JP2012151886A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the usability of a camera.SOLUTION: An image sensor 18 has an imaging surface for capturing a subject field, and outputs raw image data repeatedly. A CPU 40 displays a through image based on the raw image data output from the image sensor 18 on an LCD monitor 32 in parallel with image processing, and detects the attributes (=imaging position, imaging direction, angle of view, focus distance) of the subject field captured by the imaging surface repeatedly in parallel with image processing. The CPU 40 also acquires a sample image where an object existing in the subject field captured by the imaging surface appears from an external server based at least on some attributes of the subject field, and displays the sample image thus acquired on the LCD monitor 32 in parallel with the through image.

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that repeatedly detects an attribute of a scene captured by an imaging surface.

An example of this type of camera is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this background art, an image representing a subject captured by the photographing unit is displayed on the screen by the display unit. Further, the flash memory stores a map including the surroundings of the position of the apparatus main body, the name of the object existing on the map, and the map information including the height of the object. Further, the position and orientation of the apparatus main body are detected by the positioning unit and the orientation sensor, respectively. The display control unit extracts the name and height of the subject from the map information based on the position and direction detected by the positioning unit and the direction sensor, and multiplex-displays the extracted name and height on the screen. This prevents a user from misidentifying a desired subject.

JP 2008-131217 A

However, in the background art, it is not assumed that an image representing a photographed subject is stored, and there is a limit to the ease of use related to image storage.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of enhancing usability.

An electronic camera according to the present invention (10: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment; the same applies hereinafter) has an imaging surface that captures an object scene, and outputs an image from the imaging means (18) that repeatedly outputs the object scene image. Display means (S3) for displaying the captured scene image in parallel with the processing of the imaging means, and attribute detection for repeatedly detecting the attribute of the scene captured by the imaging surface in parallel with the processing of the imaging means Means (S63, S67 ~
S69, S75), acquisition means for acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least part of the attributes detected by the attribute detection means (S83 to S)
89) and second display means (S91) for displaying the sample image obtained by the obtaining means in parallel with the processing of the first display means.

Preferably, a notification unit (S93, S97 to S103) is further provided for outputting a position where the object scene corresponding to the sample image acquired by the acquisition unit is captured in relation to the processing of the second display unit.

Preferably, parameter detection means (S93) for detecting a parameter defining the quality of the sample image acquired by the acquisition means in relation to the acquisition process of the acquisition means, and the parameter detected by the detection means by the second display means The first for the displayed sample image
Parameter setting means (S23, S27 to S29) for setting in response to the default operation is further provided.

More preferably, the stop means (S31 to S33) for stopping the processing of the second display means in response to the second predetermined operation after the first predetermined operation, and the object scene image output from the imaging means is the second Recording means (S39, S43 to S45) for recording in response to the third default operation after the default operation is further provided.

Preferably, the acquisition unit transmits the image request including the attribute to the external device connected to the communication line, and receives the sample image returned from the external device in response to the processing of the transmission unit. Means (S85).

More preferably, an extraction means (S81) for extracting an object scene image output from the imaging means at a specific timing prior to processing of the transmission means is further provided, and an image request transmitted by the transmission means is extracted by the extraction means. In addition, the object scene image.

Preferably, first adjustment means (S13 to S13) for adjusting the zoom magnification in parallel with the processing of the first display means.
15), and the attribute detecting means includes first partial attribute detecting means (S69) for detecting the angle of view corresponding to the zoom magnification adjusted by the first adjusting means as part of the attribute.

Preferably, a focus lens (14) provided in front of the imaging surface, and a second that continuously adjusts the distance between the focus lens and the imaging surface based on the object scene image output from the imaging means.
Adjustment means (S51 to S59) is further provided, and the attribute detection means includes second partial attribute detection means (S75) for detecting a focusing distance corresponding to the interval adjusted by the second adjustment means as part of the attribute. .

Preferably, the attribute detection means further includes third partial attribute detection means (S63, S67) for detecting the position and / or orientation of the imaging surface as a part of the attribute.

An imaging control program according to the present invention outputs an image from an imaging means to a processor (40) of an electronic camera (10) having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene and including an imaging means (18) for repeatedly outputting an object scene image. A first display step (S3) for displaying the captured scene image in parallel with the processing of the imaging means, and attribute detection for repeatedly detecting the attribute of the scene captured by the imaging surface in parallel with the processing of the imaging means Step (S63, S67 to S69, S75), an acquisition step of acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step ( This is an imaging control program for executing S83 to S89) and a second display step (S91) for displaying the sample image acquired in the acquisition step in parallel with the processing of the first display step.

The imaging control method according to the present invention is an imaging control method executed by an electronic camera (10) having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene and including an imaging means (18) for repeatedly outputting an object scene image,
A first display step of displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
(S3), an attribute detection step (S63, S67 to S69, S75) for repeatedly detecting the attributes of the scene captured by the imaging plane in parallel with the processing of the imaging means, and for the scene captured by the imaging plane. An acquisition step (S83 to S89) for acquiring a sample image in which an existing object appears based on at least part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step, and a process of the first display step for the sample image acquired by the acquisition step And a second display step (S91) for displaying in parallel.

An external control program according to the present invention has an imaging surface for capturing an object scene, and executes processing according to an image pickup means (18) for repeatedly outputting the object scene image and an internal control program stored in a memory (52). A first display step (S3), which is an external control program supplied to an electronic camera (10) having a processor (40) and displays an object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means Attribute detection step (S63, S67 to S69, S75) that repeatedly detects the attributes of the scene captured by the imaging plane in parallel with the processing of the imaging means, objects existing in the scene captured by the imaging plane An acquisition step (S83 to S89) for acquiring a sample image on which the image appears on the basis of at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step, and the sample image acquired by the acquisition step in the first display step A second display step of displaying by column (S
91) is an external control program for causing the processor to execute in cooperation with the internal control program.

An electronic camera (10) according to the present invention has an imaging surface for capturing an object scene, an image pickup means (18) for repeatedly outputting the object scene image, an input means for acquiring an external control program (54), and an input means. An electronic camera comprising a processor (40) for executing processing according to a captured external control program and an internal control program stored in a memory (52), wherein the external control program is a field output from an imaging means. A first image is displayed in parallel with the processing of the imaging means.
Display step (S3), attribute detection step (S63, S67 to S69, S75) for detecting the attributes of the object scene captured by the imaging surface repeatedly in parallel with the processing of the imaging means, and the object captured by the imaging surface An acquisition step (S83 to S89) for acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the field appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step, and a first display step of the sample image acquired by the acquisition step This corresponds to a program that executes the second display step (S91) displayed in parallel with the above processing in cooperation with the internal control program.

According to the present invention, the sample image displayed together with the object scene image corresponds to an image in which an object existing in the object scene appears. The photographer can determine the shooting position with reference to the two displayed images. Thus, the usability of the camera is improved.

The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a mapping state of an SDRAM applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the allocation state of the evaluation area in an imaging surface. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a configuration of a register applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; (A) is an illustrative view showing a part of an image display operation, and (B) is an illustrative view showing another part of the image display operation. (A) is an illustrative view showing another part of the image display operation, and (B) is an illustrative view showing still another part of the image display operation. (A) is an illustrative view showing another part of the image display operation, and (B) is an illustrative view showing another part of the image display operation. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Basic configuration]

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic camera of this embodiment is basically configured as follows. The imaging means 1 has an imaging surface that captures the object scene and repeatedly outputs the object scene image. The first display unit 2 displays the object scene image output from the imaging unit 1 in parallel with the processing of the imaging unit 1. The attribute detection unit 3 repeatedly detects the attribute of the object scene captured by the imaging surface in parallel with the processing of the imaging unit 1. The acquisition unit 4 acquires a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attributes detected by the attribute detection unit 3. The second display unit 5 displays the sample image acquired by the acquisition unit 4 in parallel with the processing of the first display unit 2.

The sample image displayed together with the object scene image corresponds to an image in which an object existing in the object scene appears. The photographer can determine the shooting position with reference to the two displayed images. Thus, the usability of the camera is improved.
[Example]

Referring to FIG. 2, the digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes a zoom lens 12, a focus lens 14 and an aperture mechanism 16 driven by drivers 20a, 20b and 20c, respectively. The optical image of the object scene that has passed through these members is irradiated onto the imaging surface of the imaging device 18 and subjected to photoelectric conversion. As a result, a charge representing the object scene image is generated.

When the power is turned on, the CPU 40 instructs the driver 20d to repeat the exposure operation and the charge readout operation in order to execute the moving image capturing process under the imaging task. The driver 20d receives a vertical synchronization signal Vsy generated periodically from an SG (Signal Generator) (not shown).
In response to nc, the imaging surface is exposed, and the charges generated on the imaging surface are read out in a raster scanning manner. From the imaging device 18, raw image data based on the read charges is periodically output.

The camera processing circuit 22 performs processing such as color separation, white balance adjustment, and YUV conversion on the raw image data output from the imaging device 18, and the YUV format image data generated thereby is stored in the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24. The data is written in the YUV image area 26a (see FIG. 3). The LCD driver 28 repeatedly reads out the image data stored in the YUV image area 26a through the memory control circuit 30, and based on the read image data, the LCD driver 28
The monitor 32 is driven. As a result, a real-time moving image (through image) of the object scene is displayed on the monitor screen.

Referring to FIG. 4, an evaluation area EVA is assigned to the center of the imaging surface. Evaluation area E
The VA is divided into 16 parts in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and a total of 256 divided areas constitute the evaluation area EVA.

The AE / AF evaluation circuit 38 integrates Y data belonging to the evaluation area EVA among the Y data output from the camera processing circuit 22 for each divided area. The integration process is performed by the vertical synchronization signal Vs.
It is executed every time ync occurs. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AE evaluation values, are output from the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38 in response to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. A
The E / AF evaluation circuit 38 also integrates the high frequency component of the Y data belonging to the evaluation area EVA for each divided area. This integration process is also executed each time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AF evaluation values are converted into the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.
In response to the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38.

The CPU 40 executes a simple AE process under the imaging task so as to calculate an appropriate EV value based on the 256 AE evaluation values output from the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38. The aperture amount and the exposure time that define the calculated appropriate EV value are set in the drivers 20c and 20d, respectively. As a result, the brightness of the through image output from the LCD monitor 32 is appropriately adjusted.

When a zoom button 50z provided on the key input device 50 is operated, the CPU 40 gives a corresponding command to the driver 20a to execute zoom processing under the imaging task. The zoom lens 12 is moved in the optical axis direction by the driver 20a, thereby changing the magnification of the through image.

Under the continuous AF task in parallel with such an imaging task, the CPU 40
The 256 AF evaluation values output from the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38 are repeatedly fetched, and AF
Whether or not the activation condition is satisfied is determined based on the fetched AF evaluation value. When the AF activation condition is satisfied, the CPU 40 executes an AF process with reference to the same AF evaluation value. The focus lens 14 is moved in the optical axis direction by the driver 20b in parallel with the capture of the AF evaluation value, and is disposed at a position where the AF evaluation value exceeds the reference. As a result, the sharpness of the through image is continuously improved.

When the shutter button 50s provided on the key input device 50 is half-pressed, the continuous AF task is stopped. The CPU 40 executes a strict AE process under the imaging task in order to calculate the optimum EV value. As a result, the 256 output from the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38.
An optimum EV value is calculated based on the individual AE evaluation values, and an aperture amount and an exposure time that define the calculated optimum EV value are set in the drivers 20c and 20d, respectively. The brightness of the through image is adjusted to an optimum value.

Subsequently, the CPU 40 executes a strict AF process. The strict AF process is also executed with reference to the AF evaluation value taken in parallel with the movement process of the focus lens 14. The focus lens 14 is disposed at a position where the AF evaluation value shows the maximum value, and thereby the sharpness of the through image is adjusted to the optimum value.

When the shutter button 50s is fully pressed, a still image capturing process and a recording process are executed. As a result of the still image capturing process, one frame of image data representing the scene when the shutter button 50s is fully pressed is saved in the still image area 26b (see FIG. 3) of the SDRAM 26. As a result of the recording process, a recording command is issued toward the memory I / F 34. The memory I / F 34 reads one frame of image data saved in the still image area 26b through the memory control circuit 24, and reads the read image data in a file format in the recording medium 36.
To record. The stopped continuous AF task is restarted after the recording process is completed.

When the imaging support mode is selected by the mode switch 50m provided in the key input device 50, the imaging support task is activated, and the following support processing is executed by the CPU 40.

First, every time the position detection cycle arrives, the current position is detected based on the output of the GPS device 42. Also, one or more shooting spots existing around the detected current position are
Extracted from the internal database 52db provided in the flash memory 52. The names and positions of the extracted shooting spots are registered in the register RGS shown in FIG. 5 as shooting spot information.
Set to T.

Further, regardless of the arrival of the position detection cycle, the imaging direction is repeatedly detected based on the outputs of the compass 44, the altimeter 46, and the level 48, and the imaging field angle is repeatedly detected based on the position of the zoom lens 12, that is, the zoom magnification. Then, a part of shooting spot information corresponding to the detected imaging direction and imaging angle of view, that is, information of one or more shooting spots captured by the imaging device 18 is extracted from the register RGST. Character generator 30
Is given a command to output a tag corresponding to the extracted shooting spot information.

The character generator 30 creates character data representing a tag to be output, and gives the created character data to the LCD driver 28. The LCD driver 28 drives the LCD monitor 32 based on the character data given from the character generator 30. As a result, the tag describing the name of the shooting spot is displayed on the screen in correspondence with the shooting spot appearing in the through image.

When the object scene shown in FIG. 6 (A) is captured, two tags each having the names “Kyoto Tower” and “Kyoto Station” are multiplexed on the through image as shown in FIG. 6 (B). Is done. When the object scene shown in FIG. 7A is captured, a tag in which the name “Toji” is described is multiplexed on the through image as shown in FIG. 7B.

When the sample image button 50p provided on the key input device 50 is operated, the in-focus distance is calculated based on the position of the focus lens 14, and it is determined whether or not the object scene currently captured is a distant view. A determination is made based on the calculated focus distance. Further, whether or not connection to the Internet is possible is determined based on the output of the communication I / F 54. If the scene currently captured is not a distant view and can be connected to the Internet, a still image capturing process similar to that described above is executed. As a result, the latest one frame of image data is YU.
The V image area 26a is saved to the still image area 26b.

Subsequently, a sample image request is created in which the imaging position, imaging direction and focusing distance detected or calculated in the manner described above and the image data saved in the still image area 26b are embedded, and the created sample image request Is transmitted to the external server through the communication I / F 54. The sample image request is transferred to an external server via the Internet.

The external server searches the external database for sample image data in which an object captured by the imaging device 18 appears based on the imaging position, imaging direction, focus distance, and image data included in the sample image request. When the desired sample image data is found, the external server returns the found sample image data to the digital camera 10 via the Internet.

The returned sample image data is received by the communication I / F 54, and is written into the work area 26c (see FIG. 3) of the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24. When the writing is completed, an instruction to display the sample image is given to the LCD monitor 32.

The LCD driver 28 selectively reads out the image data stored in the YUV image area 26a and the sample image data stored in the work area 26c through the memory control circuit 24, and the LCD monitor 32 based on the read image data. Drive. As a result, a composite image obtained by combining the sample image and the through image is displayed on the LCD monitor 32.

Therefore, the sample image button 50 is displayed when the object scene shown in FIG.
When p is operated, the sample image SPL is combined with the through image in the manner shown in FIG.

The sample image data returned from the external server is accompanied by the exposure setting, focus setting, and imaging position when the sample image is captured as sample image information. For convenience of explanation, the photographing position of the sample image is particularly defined as “sample position”. The sample image information is detected after the display of the sample image is completed, and is set in the register RGST shown in FIG. The sample image information set in the register RGST in the past is updated with new sample image information.

If the sample image information set in this way exists in the register RGST and the sample position is captured by the imaging device 18, an instruction to output an arrow pointing to the sample position is given to the character generator 30. The character generator 30 creates character data representing an arrow to be output, and provides the created character data to the LCD driver 28. The LCD driver 28 drives the LCD monitor 32 based on the character data given from the character generator 30. As a result, an arrow pointing to the sample position appearing in the through image is displayed on the screen.

Therefore, when the sample position corresponding to the sample image shown in FIG. 7B corresponds to the lower left of the object scene shown in FIG. 7A, the arrow ARW is changed to the through image as shown in FIG. 7B. Synthesized.

A touch operation on the sample image displayed on the LCD monitor 32 is performed by a touch sensor 56.
Detected by. When the touch operation is performed, the continuous AF task is stopped, and the exposure setting and the focus setting that define the sample image information registered in the register RGST are detected. The aperture amount and the exposure time indicating the detected exposure setting are set in the drivers 20c and 20d, respectively, and the position according to the detected focus setting is the driver 20b.
Set to As a result, the exposure setting and the focus setting when the sample image is taken are validated in the digital camera 10.

When the shutter button 50s is half-pressed, an instruction to hide the sample image is L
It is given to the CD driver 28. The LCD driver 28 sets the image data read destination to YUV.
As a result, the display of the sample image is terminated. Register RG
The sample image information set to ST is deleted after the sample image is not displayed.

Accordingly, when the photographer moves to the position (= sample position) where the arrow ARW in FIG. 7B is directed and adjusts the imaging direction and the imaging angle of view with reference to the sample image SPL, the display on the LCD monitor 32 is shown in FIG. Transition from the state shown in FIG. 7B to the state shown in FIG. When the shutter button 50s is half-pressed in this state, as shown in FIG. 8B, the sample image SPL
Disappears from the monitor screen.

Subsequently, when the shutter button 50s is fully pressed, the still image capturing process and the recording process are executed as described above. As a result, one frame of image data representing the scene at the time when the shutter button 50s is fully pressed is recorded on the recording medium 36 in the file format. The stopped continuous AF task is restarted after the recording process is completed.

The CPU 40 executes the imaging task shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the continuous AF task shown in FIG. 12, and the imaging support task shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 in parallel under the multitask OS. Note that control programs corresponding to these tasks are stored in the flash memory 52.

Referring to FIG. 9, in step S1, flag FLG is set to “0”. The flag FLG is a flag for identifying whether or not sample image data has been acquired, and indicates that “0” has not yet been acquired, while “1” has already been acquired. When the setting of the flag FLG is completed, the moving image capturing process is started in step S3, and the continuous AF task is activated in step S5. As a result of starting the moving image capturing process, a through image representing the object scene is displayed on the LCD monitor 32. Further, as a result of the continuous AF task being activated, the sharpness of the through image is continuously improved. In step S7, it is determined whether or not the flag FLG indicates “0”. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S9 while the determination result is N
If it is O, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 50s is half-pressed, and the determination result is N.
If it is O, a simple AE process is executed in step S11. As a result, the brightness of the through image is appropriately adjusted. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the zoom button 50z has been operated. If the determination result is NO, the process directly returns to step S7. If the determination result is YES, the zoom process is performed in step S15, and then the process proceeds to step S7. Return. As a result of the zoom process, the zoom lens 12 moves in the optical axis direction, and the magnification of the through image changes.

If the decision result in the step S9 is YES, the continuous AF task is stopped in a step S17, the strict AE process is executed in a step S19, and the strict A is executed in a step S21.
F process is executed. As a result of the strict AE process, the brightness of the through image is adjusted strictly. Further, as a result of the strict AF process executed in place of the continuous AF task, the sharpness of the through image is strictly adjusted. When the process of step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S39 shown in FIG.

If the determination result in step S7 is NO, the sample image is displayed in multiple on the LCD monitor 32, and the sample image information is registered in the register RGST. Step S shown in FIG.
23, the touch sensor 56 indicates whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the sample image.
It repeatedly discriminates based on the output of. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the continuous AF task is stopped in step S25.

In step S27, an exposure setting and a focus setting for forming sample image information registered in the register RGST are detected. In step S29, the aperture amount and the exposure time indicating the detected exposure setting are set in the drivers 20c and 20d, respectively, and the position according to the detected focus setting is set in the driver 20b. As a result, the exposure setting and the focus setting when the sample image is taken are validated in the digital camera 10.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 50s is half-pressed. If the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, a corresponding command is given to the LCD driver 28 in order to hide the sample image. LCD driver 2
In 8, the image data read destination is fixed to the YUV image area 26a, and as a result, the display of the sample image is terminated. In step S35, the sample image information set in the register RGST is deleted, and in step S37, the flag FLG is returned to "0". When the process of step S37 is completed, the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 50s has been fully pressed.
In 41, it is determined whether or not the operation of the shutter button 50s is released. If “YES” in the step S39, a still image capturing process is executed in a step S43, a recording process is executed in a step S45, and then the process proceeds to a step S47. If “YES” in the step S41, the process proceeds to a step S47 as it is.

As a result of the still image capturing process, one frame of image data representing the scene when the shutter button 50s is fully pressed is saved from the YUV image area 26a to the still image area 26b. As a result of the recording process, the memory I / F 34 is activated, and the image data saved in the still image area 26b is recorded in the recording medium 36 in a file format. In step S47, the continuous AF task is restarted, and then the process returns to step S7.

Referring to FIG. 12, in step S51, the position of the focus lens 14 is initialized, and in step S53, it is determined whether or not the vertical synchronization signal Vsync has been generated. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, 256 AF evaluation values output from the AE / AF evaluation circuit 38 are fetched in step S55. In step S57, whether or not the AF activation condition is satisfied is determined based on the fetched AF evaluation value. If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S53, whereas if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S59. . In step S59, an AF process is executed based on the captured AF evaluation value in order to move the focus lens 12 in the direction in which the in-focus point exists. When the AF process is completed, the process returns to step S53.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the position detection cycle has come. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S67 as it is. If the determination result is YES, the processes in steps S63 to S65 are performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S67. Note that the first determination result is always YES.

In step S63, the current position is detected based on the output of the GPS device. In step S65, shooting spot information indicating shooting spots around the detected current position is extracted from the internal database 52db provided in the flash memory 52. The extracted shooting spot information is set in the register RGST.

In step S67, the imaging direction is detected based on the outputs of the compass 44, altimeter 46, and level 48, and in step S69, the imaging field angle is detected based on the position of the zoom lens 12, that is, the zoom magnification. In step S71, partial shooting spot information corresponding to the detected imaging direction and imaging angle of view, that is, information on one or more shooting spots captured on the imaging surface is included in the shooting spot information registered in the register RGST. The character generator 30 is instructed to output a tag corresponding to the extracted shooting spot information. As a result,
A tag in which the name of the shooting spot is described corresponds to the shooting spot appearing in the through image.
It is displayed on the CD monitor 32.

In step S73, it is determined whether or not the sample image button 50p has been operated. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S97, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the focus distance is calculated by referring to the position of the focus lens 14, and in step S77, it is determined based on the calculated focus distance whether or not the object scene currently captured is a distant view. . If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S97, while if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S79.

In step S79, it is determined whether or not connection to the Internet is possible based on the output of the communication I / F 54. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S97, while the determination result is Y
If it is ES, a still image capturing process is executed in step S81. As a result of the processing in step S81, the latest one frame of image data is transferred from the YUV image area 26a to the still image area 26b.
Is evacuated.

In step S83, a sample image request is created in which the current position detected in step S63, the imaging direction detected in step S67, the in-focus distance calculated in step S75, and the image data captured in step S81 are embedded. Then, the created sample image request is transmitted to the external server through the communication I / F 54. The sample image request is transferred to an external server via the Internet.

In step S85, it is determined whether the sample image data returned from the external server has been received by the communication I / F 54. In step S87, it is determined whether a timeout has occurred. If the predetermined time elapses without receiving the sample image data, it is regarded as time-out and the process proceeds from step S87 to step S97. If sample image data is received before the predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds from step S85 to step S89.

In step S89, the sample image data received by the communication I / F 54 is written into the work area 26c of the SDRAM 26 through the memory control circuit 24. Step S91
Then, in order to display the sample image on the LCD monitor 32, a corresponding command is given to the LCD driver 28.

The LCD driver 28 selectively reads out the image data stored in the YUV image area 26a and the sample image data stored in the work area 26c through the memory control circuit 24, and the LCD monitor 32 based on the read image data. Drive. As a result, a composite image obtained by combining the sample image and the through image is displayed on the LCD monitor 32.

The sample image data returned from the external server is accompanied by the exposure setting, focus setting and sample position when the sample image is taken as sample image information. In step S93, this sample image information is detected, and the detected sample image information is set in the register RGST. The sample image information set in the register RGST in the past is updated with new sample image information. When step S93 is completed, step S93 is executed.
At 95, the flag FLG is updated to "1", and then the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S97, it is determined whether or not the sample image information is registered in the register RGST. If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S61, while if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S99. In step S99, the sample position registered in the register RGST is detected, and in step S101, whether or not the detected sample position is captured by the imaging device 18 is determined based on the imaging direction and the imaging field angle detected in steps S67 to S69. Determine based on.

If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S61, while if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the character generator 30 is commanded to output an arrow pointing to the sample position detected in step S99. As a result, an arrow pointing to the sample position is displayed on the LCD monitor 32.

As can be seen from the above description, the image sensor 18 has an imaging surface for capturing the object scene.
The raw image data is output repeatedly (18). The CPU 40 displays a through image based on the raw image data output from the image sensor 18 on the LCD monitor 32 in parallel with the imaging process (S3).
The attributes of the object scene captured by the imaging surface (= imaging position, imaging direction, imaging angle of view, and focusing distance) are repeatedly detected in parallel with the imaging process (S63, S67 to S69, S75). The CPU 40 also acquires a sample image in which an object existing in the scene captured by the imaging surface appears from an external server based on at least a part of the attributes of the scene (S83 to S89). The image is displayed on the LCD monitor 32 in parallel with the through image (S91).

The sample image displayed together with the through image corresponds to an image in which an object existing in the object scene appears. The photographer can determine the shooting position with reference to the two displayed images.
Thus, the usability of the camera is improved.

In this embodiment, when the object scene captured by the imaging device 18 is a distant view, the operation of the sample image button 50p is invalidated. However, the sample image data may be acquired in response to the operation of the sample image button 50p when the object scene is a distant view. In this case, in the example of FIG. 6A, sample image data in which Kyoto Tower appears and sample image data in which Kyoto Station appears are acquired.

In this embodiment, the multitask OS and control programs corresponding to a plurality of tasks executed thereby are stored in the flash memory 52 in advance. However, a part of the control program may be prepared in the flash memory 52 from the beginning as an internal control program, while another part of the control program may be acquired from another external server as an external control program. In this case, the above-described operation is realized by cooperation of the internal control program and the external control program.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing executed by the CPU 40 is divided into a plurality of tasks as described above. However, each task may be further divided into a plurality of small tasks, and a part of the divided plurality of small tasks may be integrated with other tasks. Further, when each task is divided into a plurality of small tasks, all or part of the tasks may be acquired from an external server.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera 12 ... Zoom lens 14 ... Focus lens 18 ... Imaging device 38 ... AE / AF evaluation circuit 40 ... CPU
42 ... GPS device 44 ... Compass 54 ... Communication I / F

Claims (13)

An imaging means having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene and repeatedly outputting the object scene image;
First display means for displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
Attribute detection means for repeatedly detecting the attributes of the object scene captured by the imaging surface in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
An acquisition means for acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection means; and the sample acquired by the acquisition means An electronic camera comprising second display means for displaying an image in parallel with the processing of the first display means. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for outputting a position where the object scene corresponding to the sample image acquired by the acquisition means is captured in relation to the processing of the second display means. A parameter detecting unit that detects a parameter that defines the quality of the sample image acquired by the acquiring unit in relation to an acquisition process of the acquiring unit; and a parameter that is detected by the detecting unit is displayed by the second display unit. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising parameter setting means for setting in response to a first predetermined operation on the sample image. Stop means for stopping the processing of the second display means in response to a second predetermined operation after the first predetermined operation; and an object scene image output from the imaging means after the second predetermined operation. The electronic camera according to claim 3, further comprising recording means for recording in response to the third predetermined operation. The acquisition means includes: transmission means for transmitting an image request including the attribute to an external apparatus connected to a communication line; and reception means for receiving a sample image returned from the external apparatus in response to processing of the transmission means. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: An extraction means for extracting an object scene image output from the imaging means at a specific timing prior to the processing of the transmission means;
The electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein the image request transmitted by the transmission unit further includes an object scene image extracted by the extraction unit. A first adjusting means for adjusting the zoom magnification in parallel with the processing of the first display means;
The said attribute detection means includes the 1st partial attribute detection means which detects the angle of view corresponding to the zoom magnification adjusted by the said 1st adjustment means as a part of said attribute. Electronic camera. A focus lens provided in front of the imaging surface; and a second adjustment unit that continuously adjusts an interval between the focus lens and the imaging surface based on an object scene image output from the imaging unit. ,
The said attribute detection means contains the 2nd partial attribute detection means which detects the focusing distance corresponding to the space | interval adjusted by the said 2nd adjustment means as a part of said attribute. Electronic camera. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the attribute detection unit further includes a third partial attribute detection unit that detects a position and / or orientation of the imaging surface as a part of the attribute. In the processor of an electronic camera having an imaging surface that captures the scene and having imaging means for repeatedly outputting the scene image,
A first display step of displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
An attribute detection step of repeatedly detecting in parallel the processing of the imaging means the attribute of the object scene captured by the imaging surface;
An acquisition step of acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step; and the sample acquired by the acquisition step An imaging control program for executing a second display step of displaying an image in parallel with the processing of the first display step. An imaging control method executed by an electronic camera having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene and having an imaging means for repeatedly outputting an object scene image,
A first display step of displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
An attribute detection step of repeatedly detecting in parallel the processing of the imaging means the attribute of the object scene captured by the imaging surface;
An acquisition step of acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step; and the sample acquired by the acquisition step An imaging control method comprising a second display step of displaying an image in parallel with the processing of the first display step. An external control program supplied to an electronic camera having an imaging surface that captures a scene and that repeatedly outputs an image of the scene and a processor that executes a process according to an internal control program stored in a memory. And
A first display step of displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
An attribute detection step of repeatedly detecting in parallel the processing of the imaging means the attribute of the object scene captured by the imaging surface;
An acquisition step of acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step; and the sample acquired by the acquisition step An external control program for causing the processor to execute a second display step for displaying an image in parallel with the processing of the first display step in cooperation with the internal control program. An imaging means having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene and repeatedly outputting the object scene image;
An electronic camera comprising a capturing unit that captures an external control program, and a processor that executes processing according to the external control program captured by the capturing unit and the internal control program stored in a memory,
The external control program is
A first display step of displaying the object scene image output from the imaging means in parallel with the processing of the imaging means;
An attribute detection step of repeatedly detecting in parallel the processing of the imaging means the attribute of the object scene captured by the imaging surface;
An acquisition step of acquiring a sample image in which an object existing in the object scene captured by the imaging surface appears based on at least a part of the attribute detected by the attribute detection step; and the sample acquired by the acquisition step An electronic camera corresponding to a program that executes a second display step of displaying an image in parallel with the processing of the first display step in cooperation with the internal control program.