JP2011166496A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device which can adjust the size of photographic information in accordance with the distance between a photographer and the imaging device. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging device includes: an imaging part 115 including an optical system 110 which picks up an optical image of a subject and an imaging element 120 which generates a picked-up image of the subject; a display part 190 which displays photographic information associated with the picked-up image; an adjustment part 165 which performs adjustment processing on the size of the photographic information; and a distance information acquisition part 166 which obtains distance information representing the distance between the photographer and imaging device, wherein the adjustment part 165 performs the adjustment processing for making the size of the photographic information larger as the distance between the photographer and imaging device becomes longer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an imaging device having a zoom photographing lens driven by a motor, or an imaging device having an electronic zoom (digital zoom) function, a two-contact switch called a normal zoom lever switch is usually provided and operated. To adjust to a desired zoom magnification.

  However, with the miniaturization of the imaging device, the layout of the zoom lever switch is limited. Further, it is necessary to keep pressing the zoom lever switch until the zoom lens is driven to a desired zoom magnification. In this case, the zooming operation for driving the zoom lens to a desired zoom magnification by the zoom lever switch is completed, and the shooting operation is performed after the release button is pressed after releasing the finger from the zoom lever switch. .

  In view of these problems in the conventional image pickup apparatus, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 propose a zoom adjustment that can be performed with a simple operation.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 are proposals for performing a zoom operation by an intuitive operation in which a photographer does not perform a button operation or the like and changes a distance from an imaging apparatus to a photographer.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 proposes changing the size of information such as an image displayed on a screen by moving the device.

JP 2003-195145 A JP 2006-21458 A JP 2005-25170 A

  Although the above-described Patent Documents 1 and 2 can solve the problem that the operation itself becomes complicated, there is no mention that the display screen becomes difficult to see when the distance between the imaging device and the photographer is increased.

  Moreover, since the said patent document 3 does not consider the relationship of the distance from a user to an apparatus, a size will be decided uniquely. Therefore, when the distance from the user to the device is increased, there is a possibility that the size is not appropriate.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can adjust the size of shooting information according to the distance between the photographer and the imaging device.

  In addition, according to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus or the like having a function that makes it difficult to see the display screen even when the photographer and the imaging apparatus are separated from each other in the zoom operation.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit including an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject, an imaging element that generates a captured image of the subject, and a display unit that displays shooting information related to the captured image. An adjustment unit that adjusts the size of the shooting information; and a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information indicating a distance between the photographer and the imaging device. The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that performs an adjustment process for increasing the size of the shooting information as the distance to the imaging apparatus increases.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the longer the distance between the photographer and the imaging device, the larger the size of the shooting information. This makes it possible to maintain the visibility of the shooting information even if the imaging device is far away.

  In the aspect of the invention, the distance information acquisition unit acquires movement information of the imaging device based on sensor information from a motion sensor, and acquires the distance information based on the acquired movement information. Also good.

  If it does in this way, it will become possible to acquire distance information using a motion sensor.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance information acquisition unit acquires distance measurement distance information based on sensor information from a distance measurement sensor, and acquires the distance information based on the acquired distance measurement information. May be.

  If it does in this way, it will become possible to acquire distance information using a ranging sensor.

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may perform a zoom magnification adjustment process on the captured image based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

  In this way, the zoom magnification can be adjusted according to the distance represented by the distance information, and the zoom operation can be performed by an intuitive method.

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may be configured such that the zoom magnification of the captured image and the size of the shooting information are interlocked as the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit increases. Adjustment processing for increasing the size may be performed.

  In this way, as the distance between the imaging device and the photographer increases, the zoom magnification and the size of the shooting information can be increased in conjunction with each other.

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may perform an adjustment process on the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit.

  This makes it possible to change the ratio of the captured image to the display unit based on the distance information, and to provide the photographer with easy-to-see image information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display unit may display at least one piece of information including characters, numbers, and icons that present information related to photographing to the photographer as the photographing information.

  In this way, it is possible to adjust the size of at least one of characters, numbers, and icons according to the distance between the imaging device and the photographer.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the minimum size M of the shooting information is M = 0 when the distance information from the photographer to the imaging device is T, and the visual acuity coefficient is 1 when the visual acuity is 1.0. .0015 × T × S relationship may be satisfied, and the adjustment unit may perform an adjustment process in which the size of the photographing information is greater than or equal to the minimum size M.

  In this way, it is possible to determine the minimum size of the shooting information in consideration of the eyesight of the photographer, and it is possible to display the shooting information in a form more suitable for the photographer.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display unit displays a plurality of pieces of shooting information as the shooting information, and the adjustment unit displays the plurality of pieces displayed on the display unit according to the size of the shooting information. You may perform the process which increases / decreases the number of imaging | photography information.

  In this way, the number of shooting information can be increased or decreased according to the size of the shooting information, and an appropriate number of shooting information can be provided without hindering the display of the subject image. .

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may perform a process of sequentially hiding the shooting information from the shooting information having a small change during shooting among the plurality of shooting information.

  In this way, information that does not change during shooting is hidden from being displayed, so that it is possible to leave information necessary for the photographer.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit displays, as the shooting information, first shooting information that is not automatically changed during shooting and second shooting information that is automatically changed during shooting by the imaging device. And the said adjustment part may perform the process which hides the said 1st imaging | photography information ahead of the said 2nd imaging | photography information.

  In this way, information that is not automatically changed during shooting is preferentially hidden, and information that is automatically changed by the captured image remains. Accordingly, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the photographer.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the optical zoom control unit that performs optical zoom control for enlarging or reducing a captured image formed on the imaging element by moving the optical system and the optical system is used. An electronic zoom processing unit that performs electronic zoom processing to enlarge or reduce the captured image by image processing and generates an electronic zoom image, and the display unit ends after detecting the start of the zoom operation Until the image is detected, the electronic zoom image obtained by the electronic zoom processing unit may be displayed, and the photographing information whose size is changed based on the distance information may be displayed.

  In this way, by displaying an electronic zoom image during the zoom operation, an imaging device that can freely set the speed of zoom adjustment is realized, and an imaging device that adjusts the size of shooting information according to distance information is also provided. It can be realized at the same time.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a detection unit that detects the end of the zoom operation, and a zoom magnification acquisition unit that acquires an end zoom magnification that is a zoom magnification when the detection unit detects the end of the zoom operation; The optical zoom control unit performs the optical zoom control so that the end zoom magnification is reached after the detection unit detects the end of the zoom operation, and the display unit includes the optical zoom control unit. After the optical zoom control is completed, the display image may be switched from the electronic zoom image to the captured image on which the optical zoom control has been performed.

  In this way, it is possible to perform optical zoom control after the end of the zoom operation and display a captured image after the end of the optical zoom control. Therefore, it is possible to display a captured image with higher definition than an electronic zoom image.

  In the aspect of the invention, the adjustment unit may be configured such that the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom image and the size of the shooting information are interlocked as the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit increases. The adjustment process which becomes larger may be performed.

  In this way, the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom and the size of the shooting information can be adjusted to increase as the distance between the imaging device and the photographer increases.

2 is a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Explanatory drawing of OSD process. The structural example of an infrared active sensor. Explanatory drawing of the relationship between the distance between a photographer and an imaging device, and zoom magnification. The flowchart for demonstrating the process of this embodiment. 6A is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the distance between the photographer and the imaging apparatus and the zoom magnification, and FIG. 6B is an example of a change in the image display area. FIG. 7A shows an example of changes in the size of the shooting information and the number of shooting information, and FIG. 7B shows an example of changes in the size of the shooting information, the number of shooting information, and the image area. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a distance between a photographer and an imaging apparatus, a zoom magnification, and a size of shooting information. The flowchart for demonstrating a visual acuity value input process. Explanatory drawing of operation | movement of electronic zoom and optical zoom during zoom operation and after completion | finish of zoom operation, and the change of a display image. Explanatory drawing of the relationship between the electronic zoom and optical zoom in the conventional imaging device. Another configuration example of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment. The other flowchart for demonstrating the process of this embodiment.

  The camera described below is a device that converts optical image information into an electrical signal and electronically records it on a recording medium, and includes, for example, a digital camera and a digital video camera. Even if the imaging device is portable such as a digital camera or a fixed imaging device such as a surveillance imaging device, the imaging part and the operation part are separated as in an endoscope or a microscope. It may be an imaging device.

  In the following description, an image determined by the optical system and generated by the image sensor is referred to as a captured image, and an image obtained by electronic zoom processing based on the captured image is referred to as an electronic zoom image. Then, an image displayed on the display unit of the imaging apparatus is used as a display image (photographing information described later is not included in the display image).

  1. First embodiment

  First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described. As disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, there is a method of changing the zoom magnification according to the distance between the photographer and the imaging device. In this method, the zoom operation can be realized by an intuitive operation of pushing the image pickup apparatus or pulling it toward the front.

  However, in order to perform the zoom operation, it is necessary to move the imaging device away from the photographer. For this reason, the distance from the display unit (for example, LCD) of the image pickup apparatus is increased, and it is difficult to view the displayed image, particularly the shooting information that is information on characters and images representing the current settings. was there.

  Therefore, the present applicant has proposed a method of increasing the size of the photographic information as the distance between the photographer and the imaging device increases.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A described later, when the distance between the photographer and the imaging device is small (Wide), the size of the shooting information is also set to a normal size, and the distance becomes large. In such a case, the size of the shooting information is increased so that the photographer can easily see it.

  At the same time, a process of reducing the number of pieces of shooting information to be displayed may be performed so that shooting information whose size has been increased does not hinder display of the captured image.

  By doing so, it is possible to realize an imaging device in which the visibility of shooting information is not lowered even when the imaging device is moved far away in order to perform a zoom operation. Details will be described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example in which an electronic zoom image on which electronic zoom processing has been performed is displayed and the size of shooting information is changed during a zoom operation will be described.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 115, an image processing unit 130, an I / F unit 140, a storage unit 150, a processing unit 160, a lens driving motor (AF motor, zoom motor) 170, and an optical zoom control unit. 180, a display unit 190, a MIX processing unit 192, and a motion sensor 200. Various modifications such as omission of some of these components and addition of other components are possible.

  Although not shown, the image capturing apparatus 100 may include a device equipped in a general digital image capturing apparatus such as a flash mechanism.

  The imaging unit 115 includes a photographic lens 110 (optical system) and an imaging element 120. The taking lens 110 is a variable focal length zoom lens that forms a subject image on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 120 formed of a CCD or CMOS image sensor. In the present specification, the image sensor 120 will be described as a CMOS image sensor having processing blocks such as CDS and A / D conversion therein and capable of outputting digital image signals.

  A digital image signal output from the image sensor 120 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 150. Since the storage unit 150 is also used as a buffer memory when the image processing unit 130 performs image processing, it is desirable that the writing / reading speed is high, and it can be configured by, for example, a DRAM, an SRAM, or the like. The image sensor 120, the image processing unit 130, the I / F unit 140, and the processing unit 160 are configured to be accessible to the storage unit 150 via a system bus. The storage unit 150 has a function of arbitrating memory access requests from the above-described components.

  The image processing unit 130 can be configured by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. The image processing unit 130 synchronizes with the digital image signal output from the image sensor 120 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 150 (demosaic processing), white balance adjustment, gradation / level correction, unsharp mask, Digital image data is generated by processing such as shading correction.

  The image processing unit 130 is configured to be able to execute processing including the following three processes. That is, one is live view processing (live view image display processing) that generates a live view image at the time of shooting and displays it on the display unit 190. The other is recording view processing (image recording processing) in which image data for recording is generated based on the image signal read from the image sensor 120 and is recorded. The other is reproduction view processing (reproduction display processing) in which recorded image data is read and an image based on the image data is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 190.

  The image processing unit 130 includes an electronic zoom processing unit 132, a preprocessing unit 134, and an image compression unit 136. Various modifications such as omission of some of these components and addition of other components are possible.

  The electronic zoom processing unit 132 performs signal processing for converting the number of pixels of the image signal. By performing interpolation and thinning between pixels, the image is electronically enlarged and reduced, thereby realizing an electronic zoom function.

  The preprocessing unit 134 receives a digital image signal from the image sensor 120 and performs preprocessing such as white balance correction, gamma correction, and scratch correction.

  The image compression unit 136 performs image compression by JPEG. Note that the image compression method is not limited to JPEG. The image compressed by the image compression unit 136 is stored in the storage unit 150. Alternatively, it may be recorded on a storage medium (not shown) via the I / F unit 140. Various storage media can be used. As an example, the storage medium may be a flash memory that may be built in the imaging device 100 or configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100.

  The processing unit 160 performs various processes for operating the imaging device 100. In particular, it receives information from the motion sensor 200 and performs processing related to zoom (including optical zoom and electronic zoom).

  The processing unit 160 includes an adjustment unit 165 and a distance information acquisition unit 166. Various modifications such as omission of some of these components and addition of other components are possible.

  Based on the distance information from the motion sensor 200 (the distance between the photographer and the imaging device), the adjustment unit 165 determines the size of the imaging information, the zoom magnification of the captured image, and the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit 190. Make adjustments.

  The distance information acquisition unit 166 acquires distance information representing the distance between the photographer and the imaging device. Specifically, for example, a motion sensor (more specifically, for example, an acceleration sensor) or a distance measuring sensor (more specifically, for example, an infrared active sensor) is used.

  The lens drive motor 170 is composed of an AF motor and a zoom motor. The zoom motor receives control information from the optical zoom control unit 180 and adjusts the position of the photographic lens 110 so as to obtain an appropriate zoom magnification. The AF motor also performs AF (autofocus) for automatically focusing on the subject after the end of the field angle adjustment. Specifically, the position of the photographing lens 110 is adjusted in the same manner as the zoom motor.

  The optical zoom control unit 180 generates a control signal for adjusting the magnification of the optical zoom. The generated control signal is output to the lens drive motor 170.

  The display unit 190 controls image display on the liquid crystal display element. A display element including a color liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an organic EL (OEL) display panel and a display control unit (not shown) that performs live view processing are included.

  The image displayed on the display unit 190 is a composite image obtained by OSD (on-screen display) processing of characters such as image data from the image sensor and imaging information. Specifically, the MIX processing unit 192 combines the imaged data and the character image and displays them on the display unit 190.

  Details of the OSD process are shown in FIG. The MIX processing unit 192 receives image data from the image sensor and shooting information, and performs image composition. The driver converts the image data generated by the MIX processing unit 192 into data that can be displayed on the display unit 190. The converted data is displayed on the display unit 190.

  Next, the motion sensor 200 will be described.

  The motion sensor 200 is, for example, an infrared distance measuring sensor, which projects light by an infrared light emitting diode and receives light by a PSD (Position Sensitive Detector) to detect a distance of about 10 cm to 80 cm, and an analog voltage corresponding to the distance. Alternatively, the distance value is output as digital data. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a distance measuring sensor (infrared active sensor) which is an example of a motion sensor.

  The motion sensor is an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a pressure sensor such as atmospheric pressure or water pressure, or an active sensor such as an ultrasonic wave or an infrared ray. Even a position detection sensor by radio such as GPS, mobile phone, wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), PHS, RFID (wireless tag), or a position detection means by image processing, There may be.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the distance between the photographer and the imaging apparatus and the zoom magnification. Although it is not always necessary to incorporate the motion sensor in the imaging apparatus, in the present embodiment, the motion sensor is of a built-in type on the back surface of the imaging apparatus.

  When the distance from the photographer to the imaging apparatus is short (= the arm is contracted), the angle of view changes to Wide (wide angle), and when the distance is long (= the arm is extended), the angle of view changes to Tele (telephoto). The detailed operation is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the first embodiment.

  When this process is started, the power is first turned on and the lens is set to the initial zoom value (S301). The initial zoom value is the maximum wide angle in this embodiment, but may be a zoom value set by the user.

  Next, the image sensor 120 and the like operate to capture an image (S302). The photographing information adjusted to the size set by the adjustment unit 165 is acquired (S303), the image captured in S302 is combined (S304), and displayed on the LCD (display unit) (S305).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the movement of the image pickup device in the optical axis direction of the image pickup device has been detected (whether the zoom operation has been performed) (S306). If there is no movement, the process proceeds to the photographing process (S310 to S312), and if it is moved, the process proceeds to the adjustment process (S307 to S309).

  First, the adjustment process will be described. When the movement of the imaging device is detected, the distance information acquisition unit 166 acquires the distance between the photographer and the imaging device (S307). Based on the acquired distance information, the zoom amount and the size of the shooting information are calculated (S308). After the zoom adjustment (S309), the process returns to S302, and the acquisition of a new image, acquisition of shooting information after adjustment, MIX processing, display, and processing are continued. Here, the zoom amount may be adjusted by adjusting the optical zoom magnification of the imaging lens or the digital zoom magnification of the imaging device and the image processing unit.

  Next, the photographing process will be described. If the movement of the imaging device is not detected, it is determined whether the shutter is operated (S310), and if it is operated, the image is stored (S312).

  Then, after the image is stored in S311, or when the shutter is not operated in S310, the process proceeds to S312 to determine whether the power is turned off. If the power is turned off, the process ends. If not operated, the process returns to S302 again.

  Although not explained in the flowchart described above, when the distance between the photographer and the imaging device changes, the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit may be changed along with the zoom amount and the size of the imaging information. Good.

  FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 are diagrams for explaining the method of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the following description, a case where the distance between the photographer and the imaging device is small is Wide, and a case where the distance is large is Tele.

  FIG. 6B shows an example in which the image display area becomes wider from Wide to Tele. While zooming, the display area of the image on the display unit 190 is widened.

  FIG. 7A shows an example in which the size of the shooting information increases and the amount of shooting information decreases as the width changes from Wide to Tele. In addition to zooming, the size of the photographic information is increased, and the amount to be displayed is reduced accordingly, so that the display of the person is not hindered.

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which the image display area and the character size of the image information increase and the amount of image information decreases as the width changes from Wide to Tele. By changing from Wide to Tele1, the same processing as in FIG. 7A is performed. Then, by becoming Tele2, which is a position farther than Tele1, further zooming is performed and the image display area is widened, and accordingly, the amount of shooting information is reduced.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the distance between the photographer and the imaging apparatus, the zoom magnification, and the size of the shooting information.

  When the distance between the photographer and the imaging device changes, the zoom magnification and the size of the shooting information gradually increase between 20 cm and 60 cm. Specifically, for example, the zoom magnification changes between 1 and 4, and the size of the shooting information changes between 3 mm and 6 mm.

  In addition, the size of the shooting information may be determined based on the photographer's visual acuity. Specifically, the minimum size of the shooting information is determined by the following equation (1). The minimum size M of the shooting information is a distance T between the photographer and the imaging device, and a visual acuity coefficient S (a value that can be set by the photographer) with a visual acuity 1.0 of 1.

    M = 0.015 × T × S (1)

  Is set to be For example, when the photographer's visual acuity is 1.0 (S = 1) and the distance T between the photographer and the imaging device is 500 (mm), M = 0.015 × 500 × 1 = 0.75. (Mm) is the minimum size. This is about 2.13 points when one point is 0.3514 mm.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing for determining the size of the shooting information based on the visual acuity.

  First, when the visual acuity setting is selected on the operation button of the user interface (S401), the visual acuity value is input (S402). If not, the process returns to S401.

  Next, it is determined whether ENTER is pressed and the visual acuity value is confirmed (S403). If it is confirmed, it is stored in the memory (S404), and the process is terminated. If not determined, the process returns to S401.

  In the above embodiment, the imaging apparatus 100 includes the imaging unit 115 including the optical system and the imaging element 120. The imaging apparatus 100 also includes a display unit 190 that displays shooting information, an adjustment unit 165 that adjusts the size of the shooting information, and a distance information acquisition unit 166 that acquires the distance between the photographer and the imaging device. . Then, the adjustment unit 165 increases the size of the shooting information as the distance between the photographer and the imaging device increases.

  Here, the shooting information is at least one piece of information such as letters, numbers, and icons for presenting information related to shooting to the photographer.

  Thereby, the distance between the photographer and the imaging apparatus 100 can be acquired, and the imaging apparatus 100 displayed on the display unit 190 can be realized after adjusting the size of the shooting information according to the acquired distance. Become. Therefore, even when the imaging apparatus 100 is separated from the photographer, the visibility of the shooting information can be maintained. This is effective when using an imaging apparatus that employs an intuitive interface that realizes a zoom operation by pushing out the imaging apparatus 100 (extending an arm).

  The distance information acquisition unit 166 may acquire movement information of the imaging device 100 based on sensor information from the motion sensor, and may acquire a distance between the photographer and the imaging device based on the movement information. .

  As a result, the motion sensor can be used to realize the distance information acquisition unit 166. Specifically, an acceleration sensor can be considered as the motion sensor, and movement information is obtained by integrating the acquired acceleration information twice.

  Further, the distance information acquisition unit 166 acquires distance measurement distance information based on sensor information from the distance measurement sensor, and acquires a distance between the photographer and the imaging device based on the distance measurement distance information. Good.

  As a result, the distance measuring sensor can be used to realize the distance information acquisition unit 166. Specifically, an infrared active sensor can be considered as a distance measuring sensor, and the active sensor directly obtains the distance between the photographer and the imaging device (even without processing such as integration like a motion sensor). can do.

  The adjustment unit 165 adjusts the zoom magnification of the captured image based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 166.

  Thereby, zoom based on distance information can be realized. Specifically, for example, the zoom magnification may be increased as the distance increases. In this case, it is possible to realize an intuitive interface in which a zoom operation can be performed by extending an arm holding the imaging device 100.

  Further, the adjustment unit 165 performs an adjustment process in which the zoom magnification of the captured image and the size of the shooting information increase in association with the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 166.

  As a result, the zoom magnification of the captured image and the size of the shooting information increase in conjunction with each other, so that it is possible to change the zoom magnification and the size of the shooting information without giving a sense of incongruity to the photographer. Further, in the imaging apparatus 100 having the intuitive interface as described above, the size of the shooting information can be changed by the same operation as the zoom operation. Furthermore, it is possible to realize an effective display method in which the size of the photographic information is increased to make it easier to see as the imaging device is further away.

  The adjustment unit 165 may adjust the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit 190 based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 166.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, it is possible to increase the ratio of the display image to the entire display unit 190 (for example, LCD). Therefore, the larger the distance (the farther the imaging device is from the photographer), the larger the display image, and the visibility can be maintained.

  Further, the adjustment unit 165 may adjust the minimum size M of the photographing information so that M = 0.015 × T × S (mm). Here, T represents the distance between the photographer and the imaging device, and S is a visual acuity coefficient with visual acuity 1.0 being 1. The photographer may input S.

  Thereby, it is possible to set the size of the shooting information in consideration of the eyesight of the photographer. Therefore, the size can be adjusted flexibly according to the visual acuity and set to a size that is sufficiently easy to see.

  A plurality of pieces of shooting information may be displayed. In this case, the number of pieces of shooting information to be displayed may be increased or decreased according to the size of the shooting information.

  As a result, even if the size of the photographic information is increased, the display number is not hindered by reducing the number to be displayed.

  In addition, the adjustment unit 165 may hide the plurality of pieces of shooting information in order from shooting information with little change during shooting. Specifically, for example, shooting information that is not automatically changed during shooting is hidden before shooting information that may be automatically changed by the imaging device.

  As a result, when the number of pieces of shooting information is reduced, it is possible to leave information useful for the photographer and hide it from information of low importance. Specifically, for example, a date or other item that is unlikely to change during shooting is preferentially hidden, and a frequently changed item such as ISO sensitivity or F value is displayed as much as possible. It is possible.

  2. Second embodiment

  First, an outline of the present embodiment will be described. The speed of conventional zoom adjustment is determined by the electric motor for optical zoom, and in many cases is constant. However, it is not always preferable for the photographer to have a constant zoom adjustment speed.

  For example, when shooting a subject that is quite far away (a very small subject on the captured image), the photographer should want to set the zoom magnification close to the maximum telephoto. In that case, it is desirable that the zoom can be adjusted at a high speed (that is, at a high magnification in a short time) instead of moving at a normal constant speed.

  Further, in the case of macro photography in which a very close subject is photographed, the size and position of the subject on the captured image greatly change even if the zoom magnification is slightly changed. Therefore, in macro photography, it is desirable to be able to adjust the zoom at a low speed (that is, to enable precise adjustment).

  In this embodiment, an electronic zoom process is performed while a zoom operation is performed, an electronic zoom image is displayed on a display unit such as an LCD, and optical zoom control is not performed. Then, after the zoom operation is completed, the optical zoom control is performed such that the zoom magnification of the optical zoom follows the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom.

  A specific image is shown in FIG. Here, consider the case of shooting with a person as a subject. The horizontal axis t represents time.

  First, when the zoom operation is started, the captured image B1 and the electronic zoom image A1 are the same (assuming that the initial value of the electronic zoom is 1 time). While the zoom operation is being performed, optical zoom control is not performed, and electronic zoom processing is performed. During this time, the display image displayed on the display unit is an electronic zoom image.

  When the zoom operation ends, the optical zoom starts following the electronic zoom. The electronic zoom image A2 that has been subjected to the electronic zoom process is displayed at this time, and the captured image B2 is not zoomed and is the same as B1.

  When the tracking of the optical zoom is finished, the display image is switched from the electronic zoom image A3 (the same as A2) to the captured image B3. Thereafter, the captured image becomes a display image until a zoom operation is performed.

  In the conventional general imaging device (digital camera), the electronic zoom and the optical zoom are separated as shown in FIG. The indicator in FIG. 11 represents the zoom magnification, and the optical zoom is performed up to a certain magnification, and the electronic zoom is used at a magnification larger than that. That is, the separation between the electronic zoom and the optical zoom is determined by the zoom magnification, and there is no difference between the zoom operation and the others as in this embodiment.

  By using the method of the present embodiment, the image displayed on the LCD or the like during the zoom operation becomes an electronic zoom image, so that the zoom adjustment speed can be set freely without depending on the electric motor for optical zoom. Is possible.

  By combining such processing with the first embodiment, it is possible to realize an imaging apparatus that changes the size of shooting information while displaying an electronic zoom image during a zoom operation. Thus, the digital zoom image, which is a digital image, and the shooting information may be combined. Therefore, compared with the process of combining the image from the optical system and the digital shooting information, there is an advantage that the affinity between the images is increased and the process is facilitated.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 115, an image processing unit 130, an I / F unit 140, a storage unit 150, a processing unit 160, a lens driving motor (AF motor, zoom motor) 170, and an optical zoom control unit. 180, a display unit 190, and a motion sensor 200. Various modifications such as omission of some of these components and addition of other components are possible. Since the configuration other than the processing unit 160 is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The processing unit 160 includes a detection unit 162, a zoom magnification acquisition unit 164, an adjustment unit 165, and a distance information acquisition unit 166. The adjustment unit 165 and the distance information acquisition unit 166 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The detection unit 162 detects the end of the zoom operation. In the present embodiment, the end of the zoom operation is used as a trigger for switching the image displayed on the display unit 190.

  The zoom magnification acquisition unit 164 acquires an end zoom magnification that is a zoom magnification when the detection unit 162 detects the end of the zoom operation. The acquired end zoom magnification information is transmitted to the optical zoom control unit 180.

  The optical zoom control unit 180 receives information on the end zoom magnification from the zoom magnification acquisition unit 164, and generates a control signal that matches the magnification of the optical zoom with the end zoom magnification. The generated control signal is transmitted to the lens driving motor 170.

  The motion sensor 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, details of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Since the processes of S501 to S508 and S510 to S512 are the same as S301 to S308 and S310 to S312 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  After calculating the zoom amount and the size of the shooting information in S508, electronic zoom processing is performed in S509. In the first embodiment, the zoom adjustment in step S309 may be either electronic zoom or optical zoom, but step S509 in this embodiment is always electronic zoom.

  Next, shooting information whose size has been adjusted is acquired (S513), an electronic zoom image and MIX processing are performed (S514), and displayed on the LCD (S515). Then, the zoom position is stored by the zoom magnification acquisition unit 164 (S516), and the detection unit 162 determines whether the movement of the imaging device is completed (whether the zoom operation is completed) (S517). If the movement has not ended, the process returns to S507, and the process is performed again from the distance measurement.

  When the movement is completed, the zoom magnification of the optical zoom is made to follow the electronic zoom (S518), and the process returns to S502.

  The features of the second embodiment will be described in more detail while showing the difference between FIG. 5, which is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the first embodiment, and FIG. 13.

  The feature of the second embodiment in FIG. 13 is the processing during the zoom operation. For this reason, the photographing processes (S310 to S312 and S510 to S512) are not considered here. That is, a case where Yes is selected in the determinations in S306 and S506 may be considered.

  At this time, in FIG. 5, the processing of S302 to S309 is repeated. On the other hand, in FIG. 13, since No is selected by determination of S517, the process of S507-S516 is repeated. Here, when S307 to S309 and S507 to S509 are associated with each other, and S303 to S305 and S513 to S515 are associated with each other, the difference becomes clear.

  That is, there are two differences, one point is that a new image is not read during the loop in the second embodiment of FIG. 13, and the other point is that the first embodiment of FIG. In contrast, the second embodiment is limited to electronic zoom.

  This point has been described with reference to FIG. Corresponding to the processing from the start of the zoom operation to the end of the zoom operation, as is apparent from FIG. 10, only the electronic zoom processing is performed during this time, and the optical zoom control is not performed. The electronic zoom image (A1 → A2) is always displayed. In this way, only the electronic zoom image needs to be displayed during the zoom operation, that is, while the size or number of shooting information changes. Therefore, it is only necessary to synthesize a digitally processed electronic zoom image and photographing information that is also digital, which facilitates processing.

  FIG. 13 is also characterized when the zoom operation is completed (when the loop is exited). This is a case where it is determined Yes in S517.

  The process in S518 is to make the optical zoom follow the zoom position stored in S516. This corresponds to B2 → B3 in FIG. Then, the process returns to S502, and the display image is switched from A3 to B3 in order to capture an image from the image sensor (capture a captured image).

  As a result, after the zoom operation is completed, the display is switched from the electronic zoom image to the captured image, and a higher-definition image than that of the electronic zoom image can be displayed and photographed.

  In the present embodiment described above, the imaging apparatus 100 includes the optical zoom control unit 180 and the electronic zoom processing unit 132. From the start to the end of the zoom operation, an electronic zoom image is displayed, and shooting information whose size is adjusted based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 166 is displayed.

  Thus, it is possible to adjust the size of the shooting information in accordance with the distance information while realizing an imaging apparatus that can freely set the zoom adjustment speed. This processing can be realized by combining an electronic zoom image that is a digital image and shooting information that is also digital information, and can be easily processed for combining digital information.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 may include a detection unit 162 and a zoom magnification acquisition unit 164. The detection unit 162 detects the end of the zoom operation, and the zoom magnification acquisition unit 164 acquires an end zoom magnification that is a zoom magnification at the end of the zoom operation. Then, the optical zoom control unit 180 performs optical zoom control so that the end zoom magnification is reached, and then switches the display image from the electronic zoom image to the captured image on which the optical zoom control has been performed.

  As a result, it is possible to realize an imaging device that can freely set the speed of zoom adjustment, and to make a high-definition image (a captured image subjected to optical zoom control) a display image at the end of the zoom operation.

  In addition, the adjustment unit performs adjustment so that the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom image and the size of the shooting information increase in association with the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit 166. Also good.

  As a result, the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom image and the size of the shooting information increase in conjunction with each other, so that the zoom magnification and the size of the shooting information can be changed without giving the photographer a sense of incongruity. Further, in the imaging apparatus 100 having the intuitive interface as described above, the size of the shooting information can be changed by the same operation as the zoom operation. Furthermore, it is possible to realize an effective display method in which the size of the photographic information is increased to make it easier to see as the imaging device is further away.

  As described above, the two embodiments 1 and 2 to which the present invention is applied and the modified examples thereof have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 and 2 and the modified examples as they are, and in the implementation stage, The constituent elements can be modified and embodied without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments 1 and 2 and modifications. For example, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements described in the first and second embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component demonstrated in different embodiment and modification. Thus, various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  In addition, in the specification or drawings, terms (for example, enlargement / reduction ratios) described at least once together with different terms having a broader meaning or the same meaning (for example, zoom adjustment speed, etc.) are not used anywhere in the specification or drawings. Can be replaced by its different terms.

100 imaging device, 110 imaging lens, 115 imaging unit, 120 imaging device,
130 image processing unit, 132 electronic zoom processing unit, 134 preprocessing unit,
136 Image compression unit, 140 I / F unit, 150 storage unit, 160 processing unit,
162 detection unit, 164 zoom magnification acquisition unit, 165 adjustment unit,
166 distance information acquisition unit, 170 lens drive motor, 180 optical zoom control unit,
190 Display unit, 192 MIX processing unit, 200 Motion sensor

Claims (14)

An imaging unit including an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject, and an imaging element that generates a captured image of the subject;
A display unit for displaying shooting information related to the captured image;
An adjustment unit for adjusting the size of the shooting information;
A distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information representing a distance between the photographer and the imaging device;
Including
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus, wherein an adjustment process is performed to increase the size of the shooting information as the distance between the photographer and the image pickup apparatus increases. In claim 1,
The distance information acquisition unit
An imaging apparatus, wherein movement information of an imaging apparatus is acquired based on sensor information from a motion sensor, and the distance information is acquired based on the acquired movement information. In claim 1,
The distance information acquisition unit
An image pickup apparatus that acquires distance measurement distance information based on sensor information from a distance measurement sensor and acquires the distance information based on the acquired distance measurement information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The adjustment unit is
An imaging apparatus that performs a zoom magnification adjustment process of the captured image based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit. In claim 4,
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that performs an adjustment process in which the zoom magnification of the picked-up image and the size of the shooting information increase in conjunction with an increase in the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that adjusts the size of the captured image displayed on the display unit based on the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The display unit
An image pickup apparatus that displays at least one piece of information of characters, numbers, and icons that present information related to photographing to a photographer as the photographing information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The minimum size M of the shooting information is
When the distance information from the photographer to the imaging device is T, and the visual acuity coefficient is 1 when the visual acuity is 1.0, the relationship of M = 0.015 × T × S is satisfied.
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that performs an adjustment process in which the size of the photographing information is equal to or larger than the minimum size M. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The display unit
A plurality of shooting information is displayed as the shooting information,
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that performs a process of increasing or decreasing the number of the plurality of pieces of shooting information displayed on the display unit according to a size of the shooting information. In claim 9,
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that performs a process of hiding in order from shooting information that changes little during shooting among the plurality of shooting information. In claim 10,
The display unit
As the shooting information, the first shooting information that is not automatically changed during shooting and the second shooting information that is automatically changed during shooting by the imaging device are displayed.
The adjustment unit is
An image pickup apparatus that performs a process of hiding the first shooting information before the second shooting information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
An optical zoom control unit that performs optical zoom control for enlarging or reducing a captured image formed on the image sensor by moving the optical system;
An electronic zoom processing unit that performs electronic zoom processing for enlarging or reducing the captured image obtained by the optical system by image processing to generate an electronic zoom image;
Including
The display unit
Between the start of the zoom operation and the detection of the end,
An image pickup apparatus that displays the electronic zoom image obtained by the electronic zoom processing unit and displays the photographing information whose size is changed based on the distance information. In claim 12,
A detection unit for detecting the end of the zoom operation;
A zoom magnification acquisition unit that acquires an end zoom magnification that is a zoom magnification when the detection unit detects the end of the zoom operation;
Including
The optical zoom control unit
After the detection unit detects the end of the zoom operation, performs the optical zoom control so as to become the end zoom magnification,
The display unit
An imaging apparatus, wherein after the optical zoom control by the optical zoom control unit is completed, a display image is switched and displayed from the electronic zoom image to the captured image on which the optical zoom control has been performed. In claim 13,
The adjustment unit is
An imaging apparatus that performs an adjustment process in which the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom image and the size of the shooting information increase in conjunction with an increase in the distance represented by the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition unit. .