JP2010226496A - Photographing device, and method of displaying live view - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable users to photograph subjects with desired compositions even if displaying sub screens in display screens. <P>SOLUTION: A photographing device includes: imaging parts (102, 105, 110, 131 and the like) for generating through image data from an optical image of the subject within a photographing range; autofocus parts (101, 104, 103, 110 and the like) for automatically adjusting a focus position AF1 of the imaging part; focus region specifying parts (110, and the like) for specifying a region R1 including the focus position AF1 in the through image data; image enlargement parts (120, and the like) for enlarging sub screen data in the through image data corresponding to the region R1; composite region setting parts (120, and the like) for setting arrangement of the sub screen 12 so that the arrangement screen does not overlap with the focus region AF1; image compositing parts (120, and the like) for compositing sub screen data to the sub screen 12; and image output parts (130, 132, 141/142, and the like) for outputting the through image data, where the sub screen data are composited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device and a live view display method, and more particularly to an imaging device and a live view display method having a function of reproducing an image of a subject in substantially real time.

  In recent digital still cameras and digital video cameras (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital cameras”), an image pickup such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) array is used instead of a general finder that looks into the shooting range through a lens. A so-called electronic viewfinder is employed that displays an electronic image obtained by the element on a liquid crystal screen or the like in substantially real time. Also, recent digital cameras are equipped with a so-called autofocus (AF) function that automatically focuses on a subject to be imaged.

  In a digital camera equipped with a conventional electronic viewfinder and equipped with an AF function, in order to make the user confirm the in-focus object, the in-focus object in a predetermined area (mainly the center of the screen) of the display screen of the electronic viewfinder There is an apparatus that enlarges and displays a region including the symbol (for example, see Patent Document 1 shown below). In the following description, the enlarged display portion of the area including the in-focus object is referred to as a sub-screen.

Japanese Patent No. 3970046

  However, if the arrangement of the sub-screen is fixed in the display screen of the electronic viewfinder, the user cannot confirm the location of the subject in the angle of view or the portion hidden by the sub-screen, which is more There may be a problem that it is difficult to photograph a subject with a desirable composition.

  In addition, even when shooting while displaying an image on an external image display device connected to a digital camera in substantially real time, it is more desirable for the user that the arrangement of the sub-screen is fixed in the display screen as described above. There may be a problem that it is difficult to photograph the subject in the composition.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a photographing apparatus and a live view display method that allow a user to photograph a subject with a desirable composition even when a small screen is displayed on the display screen. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve such an object, an imaging device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that generates first image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, and an auto that automatically adjusts the in-focus position of the imaging unit to the subject. Corresponding to the focus unit, a focusing region specifying unit that specifies a first region that is a partial region in the first image data and includes the focusing position, and the first region An image enlarging unit for enlarging the second image data in the first image data and a second area for synthesizing the enlarged second image data with respect to the first image data do not overlap the in-focus position. A composite area setting unit for setting the image data, an image composition unit for compositing the enlarged second image data to the second region in the first image data, and the composited image of the enlarged second image data The first image data Is characterized by comprising an image output section for force, the.

  In the above-described imaging device according to the present invention, the synthesis area setting unit defines a plurality of third areas in the first image data, and the plurality of third areas do not include the in-focus position. The second region is set.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of third regions are four quadrants that divide the first image data into four.

  In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention described above, the composite area setting unit sets the second area in a third area located opposite to the third area including the in-focus position.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a subject region calculation unit that calculates a proportion of the subject in each of the plurality of third regions, and the composite region setting unit has the third region with the lowest proportion of the subject. The second region is set in the inside.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention described above includes a contrast information acquisition unit that acquires contrast information in each of the plurality of third regions, and the synthesis region setting unit sets the second region based on the contrast information. It is characterized by.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a subject region specifying unit that specifies the region of the subject in the first image data, and the combining region setting unit is a region other than the region of the subject in the first image data. The second region is set in the above.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an electronic viewfinder for reproducing the first image data, and the image output unit displays the first image data obtained by combining the enlarged second image data with the electronic viewfinder. It is characterized by output.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an external terminal to which an external display device can be connected, and the image output unit combines the enlarged second image data with the display device connected to the external terminal. The first image data is output.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an electronic viewfinder that reproduces the first image data, and an external display capability specifying unit that specifies the resolution of the display device connected to the external terminal, and the composite area setting When the resolution of the display device is higher than the resolution of the electronic viewfinder, the first image data to the display device is larger than the size of the second area when reproducing the first image data to the electronic viewfinder. It is characterized in that the size of the second area at the time of reproducing is reduced.

  The live view display method according to the present invention includes an imaging step for generating first image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, and an automatic focusing step for automatically adjusting a focus position of the imaging unit to the subject. , A focus area specifying step for specifying, from the first image data, a first area that is a partial area in the first image data and includes the focus position; and the first area corresponding to the first area. An image enlarging step for enlarging the second image data in one image data; a synthesis region setting step for setting a second region for synthesizing the second image data in the first image data; and the step in the first image data. An image synthesis step for synthesizing the enlarged second image data in the second region, and an image output step for outputting the first image data obtained by synthesizing the enlarged second image data. It is characterized in that it comprises, when.

  According to the present invention, since the second area that is displayed by enlarging the first area including the in-focus position by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the in-focus position, even when a sub-screen is displayed on the display screen, It is possible to realize a photographing apparatus and a live view display method that allow a user to photograph a subject with a desirable composition.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, each drawing only schematically shows the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present invention can be understood. Therefore, the present invention is illustrated in each drawing. It is not limited to only the shape, size, and positional relationship.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a so-called digital still camera or digital video camera is taken as an example of the photographing device, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the camera-equipped mobile phone or the camera-equipped mobile PC (personal) The first embodiment can be applied to an electronic finder such as a computer) or various electronic devices having functions equivalent to the electronic finder.

  As will be described later, the imaging apparatus 1 exemplified in the present embodiment includes, for example, an imaging unit that generates first image data (corresponding to through-image data described later) from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, and an imaging unit An autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the in-focus position to the subject, and a focus area specifying unit that specifies, from the first image data, a first area that is a partial area in the first image data and includes the focus position And an image enlarging unit for enlarging the second image data in the first area and a second area for synthesizing the enlarged second image data with respect to the first image data so as not to overlap the in-focus area An area setting unit; an image combining unit that combines the second image data expanded to the second region in the first image data output from the image output unit; and the first image data obtained by combining the expanded second image data. An image output unit for outputting That. The first image data output from the image output unit is reproduced by, for example, an electronic viewfinder mounted on the photographing apparatus 1.

  In addition, the imaging device 1 includes a communication unit that performs wireless or wired data communication with an external device. The image data transmitted from the communication unit is received by an external device. As an external device, for example, various information processing devices having a display function such as a personal computer or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), an image processing device having a print engine such as a printer or a digital multifunction peripheral, and a flash memory (registration) Various storages such as a trademark and an external HD (hard disk) can be applied.

  Here, a schematic internal configuration example of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration example of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing a live view image on which the small screen 12 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 is superimposed. FIG. 3 shows an outline of an operation (hereinafter referred to as a picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus 1 during the camera imaging operation when the first release 151 (see FIG. 1) detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button. It is a flowchart to show.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing apparatus 1 includes an optical system including one or more lenses 101 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the optical system is referred to as a lens 101), an image sensor 102, an actuator drive circuit 103, and an actuator 104. , Imaging circuit 105, flash 106, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 107, image stabilization gyro sensor 108, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110 and 120, A / D conversion circuit 131, FIFO memory 132 , Frame memory (SDRAM) 133, recording buffer 134, recording medium interface (I / F) 135, recording medium 136, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141, video output circuit 142 , A backlight unit 143, a TFT liquid crystal panel 144, a key matrix 150, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display circuit 161, an LCD panel 162, a battery 171, a backup power supply 172, a power supply circuit 173, and a battery state detection circuit 174.

  In the above configuration, the configuration including the imaging element 102, the imaging circuit 105, the CPU 110, and the A / D conversion circuit 131 functions as an imaging unit that generates first image data from an optical image of a subject in the imaging range. The configuration including the lens 101, the actuator 104, the actuator drive circuit 103, and the CPU 110 functions as an autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the in-focus position of the imaging unit to the subject. The configuration including the CPU 110 (particularly, an AF in-focus position detection function 114 described later) is a focus that specifies a part of the first image data that includes the in-focus position from the first image data. Functions as an area specifying unit. The configuration including the CPU 120 (particularly the designated area enlargement function 123) functions as an image enlargement unit that enlarges the second image data in the first area. The configuration including the CPU 120 (particularly, the PinP area changing function 126) is a composition area setting unit that sets the second area for composing the enlarged second image data with respect to the first image data so as not to overlap the in-focus area. Function. The configuration including the CPU 120 (particularly the PinP function 124) functions as an image synthesis unit that synthesizes the second image data expanded in the second region in the first image data output from the image output unit. The configuration including the internal bus 130, the FIFO memory, and the TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141 or the video output circuit 142 functions as an image output unit that outputs first image data obtained by combining the enlarged second image data. The configuration including the CPU 110, the FIFO memory 132, the frame memory 133, the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141, the backlight unit 143, and the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 is a first image in which the enlarged second region output from the image output unit is combined. It functions as an electronic viewfinder that reproduces data.

  Specifically, the lens 101 forms an optical subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102. The imaging element 102 generates an electrical signal by performing a photoelectric conversion process for converting an optical subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the lens 101 into an electrical signal. A solid-state imaging device capable of high-speed reading, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or other various imaging devices can be applied to the imaging device 102.

  The imaging circuit 105 reads out an electrical signal corresponding to the electric charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element of the imaging element 102 as an image signal, and combines the image signal with a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and the like. Note that the image signal immediately after reading is an analog signal. The imaging circuit 105 performs various analog signal processing on the read image signal, and inputs the processed image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 131. The A / D conversion circuit 131 performs A / D conversion processing on the analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 105. As a result, the analog image signal is converted into digital image data.

  The image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 131 is appropriately input to the CPU 120, the frame memory 133, the FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory 132, or the recording buffer 134. The A / D conversion circuit 131, the CPU 120, the frame memory 133, the FIFO memory 132, and the recording buffer 134 are connected to each other via an internal bus 130, for example.

  The frame memory 133 temporarily stores image data digital signal processed by the CPU 120 (may include various data related to the image data) for each frame. For this frame memory 133, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) can be applied.

  The CPU 120 is mainly composed of a plurality of integrated circuits that execute signal processing control for handling image data and various data, and executes various digital signal processing on digital image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 131. To do. In other words, the CPU 120 realizes one or more functions for performing various signal processing on the image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 133. This function includes, for example, a subject analysis function 121, a designated area enlargement function 123, a picture-in-picture (PinP) function 124, a picture-in-picture area change function 126, an image compression / decompression function 122, and a recording medium access function 125. Etc. exist.

  The subject analysis function 121 identifies the subject included in the image data by analyzing the image data input via the internal bus 130. The designated area enlargement function 123 specifies an area in the image data of the subject specified by the subject analysis function 121, and enlarges this area to generate image data for a small screen. The PinP function 124 generates image data including a child screen by superimposing the child screen image data generated by the designated area enlargement function 123 on the image data input from the internal bus 130. The PinP area changing function 126 changes the display position and / or display range of the image data for the child screen based on, for example, the result of the image data analysis by the subject analysis function 121. The image compression / decompression function 122 reads image data stored in the frame memory 133 and performs various processes such as JPEG compression processing or decompression processing of compressed image data read from the recording medium 136. Execute the process. The recording medium access function 125 controls access to the recording medium 136 by the recording medium interface 135. In the following description, the image data for live view display is referred to as through image data (first image data) in order to distinguish it from image data for data storage. For distinction, the image data for the small screen is referred to as small screen data (second image data).

  The FIFO memory 132 functions as a so-called video memory that temporarily buffers the image signal when outputting the image signal of the frame to be displayed to various display devices.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, the configuration including the lens 101, the imaging device 102, the imaging circuit 105, the A / D conversion circuit 131, the CPU 120, and the frame memory 133 described above is an imaging optical system including an optical lens. An imaging means for generating an image signal by converting an optical image formed on the light receiving surface into an electrical signal is realized. Moreover, the imaging device 1 may include a sound collection function including a microphone that acquires information other than an image signal, for example, an audio signal.

  The TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141 drives the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 based on, for example, an image signal output from the FIFO memory 132 for each line. The TFT liquid crystal panel 144 is driven by the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 to display an image to be displayed, various information, and the like. As the TFT liquid crystal panel 144, a panel capable of color display is used. The backlight unit 143 is provided on the back side of the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 and illuminates the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 from the back side.

  The video output circuit 142 converts the image signal from the FIFO memory 132 into, for example, an NTSC (National Television System Committee) format video signal. The video output circuit 142 outputs the converted video signal to an external device (for example, the external image display device 201) connected to the video output terminal 145. The video output terminal 145 is a connection terminal to which a signal line such as a video cable that is a transmission medium of a video signal is connected. For example, the video output terminal 145 in the photographing apparatus 1 of an externally connected device such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). This terminal conforms to the standard that enables recognition.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration including the FIFO memory 132, the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141, the TFT liquid crystal panel 144, and the backlight unit 143 described above reproduces the image data generated by the imaging unit, thereby stopping the subject. A display means for displaying a picture or a moving picture to the user is realized.

  The recording buffer 134 records an image signal or the like temporarily stored in the frame memory 133 as image data on the recording medium 136, or reads out the image data from the recording medium 136 and temporarily stores it in the frame memory 133. This is a buffer (temporary storage area) used at times.

  The storage medium interface (I / F) 135 is a circuit for controlling storage processing of image data and the like to the recording medium 136 and reading processing of image data and the like from the recording medium 136.

  The recording medium 136 is a storage for recording image data and other various data. As the recording medium 136, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a memory card having a thin plate shape or a card shape can be used. As the recording medium 136, any recording medium such as a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the photographing apparatus 1 or a device that is fixed to an electric circuit inside the photographing apparatus 1 or the like may be used.

  In addition, the configuration including the recording buffer 134, the storage medium interface 135, and the recording medium 136 described above implements a storage unit that stores various types of information such as image signals (including image data).

  The CPU 110 is arranged as a main CPU. The CPU 110 functions as so-called main control means that controls each circuit in the photographing apparatus 1 in an integrated manner and controls each component to realize various functions. Therefore, the CPU 110 includes a system control unit 110A that controls the entire system by appropriately controlling (controlling) each component in the photographing apparatus 1.

  The system control unit 110 </ b> A implements various functions that control the operation of the imaging apparatus 1. As this function, for example, an automatic focus (AF) focus position detection function 114 for automatically recognizing and focusing on a subject in the imaging range, and an external image display device 201 connected to the video output terminal 145 are provided. An external device recognition function 112 for recognizing, an enlarged region changing function 111 for changing the size of a sub-screen displayed on the display screen of the external image display device 201 connected to the video output terminal 145, and time in the photographing device 1 For example, a clock function 113 for managing. In addition to this, the function of displaying the remaining amount of the battery 171 as the main power source on the LCD panel 162, the function of setting various shooting conditions when the shooting operation is performed by the shooting means, and the shooting operation A function for generating an image file including image data by combining the image signal acquired by the above and various information related to the image signal (related information data), a function for managing an audio signal acquired by the recording function as an audio file, Based on various data files recorded on the recording medium, functions to execute the album function and print function, or to perform various registration settings to generate various registration setting data, etc., and to store them in the recording medium. A function for controlling recording of image files, audio files, registration setting data, etc. in an appropriate form on the recording medium 136, and displaying images and related information based on the image files Various functions for controlling various operations and various functions in the photographing apparatus 1, such as a function for visually displaying in a stage and a function for outputting sound based on an audio file to a speaker or the like (not shown) Realized at 110A.

  Note that the photographing apparatus 1 may have a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data signals such as image files wirelessly with an external device (not shown) having a wireless communication function. Methods for realizing this wireless communication function include, for example, a wireless USB (WUSB) method, an ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless connection method, an optical wireless connection by an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) method, and the like.

  The actuator 104 is a drive source for performing an automatic focus adjustment (autofocus (AF)) operation, a zooming operation, and the like by driving the lens 101. The actuator drive circuit 103 is a circuit that drives the actuator 104 based on the control of the CPU 110.

  In other words, the configuration including the actuator 104 and the actuator driving circuit 103 functions as a lens driving unit that performs an autofocus operation, a zooming operation, or the like of the subject image by moving the lens 101 along the optical axis.

  The EEPROM 107 also stores various setting data and unique data in the photographing apparatus 1, such as processing programs (application software) executed by the CPU 110 and CPU 120, data such as communication setting information for communicating with external devices, and the like. A non-volatile storage medium for storing and holding, and functions as a communication setting memory. For example, a known flash ROM that is an electrically erasable nonvolatile memory can be applied to the EEPROM 107.

  The flash 106 is a light source that emits light that illuminates a subject at the time of shooting. The flash 106 includes, for example, a xenon lamp or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The camera shake correction gyro sensor 108 detects the angular velocities in the yaw direction and the pitch direction generated in the photographing apparatus 1, and detects the shake of the photographing apparatus 1 based on the detected angular velocities.

  The key matrix 150 includes various operation switches and operation buttons of the photographing apparatus 1 such as the first release 151 and the second release 152. The first release 151 is a key that detects, for example, half-pressing of a shutter button (not shown) by the user, and the second release 152 is a key that detects, for example, full-pressing of the shutter button by the user. For example, when half-pressing of the shutter button is detected by the first release 151, the CPU 110 performs an autofocus operation. On the other hand, for example, when the second release 152 detects that the shutter button is fully pressed, the CPU 110 executes an imaging operation.

  The other operation members included in the key matrix 150 function as, for example, a power button for switching the power state of the photographing apparatus 1 to ON or OFF, a zoom button for changing the photographing magnification during the photographing operation, and a reproduced image during the reproducing operation. Zoom button (TW button) 153 that functions as a display switching button for enlargement display, reduction display, etc., a plurality of operation buttons assigned to various functions such as calling a menu screen, and four-way selection for selecting and setting the menu screen A key (also referred to as a cross key), an OK button for instructing an item selected using various operation buttons, and the like are included.

  The key matrix 150 includes the above-described various operation members, a switch member that generates a predetermined instruction signal in conjunction with each of these operation members, an electric circuit that transmits an instruction signal from each switch member, and the like. It is. Various instruction signals generated by the key matrix 150 by the user's operation are input to the CPU 110.

  The LCD display circuit 161 displays various information on the LCD panel 162 by driving the LCD panel 162 according to the control from the CPU 110. The LCD panel 162 is configured by, for example, a small liquid crystal display device (LCD) or the like, and in accordance with driving by the LCD display circuit 161, shooting conditions set in the shooting device 1, operation mode information such as shooting mode, and recording are recorded. Various setting information such as information on the number of images that can be stored in the medium 136 and information on exposure such as a shutter speed and an aperture value at the time of shooting is displayed.

  The battery 171 is a main power source in the photographing apparatus 1. For example, a primary battery such as a dry battery or a secondary battery such as a rechargeable storage battery is applied to the battery 171. The backup power source 172 is a sub power source provided to always supply power to the internal memory, the internal clock, and the like of the photographing apparatus 1. The power from the backup power source 172 is used, for example, as power for holding various setting values and date / time information in the photographing apparatus 1 and displaying the date / time information on the LCD panel 162 or the like at all times.

  The power supply circuit 173 appropriately supplies power from the battery 171 or the backup power supply 172 to each electric circuit in the photographing apparatus 1 based on control from the CPU 110. The battery state detection circuit 174 detects a state such as the remaining amount of the battery 171 from the power supply voltage from the battery 171 and outputs the detection result to the CPU 110.

  In addition, about the structure of the part which is not related to this invention, the detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted as what is substantially the same structure as imaging | photography apparatuses, such as a general digital still camera.

  Next, a live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a live view image LV1 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder in the first embodiment displays a through image 11 obtained by reproducing through image data as a main image. In addition, a small screen (second region) 12 is combined with a partial region in the live view image LV1. On this child screen 12, an enlarged image of a region (first region) R1 including a position (focus position AF1) focused by an autofocus (AF) operation at substantially the center is displayed.

  Note that the area in which the child screen 12 is arranged is a certain area (in the example shown in FIG. 2, the quarter quadrant A14) among a plurality of areas (third area: for example, quarter quadrants A11 to A14) that divide through image data. ). A certain area | region can be made into the area | region which is a counter electrode with the area | region where a focus position exists, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the in-focus position AF1 exists in the quarter quadrant A11, the area where the child screen 12 is arranged can be the quarter quadrant A14. This makes it possible to display the sub-screen 12 on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder while avoiding as much as possible the hiding of the subject OB1 to be focused. However, the child screen 12 is not limited to being displayed in the counter electrode area, and is displayed in, for example, an area other than the area where the in-focus position exists (in the example shown in FIG. 2, any one of the quadrants A12 to A14). Various modifications are possible.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, in the following description, attention is focused on the picture-in-picture operation performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation when the first release 151 detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button. Note that the picture-in-picture operation is an operation for superimposing and displaying a child screen in which an area including the in-focus position is enlarged on the display screen (TFT liquid crystal panel 144) of the electronic viewfinder. Other operations can be substantially the same as those of an ordinary photographing apparatus such as a digital still camera. For example, the main flow of the main operation and camera imaging operation after activation of the photographing apparatus 1 is substantially the same as that of a photographing apparatus such as a general digital still camera. Therefore, in the following, detailed illustration and description are omitted for the purpose of simplifying the description.

  When the first release 151 detects that the user half-presses the shutter button of the photographing apparatus 1, the photographing apparatus 1 activates the picture-in-picture operation shown in FIG. 3 in the flow of the camera imaging operation.

  In the picture-in-picture operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographing apparatus 1 first specifies a subject in the through image data in the CPU 120 (step S101). Specifically, the image pickup circuit 105 is driven under the control of the CPU 110 to read out an electrical signal corresponding to the charge accumulation amount from the image pickup element 102 to generate an analog image signal, and the image signal is converted into an A / D conversion circuit. Input to 131. The A / D conversion circuit 131 generates digital image data (through image data) by performing A / D conversion processing on the input analog image signal (imaging step). The A / D converted through image data is input to the CPU 120 by bus control by the internal bus 130. The CPU 120 calls the subject analysis function 121 and analyzes the live view image data using this function. In this analysis, for example, the contour portion of the subject is recognized from the feature points in the through image data, and based on this, the region and shape of the subject in the through image data are specified.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 executes an autofocus operation for automatically focusing on any of the subjects specified in step S101 (step S102: automatic focusing step). Specifically, a subject that satisfies a predetermined condition among the subjects identified by the CPU 120 in step S101 is identified, and focusing (focusing) on the subject is automatically executed under the control of the CPU 110. It should be noted that the predetermined condition can be variously modified, such as whether or not it is similar or coincident with the face or shape of a person or animal or plant, a specific shape or color such as a mountain or river, or a shape such as a building or vehicle. Further, the automatic focusing by the CPU 110 is executed, for example, when the CPU 110 drives the actuator driving circuit 103 and moves the lens 101 using the actuator 104.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the enlargement display function on the electronic viewfinder of the area including the position (in-focus position) that is in focus by the autofocus operation is turned on (step S103). The on / off of the enlarged display function is set by the user, for example, and the setting is stored in the EEPROM 107 by the CPU 110. Therefore, it can be configured such that the CPU 110 determines whether or not the enlarged display function is turned on by referring to the EEPROM 107. If the result of determination in step S103 is that the enlarged display function is off (No in step S103), the imaging apparatus 1 returns to the camera imaging operation.

  On the other hand, if the enlargement display function is turned on as a result of the determination in step S103 (Yes in step S103), the photographing apparatus 1 is positioned in focus by the autofocus operation in step S102 (for example, the in-focus position in FIG. 2). AF1 reference) is detected (step S104: focus area specifying step), the area R1 having the focus position AF1 substantially in the center is specified, and the display position of the sub-screen 12 that enlarges and displays the area R1 is set. (Step S105: Synthesis area setting step). Specifically, the CPU 110 calls the enlargement area changing function 111. The enlargement area changing function 111 specifies an in-focus position AF1 (see FIG. 2) by the autofocus operation, specifies an area R1 (see FIG. 2) that includes this in the approximate center, and also divides through image data. Among these areas, one of the areas not including the focus position AF1 (for example, an area located opposite to the focus position AF1) is specified, and this is set as an area for displaying the child screen 12. As a result, the sub-screen 12 that enlarges and displays the region R1 including the focus position AF1 by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the focus position AF1 or the region R1 including the same.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 enlarges the child screen data (image enlargement step) so that the child screen 12 is displayed in the area set in step S105, and combines the enlarged child screen data and the through image data. Then, this is displayed (picture-in-picture display) on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder (step S106: image output step). More specifically, the image data of the area R1 set by the designated area enlargement function 123 of the CPU 120 is enlarged to generate sub-screen data. Next, a place where the small-screen data enlarged by the enlargement area changing function 111 of the CPU 110 is combined with the live view data is set, and then the CPU 120 calls the PinP function 124 and uses this PinP function 124 for the live view. The sub-screen data is combined with the live view data to be displayed. The image data generated by the synthesis is input to the FIFO memory 132, for example. The CPU 110 drives the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 to read image data for each line from the FIFO memory 132 and inputs the read image data to the TFT liquid crystal panel 144. At this time, the CPU 110 keeps the backlight unit 143 on. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a live view image LV1 in which the child screen 12 is superimposed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 that is a part of the electronic viewfinder is reproduced. Note that after the picture-in-picture display is turned on, the imaging apparatus 1 returns to the camera imaging operation.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the child screen 12 that displays the enlarged region R1 including the focus position AF1 by autofocus is not overlapped with the focus position AF1 or the region R1 including the same. Therefore, even when the child screen 12 is displayed on the display screen, the user can photograph the subject with a desired composition.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment can be the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  First, a live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image LV2 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder in the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the through image 21 used when the live view image LV2 illustrated in FIG. 4 is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the electronic viewfinder according to the second embodiment, an area (first area) R <b> 2 including the in-focus position AF <b> 2 in the through image 21 at the approximate center is enlarged and displayed on the sub-screen (second area) 22. The However, in the present embodiment, a region other than the region including the in-focus position AF2 (four-quadrant quadrant A21 in FIG. 4) among a plurality of regions (third region: for example, quadrant quadrants A21 to A24) that divide the through image 21. In addition, the child screen 22 is displayed in an area where the subject OB2 occupies the smallest area (four-quadrant quadrant A23 in FIG. 4).

  For example, in the example of the through image 21 shown in FIG. 5, since the ratio of the subject OB2 in the quarter quadrant A23 is the smallest, the child screen 22 is displayed in the quarter quadrant A23 as shown in FIG. The arrangement of the sub-screen 22 may be controlled so as to allow the superimposition with the subject OB2 in the quarter quadrant A23, or the arrangement may be controlled so as to prohibit the superimposition.

  Next, the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, in the following description, as in the first embodiment, when the first release 151 detects, for example, a half-press of the shutter button, the picture-in-picture operation performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation is focused. To do. Since the other operations can be generally the same as those of the image capturing apparatus such as a general digital still camera or the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, hereinafter, for the purpose of simplifying the description. Detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

  When the first release 151 detects that the user has pressed the shutter button of the photographing apparatus 1 halfway, the photographing apparatus 1 activates the picture-in-picture operation shown in FIG. 6 in the flow of the camera imaging operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus 1 during the camera imaging operation when the first release 151 (see FIG. 1) detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button. is there.

  In the picture-in-picture operation, as shown in FIG. 6, the photographing apparatus 1 performs the same operation as the operation described using steps S101 to S104 in FIG. (For example, refer to the in-focus position AF2 in FIG. 4).

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 recognizes the shape and the like of the subject OB2 by extracting the outline of the subject OB2 in the through image data (step S201). This recognition is realized by, for example, the CPU 120 calling the subject analysis function 121, extracting a feature point in the live view data using this function, and extracting the contour of the subject OB2 in the live view data from the feature point. The

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 calculates the ratio of the subject OB2 in a plurality of regions (for example, quadrants A21 to A24) into which the through image 21 is divided from the contour of the subject OB2 recognized in step S201 (step S202). An area for displaying the child screen 22 is set in the area having the lowest ratio (four-quadrant A23 in FIG. 4) using, for example, the PinP area changing function 126 in the CPU 120 (step S203: synthesis area setting step). As a result, the sub-screen 22 that enlarges and displays the region R2 including the focus position AF2 by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the focus position AF2 or the region R2 including the same.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 enlarges the child screen data by using, for example, the PinP region change function 126 in the CPU 120 so that the child screen 22 is displayed in the region set in step S203 (image enlargement step). The small-screen data and the through-image data are combined using, for example, the PinP function 124 in the CPU 120 (image combining step), and displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder (picture-in-picture display) (step S106). : Image output step). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, a live view image LV2 in which the sub-screen 22 is superimposed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 that is a part of the electronic viewfinder is reproduced.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the child screen 22 that displays the enlarged region R2 including the focus position AF2 by autofocus is not overlapped with the focus position AF2 or the region R2 including the same. Therefore, even when the child screen 22 is displayed on the display screen, the user can photograph the subject with a desirable composition.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment can be the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  A live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image LV3 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the through image 31 used when the live view image LV3 illustrated in FIG. 7 is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the electronic viewfinder according to the third embodiment, an area (first area) R3 that includes the in-focus position AF3 in the through image 31 substantially at the center is enlarged and displayed on the sub-screen (second area) 32. The However, in the present embodiment, a region other than the region including the in-focus position AF3 (four-quadrant quadrant A32 in FIG. 7) among a plurality of regions (third region: for example, quadrants A31 to A34) that divide the through image 31. In addition, the sub-screen 32 is displayed in an area having the smallest contrast component in the area (four-quadrant quadrant A31 in FIG. 7).

  For example, in the example of the through image 31 shown in FIG. 8, since the ratio of the subject OB3 in the quadrant quadrant A31 is the smallest, the child screen 32 is displayed in the quadrant quadrant A31 as shown in FIG. The arrangement of the sub-screen 32 may be controlled so as to allow the superimposition with the subject OB3 in the quadrant quadrant A31, or the arrangement may be controlled so as to prohibit the superimposition.

  Next, the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail. However, in the following description, as in the first embodiment, when the first release 151 detects, for example, a half-press of the shutter button, the picture-in-picture operation performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation is focused. To do. Other operations can be generally the same as those of the image capturing apparatus such as a general digital still camera or the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the first or second embodiment. Detailed description and description thereof will be omitted.

  When the first release 151 detects that the user half-presses the shutter button of the photographing apparatus 1, the photographing apparatus 1 activates the picture-in-picture operation shown in FIG. 9 in the flow of the camera imaging operation. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation when the first release 151 (see FIG. 1) detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button. is there.

  In the picture-in-picture operation, as shown in FIG. 9, the photographing apparatus 1 performs an operation similar to the operation described using steps S101 to S104 in FIG. (For example, refer to the focus position AF3 in FIG. 7).

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 collects contrast information in each of a plurality of regions (for example, quadrants A31 to A34) into which the live view image data is divided (step S301). Specifically, the CPU 120 divides the input through image 31 into a plurality of areas (for example, quadrants A31 to A34), and determines the degree of gradation of the gradation such as light and darkness and color or the absolute value thereof. Calculate as contrast information and collect it.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 specifies the region having the smallest contrast component from the contrast information collected in step S301 (step S302), and displays the sub-screen 32 in the region having the smallest contrast component (quadrant quadrant A31 in FIG. 7). Is set using, for example, the PinP area changing function 126 in the CPU 120 (step S303: composite area setting step). As a result, the sub-screen 32 that enlarges and displays the region R3 including the focus position AF3 by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the focus position AF3 or the region R3 including the same.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 enlarges the child screen data by using, for example, the PinP region change function 126 in the CPU 120 so that the child screen 32 is displayed in the region set in step S303 (image enlargement step). The small-screen data and the through-image data are combined using, for example, the PinP function 124 in the CPU 120 (image combining step), and displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder (picture-in-picture display) (step S106). : Image output step). As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a live view image LV3 in which the sub-screen 32 is superimposed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 that is a part of the electronic viewfinder is reproduced.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the sub-screen 32 displaying the enlarged region R3 including the focus position AF3 by autofocus is not overlapped with the focus position AF3 or the region R3 including the same. Therefore, even when the child screen 32 is displayed on the display screen, the user can photograph the subject with a desired composition.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment can be the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  A live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image LV4 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder in the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the electronic viewfinder according to the fourth embodiment, an area (first area) R4 that includes the in-focus position AF4 in the through image 41 substantially at the center is enlarged and displayed on the sub-screen (second area) 42. The However, in the present embodiment, the child screen 42 is displayed in a region other than the subject OB4 in the through image 41 regardless of the region (third region: for example, quadrants A41 to A44) into which the through image 41 is divided.

  Next, the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, in the following description, as in the first embodiment, when the first release 151 detects, for example, a half-press of the shutter button, the picture-in-picture operation performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation is focused. To do. Since the other operations can be generally the same as those of the image capturing apparatus such as a general digital still camera or the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, hereinafter, for the purpose of simplifying the description. Detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

  When the first release 151 detects that the user half-presses the shutter button of the photographing apparatus 1, the photographing apparatus 1 activates the picture-in-picture operation shown in FIG. 11 in the flow of the camera imaging operation. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  In the picture-in-picture operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the photographing apparatus 1 performs an operation similar to the operation described using steps S101 to S104 in FIG. (For example, refer to the focus position AF4 in FIG. 10).

  Next, the imaging apparatus 1 recognizes the shape and the like of the subject OB4 in the through image data by executing the same operation as that described with reference to step S201 in FIG. 6 in the second embodiment (step S201). ).

  Subsequently, the photographing apparatus 1 calculates the existence range of the subject OB4 in the through image data (in the angle of view) from the shape of the subject OB4 recognized in step S201 (step S401), and other than the calculated existence range of the subject OB4. The size of the child screen 42 is determined from (Step S402). The sub-screen 42 is assumed to be a substantially rectangular area (including a square) with a fixed aspect ratio.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 determines that the child screen 42 is not superimposed on the subject OB4 based on the existence range in the through image data of the subject OB4 calculated in step S401 and the size of the child screen 42 calculated in step S402. The area for displaying the screen 42 is set using, for example, the PinP area changing function 126 in the CPU 120 (step S403: synthesis area setting step). Thereby, the sub-screen 42 that enlarges and displays the region R4 including the focus position AF4 by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the focus position AF4 or the region R4 including the same.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 enlarges the child screen data by using, for example, the PinP region change function 126 in the CPU 120 so that the child screen 42 is displayed in the region set in step S403 (image enlargement step). The small-screen data and the through-image data are combined using, for example, the PinP function 124 in the CPU 120 (image combining step), and displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder (picture-in-picture display) (step S106). : Image output step). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a live view image LV4 in which the child screen 42 is superimposed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 that is a part of the electronic viewfinder is reproduced.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the child screen 42 that displays the enlarged region R4 including the focus position AF4 by autofocus is not overlapped with the focus position AF4 or the region R4 including the same. Therefore, even when the child screen 42 is displayed on the display screen, the user can photograph the subject with a desirable composition.

<Embodiment 5>
Next, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, since the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment can be the same as that of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which a live view image is displayed on the external image display device 201 connected to the video output terminal 145 of the photographing apparatus 1 and a child screen is superimposed on the live view image. . FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the live view image LV5 displayed on the display screen of the external image display device 201 connected to the video output terminal 145 in the fifth embodiment.

  The imaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can output through image data buffered in the FIFO memory 132 to the external image display apparatus 201 connected to the video output terminal 145 via the video output circuit 142. As the external image display device 201 to be externally attached, a display device having a resolution larger than the resolution of the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1 can be used. On a screen with a large resolution, even if the area of the small screen occupied in the screen is small, the image on the small screen can be displayed finely. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the external image display device 201 having an effective pixel number larger than the resolution of the electronic finder, that is, the effective pixel number of the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 is connected to the video output terminal 145, as shown in FIG. The ratio of the area occupied in the through image 51 of the child screen 52 is reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a display device having a low resolution is connected as the external image display device 201, the ratio of the area occupied in the through image 51 of the sub-screen (second area) 52 is increased. It may be configured. In FIG. 12, reference numeral R5 is an area (first area) that includes a position (focus position AF5) that is in focus by an autofocus (AF) operation at substantially the center.

  Next, the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, in the following description, as in the first embodiment, when the first release 151 detects, for example, a half-press of the shutter button, the picture-in-picture operation performed by the imaging device 1 during the camera imaging operation is focused. To do. Other operations can be generally the same as those of the image capturing apparatus such as a general digital still camera or the image capturing apparatus 1 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The detailed illustration and description are omitted for the purpose of realizing the above.

  When the first release 151 detects that the user half-presses the shutter button of the photographing apparatus 1, the photographing apparatus 1 activates the picture-in-picture operation shown in FIG. 13 in the camera imaging operation flow. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus 1 during the camera imaging operation when the first release 151 (see FIG. 1) detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button. is there.

  In the picture-in-picture operation, as shown in FIG. 13, the photographing apparatus 1 performs an operation similar to the operation described using steps S101 to S104 in FIG. (For example, refer to the focusing position AF5 in FIG. 12).

  Next, the imaging apparatus 1 recognizes the shape of the subject OB5 in the through image data by performing the same operation as that described using step S201 in FIG. 6 in the second embodiment (step S201). ).

  Next, the imaging device 1 determines whether or not the connection of the external image display device 201 to the video output terminal 145 can be detected using, for example, the external device recognition function 112 (step S501). If the connection of the external image display device 201 is not detected as a result of the determination in step S501 (No in step S501), the imaging device 1 returns to the camera imaging operation.

  On the other hand, when the connection of the external image display device 201 is detected (Yes in step S501), the imaging device 1 then uses the external connection device recognition function 112, for example, to connect the external image display device 201. It is determined whether or not the resolution is higher than the resolution of the electronic viewfinder (step S502). If the result of determination in step S502 is that the external image display device 201 is not of high resolution (No in step S502), the imaging device 1 sets the size of the sub-screen to, for example, the size shown in FIG. (Step S503: For example, see the child screen 12 shown in FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S502 is that the external image display device 201 has a high resolution (Yes in step S502), the photographing apparatus 1 sets the size of the child screen to a size smaller than the normal size set in step S503. (Step S504: For example, see the sub-screen 52 shown in FIG. 12). At this time, the sub-screen 52 that enlarges and displays the region R5 including the focus position AF5 by autofocus is set so as not to overlap the focus position AF5 or the region R5 including the same.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 sets an area for displaying the small screen 12/52 from the size set in step S503 or step S504 using, for example, the PinP area change function 126 in the CPU 120 (step S505: composite area setting step).

  Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 1 enlarges the child screen data using, for example, the PinP region change function 126 in the CPU 120 so that the child screen 12/52 is displayed in the region set in step S505 (image enlargement step). The enlarged sub-screen data and the live view data are synthesized using, for example, the PinP function 124 in the CPU 120 (image synthesis step) and displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 of the electronic viewfinder (picture-in-picture display) ( Step S106: Image output step). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the live view image LV5 on which the child screen 52 is superimposed is reproduced on the external image display device 201.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the child screen 52 that displays the enlarged region R5 including the focus position AF5 by autofocus is not overlapped with the focus position AF5 or the region R5 including the same. Therefore, even when the child screen 52 is displayed on the display screen, the user can photograph the subject with a desirable composition.

  Further, the above embodiment is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications according to specifications and the like are within the scope of the present invention. It is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a live view image on which a small screen displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel in the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is superimposed. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel of the electronic viewfinder in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a through image used when the live view image illustrated in FIG. 4 is generated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel of the electronic viewfinder in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a through image used when the live view image illustrated in FIG. 7 is generated. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image LV4 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel of the electronic viewfinder in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a live view image displayed on the display screen of the external image display device connected to the video output terminal in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation (picture-in-picture operation) performed by the imaging apparatus during the camera imaging operation when the first release detects, for example, half-pressing of the shutter button in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pick-up device 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Through image 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Sub-screen 101 Lens 102 Imaging element 103 Actuator drive circuit 104 Actuator 105 Imaging circuit 106 Flash 107 EEPROM
108 Camera shake correction gyro sensor 110, 120 CPU
110A System Control Unit 111 Enlarged Area Change Function 112 External Device Recognition Function 113 Clock Function 114 AF Focus Position Detection Function 121 Subject Analysis Function 122 Image Compression / Expansion Function 123 Designated Area Enlargement Function 124 PinP Function 125 Recording Medium Access Function 126 PinP Area Change function 130 Internal bus 131 A / D conversion circuit 132 FIFO memory 133 Frame memory 134 Recording buffer 135 Recording medium interface 136 Recording medium 141 TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 142 Video output circuit 143 Backlight unit 144 TFT liquid crystal panel 145 Video output terminal 150 Key Matrix 151 First release 152 Second release 153 Zoom button 161 LCD display circuit 162 LCD panel 171 Pond 172 Backup power supply 173 Power supply circuit 174 Battery state detection circuit 201 External image display devices A11 to A14, A21 to A24, A31 to A34, A41 to A44 Four half quadrants AF1, AF2, AF3, AF4, AF5 In-focus position LV1, LV2 , LV3, LV4, LV5 Live view image OB1, OB2, OB3, OB4, OB5 Subject R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 area

Claims (11)

An imaging unit that generates first image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range;
An autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the in-focus position of the imaging unit to the subject;
An in-focus area specifying unit for specifying a first area in the first image data, the first area including the in-focus position, from the first image data;
An image enlarging unit for enlarging second image data in the first image data corresponding to the first region;
A synthesis area setting unit configured to set a second area for synthesizing the enlarged second image data with the first image data so as not to overlap the in-focus position;
An image synthesizer that synthesizes the enlarged second image data with the second region of the first image data;
An image output unit for outputting the first image data obtained by combining the enlarged second image data;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The composite area setting unit defines a plurality of third areas in the first image data, and sets the second area in a third area that does not include the in-focus position in the plurality of third areas. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of third regions are four quadrants that divide the first image data into four.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the composite area setting unit sets the second area within a third area located opposite to the third area including the in-focus position. A subject area calculation unit for calculating a ratio of the subject in each of the plurality of third areas;
4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the composite area setting unit sets the second area in a third area where the ratio of the subject is lowest. A contrast information acquisition unit that acquires contrast information in each of the plurality of third regions;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the composite area setting unit sets the second area based on the contrast information. A subject area specifying unit for specifying the area of the subject in the first image data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synthesis area setting unit sets the second area in an area other than the area of the subject in the first image data. An electronic viewfinder for reproducing the first image data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit outputs the first image data obtained by combining the enlarged second image data to the electronic viewfinder. . It has an external terminal that can be connected to an external display device,
The said image output part outputs the said 1st image data by which the said expanded 2nd image data was synthesize | combined to the said display apparatus connected to the said external terminal. The imaging device according to one. An electronic viewfinder for reproducing the first image data;
An external display capability specifying unit for specifying the resolution of the display device connected to the external terminal;
With
When the resolution of the display device is higher than the resolution of the electronic viewfinder, the composite region setting unit may send the first image data to the display device rather than the size of the second region when reproducing the first image data. The photographing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the size of the second area when reproducing the first image data is reduced. An imaging step of generating first image data from an optical image of a subject in the imaging range;
An automatic focusing step for automatically adjusting the focusing position of the imaging unit to the subject;
An in-focus area specifying step for specifying a first area in the first image data, the first area including the in-focus position, from the first image data;
An image enlarging step of enlarging second image data in the first image data corresponding to the first region;
A synthesis area setting step for setting a second area for synthesizing the second image data in the first image data;
An image combining step of combining the enlarged second image data with the second region in the first image data;
An image output step of outputting the first image data obtained by combining the enlarged second image data;
A live view display method characterized by comprising:

Images