JP2012063722A - Image pickup apparatus and display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To intelligently determine a restoration timing after switching from an optical view image to an electrical view image for manual focus adjustment, and appropriately restoring the optical view image.SOLUTION: When a shift to an MF mode is commanded, a liquid crystal shutter 46 is actuated to shield a lower half portion of an OVF image. Then, an enlarged image of a focal length adjusting region that is indicated by a rectangular frame 19 is displayed on an EVFLCD 44. While the focal length is adjusted by a focus ring 27, a display image of the EVFLCD 44 is slightly out of focus immediately after the shift to the MF mode; however, the focal length is adjusted by operating the focus ring 27. If a restoration condition is satisfied during such operation, the image on the EVFLCD 44 is turned off, the liquid crystal shutter 46 is fully opened, and the original OVF image is restored.

Description

  The present invention is a finder that specifies and displays at least an imaging range, an optical view finder (OVF) that displays an optically input optical view image, and an electrical view image captured by the imaging device. The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having an electrical viewfinder (EVF) mode for display and a display control method.

  Conventionally, an optical system for guiding a light image incident on an optical (or frame-type) viewfinder (OVF) and a display image displayed by an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to the naked eye of a photographer through a half mirror, respectively. Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  In this patent document 1, the advantages of OVF and EVF can be utilized, and a clear viewfinder image can be obtained and information such as a photographing range can be known. In particular, it is described that OVF and EVF are used in combination in the hybrid mode.

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the hybrid mode that combines OVF and EVF is specialized in a function as a so-called output device that displays predetermined information at the same time.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 divides the optical path of incident light from a subject incident through a photographing lens, leads one to an eyepiece for observing with a viewfinder, and guides the other to an image sensor such as a CCD. In this case, an eyepiece shutter composed of a liquid crystal shutter (also used as a focusing screen) is arranged on the optical path that is divided and reaches the eyepiece lens, so that the image is selectively guided to the eyepiece lens and the liquid crystal shutter is displayed, for example, as an information display. It is described that it is used as a device and led to an eyepiece together with an image.

  Patent Document 2 does not describe that the liquid crystal shutter functions as an EVF although the subject image and the information can be simultaneously viewed when looking into the eyepiece.

  For reference, Patent Document 3 describes that the image display is switched from OVF to EVF in response to a user operation, and is restored by a recording instruction or a predetermined operation.

  Patent Document 4 describes that when switching from the playback mode to the shooting (imaging) mode, the viewfinder state in the previous shooting mode is restored.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-292067 JP 2002-258352 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-220639 Japanese Patent No. 4357212

  However, in the above-described background art (particularly, Patent Documents 1 and 2), there is no mention of the timing for shifting the display state to EVF or OVF from the current state. In Patent Document 3, there are cases where the timing is not desired by the user, and the user may feel uncomfortable in switching the display.

  Also, in Patent Document 4, since the time to return to the original is between the playback mode and the shooting mode, it is a clear switching time that does not give the user a sense of incongruity. The switching timing is not mentioned, and when the image needs to be switched during the shooting mode, for example, when manual focus (MF) is designated in the OVF image display, the focal length adjustment state is EVF. Since it can only be seen, it may be switched to EVF.

  However, switching at the time of MF execution may be performed from OVF to EVF at the time of MF execution, but automation of the return time has not been established. For this reason, a dedicated return operation is required as described in Patent Document 3, or a very clear trigger (reproduction mode ← → shooting mode) is required as in Patent Document 4.

  In consideration of the above-described facts, the imaging apparatus and display capable of appropriately returning to the optical view image by appropriately determining the return timing after switching from the optical view image to the electrical view image for manual focus adjustment. The purpose is to obtain a control method.

  The present invention provides a display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image obtained by capturing an object with at least an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to an eyepiece unit, and an optical input. An optical guide for guiding any single image of the optical view image of the subject to the eyepiece, and image guiding means for guiding either one of the single images or a composite image of both to the eyepiece. A finder unit, a selection unit that selects an optical path to the finder unit, and an image that can be seen from the eyepiece unit, is imaged by an imaging device based on an imaging instruction operation, and the captured image is recorded as digital image data A mode switching means for selectively switching between an imaging mode for performing the recording and a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in the imaging mode; An adjustment execution unit that automatically or manually performs adjustments related to shooting in the mode, and a display form of the finder unit that is executed in synchronization with the start of the execution of the adjustment execution unit and that displays an optical view image. Electrical view image display control means for switching to an image, and return control for returning the display form of the finder unit to the state before display of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied. Means.

  In addition, the present invention provides a display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image of a subject captured by at least an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to an eyepiece unit, and optically An image guide means for providing an optical path for guiding any single image of the optical view image of the input subject to the eyepiece, and guiding either one of the single images or a composite image of both to the eyepiece; A finder unit provided, a selection means for selecting an optical path to the finder unit, an image taken by an imaging device based on an imaging instruction operation while viewing an image seen from the eyepiece unit, and the captured image is digital image data Mode switching means for selectively switching between an imaging mode to be recorded as and a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in the imaging mode; For a predetermined focal length adjustment region within an image angle of view, a focal length adjustment execution unit that adjusts the focal length by operating a focal length adjustment operation unit, and execution start of the focal length adjustment execution unit And an electric view image display control means for switching the display form of the finder section displaying the optical view image to an electric view image and displaying the focal length adjustment area, and a predetermined return. And a return control means for returning the display form of the finder unit to a state before displaying the electric view image by the electric view image display control means when the condition is satisfied.

  In the present invention, the optical view image further includes light shielding means for shielding an optical path of the optical view image, and the display area of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means is a partial area shielded by the light shielding means. It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, the electrical view image displayed by the electrical view image display control means is an enlarged image of the focal length adjustment region.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set as return condition determination elements for return by the return control means, and success or failure is determined for each item based on the respective determination criteria. The success or failure of each item with respect to the judgment criteria is characterized by the establishment of an independent return condition.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set as return condition determination elements for return by the return control means, and success or failure is determined for each item based on the respective determination criteria. The return condition is satisfied when at least two or more determination criteria are satisfied for each item.

  Further, in the present invention, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set as return condition determination elements for return by the return control means, and success or failure is determined for each item based on the respective determination criteria. , Adding superiority or inferiority to each item, the item having a relatively high priority is the establishment of an independent return condition for success or failure with respect to the judgment criteria, and when the item having a relatively low priority is established at least 2 or more, It is characterized in that the return condition is satisfied.

  In the present invention, the determination element for satisfying the return condition is input to the image sensor when a timer that starts from the start of the MF mode has elapsed for a predetermined time, or when the operation of the focal length operation unit has not been performed for a predetermined time. When the brightness to be changed more than a predetermined value, when a user performs a selection operation other than the MF mode, when the user stops looking into the eyepiece, the user's eyes blink through the eyepiece When there is an operation related to imaging, at least two or more of the above are included.

  The present invention provides a display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image obtained by capturing an object with at least an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to an eyepiece unit, and an optical input. An optical guide for guiding any single image of the optical view image of the subject to the eyepiece, and image guiding means for guiding either one of the single images or a composite image of both to the eyepiece. A finder unit, a selection unit that selects an optical path to the finder unit, and an image that can be seen from the eyepiece unit, is imaged by an imaging device based on an imaging instruction operation, and the captured image is recorded as digital image data A mode switching means for selectively switching between an imaging mode for performing the recording and a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in the imaging mode; An adjustment execution unit that automatically or manually performs adjustments related to shooting in a mode, and is executed in synchronization with the start of adjustment execution, and an optical view image is displayed The display mode of the finder unit is switched to the electrical view image, and when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the display mode of the finder unit is returned to the state before the electric view image display by the electric view image display control means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, when the focal length adjustment execution means automatically or manually adjusts the shooting in the shooting mode, the display form of the finder unit is switched from the optical view image to the electrical view image (electrical view image). Display control means).

  On the other hand, when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the return control means returns the display form of the finder unit to the state before displaying the electric view image by the electric view image display control means. In the past, matters relating to this return have not been established, relying on the user's manual operation. However, since the return condition is defined and the return condition is automatically satisfied, the normal state (optical view image display state) can be obtained without giving the user a sense of incongruity.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the focal length adjustment execution unit operates the focal length adjustment operation unit to adjust the focal length, the display form of the finder unit is switched from the optical view image to the electrical view image (electric view Image display control means).

  At this time, the electrical view image display control means displays the focal length adjustment region as an electrical view image. Thereby, the user can grasp the focal length adjustment state by the operation of the focal length adjustment operation unit.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined return condition is satisfied, the return control means returns the display form of the finder unit to the state before displaying the electric view image by the electric view image display control means. In the past, matters relating to this return have not been established, relying on the user's manual operation. However, since the return condition is defined and the return condition is automatically satisfied, the normal state (optical view image display state) can be obtained without giving the user a sense of incongruity.

  Further, light shielding means for shielding the optical path of the optical view image may be further provided, and the display area of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means may be a partial area shielded by the light shielding means.

  Furthermore, the electrical view image displayed by the electrical view image display control means may be an enlarged image of the focal length adjustment region.

  In the present invention, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set as return condition determination elements for return by the return control means, and success or failure is determined for each item based on the respective determination criteria.

  At this time, the success or failure of each item with respect to the determination criterion may be established as an independent return condition, or the return condition may be satisfied when at least two or more successes or failure with respect to the determination criterion of each item is satisfied. , Add superiority or inferiority to each item, items with relatively high priority will be judged as success / failure with respect to the judgment criteria, and independent return conditions will be established, and items with relatively low priority will be restored when at least 2 or more are established The condition may be satisfied.

  Note that the determination factor for establishing the return condition is that the brightness input to the image sensor is predetermined when the timer starting from the start of the MF mode has elapsed for a predetermined time, or when the operation of the focal length operation unit has not been performed for the predetermined time. When the above changes, when the user performs a selection operation other than the MF mode, when the user stops looking into the eyepiece, when the user's eyes blinking through the eyepiece, When there is, it shall include at least 2 or more.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for manual focus adjustment, the return timing after switching from the optical view image to the electrical view image can be judged intelligently and can be appropriately returned to the optical view image.

(A) is a front view of the digital camera according to the present embodiment, and (B) is a rear view. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram mainly using an imaging control system in the digital camera according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for display control of the EFVLCD 44 that is mainly executed by the main controller in the MF mode according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow for control which starts when a manual focus is designated based on this Embodiment and is displayed on an eyepiece part. It is a flowchart which shows the condition determination process control subroutine in step 160 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of transition of display control of the EVFLCD based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 (FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a lens barrel 12 having a lens 12L for forming a subject image is provided in front of a digital camera 10 as an imaging device, and an imaging ( A release button (so-called shutter) 14 that is pressed by a user when executing (photographing) and a power switch 16 are provided.

  Note that the release button 14 according to the present embodiment is in a state where it is pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”) and a state where it is pressed down to a final pressed position beyond the intermediate position (hereinafter, referred to as “lower pressed state”). It is configured to be able to detect a two-stage pressing operation of “fully pressed state”.

  In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, after the release button 14 is pressed halfway, an AE (Automatic Exposure) function is activated and an exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state) is set. , AF (Auto Focus) function is activated to control the focus, and then, when the fully-pressed state is continued, photographing (imaging) is performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, the back of the digital camera 10 is connected to an optical viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as “OVF”) and an electrical viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as “EVF”). An eye 18 is provided. Details of EVF and OVF will be described later. An objective lens 20 is provided on the front surface of the digital camera 10 (see FIG. 1A) so as to face the eyepiece 18.

  Further, on the back of the digital camera 10, a rear LCD 22 for displaying a subject image, various menu screens, messages, and the like indicated by digital image data obtained by photographing, and a photographing mode and a photographing mode for photographing are provided. In the display area of the rear LCD 22, a mode changeover switch 24 that is operated to set any one of the reproduction modes, which is a mode for displaying (reproducing) the subject image indicated by the obtained digital image data on the rear LCD 22. A cross-cursor button 26 configured to include a total of five keys, four arrow keys indicating the four directions of movement in the up, down, left, and right directions, and a determination key positioned at the center of the four arrow keys. Yes. The input operation system is not limited to the mode switch 24 and the cross cursor button 26, and the rear LCD 22 may have a touch panel 22TP (see FIG. 2) function. Accordingly, when all input operation systems are collectively referred to as necessary, they may be referred to as “operation unit 28 (see FIG. 2)”.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal optical path configuration in the digital camera 10 and a control block diagram which is a control hardware resource for processing a captured image.

  The light incident from the lens 12L of the lens barrel 12 is received by an image sensor (in this embodiment, a CCD 30, but may be a CMOS or the like) and converted into an electrical signal. An electrical signal corresponding to the incident light is input to the main controller 32, and various processes are executed. A barrel drive driver 34 is connected to the main controller 32, and the barrel 12 is moved in the optical axis direction to change the photographing magnification and focal length.

  The main controller 32 is connected to the rear LCD 22 via the LCD I / F 36 and is connected to an operation unit 28 including a mode changeover switch 24 and a cross cursor button 26 (the rear LCD 22 has a touch panel function). If provided, this touch panel 22TP is also included).

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 28 includes a focus ring 27 and is applied as an operation unit for adjusting the focal length in the manual focus (MF) mode (details will be described later). . In the present embodiment, the focus ring 27 electrically reads the rotation direction and the rotation amount and drives the lens barrel 12 (lens 12L) in the optical axis direction. 12 (lens 122L) may be driven.

  Further, an external memory I / F 38 (also used as a reader / writer) is connected to the main controller 32, and image data is recorded on the memory card 40 loaded in the external memory I / F 38, or image data from the memory card 40. To get.

  Here, in the present embodiment, in order to realize a combined EVF / OVF finder (hybrid finder) with the main controller 32, an EVFLCD 44 is connected as a display unit via the LCD I / F 42, and as a light shielding means. A liquid crystal shutter 46 is connected. The liquid crystal shutter 46 is opened when the OVF image is guided to the eyepiece unit 18, and is closed when only the EVF image is guided to the eyepiece unit 18.

  The liquid crystal shutter 46 can be opened and closed in units of pixels arranged vertically and horizontally, but may be a so-called mechanical shutter. In the case of a mechanical shutter, the image seen from the eyepiece 18 is configured such that the light shielding film gradually appears and disappears from one of the four sides.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the digital camera 10, an optical path 48 that optically guides a subject image (optical view image) and an image displayed on the EVFLCD 44 as a display unit are provided in the eyepiece unit 18. An optical path 50 for guiding (electrical view image) is provided, and both the optical paths 48 and 50 are matched (coaxial) by the half mirror 52 in front of the eyepiece 18. For this reason, when the user looks into the eyepiece 18, it is possible to see both the optical view image and the electrical view image. In the present embodiment, as a default setting, the display on the EVFLCD 44 is turned off and only the OVF image is taken.

  In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, an LCD provided with a light emitting diode type backlight (hereinafter referred to as “LED type backlight”) is applied as the EVFLCD 44, and a phototube type backlight is provided as the rear LCD 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 3 mainly describes the configuration of the imaging processing control system in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The digital camera 10 includes the lens 12L described above. The lens barrel 12 is moved in the optical axis direction by the lens barrel driver 34, the CCD 30 disposed behind the optical axis of the lens barrel 12, and a correlated double. An analog signal processing unit 54 configured to include a sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as “CDS”), and an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 56 that converts the input analog signal into digital data. Digital signal processing that incorporates a line buffer of a predetermined capacity and performs control to directly store input digital image data in a predetermined area of a memory 58 to be described later, and performs various image processing on the digital image data Part 60.

  Here, the correlated double sampling processing by CDS of the analog signal processing unit 54 is performed for each pixel of the solid-state image sensor for the purpose of reducing noise (particularly thermal noise) included in the output signal of the solid-state image sensor. This is a process for obtaining accurate pixel data by taking the difference between the feedthrough component level included in the output signal and the pixel signal component level.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 includes an LCD I / F 62 that generates a signal for displaying the image or menu screen indicated by the digital image data on the rear LCD 22 and supplies the signal to the rear LCD 22, and the image or menu indicated by the digital image data. An LCD I / F 64 that generates a signal for displaying the screen or the like on the EVF LCD 44 and supplies the signal to the EVF LCD 44, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 66 that controls the operation of the entire digital camera 10, and digital image data obtained mainly by photographing. A memory 58 constituted by a VRAM (Video RAM) for storing, an external memory I / F 38 for allowing the digital camera 10 to access a memory card 40 constituted by a smart media (Smart Media (registered trademark)), In a certain compression format While performing compression processing on digital image data, and is configured to include a compression-decompression processing circuit 68 for performing an expansion process corresponding to the compression format for compressed digital image data.

  The digital signal processing unit 60, LCD I / Fs 62 and 64, CPU 66, external memory I / F 38, and compression / decompression processing circuit 34 are connected to each other via a system bus 70. Therefore, the CPU 66 can control the operation of the digital signal processing unit 60 and the compression / decompression processing circuit 68, display various information on the rear LCD 22 and the EVFLCD 44, and access the memory 58 and the memory card 40.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 includes a timing generator 72 that mainly generates a timing signal for driving the CCD 30 and supplies the timing signal to the CCD 30, and the driving of the CCD 30 is controlled by the CPU 66 via the timing generator 66.

  The CPU 66 performs focusing control so that the contrast value of the image obtained by imaging by the CCD 30 is maximized (TTL “Through The Lens” method).

(Display control during manual focus)
Here, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the default is OVF, and the imaging angle of view is determined (when the composition is determined) while looking into the eyepiece 18 during imaging (imaging). At this time, prior to the imaging operation, the focal length may be adjusted on the subject at the user's will, that is, manually.

  The digital camera 10 of the present embodiment has an AF (autofocus) function as a normal setting, but can set an MF (manual focus) function according to a user designation (hereinafter referred to as “MF mode”).

  The transition to the MF mode is designated by the operation of the operation unit 28, for example, and the function of the focus ring 27 becomes active (operation effective).

  The focus ring 27 is connected to the main controller 32. In the main controller 32, the focus ring 27 is an operation unit for adjusting the focal length. In the dial type, the rotation direction is the direction of the focal depth, and the rotation amount is the adjustment amount of the focal length. It has come to be recognized.

  The main controller 32 adjusts the focal length by driving the lens barrel 12 via the lens barrel driving driver 34 and moving the lens 12L in the optical axis direction based on the recognized rotation direction and rotation amount. To do.

  By the way, in the case of the MF mode, if an OVF image is displayed on the eyepiece 18, the focal length adjustment amount by the focus ring 27 cannot be grasped (not reflected in the image).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the MF mode is designated, the liquid crystal shutter 46 disposed on the optical path 48 of the OVF image is driven, and a part or all of the optical path 48 of the OVF image (in this embodiment) , A part) is shielded, and a moving image (through image) captured by the CCD 30 is displayed on the display area of the EVFLCD 44 corresponding to the shielded area. In the present embodiment, the through image is an image obtained by enlarging a pre-registered focal length adjustment region.

  As described above, when looking into the image from the eyepiece 18, a part of the image can be seen as an OVF image and the other part as an EVF image. In the present embodiment, the digital camera 10 is upright, the upper half is an OVF image, and the lower half is an EVF image.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the EVF image (through image) is partially displayed, and the return after manually adjusting the focal length satisfies the conditions shown in Table 1 below (part or all). Is executed by. Note that the conditions are not limited to those shown in Table 1.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for display control of the EFVLCD 44 executed mainly by the main controller 32 in the MF mode. Each block in FIG. 4 is functionally classified and does not limit the hardware configuration.

  The operation unit 28 is connected to the MF area registration processing unit 100, the OVF → EVF display switching instruction unit 102, the focus ring operation amount recognition unit 104, and the return condition element reception unit 106, respectively.

  When the MF region setting instruction signal is sent from the operation unit 28 to the MF region registration processing unit 100, the MF region registration processing unit 100 sets the focal length adjustment region set in the separate processing in the region within the imaging field angle. Reading and registering information on the focal length adjustment area in the MF area storage unit 108.

When the operation unit 28 is operated to switch to the AF mode or the MF mode, an AF / MF switching instruction signal is sent from the operation unit 28 to the OVF → VF display switching instruction unit 102.
When the OVF → VF display switching instruction unit 102 receives this AF / MF switching instruction signal, it activates the MF area reading unit 110. The MF area reading unit 110 reads information on the focal length adjustment area from the MF area storage unit 108 and sends the information to the EVF LCD display control unit 112 during MF.

  When the OVF → VF display switching instruction unit 102 receives this AF / MF switching instruction signal, the OMF EVFLCD display control unit 112 switches the OVF image to the EVF image (that is, turns on the EVFLCD 44). In addition to sending an instruction, a shutter closing instruction (partially closed here) is sent to the liquid crystal shutter opening / closing control unit 114. The liquid crystal shutter open / close control unit 114 controls the liquid crystal shutter 46 based on the shutter close instruction, and blocks a preset area (here, the lower half area of the angle of view).

  In the MF EVFLCD display control unit 112, when the EVFLCD 44 is turned on, the control related to the imaging in the imaging mode is controlled. Based on the focal length adjustment area information read out by the MF area reading unit 110 via the imaging mode control unit 116. The captured image data of the CCD 30 is acquired, and an enlarged image of the focal length adjustment area is displayed on the EVF LCD 44 via the LCD I / F 42. In the present embodiment, an area equivalent to the closed area by the liquid crystal shutter 46 is set as a display area, and other areas are displayed in black. This display can be called a “special display state in the MF mode”.

  Here, in the MF mode, when the focus ring 27 is operated, the operation amount is recognized by the focus ring operation amount recognition unit 104, and the recognized information is sent to the focal length adjustment unit 118.

  The focal length adjustment unit 118 controls the lens barrel driver 34 to move the lens barrel 12 (lens 12L) in the optical axis direction and adjust the focal length. The mechanical adjustment of the focus ring 27 may be directly transmitted to the movement of the lens 12L.

  In any case, the focal length adjusted by operating the focus ring 27 is reflected in the captured image (through image) of the CCD 30. The adjustment result can be confirmed by the display image (EVF image) of the EVFLCD 44 displayed so as to overlap with the semi-shielded area in the shutter plane by the MF EVFLCD display control unit 112.

  The return condition element reception unit 106 connected to the operation unit 28 is also connected to the imaging mode control unit 116, and the return condition elements shown in Table 1 are input.

  In this embodiment, 8 items in Table 1 are not superior or inferior, and if any one of the items satisfies the condition, the “special display state in MF mode” is canceled. It is supposed to be.

  The elements of the return condition are not limited to the items in Table 1. “Establishment of a plurality of items” may be established as a return condition. Alternatively, the items may be given superiority or inferiority, and “establishment of a plurality of items including essential items” may be established as the return condition.

  The return condition element receiving unit 106 is connected to the condition establishment / non-establishment determination unit 120. Based on the signal from the OVF → EVF display switching instruction unit 102, the condition satisfaction / non-satisfaction determination unit 120 becomes valid (transition instruction signal to MF mode) or invalid (transition instruction signal to AF mode).

  When the return condition is satisfied as a result of determining the return condition received by the return condition element receiving unit 106 in the valid state (that is, in the MF mode) of the condition satisfaction / non-satisfaction determination unit 120, the condition satisfaction / non-satisfaction determination unit 120 The return instruction unit 122 is activated.

  The return instructing unit 122 outputs an EVF off signal to the MF EVFLCD display control unit 112 and a shutter open signal to the liquid crystal shutter opening / closing control unit 114, respectively. To instruct.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

(Normal imaging / playback operation)
When the digital camera 10 is switched to the imaging mode, a signal indicating a subject image output from the CCD 30 by imaging via the lens 12L in the lens barrel 12 is sequentially input to the analog signal processing unit 54 and correlated double. After analog signal processing such as sampling processing is performed, the signal is input to the ADC 56, and the ADC 56 inputs R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals input from the analog signal processing unit 54 to 8 to 12 respectively. Bit R, G, B signals (digital image data) are converted and output to the digital signal processing unit 30.

  The digital signal processing unit 60 accumulates digital image data sequentially input from the ADC 56 in the line buffer and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the memory 58.

  Digital image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 58 is read by the digital signal processing unit 60 under the control of the CPU 66, and a white balance is adjusted by applying a digital gain corresponding to a predetermined physical quantity to the digital image data. Gamma processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate 8-bit digital image data, and further YC signal processing is performed to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (hereinafter referred to as “YC signal”), and a YC signal. Are stored in an area different from the predetermined area of the memory 58.

  The rear LCD 22 according to the present embodiment is configured to display a moving image (so-called “through image”) obtained by continuous imaging by the CCD 30 and can be used as a viewfinder. As described above, when the rear LCD 22 is used as a viewfinder, the generated YC signal (video signal) is sequentially output to the rear LCD 22 via the LCD I / F 62. As a result, a through image is displayed on the rear LCD 22. The same applies to the EVFLCD 44.

  Here, when the release button 14 is half-pressed by the user, after the AE function is activated and the exposure state is set as described above, the AF function is activated and focus control is performed, and then the full-press state is continued. In this case, the YC signal stored in the memory 58 at this time is compressed in a predetermined compression format (in this embodiment, JPEG format) by the compression / expansion processing circuit 68, and then the external memory I / F 38 is stored. The image is taken by recording in the memory card 40 via the camera.

  On the other hand, the image data stored in the memory card 40 (or memory 66) can be displayed on the rear LCD 22 (or EVFLCD 44). That is, when the digital camera 11 is switched from the imaging mode to the playback mode, the rear LCD 22 (EVFLCD 44) reads out the image data already stored in the memory card 40 (or the memory 66) instead of the through image as described above. indicate. This display can display two or more trimmed images or one trimmed image by operating the operation unit 28 with reference to displaying one image in the display area of the rear LCD 22 (EVFLCD 44).

(Display control)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow for controlling the target to be displayed when the manual focus is designated and displayed on the eyepiece unit 18.

  In step 150 of FIG. 5, the liquid crystal shutter 46 is partially or entirely closed. As a result, the OVF image in the area where the liquid crystal shutter 46 is closed does not reach the eyepiece 18, and the user cannot view part or all of the OVF image.

  In the next step 152, the pre-registered focal length adjustment area is read out, and then the process proceeds to step 154 where the focal length adjustment area is enlarged and displayed on the EVFLCD 44 corresponding to the closed shutter light shielding surface. . This image is naturally a moving image (through image).

  It should be noted that a region not corresponding to the shutter light-shielding surface in the EVFLCD 44 is preferably not displayed (black). This is to make the OVF image easy to see.

  In the next step 156, it is determined whether or not the focus ring 27 has been operated. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 158, where the lens barrel 12 (lens) is moved based on the operation direction and the operation amount of the focus ring 27. 12L) to adjust the focal length. Since this adjustment amount is captured by the CCD 30, it is displayed as a through image on the EVF LCD 44, and the user can check the adjustment state of the focal length with the eyepiece 18.

  When the lens barrel 12 (lens 12L) is driven in step 158, the process returns to step 156, and when the focus ring 27 is operated, the lens barrel 12 (lens 12L) is driven. That is, the focal length is adjusted in real time in conjunction with the operation of the focus ring 27, and the user can perform the focal length adjustment while looking into the eyepiece 18.

  Here, if a negative determination is made in step 156, that is, if there is no operation of the focus ring 27, the routine proceeds to step 160, where the condition determination process is executed. Details of this condition determination processing will be described later.

  In the next step 162, it is determined whether the condition is satisfied as a result of the condition determination process in step 160. In step 162, the state of the flag F set in step 160 is determined (see FIG. 6). If it is determined in step 162 that the condition is satisfied (F = 1), the routine proceeds to step 164, the display of the EVFLCD 44 is terminated (turned off), and then the routine proceeds to step 166 where the liquid crystal shutter 46 is fully opened. Ends. If a negative determination (F = 0) is made in step 162, the process returns to step 156 to determine whether or not the focus ring 27 is operated.

  FIG. 6 shows details of the condition determination processing in step 160 of FIG.

  In step 200, the flag F indicating whether the return condition is satisfied / not satisfied is reset (0), and then the process proceeds to step 202 to determine whether or not element information of the return condition has been accepted. The routine ends (state F = 0).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 202, the process proceeds to step 204, where the elements of the return condition received are collated with the respective criteria for determination.

  In the next step 206, final determination is executed. In this final determination, the simplest is that each item (for example, items 1 to 8 in Table 1) of each return condition is independently determined as to whether or not the return condition is satisfied. It is also possible to determine whether or not the return condition is satisfied in consideration of these factors. The final determination finally determines whether the return condition is satisfied or not based on the handling of each item of the return assistance element.

  The following lists the handling of each item of the return condition elements (final judgment requirement).

  (Final decision requirement 1) → Return condition elements (each item in Table 1) are independent, and if any one of them is satisfied, the return condition is satisfied.

  (Final decision requirement 2) → If at least N (N is an integer of 2 or more) conditions among the elements (respective items in Table 1) of each return condition are satisfied, the return condition is satisfied.

  (Final decision requirement 3)-> Each return condition element (each item in Table 1) is established if a predetermined important element is established, and the rest condition is established if multiple elements are established. And

  In the next step 208, it is determined whether or not the final determination result in step 206 is that the return condition is satisfied. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 210, the flag F is set (1), and this routine is ended. (F = 1 state). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 208, it is determined that the return condition is not satisfied, and this routine ends (state of F = 0).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of transition of display control of the EVFLCD 44 based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 (FIG. 6).

  FIG. 7A shows an image that can be seen by the eyepiece 18 in a steady state (for example, in the AF mode), and is an OVF image. In this OVF image area, there is a rectangular frame 19 indicated by a chain line, but this rectangular frame 19 indicates a focal length adjustment area registered in advance, and is not a part of an actual subject. Therefore, it may not be displayed here, or may be displayed on the EVFLCD 44.

  Here, if there is an instruction to shift to the MF mode, the liquid crystal shutter 46 is driven as shown in FIG. 7B, and the lower half of the OVF image is shielded from light. Thereafter, an enlarged image of the focal length adjustment area indicated by the rectangular frame 19 is displayed on the EVFLCD 44 (see FIGS. 7C and 7D).

  7C and 7D are images displayed on the EVF LCD 44 when the focal length adjustment is performed by the focus ring 27. For example, immediately after the transition to the MF mode (see FIG. 7C), the image is slightly out of focus. The focal length is adjusted by operating the focus ring 27 (see FIG. 7D).

  If the return condition is satisfied during such an operation, the image on the EVFLCD 44 is turned off and the liquid crystal shutter 46 is fully opened to return to the original OVF image, as shown in FIG. .

  In the present embodiment, description has been made regarding the return when the image of the EVFLCD 44 is displayed while shielding a part of the OVF image at the time of transition to the MF mode. However, in the shooting mode, in addition to the MF mode, the OVF image In some cases, an image of the EVFLCD 44 is displayed while part or all of the image is shielded from light.

  For example, when temporarily displaying an image on the EVFLCD 44, various correction processes such as AF (autofocus) process, exposure correction, white balance correction, dark part correction, tone correction, dynamic range, and the like cannot be known for the OVF image. is there. In AF processing, the focal length is automatically and accurately adjusted without confirmation by the user, so there is a case where confirmation is not necessary. However, depending on the user, the state after AF is confirmed, and then the OVF image Sometimes you want to shoot while watching. In such a case, when the AF process is started by half-pressing the release button 14, the display is switched to the image display on the EVFLCD 44, and after the AF process, the display is automatically switched (returned) to the OVF image.

  In processing in this AF mode, for example, the lower half of the image that can be seen from the eyepiece 18 is displayed in an enlarged manner in the focus adjustment area in the AF mode as in the MF mode described above, and automatic focus adjustment is reliably completed. You may make it confirm whether it is doing. According to this, the OVF image can also be put into the field of view at the same time, and the shooting angle of view is not shifted.

  Also, in the live view (through image), when the image of the EVFLCD 44 is temporarily displayed for the various correction processes, a return trigger (an opportunity to return to the OVF image) is necessary. In such a case, the return requirement described in Table 1 may be used after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of the correction process. At this time, the image seen from the eyepiece 18 may be divided into an EVF image display and an OVF image display. Note that the correction process is automatically executed and includes a case where the user manually executes the correction process.

10 Digital camera (imaging device)
12L lens 12 barrel 14 release button 16 power switch 18 eyepiece 20 objective lens 22 rear LCD
24 Mode switch 26 Crosshair button 22TP Touch panel 27 Focus ring (focal length adjustment operation unit)
28 Operation unit 29 Rectangular frame (focal length adjustment area)
30 CCD
32 Main controller 34 Lens barrel driver 36 LCD I / F
38 External memory I / F
40 Memory card 42 LCD I / F
44 EVFLCD (display unit)
46 Liquid Crystal Shutter 48 Optical Path 50 Optical Path 52 Half Mirror 54 Analog Signal Processing Unit 56 Analog / Digital Converter (ADC)
58 Memory 60 Digital signal processor 62 LCD I / F
64 LCD I / F
66 CPU
68 Compression / decompression processing circuit 70 System bus 72 Timing generator 100 MF area registration processing section 102 OVF → EVF display switching instruction section 104 Focus ring operation amount recognition section 106 Return condition element reception section 108 MF area storage section 110 MF area reading section 112 EVFLCD display control unit during MF 114 Liquid crystal shutter opening / closing control unit 116 Imaging mode control unit 118 Focal length adjustment unit 120 Condition satisfaction / non-evaluation determination unit 122 Return instruction unit

Claims (9)

A display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image obtained by imaging at least an object with an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to the eyepiece unit, and an optically input subject optical A viewfinder unit including an optical path for guiding any single image of the view image to the eyepiece unit, and image guiding means for guiding either one of the single images or the composite image of both to the eyepiece unit;
Selecting means for selecting an optical path to the finder unit;
While viewing the image seen from the eyepiece, the imaging device captures an image based on an imaging instruction operation, the imaging mode records the captured image as digital image data, and the playback reproduces and displays the image recorded in the imaging mode. Mode switching means for selectively switching modes;
Adjustment execution means for automatically or manually executing adjustment related to shooting in the shooting mode;
An electric view image display control means for switching the display form of the finder section, which is executed in synchronization with the start of execution of the adjustment execution means and the optical view image is displayed, to an electric view image;
A return control means for returning the display form of the finder unit to a state before display of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied;
An imaging apparatus having A display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image obtained by imaging at least an object with an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to the eyepiece unit, and an optically input subject optical A viewfinder unit including an optical path for guiding any single image of the view image to the eyepiece unit, and image guiding means for guiding either one of the single images or the composite image of both to the eyepiece unit;
Selecting means for selecting an optical path to the finder unit;
While viewing the image seen from the eyepiece, the imaging device captures an image based on an imaging instruction operation, the imaging mode records the captured image as digital image data, and the playback reproduces and displays the image recorded in the imaging mode. Mode switching means for selectively switching modes;
A focal length adjustment execution unit that adjusts the focal length by operating a focal length adjustment operation unit for a predetermined focal length adjustment region within an imaging angle of view;
An electric view image that is executed in synchronization with the start of execution of the focal length adjustment execution means, switches the display form of the finder section on which the optical view image is displayed to an electric view image, and displays the focal length adjustment region Display control means;
A return control means for returning the display form of the finder unit to a state before display of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means when a predetermined return condition is satisfied;
An imaging apparatus having A light shielding means for shielding the optical path of the optical view image;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a display area of the electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means is a partial area shielded by the light shielding means.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electrical view image displayed by the electrical view image display control unit is an enlarged image of the focal length adjustment region. As a determination element of a return condition for returning by the return control means, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set, and for each item, determine success or failure based on the respective determination criteria,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein success or failure of each item with respect to the criterion is established as an independent return condition. As a determination element of a return condition for returning by the return control means, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set, and for each item, determine success or failure based on the respective determination criteria,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the return condition is satisfied when at least two or more successes or failure with respect to the determination criterion of each item are satisfied. As a determination element of a return condition for returning by the return control means, a plurality of items as return condition elements are set, and for each item, determine success or failure based on the respective determination criteria,
Superiority or inferiority is added to each item, and items with relatively high priority are determined to succeed or fail with respect to the criteria, and independent return conditions are satisfied, and when at least two items with relatively low priority are satisfied, the return is performed The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition is satisfied.   The determination factor for establishing the return condition is that the brightness input to the image sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value when a timer that starts from the start of the MF mode has elapsed for a predetermined time, or when the operation of the focal length operation unit has not been performed for a predetermined time. When there is a change, when the user performs a selection operation other than the MF mode, when the user stops looking into the eyepiece, when the user's eyes looking through the eyepiece blink, The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least two or more of the image pickup devices are included. A display unit that displays an electrical view image including an image obtained by imaging at least an object with an image sensor, an optical path that guides the electrical view image displayed on the display unit to the eyepiece unit, and an optically input subject optical A viewfinder unit including an optical path for guiding any single image of the view image to the eyepiece unit, and image guiding means for guiding either one of the single images or the composite image of both to the eyepiece unit; An image pickup mode for selecting an optical path to the viewfinder, and an image pickup mode for picking up an image with an image pickup device based on an image pickup instruction operation while viewing an image seen from the eyepiece, And mode switching means for selectively switching a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in the imaging mode; Adjusted for definitive imaging automatically or manually. The display control method of an imaging device and an adjustment executing means for executing,
The display mode of the viewfinder section, which is executed in synchronization with the start of adjustment execution and the optical view image is displayed, is switched to the electrical view image,
A display control method for an imaging apparatus, wherein when a predetermined return condition is satisfied, the display form of the finder unit is returned to a state before display of an electrical view image by the electrical view image display control means.