JP2011043764A - Imaging apparatus and method for controlling imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display the posture of a camera in an optical finder by using a display element for an AF range-finding frame, which is mounted originally. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is provided with: a focusing screen arranged at a position nearly equivalent to an imaging surface; an information displaying element-driving means for driving an information displaying element arranged to be superposed on the focusing screen; a posture detection means for detecting posture of the imaging apparatus; an operation member for operating a display state of the information displaying element; and a display control means for controlling the display state of the information displaying element in response to operation by the operation member. Thus, it is possible to inexpensively manufacture the camera 100 enabling a user to confirm the posture of the camera without releasing the face from the finder by controlling the information displaying element-driving means to perform display in accordance with the output from the posture detection means by using the information displaying element instead of the display of the range-finding state when the operation member is operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a technique suitable for use in a camera equipped with a posture detection sensor capable of detecting the horizontal state and tilt of the tilt direction of the camera.

  Conventionally, in a single-lens reflex camera, a half mirror is arranged in the optical path of the finder optical system of the single-lens reflex camera, and a part of the observation light beam is guided to the image sensor. A single-lens reflex camera with a through-image function is disclosed in which a subject image on a focusing screen is picked up by this image pickup device and displayed as a moving image on a display device (see Patent Document 1).

  Also, most current single-lens reflex cameras are equipped with an autofocus (AF) function. Since the AF function automatically adjusts a part of the subject, an AF distance measurement frame (AF target) is engraved on the focusing screen for the purpose of allowing the photographer to recognize where the subject is ranging. .

JP 2000-175100 A

In the case of a display device in a single-lens reflex optical finder, the display content is not flexible as in the case of a TFT or the like, so free display is impossible. It is difficult to display the horizontal state and the tilt state in the tilt direction at the same time. Therefore, in order to simultaneously display the level display indicating the horizontal state of the camera and the tilt state in the tilt direction, it is necessary to prepare another display element for displaying the posture state of the camera, which increases the cost. There was a point.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to display the posture of a camera by using an AF range finder display element originally mounted in an optical viewfinder.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a focusing screen arranged at a position substantially equivalent to the imaging surface, information display element driving means for driving an information display element arranged on the focusing screen, and an attitude of the imaging apparatus A position detecting means for detecting, an operation member for operating the display state of the information display element, and a display control means for controlling the display state of the information display element according to the operation of the operation member, When the operation member is operated, the display control means performs the display according to the output of the posture detection means using the information display element instead of displaying the distance measurement state. The element driving means is controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a level display indicating a horizontal state of a camera and a tilt state of a tilt direction by using a display element for an AF distance measurement frame originally mounted in a single-lens reflex optical finder. Can do. As a result, the photographer can check the posture of the camera without taking his / her face away from the viewfinder, and without increasing the cost of an imaging device that does not miss the imaging timing even when checking the posture of the camera. Can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the simple structural example of the camera of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a liquid crystal segment. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging | photography operation | movement of a camera. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure which displays the detection result of an acceleration sensor. It is a figure explaining the example which displays the attitude | position of a camera on the AF focus display liquid crystal. It is a figure explaining the example which the attitude | position of the camera was a horizontal position and the right side inclined downward. It is a figure explaining the example which the attitude | position of the camera was horizontal position and the left side inclined downward. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the attitude | position of a camera inclines up in a horizontal state in a horizontal position. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the attitude | position of a camera inclines below in a horizontal state in a horizontal position. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when the attitude | position of a camera is a vertical position and the right side inclines below. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the attitude | position of a camera inclines up in a vertical position.

In the following, with reference to the drawings, the level indicator that indicates the horizontal state and the tilt state in the tilt direction is displayed on the distance measuring state display device in the viewfinder, and the information display for the AF rangefinder that was originally installed in the optical viewfinder. An embodiment of an imaging device realized by using an element for use will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simple configuration example of a camera 100 embodying the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a replaceable photographic lens, which may be a zoom lens. An AF driving circuit 1a and an aperture driving circuit 1b configured by, for example, a stepping motor are disposed inside the photographing lens 1. The photographing lens 1 communicates with the microcomputer 16 and drives the AF driving circuit 1a under the control of the microcomputer 16 to change the focus lens position in the photographing lens 1 to focus.

  The defocus amount used for the focus calculation is calculated using the output of the AF sensor 24. A diaphragm drive circuit 1 b disposed in the photographing lens 1 changes the optical aperture value under the control of the microcomputer 16. Further, the microcomputer 16 can communicate with the photographing lens 1 and obtain information on the current zoom position (focal length information) and the current distance ring position (subject distance). The microcomputer 16 can determine whether the photographic lens is attached or not, depending on whether or not it can communicate with the photographic lens.

  A quick return mirror 2 is moved up and down by an actuator (not shown) according to an instruction from the microcomputer 16 during exposure. Further, the quick return mirror 2 is constituted by a half mirror for guiding light to the AF optical system, and the sub mirror is also interlocked. Reference numeral 3 denotes a focusing screen disposed at a position substantially equivalent to an imaging surface of a CCD 6 described later. The photographer can check the focus and composition of the image obtained through the photographing lens 1 by observing the focusing screen 3 through the pentaprism 4 and the optical system finder.

  A focal plane shutter 5 can freely control the exposure time of the CCD under the control of the microcomputer 16. The focal plane shutter 5 is generally composed of a front curtain and a rear curtain, and a free exposure time is controlled by an interval between the two curtains. A CCD or the like is used as the image sensor section 6 (hereinafter referred to as CCD), and a subject image formed on the image sensor by the photographing lens 1 is photoelectrically converted and taken out as an electric signal.

  The clamp / CDS circuit 7 and AGC 8 perform basic analog processing before A / D conversion. The microcomputer 16 can change the clamp level and the AGC reference level. The A / D converter 9 converts an analog CCD output signal into a digital signal. At this time, conversion is performed according to the set ISO sensitivity.

  The video signal processing circuit 10 performs filter processing, color conversion processing, and gamma / knee processing on the digitized CCD image data, and outputs the result to the memory controller 13. On the other hand, the video signal processing circuit 10 also includes a DA conversion circuit, which converts the video signal input from the CCD 6 and the image data input reversely from the memory controller 13 into an analog signal and passes through the liquid crystal drive circuit 11. It is also possible to output to the liquid crystal monitor 12. These function switching operations are performed by exchanging data with the microcomputer 16, and white balance information can be output to the microcomputer 16. Based on the information, the microcomputer 16 performs white balance adjustment.

  It is also possible to store image data in the buffer memory 19 through the memory controller 13 without doing anything according to instructions from the microcomputer 16. The video signal processing circuit 10 also has a function of performing compression processing such as JPEG. In the case of continuous shooting, image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 19, and when there is processing time, unprocessed image data is read through the memory controller 13, and the video signal processing circuit 10 performs image processing and compression processing to perform continuous shooting. Earn speed.

  The number of continuous shots greatly depends on the size of the buffer memory 19. In the present embodiment, a plurality of images can be stored in the buffer memory 19 and synthesized by the video signal processing circuit 10 to synthesize one image. The image composition here uses means for comparing luminance components at the same position of a plurality of images and using the data of the image having the smaller value.

  Further, the microcomputer 16 confirms and compares the memory capacity through the memory controller 13 based on the predicted value data of the image size according to the ISO sensitivity, the image size, and the image quality set before photographing, The remaining number of images that can be taken is calculated and displayed on the display device. In the memory controller 13, unprocessed digital image data input from the video signal processing circuit 10 is stored in the buffer memory 19. Then, the processed digital image is stored in the memory 14, and conversely, the image data is output from the buffer memory 19 or the memory 14 to the video signal processing circuit 10.

  The memory controller 13 can also store the video sent from the external interface 15 in the memory 14 and output the image stored in the memory 14 from the external interface 15. The memory 14 may be removable. The power supply unit 17 supplies power necessary for each IC and drive system. The operation member detection circuit 18 informs the microcomputer 16 of the state of the operation member, and the microcomputer 16 controls each part in accordance with the change of the operation member.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a release button, which is an input switch of the operation member detection circuit 18. When only the first switch 20a (SW1) is on, the release button is half-pressed. When both the first switch 20a (SW1) and the second switch 20b (SW2) are on, the release button is on. Shooting is performed.

  In addition to the release button 20, the operation member detection circuit 18 includes an ISO setting button, an image size setting button, an image quality setting button, an information display button, an AF ranging point selection button (automatic selection or arbitrary ranging point can be selected) ) And the like (not shown) are connected, and the state of the switch is detected.

  A liquid crystal drive circuit 21 drives the external liquid crystal display member 22 and the in-finder liquid crystal display member 23 in accordance with a display command from the microcomputer 16. The in-finder liquid crystal display member 23 is provided with a backlight such as an LED (not shown), and the LED is also driven by the liquid crystal drive circuit 21. Reference numeral 24 denotes an AF sensor, which is composed of a sensor (multi-point distance measuring device) capable of measuring the distance to a plurality of distance measuring objects in the shooting screen. The AF sensor 24 outputs defocus information to the microcomputer 16, communicates with the photographing lens 1 based on the defocus information, and focuses using the internal AF lens driving circuit. Reference numeral 25 denotes an AE sensor that measures a plurality of areas of the screen on the focusing screen 3 and measures the luminance of the subject through the photographing lens 1.

  Reference numeral 26 denotes a low-pass filter having an infrared cut function. Reference numeral 27 denotes a liquid crystal driver (in-finder liquid crystal drive circuit), which drives a liquid crystal display member for distance measurement information arranged at the position of the focusing screen 3. The liquid crystal driver 27 generates an information display element driving waveform for driving the information display element in response to an instruction of display contents from the microcomputer 16.

  A liquid crystal display member 28 is disposed at the position of the focusing screen 3 and is used as an information display element. The display content (display state) of the liquid crystal display member 28 is switched according to an instruction sent from the microcomputer 16 via the liquid crystal driver 27. In the liquid crystal display member 28 for distance measurement information display of this embodiment, the liquid crystal segment is doubled with respect to one side distance point, a small square indicating the position and a square that is slightly larger than the side distance range. The display is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of a state in which all the liquid crystal segments are displayed. In accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 16, a grid display can be displayed via the liquid crystal driver 27, and the grid display is turned off. (B). FIG. 2C shows a display example of the liquid crystal segment displaying the distance measurement result.

  Reference numeral 29 denotes a biaxial or triaxial acceleration sensor, which detects the posture of the camera 100. The output of the acceleration sensor 29 is received by the microcomputer 16, and in the case of two axes, the camera attitude difference (vertical position or horizontal position), the horizontal state of the camera in the horizontal position and the horizontal state of the camera in the vertical position Can be detected. In the case of three axes, in addition to the output result of two axes, it is possible to detect the tilt state of the optical axis of the camera, and it is possible to detect how much the camera 100 is facing upward or downward.

Next, the shooting operation of the camera used in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
When the process is started in S300, it is next determined in S301 whether or not the power OFF timer has timed out. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to S322 for power-off processing. If the time-out has not occurred, the process proceeds to S302.

  In S <b> 302, various settings such as the camera mode are performed by the input of the operation member detection circuit 18 that performs various settings. Settings such as the shooting mode are also made here. From the third switch 20c, it is also determined whether to display the horizontal or tilt state by the acceleration sensor 29.

  In S303, the set state and various set states are displayed on the external liquid crystal display member 22 or the like. Moreover, based on the set ISO sensitivity, the image size, and the predicted image size data according to the image quality, the memory capacity is checked and compared through the memory controller 13, and the remaining number of shootable images is calculated. Display on the display member. Further, when the detection result of the acceleration sensor 29 is displayed, it is displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in S304, it is determined whether or not the release button 20 is half pressed. As a result of the determination, if only the first switch 20a is in the half-pressed state, the process proceeds to S305 for timer update and is not pressed at all (the first switch 20a and the second switch 20b are not pressed). In the state), the process returns to S301.

  In step S305, the power OFF timer is updated. Next, in S306, a shooting preparation operation is performed. Specifically, for example, the following operation is performed. Using the AF sensor 24, the set distance measuring sensor detects the defocus of the subject and performs focus adjustment (AF processing). As a result, when there is an in-focus result, the brightness of the subject is measured using a plurality of photometric sensors 35 based on the in-focus point, and the shutter time and aperture value for obtaining a proper exposure are calculated.

  If there is no in-focus result, the brightness of the subject is measured using a plurality of photometric sensors 35 with the central photometric area as a reference, and the shutter time and aperture value for obtaining a proper exposure are calculated ( AE treatment). Many photometric calculations based on the distance measuring point have been proposed, but the simplest is weighted metering centering on the light measuring area corresponding to the reference distance measuring point.

  Next, in S307, the AF in-focus state is determined. When in focus, the process proceeds to step S308. When not in focus, the process proceeds to step S309. In S308, the AF setting state and focus state are displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information in the viewfinder. In S309, it is determined whether or not the release is possible and the release button is completely pressed (the first switch 20a and the second switch 20b are turned on simultaneously). As a result of the determination, if the button is not pressed, the process proceeds to S310, and if the button is completely pressed, the process proceeds to S311 in order to capture an image.

  In S310, it is determined whether or not the release button 20 is kept half pressed. If only the first switch 20a is kept half pressed, the process returns to step S307. If not continued, that is, not pressed at all (the state where neither the first switch 20a nor the second switch 20b is pressed), the process returns to S301.

  In step S311, the quick return mirror 2 is controlled to bring the mirror into an up state, communicate with the photographing lens 1, and control the lens aperture to the aperture value calculated in step S303. Here, based on the wireless intensity determined in S303, the light emission timing and light emission amount are communicated to a slave strobe (not shown) via a master strobe (not shown).

  Next, in S312, the shutter time calculated in S303 is controlled by the focal plane shutter 5, and the image of the CCD 6 is transferred to the video signal processing circuit 10 via the clamp / CDS circuit 7, AGC 8, and A / D converter 9. take in.

  Next, in S313, the quick return mirror 2 is controlled to return the mirror to the down state, communicate with the taking lens 1, and drive the aperture drive circuit 1b to control the aperture of the lens to the open state.

In step S314, the gain value corresponding to the ISO value set in the AGC 8 is sent to adjust the sensitivity, the image signal is sent to the memory controller 13, and the image is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 19.
Next, in S315, white balance information (AWB data) that is an output of the video signal processing circuit 10 is acquired. Based on the acquired white balance information, the R and B gains used in the video signal processing circuit 10 are determined and controlled so as to obtain an appropriate color.

  Next, in S316, an unprocessed image stored in the buffer memory 19 is processed and compressed when the load on the video signal processing circuit 10 is at a level that allows image processing, and the operation of storing in the memory 14 is started. . In the case of continuous shooting or the like, images are stored in the buffer memory 19, but the image processing may be stopped.

  Next, in 317, the number of shootable images is calculated. Thereafter, in S318, the image signal processed in S316 is sent to the liquid crystal drive circuit 11 and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12. Next, in S319, the shooting information determined in S302, S303, and S317 is sent to the liquid crystal drive circuit 21, and the external liquid crystal display member 22 is displayed. Similarly, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display member 23 in the viewfinder. Further, the AF setting state and focus state are displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information. Even when the detection result of the acceleration sensor 29 is displayed in S303, the shooting information determined in S303 and S317 is sent to the liquid crystal drive circuit 21 and displayed on the liquid crystal display member 23 in the viewfinder.

  Next, in S320, it is determined whether there is an area that can be stored in the memory 14 and whether an image on the unprocessed buffer memory 19 is taken into consideration. If the result of this determination is that photography is possible, processing returns to S301, and if photography is not possible, processing proceeds to S321 to display a warning display. In S321, information indicating that it is determined that the photographing is impossible is displayed as a result of the determination in S320.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as time-out as a result of the determination in S301, the liquid crystal drive circuit 11 turns off the liquid crystal monitor 12 in S322. Further, the backlight of the in-finder liquid crystal display member 23 is also turned off. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 28 for displaying distance measurement information is also turned off by the liquid crystal driver 27.

  Next, in S323, the process waits for all of the image processing, compression, and memory storage started in S316 to be completed and the captured image area of the buffer memory 19 to be empty. When the process is completed in S323, the process proceeds to S324 and an instruction is given to the power supply unit 17, and unnecessary power supplies are turned off. Then, it progresses to S325 and performs an end process.

Next, a sequence for displaying the detection result of the acceleration sensor 29 on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information will be described with reference to FIG.
When the process starts in S400, next, in S401, the operation member detection circuit 18 has been turned on by the third switch 20c (level display button) for performing horizontal and tilt display. Determine whether or not. If the result of this determination is ON, the process proceeds to S402, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to S413.

  In step S402, in order to perform horizontal and tilt display, the acceleration sensor 29 is used to determine whether the camera is in the horizontal position or the vertical position, and the horizontal state and how much the optical axis of the camera is up and down. Detect if it is tilted. Next, in S403, the detection result performed in S402 is displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information in the viewfinder. This is called a level display. At this time, the in-finder liquid crystal display member 23 is turned off. Display examples will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in S404, it is determined whether or not a button operation for changing the setting item has been performed. Specifically, buttons for changing setting items are buttons (menu buttons, etc.) that can change the display of the LCD monitor 12, white balance switching buttons, AF mode / drive mode switching buttons, dimming correction / ISO setting switching. Buttons, ranging point selection buttons, etc. A setting change menu can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 by pressing a menu button.

  If these buttons are operated as a result of the determination in S404, it is considered that the user intends to set a setting item different from the current one, and the intention to adjust the camera posture on the level display displayed in S403. It is not considered. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S412 to end (erase) the level display, and the process proceeds to S304 in FIG. Although this embodiment is based on button operation, of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and an operation may be performed to change a setting item by another operation member. If there is no button operation for changing the setting item, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In S405, it is determined whether or not a button operation related to photometry has been performed. Specifically, the photometric buttons include a photometric button (performs photometric operation when pressed), an AE lock button, an FE lock button, and the like. If a button operation related to photometry is performed, the process proceeds to step S412 to end (erase) the level display, and the process proceeds to step S304 in FIG. Although this embodiment is based on button operations, it is of course not limited to this, and operations relating to photometry may be performed by other operation members. If there is no button operation related to photometry, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In S406, it is determined whether or not a button operation related to AF has been performed. Specifically, the AF buttons include an AF button (an AF operation is performed when pressed), an AF lock button, a distance measuring point selection button, and the like. When these buttons are operated, it is considered that the user intends to make settings relating to AF, and the distance measurement information display liquid crystal display member 28 wants to check information relating to AF settings rather than level indication. Conceivable. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S412 to end (erase) the level display, and the process proceeds to S304 in FIG.

  Here, when an actual AF operation such as an AF button is executed, as shown in S415 (to be described later), the focus is displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information as long as it is in focus. The focus state is displayed. Further, although the present embodiment is based on the button operation, it is of course not limited to this, and an operation related to the AF operation may be performed by another operation member. If there is no button operation related to AF, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In S407, it is determined whether another operation has been performed. The other operations include, for example, an operation for changing a shooting setting item, an operation related to photometry operation, and a setting value changing operation for the current setting item. This may also be performed by a button operation, or may be performed by a rotation operation member such as a dial operation member. By doing in this way, the user can look into the finder and change the setting position of various setting items while checking the posture of the camera with the displayed level. If it is determined that another operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S408. If it is determined that no other operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In S408, various processes corresponding to the other operations performed in step S407 described above are performed. Then, it progresses to S409. In step S409, the power OFF timer is updated. Next, the process proceeds to 410, where it is determined whether or not the power-off timer has timed out. If it is determined that the time-out has occurred, the process proceeds to step S322 in FIG. 3 for power-off processing. If not timed out, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In S411, it is determined whether or not the release button 20 is in a half-pressed state. If only the first switch 20a is in a half-pressed state, the process proceeds to S304 in FIG. If it is not pressed at all (the state where neither the first switch 20a nor the second switch 20b is pressed), the process returns to step S402.

  In S413, the set state and various set states are displayed on the external liquid crystal display member 22 or the like. Further, the memory capacity is confirmed and compared through the memory controller 13 based on the predicted value data of the image size corresponding to the set ISO sensitivity, image size, and image quality. Then, the remaining number that can be photographed is calculated, sent to the liquid crystal drive circuit 21 and the liquid crystal driver 27, and displayed on the external liquid crystal display member 22 or the liquid crystal display member 23 in the viewfinder.

  In S414, the AF in-focus state is determined. When in focus, the process proceeds to step S415. When out of focus, the process proceeds to S304 in FIG. In S415, the AF setting state and focus state are displayed on the liquid crystal display member 28 for displaying distance measurement information in the viewfinder.

A display example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the display is switched in increments of 1 degree for each of the horizontal direction and the tilt direction.
FIG. 5A shows segments used for displaying the horizontal tilt state and how much the optical axis of the camera is tilted on the AF focus display liquid crystal shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 5B shows an example in which the camera is in the horizontal position, and with respect to horizontal, the camera is lowered to the left by 2 degrees and the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 1 is upward by 3 degrees.
FIG. 5C shows an example in which the posture of the camera is in the vertical position. Regarding the horizontal position, the camera lens is lowered 4 degrees to the right and the photographing lens 1 is directed downward 3 degrees.

  The display rule is that the horizontal state is horizontal if a large square segment in the horizontal row (the frame is displayed in the small segment) is in the center, the right side is lowered as it goes to the right, and the left side is The left side is lowered as you go. It expresses a bee ball on a flat rail. Specifically, a state in which a frame is displayed only in the center segment in the horizontal direction represents a horizontal inclination of 0 degree. Assuming that the horizontal segments are arranged in increments of 2 degrees, the frame is displayed only on the nth segment from the center, so that the camera moves 2n degrees in the horizontal direction of the segment where the frame is displayed. It shows that it is in a lowered state.

  That is, if the frame is displayed in a single horizontal segment, the angle is an even angle. In addition, by displaying a frame on both adjacent segments, when the segment far from the center is the nth segment from the center, the camera is displayed in the horizontal direction of the segment where the frame is displayed. Indicates a state of 2n-1 degrees. That is, if a frame is displayed in two horizontal segments, the angle is an odd angle. That is, if a frame is displayed on two horizontal segments, it indicates that the angle is an intermediate angle between the two segments.

  In addition, the rule of display in the elevation angle direction is that the camera is facing front (the direction of the subject light to the photographic lens 1) when a large square segment in a vertical column (a frame is displayed in a small segment) is at the center. The incident surface is perpendicular to the ground surface). The larger the square segment in the vertical row (the state in which the frame is displayed in the small segment) goes to the upper side, the camera is facing upward (the object light incident surface on the photographing lens 1 is up, that is, the ground surface (The state facing the opposite side). Conversely, as the large square segment in the vertical row (the state in which the frame is displayed on the small segment) goes downward, the camera is facing downward (the incident light incident surface on the taking lens 1 is down, That is, it shows a state facing the ground surface).

For the vertical segment, the angle is expressed according to the following rules.
(B) When only the small segment next to the center is displayed and the large segment is not displayed (the segment is displayed without a frame), the state in which the elevation angle is inclined by 1 degree in the displayed direction of the segment To express.
(B) When both a small segment and a large segment adjacent to the center are displayed (a segment is displayed with a frame attached), this represents a state in which the elevation angle is inclined by 2 degrees in the displayed direction of the segment.
(C) When displaying both the small and large segments (displaying a segment with a frame) for the first and second adjacent segments in the center, the elevation angle is 3 degrees in the displayed direction of the segment. Indicates a tilted state.
(D) When displaying both the small segment and the large segment (displaying the segment with a frame) for the next one, two next and three next segments in the center, the direction in which the segment is displayed Represents a state in which the elevation angle is inclined by 4 degrees.
(E) For the next one, two next and three next segments in the center, if both the small and large segments are displayed and the next three are blinking, the elevation angle is in the displayed direction of the segment. It represents a state tilted 4 degrees or more.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which the camera posture is in the horizontal position and the right side is tilted downward. In this case, the tilt in the tilt direction is 0 degree.
In FIG. 6A, it is in a horizontal state.
FIG. 6B shows a state where the right side is lowered once.
FIG. 6C shows a state where the right side is lowered twice.
FIG. 6D shows a state where the right side is lowered by 3 degrees.
FIG. 6E shows a state where the right side is lowered by 4 degrees.
FIG. 6F shows a state where the right side is lowered by 4 degrees or more. Here, the rightmost segment is blinking.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which the camera posture is in the horizontal position and the left side is tilted downward. In this case, the tilt in the tilt direction is 0 degree.
In FIG. 7A, it is in a horizontal state.
FIG. 7B shows a state where the left side is lowered once.
FIG. 7C shows a state where the left side is lowered twice.
FIG. 7D shows a state where the left side is lowered by 3 degrees.
FIG. 7E shows a state where the left side is lowered by 4 degrees.
FIG. 7F shows a state where the left side is lowered by 4 degrees or more. Here, the leftmost segment is blinking.

FIG. 8 is a display example of the tilt direction in which the camera is in the horizontal position in the horizontal position and the photographing lens is tilted upward.
In FIG. 8A, the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the optical axis of the photographing lens is also in a horizontal state.
In FIG. 8B, the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 1 degree.
In FIG. 8C, the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 2 degrees.
In FIG. 8D, the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 3 degrees.
In FIG. 8 (e), the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 4 degrees.
In FIG. 8F, the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 4 degrees or more. Here, the top segment is blinking.

FIG. 9 is a display example of the tilt direction in which the camera is tilted horizontally with the camera posture being in the horizontal position.
FIG. 9A shows a state in which the left and right are in a horizontal state and the optical axis of the photographing lens is also horizontal.
In FIG. 9B, the left and right are in a horizontal state and the photographing lens is tilted downward by 1 degree.
In FIG. 9C, the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted downward by 2 degrees.
In FIG. 9D, the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted downward by 3 degrees.
In FIG. 9 (e), the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted 4 degrees downward.
In FIG. 9 (f), the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted downward by 4 degrees or more. Here, the bottom segment is blinking.

The example of displaying the posture of the camera in the horizontal position has been described with reference to FIGS. Next, in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, only the example of the lower right and the upward example when the posture of the camera is the vertical position will be described.
FIG. 10 is an example when the camera is in the vertical position and the right side is tilted downward. In this case, the tilt in the tilt direction is 0 degree.
In FIG. 10A, the state is horizontal.
FIG. 10B shows a state where the right side is lowered once.
FIG. 10C shows a state where the right side is lowered twice.
FIG. 10D shows a state where the right side is lowered by 3 degrees.
FIG. 10E shows a state where the right side is lowered by 4 degrees.
FIG. 10F shows a state where the right side is lowered by 4 degrees or more. Here, the rightmost segment is blinking.

FIG. 11 is a display example of the tilt direction in which the photographing lens is tilted upward in the horizontal state when the camera is in the vertical position.
In FIG. 11A, the left and right are in a horizontal state, and the optical axis of the photographing lens is also in a horizontal state.
In FIG. 11B, the left and right are in a horizontal state and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 1 degree.
In FIG. 11C, the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 2 degrees.
In FIG. 11 (d), the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 3 degrees.
In FIG. 11 (e), the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 4 degrees.
In FIG. 11 (f), the left and right sides are in a horizontal state, and the photographing lens is tilted upward by 4 degrees or more. Here, the top segment is blinking.

  In addition, the way of expressing the angle using the segment is not limited to the above-described rule. The vertical rule in the above-described embodiment may be applied in the horizontal direction, or the horizontal rule may be applied in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, when the horizontal display and tilt display of the camera are performed by the button operation of the third switch 21c from the state where the normal display is not the grid display of FIG. 2C, the grid display is automatically turned on. However, when returning to the normal display, the grid display is automatically turned off.

  Note that the control of the camera 100 according to the present embodiment may be performed by one piece of hardware, or the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing. Moreover, each embodiment mentioned above only shows one Embodiment of this invention, It is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, a computer program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code. It is processing. In this case, the program and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program constitute the present invention.

1 photographing lens, 2 quick return mirror, 3 focusing screen, 5 focal plane shutter, 9 A / D converter, 10 video signal processing circuit, 11 liquid crystal drive circuit, 12 liquid crystal monitor, 13 memory controller, 14 memory, 16 microcomputer , 18 operation member detection circuit, 19 buffer memory, 20 release button, 21 liquid crystal drive circuit, 22 external liquid crystal display member, 23 liquid crystal display member in viewfinder, 28 liquid crystal display member for distance measurement information display

Claims (13)

A focusing screen arranged at a position substantially equivalent to the imaging surface;
An information display element driving means for driving an information display element arranged to overlap the focusing screen;
Attitude detection means for detecting the attitude of the imaging device;
An operation member for operating a display state of the information display element;
Display control means for controlling the display state of the information display element according to the operation of the operation member;
When the operation member is operated, the display control means performs the display according to the output of the posture detection means using the information display element instead of displaying the distance measurement state. An image pickup apparatus that controls element driving means.   When the operation member is operated, the display control means captures an image based on the output of the attitude detection means instead of displaying the distance measurement state on the information display element displaying the distance measurement state. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal state of the apparatus and the inclination state of the lens in the optical axis direction are displayed.   When the operation member is operated, the display control means captures an image based on the output of the attitude detection means instead of displaying the distance measurement state on the information display element displaying the distance measurement state. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal state of the apparatus and the tilt state of the lens in the optical axis direction are displayed, and the square display is performed even when the square display is not performed.   The information display element is composed of a liquid crystal display member, and the segment of the liquid crystal display member is doubled with respect to one side distance point, a small square indicating the position and a square that is slightly larger than the side distance range. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is configured as follows.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an optical system finder for observing the focusing screen and the information display element.   The display control means relates to an operation member that changes an item of photographing setting, an operation member related to photometry operation, and an AF operation when performing display according to the output of the posture detection means using the information display element. According to the operation of any one of the operation members, the distance measuring state is controlled to be displayed using the information display element instead of the display according to the output of the posture detecting means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The operation member for changing the shooting setting item includes an operation member for instructing to display a setting change menu on a display means capable of displaying an image, an operation member for changing a white balance setting, and an AF mode / drive. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging apparatus is at least one of an operation member for switching a mode and an operation member for switching a dimming correction / ISO setting.   8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the operation member related to the photometric operation is at least one of an operation member for instructing AE lock and an operation member for instructing FE lock. .   The operation member related to the AF operation is at least one of an operation member for instructing execution of the AF operation, an operation member for instructing AF lock, and an operation member for selecting a distance measuring point. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   When the display control means performs a display according to the output of the attitude detection means using the information display element, and the setting value change operation in the current setting item is performed, the attitude The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display is controlled so as to continue the display according to the output of the detection unit. A focusing screen arranged at a position substantially equivalent to the imaging surface;
An information display element driving means for driving an information display element arranged to overlap the focusing screen;
Attitude detection means for detecting the attitude of the imaging device;
An operation member that operates a display state of the information display element;
A display control step of controlling a display state of the information display element according to an operation of the operation member;
In the display control step, when the operation member is operated, the information display is performed so that display according to the output of the posture detection unit is performed using the information display element instead of displaying the distance measurement state. A control method for an image pickup apparatus, comprising: controlling an element driving unit. A focusing screen arranged at a position substantially equivalent to the imaging surface;
An information display element driving means for driving an information display element arranged to overlap the focusing screen;
Attitude detection means for detecting the attitude of the imaging device;
A computer program that causes a computer to execute a control method of an imaging apparatus having an operation member that operates a display state of the information display element,
Causing a computer to execute a display control step of controlling a display state of the information display element in accordance with an operation of the operation member;
In the display control step, when the operation member is operated, the information display is performed so that display according to the output of the posture detection unit is performed using the information display element instead of displaying the distance measurement state. A computer program for controlling an element driving means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 12 is recorded.

Images