87 of the enlarged display area ZA in the moving image 86 on the upper display unit 14 while viewing the entire moving image 86 on the rear display unit 15.

  Next, a histogram display process at the time of displaying a captured image will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 using the flowchart of FIG. When a histogram display operation is performed by the operation unit 51 when displaying a captured image, the computer 50 executes a histogram display processing program shown in FIG.

  First, in step S310, the determination unit 64 determines whether the two display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel, that is, whether or not they are in the second positional relationship. If it is not substantially parallel (second positional relationship), the process proceeds to step S320, and if it is approximately parallel, the process proceeds to step S340.

  In step S320, “imaging condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit. In the next step S330, “photographed image + histogram + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “0” in the histogram display mode in the captured image display mode, the upper display unit 14 is “imaging condition information”, and the rear display unit 15 is “imaging”. Image + histogram + shooting condition information ”. In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying “imaging condition information” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays the shooting condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG.

  Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 reads out the image data of the captured image from the image processing unit 66, the image data of the histogram generated by the histogram generation unit 75, and the memory 62. Image data for displaying “photographed image + histogram + photographing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated using the character data of the photographing condition information set at that time. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 displays the photographed image 88, the histogram 89, and the photographing condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15, as shown in FIG. At this time, there are two types of display methods in the rear display unit 15, as shown in the upper rear display unit 15 in FIG. 12, a display format in which a histogram 89 is superimposed on the captured image 88, and a lower display in FIG. 12. As shown in the rear display unit 15 on the side, there is a display format in which a captured image 88 and a histogram image 90 on which a histogram 89 is drawn are displayed in a separate frame.

  On the other hand, in step S 340, “histogram” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S350, “photographed image + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “1” in the histogram display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 displays “histogram” and the rear display unit 15 displays the respective display contents. Becomes “photographed image + photographing condition information”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying the “histogram” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays a histogram image 90 on which the histogram 89 is drawn on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the captured image data from the image processing unit 66 and the character data of the imaging condition information added to the image data to display the rear surface. Image data for displaying “photographed image + photographing condition information” for the section is generated. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 causes the rear display unit 15 to display the captured image 88 and the imaging condition information 82 as shown in FIG.

  Thus, when the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are in the second positional relationship (a positional relationship that is substantially parallel) that can be viewed simultaneously, the histogram image 90 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. On the rear display unit 15, a captured image 88 is displayed in which a part of the image is not hidden by the superimposed histogram image. Therefore, the user can see the photographed image 88 with a small portion hidden by the rear display unit 15 while confirming the white balance and the like in the histogram image 90 displayed on the upper display unit 14.

  Next, a level display process at the time of live view or moving image shooting will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 using the flowchart of FIG. When a digital level display operation is performed by the operation unit 51 during live view or moving image shooting, the computer 50 executes the level display processing program shown in FIG. Here, since the basic content of the level display process is the same at the time of live view and at the time of moving image shooting, an example at the time of live view is described below.

  First, in step S410, the determination unit 64 determines whether the two display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel, that is, whether or not they are in the second positional relationship. If it is not substantially parallel (second positional relationship), the process proceeds to step S420, and if it is approximately parallel, the process proceeds to step S440.

  In step S <b> 420, “shooting condition information” is displayed on the upper display unit 14. In the next step S 430, “photographed image + level + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “0” in the level display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 is “shooting condition information” and the rear display unit 15 is “shooting”. Image + level + photographing condition information ”. In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying “imaging condition information” for the upper display unit. Then, based on the image data, the first display processing unit 72 displays the shooting condition information 83 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 reads the captured image data from the image processing unit 66, the level image data generated by the level image generation unit 76, and the memory 62. Image data for displaying “photographed image + level level + photographing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated using the character data of the photographing condition information set at that time. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 displays the live view image 81, the level image 91 (level indicator), and the shooting condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15, as shown in FIG. Let At this time, there are two types of display methods in the rear display unit 15. As shown in the upper rear display unit 15 in FIG. 14, a display format in which the level image 91 is superimposed and displayed on the live view image 81, and FIG. 14. There is a display format in which the live view image 81 and the level image 91 are displayed in different screen frames as shown in the lower rear display unit 15 in the middle.

  On the other hand, in step S440, “level” is displayed on the upper display unit. In the next step S450, “photographed image + photographing condition information” is displayed on the rear display unit 15. Specifically, the display control unit 69 acquires the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 with reference to the table data TD1 and TD2 of the memory 62 based on the mode information and the determination flag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since the determination flag is “1” in the level display mode in the live view mode, the upper display unit 14 displays the “level” and the rear display. The unit 15 becomes “photographed image + photographing condition information”.

  In accordance with these pieces of information, the first image data generation unit 78 of the first display processing unit 72 generates image data for displaying the “level” for the upper display unit. Then, the first display processing unit 72 displays the level image 91 on the upper display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 15 based on the image data. Further, the second image data generation unit 79 of the second display processing unit 73 uses the image data of the through image from the image processing unit 66 and the character data of the shooting condition information set at that time read from the memory 62. Thus, image data for displaying “captured image + capturing condition information” for the rear display unit is generated. Then, based on the image data, the second display processing unit 73 displays the live view image 81 and the shooting condition information 82 on the rear display unit 15 as shown in FIG.

  Thus, when the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are in the second positional relationship (a positional relationship that is substantially parallel) that can be viewed simultaneously, the level image 91 is displayed on the upper display unit 14. The rear display unit 15 displays a live view image 81 in which a part of the image is not hidden by the superposed level image. Therefore, the user can see the live view image 81 with a small portion hidden by the rear display unit 15 while confirming the inclination of the electronic camera 11 with the level image 91 displayed on the upper display unit 14.

As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are arranged in the second positional relationship that can be viewed at the same time, the display contents of both the display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship that cannot be viewed at the same time. The display content is switched from the display content at a certain time to the display content in which the display content can be confirmed using the total display area of both display units 14 and 15. Therefore, when in the second positional relationship, it is possible to make the display contents easier to see by effectively using the total display area of both the display units 14 and 15.

  (2) Since the positional relationship in which both the display units 14 and 15 are substantially parallel is set as the second positional relationship, only when the user consciously arranges both the display units 14 and 15 to view them simultaneously. The display contents are switched to the total display area of the two screens. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the display contents are switched against the user's intention.

  (3) When both the display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship that is substantially parallel, the overlapping display content (imaging condition information) that was duplicated when the both display units 14 and 15 are in the first positional relationship. 82, 83) are deleted from the display content of the rear display unit 15 and then displayed only on the upper display unit 14. Therefore, for example, when performing live view display with the electronic camera 11, the user confirms the shooting condition information 83 on the screen 14 a of the upper display unit 14, and the entire live view image 81 on the screen 15 a of the rear display unit 15. Can overlook.

  (4) When the two display units 14 and 15 are in the second positional relationship in which they are substantially parallel, the captured image (the enlarged image 84, the moving image 86, The second image (the entire image 85, the enlarged image 87, the histogram 89, and the level image 91) superimposed on the still image 88) is deleted from the display content of the rear display unit 15 and then only on the upper display unit 14. It was set as the structure displayed. Therefore, for example, when the electronic camera 11 is performing live view display, moving image shooting, and captured image display, the user can display the second image (the entire image 85, the enlarged image 87, the histogram 89, the level image on the upper display unit 14. 91), almost all of the captured images (enlarged image 84, moving image 86, still image 88) can be viewed on the rear display unit 15.

  (5) When both the display units 14 and 15 are turned off in the power saving mode and at least one of the display units 14 and 15 is operated and arranged in the second positional relationship, the power control unit 65 By controlling the power supplied to the power supply circuit 57, both the display units 14 and 15 that have been in the power saving state are restored to the display state. Therefore, when a predetermined time elapses without any operation or operation, both the display units 14 and 15 can be turned off for the purpose of power saving, and the posture angles of the display units 14 and 15 are made substantially parallel to confirm the display contents. By adjusting as described above, both the display units 14 and 15 can be automatically brought into the display state. Therefore, troublesome operations such as operating the power switch 17 in order to put the display units 14 and 15 into the display state can be eliminated.

  (6) When a histogram display is instructed by the operation of the operation unit 51 while the captured image is displayed on the rear display unit 15 in the state of being arranged in the second positional relationship, the display on the upper display unit 14 The content is switched from the shooting condition information 83 to the histogram image 90, and the upper display unit 14 is dedicated to the histogram display. Therefore, the user can view the captured image on the rear display unit 15 while checking the histogram on the upper display unit 14.

  (7) During live view or moving image shooting, a level display is instructed by the operation of the operation unit 51 while a captured image is displayed on the rear display unit 15 in the second positional relationship. Then, the display content of the upper display unit 14 is switched from the photographing condition information 83 to the level image 91, and the upper display unit 14 is dedicated to the level display. Therefore, the user can view the captured image on the rear display unit 15 while confirming the level image 91 (level indicator) on the upper display unit 14.

The said embodiment is not limited above, It can also change into the following aspects.
(Modification 1) Although the shooting condition information is concentrated on the upper display unit 14 in FIG. 8, some of the overlapping display contents in FIG. 7 (shooting condition information on the lower side of the image and shooting condition information on the superimposed display). The configuration may be such that only all or a part of the rear display unit 15 is excluded. Even in this case, the display area of the live view image 81 on the rear display unit 15 can be widened, or the superimposed display can be deleted or reduced from the live view image 81. Further, as long as the display area size of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 is not so different, the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 may be reversed.

  (Modification 2) In FIG. 9, when in the first positional relationship, the enlarged image 84 is displayed large on the screen on the rear display unit 15, and the entire image 85 is displayed in a small overlap on a part of the enlarged image 84. However, the reverse is also possible. In this case, when in the second positional relationship, the entire image 85 is displayed on the rear display unit 15 and the enlarged image 84 is displayed on the upper display unit 14 instead of FIG.

  (Modification 3) In FIG. 11, the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are reversed, and when in the second positional relationship, an enlarged image 87 is displayed on the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 is displayed. A moving image 86 may be displayed.

  (Modification 4) In FIG. 13, the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are reversed, and when they are in the second positional relationship, a histogram image 90 is displayed on the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 is displayed. The captured image 88 may be displayed on the screen.

  (Modification 5) In FIG. 15, the display contents of the upper display unit 14 and the rear display unit 15 are reversed, and when in the second positional relationship, a level image 91 is displayed on the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 may display a live view image 81.

  (Modification 6) A configuration in which the rear display unit 15 is connected to the camera body 12 so as to be uniaxially rotatable can also be adopted. In this case, in the electronic camera in FIG. 1, the rear display unit 15 may be connected to the camera main body 12 at the center of the upper end with one horizontal rotation shaft. With this configuration, when the rear display unit 15 is tilted about 90 degrees upward from the housed state, the rear display unit 15 and the upper display unit 14 are brought into the second positional relationship (a substantially parallel arrangement relationship). Can be placed. Moreover, the structure which connected the upper display part 14 to the camera main body in the state which can be biaxially rotated is also employable.

  (Modification 7) In the above-described embodiment, all of the plurality of display units are pivotal, but it is sufficient that at least one of the plurality of display units is pivotal. That is, any configuration that can be arranged in the second positional relationship in which at least two display units are substantially parallel by a rotation operation of at least one of the plurality of display units is sufficient.

  (Modification 8) The arrangement positions of the first display unit and the second display unit are not limited to the top surface and the back surface of the camera body 12, and may be set to arbitrary positions on the camera body 12. The number of display units is not limited to two, that is, the first display unit and the second display unit, and includes a plurality of three or more display units including the first display unit and the second display unit. Can also be adopted.

  (Modification 9) There may be a non-detection state between the first detection state and the second detection state. In this case, the display content in the non-detection state may be either the display content in the first detection state or the display content in the second detection state. For example, in the non-detection state in the middle of switching from the first detection state to the second detection state, the display content in the first detection state is maintained, whereas in the non-detection state in the middle of switching from the second detection state to the first detection state, The display content in the second detection state may be maintained. In short, what is necessary is just to switch to the display content according to the positional relationship of a 1st display part and a 2nd display part with a 1st detection state and a 2nd detection state.

  (Modification 10) At least one of the first display unit and the second display unit may be configured to be driven to change the posture by the power of an actuator such as a motor. For example, the camera is provided with an operation button for driving the display unit that can perform an opening operation for changing the posture in a direction away from the storage state of the display unit and a closing operation for changing the posture of the display unit to the storage side. A configuration in which the attitude angle of the display unit can be adjusted while the user is pressing the operation button for driving the display unit is mentioned. Of course, when the user presses the operation button for driving the display unit, the display unit is rotated, for example, by about 90 degrees from the stored state, and the first display unit and the second display unit are moved from the first positional relationship to the second position. A configuration arranged in a positional relationship can also be adopted.

  (Modification 11) The camera is not limited to an electronic camera (digital camera), and may be a film camera.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Electronic camera as a camera, 12 ... Camera body, 17 ... Power switch, 18 ... Release button, 14 ... Upper display part as 1st display part, 14a ... Screen as display screen, 15 ... As 2nd display part 15a ... screen as display screen, 50 ... computer, 51 ... operating unit, 52 ... level, 53 ... first detector constituting detection means, 54 ... second detector constituting detection means 55 ... 1st display driver, 56 ... 2nd display driver, 57 ... Power supply circuit, 58 ... Analog signal processing circuit, 59 ... Power supply battery, 61 ... Control part, 62 ... Memory, 62a ... Table data storage part, 62b ... Magnification magnification storage unit, 62c ... flag storage unit, 63 ... mode setting unit, 64 ... determining unit constituting detection means, 65 ... power supply control unit as mode switching means, 66 ... image processing unit 67 ... Face detection unit, 68 ... Focus control unit, 69 ... Display control unit constituting display control means, 71 ... Image generation unit, 72 ... First display processing unit, 73 ... Second display processing unit, 74 ... Enlargement Image generation unit, 75 ... histogram generation unit, 76 ... level image generation unit, 77 ... superimposed display image generation unit, 78 ... first image data generation unit, 79 ... second image data generation unit, 81 ... live view image, 82 ... Shooting condition information, 83 ... Shooting condition information, 84 ... Enlarged image, 85 ... Whole image, 86 ... Movie, 87 ... Enlarged image, 88 ... Captured image, 89 ... Histogram, 90 ... Histogram image, 91 ... Level image , FP: Focus point frame, ZA: Enlarged display area.

Claims (9)

A camera including a first display unit and a second display unit,
At least one of the first display unit and the second display unit is configured to be capable of changing the posture,
When the first display unit and the second display unit are in a first positional relationship where both cannot be viewed at a time, the first detection state is set, and both are in a second positional relationship where both can be viewed at a time. Detection means that sometimes enters a second detection state;
A camera comprising: display control means for switching display contents of the first display section and the second display section according to the positional relationship based on a detection result of the detection means. The camera of claim 1,
The camera is characterized in that the second positional relationship is a positional relationship in which display screens of the first display unit and the second display unit are substantially parallel to each other. The camera according to claim 1 or 2,
In the second detection state of the detection means, the display control means displays one of the overlapping display contents that are displayed overlappingly on the first display section and the second display section in the first detection state. A camera characterized by being displayed on the screen. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the first detection state, the display control means adds a second image corresponding to the image to one of the first display unit and the second display unit in a partial area of the screen. And displaying the second image in the second detection state by switching the display destination of the second image from the one display unit to the other display unit. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the detection unit switches from the first detection state to the second detection state in a state where the first display unit and the second display unit are in the power saving mode, the first display unit and the second display unit are A camera further comprising mode switching means for switching from the power saving mode to the display mode. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The display control unit enlarges and displays a partial region of the image while one of the first display unit and the second display unit is displaying a live view and a captured image under the second detection state of the detection unit. A camera characterized in that upon detecting that the operation has been performed, an enlarged image of the partial area is displayed on the other display unit, whereby the other display unit is dedicated to enlargement display. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The display control unit is operated to display a histogram when one of the first display unit and the second display unit is displaying a captured image under the second detection state of the detection unit. If this is detected, a histogram is displayed on the other display unit, so that the other display unit is dedicated to the histogram display. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The display control unit is configured to display a digital level while one of the first display unit and the second display unit is performing live view display or moving image shooting under the second detection state of the detection unit. When it is detected that the display has been performed, a digital level is displayed on the other display unit, whereby the other display unit is dedicated to display the digital level. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first display unit and the second display unit include an upper display unit capable of displaying camera setting information in characters and a rear display unit configured to display a live view and a captured image.

Images