JP2013009189A - Imaging device and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely perform range selection and the like in a subject image even when a display unit with a touch panel function has a small area in an apparatus such as an imaging apparatus which is downsized to have better portability.SOLUTION: When a user specifies a target selection range in a subject image by performing a slide operation with a finger on a touch panel of a display unit, a user interface of an imaging device displays a selection part as a frame superimposed on the subject image so that a user can immediately confirm the selection part and set a range in the subject image by confirming the subject.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, and more specifically, while confirming an appropriate composition such as a still image or a moving picture on a display screen with a photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, a photographer switches a photographing angle of view and a region as desired. The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus improved so that imaging can be performed.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, imaging apparatuses that can display an image being captured in real time on a display unit provided in the apparatus and can capture an image while confirming the imaging effect have become widespread. In such an apparatus, it is possible to effectively utilize touch panel technology that allows the photographer to intuitively specify where the photographer is paying attention. On the other hand, proposals for using a touch panel for switching displayed contents have been made for a long time, and recently, a display control switching technique by a multi-point touch has been proposed as in Japanese Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2008-508601.

Special table 2008-508601

  Shooting devices and the like tend to reduce the volume of the device body in order to improve portability, and the area of the display unit is also restricted by portability. Accordingly, the subject displayed there is often smaller than the size of the finger to be touched, and effective use such as a slide operation in which the finger is moved quickly is required.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a photographing device having a user interface that allows a user to set a range of an image while sufficiently checking a subject so that a designated portion can be confirmed immediately by sliding the touch panel. It is.

   In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to a first invention includes a photographing lens, an imaging unit via the photographing lens, an image display unit for displaying image data acquired by the imaging unit, and the display unit. A control unit for displaying a zoom range and a guide display for starting zoom control according to screen range information acquired in accordance with a change in the operation position of the touch panel. It is characterized by.

  In order to achieve the above object, the control unit of the photographing apparatus according to the second invention switches the guide display according to the operation position change pattern of the touch panel.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the photographing apparatus according to the third invention, the control unit displays a plurality of guide displays for starting the zoom control, and displays on the display unit so that a photographer can select a touch. And

  In order to achieve the above object, in the photographing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of guide displays controlled by the control unit include a guide display for electrically controlling a zoom mechanism of the photographing lens and an image from the imaging unit. It has a guide display for cutting out control.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the photographing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of guide displays controlled by the control unit include a guide display for cutting out an image of the screen range and photographing a still image, and an image of the screen range. And a guide display for capturing a moving image.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an image display unit that displays image data acquired by an imaging unit via a shooting lens, and a touch panel provided on the display unit. In the photographing method of the photographing apparatus, the step of detecting a change in the operation position of the touch panel, the step of determining the photographing range according to the screen range information according to the change in the operation position, and the image displayed on the display unit are switched. And a step.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes an image display unit that displays image data acquired by an imaging unit via a photographing lens, and a touch panel provided on the display unit. In the photographing method of the photographing apparatus, the photographing parameter is changed according to the range or direction of the slide operation on the touch panel.

According to the present invention, the photographer can confirm the subject sufficiently by sliding the touch panel that can intuitively specify where in the screen the attention is directed, so that the specified portion can be immediately confirmed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a photographing apparatus having a user interface that enables image range setting.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. An example in which the present invention is applied to a single-lens camera is shown as a first embodiment in the form of a block diagram in FIG.

  10 is a camera body (body), 20 is an imaging lens (for example, an interchangeable lens), and a communication unit 5 that communicates an operation signal and the like from the camera body (body) 10 to the lens side in the imaging lens 20; Communication is performed via a communication unit 22 with a camera body (body) 10 provided in the imaging lens 20 on the lens side, and each control for zoom control of the imaging lens 20 is performed by the control unit 21 and the drive units 24a and 24b. By controlling the lens group position and the lens group position for focus control, it is possible to take pictures corresponding to various compositions and subjects.

  The position of each lens group constituting the lens in the imaging lens 20 is determined by 25a and b, and these lenses are driven and controlled to positions determined by the in-lens control unit 21 via the driving units 24a and 24b. The In addition, the imaging lens 20 can change not only the focus but also the zoom position and the aperture by operating an operation member (hereinafter also referred to as an operation ring or a ring member) 23. By switching the zoom position by these photographing optical systems (lenses), the user can photograph at a desired angle of view (optical zoom). As with the focus and zoom, the aperture is determined by the position determination unit based on the control result of the drive unit, but the illustration is omitted.

  These results can also be determined by the main body side control unit 1 via the communication unit 22. This imaging apparatus (camera) may be capable of mounting an interchangeable lens other than the one shown in the figure, an interchangeable lens having a different zoom lens magnification, focal length, brightness FNo, or the like, or a so-called single-focus lens that is not a zoom lens. A case may be assumed.

  Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a lens-integrated camera other than an interchangeable lens camera. Thus, the control of the parts such as zoom, aperture, and focus is switched according to the situation and in accordance with the operation of the photographer, and the change of the photographing parameter including the adjustment of exposure and white balance is called.

  Note that, as the operation member 23 of the imaging lens 20, a ring member 23 that is rotatably arranged with respect to the lens barrel body of the imaging lens 20 is used. The ring member 23 may be mechanically rotated, detected by a touch sensor, or a push switch.

  If a mechanically rotating device is configured such that a photo interrupter or the like outputs a pulse signal by a rotating operation, the rotating operation can be determined electrically. The direction of rotation and the speed of rotation can also be detected, so when changing the value or amount, it can be switched to the plus direction for clockwise rotation and to the minus direction for counterclockwise rotation. (Coarse adjustment), if it is turned slowly, the numerical value can be changed slowly (fine adjustment).

  In the case of a camera that designates an angle of view with a touch panel as in the present invention, the ring member 23 may be used as an operation switch for determining an angle of view. In this case, the angle of view is specified on the touch panel, but the ring member 23 may be used to start changing the angle of view. Further, this member may be used when returning the view angle designation.

  Further, what operation can be performed by operating the ring member (operation member) 23 may be selectable, and switching of the operation function may be performed by mode setting of the camera body (body) 10. Further, the operation member 23 may be movable back and forth in the optical axis direction on the outer periphery of the lens barrel 30, and the operation may be switched by this forward / backward movement. Of course, a configuration having a plurality of operation members 23 may be employed.

  On the other hand, on the camera body (body) 10 side, there is an operation unit 6 that allows a user to perform various operations such as a switch. Taking advantage of this (for example, the release switch 6a in FIG. 3), shooting operations can be performed, and shooting parameters such as exposure correction, shutter speed and sensitivity setting, and focus position change can also be changed. The user can enjoy the desired shooting while changing such shooting parameters, but it is preferable to simplify the parameter switching operation that can be operated intuitively as much as possible.

  In an intuitive operation, a touch panel 8b described later is also an effective means for assisting such a user operation. The camera body (body) 10 further includes an imaging unit 2 that converts an image of a subject (subject image) entered from the imaging lens 20 into an electrical signal, and face detection that detects the face of the subject using the image signal from the imaging unit 2. Section 3 performs photographing control for detecting a focus shift from a contrast or phase difference signal and switching an adjustment amount such as an exposure amount. Since the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the display unit 8 constituted by a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like, the timing and composition at the time of shooting can be determined, and the shooting parameter items and adjustment values can be changed. It is possible to check how the subject image changes.

  Of these adjustment amounts, for example, the angle of view can be switched by the angle of view control unit 1e. The signal processing unit 1 performs processing so that the imaging result obtained by the imaging unit 2 can be displayed on the display unit 8 including a liquid crystal or an EL panel so that the user can take a picture while viewing the display unit 8. The function of changing the angle of view by the zoom lens is called “optical zoom”. However, the angle of view can be changed even if the image pickup unit 2 performs cut-out display or recording from the image pickup area. When the angle control unit performs such angle-of-view control in accordance with a user's specific operation, it is referred to as “electronic zoom”.

  “Optical zoom” can magnify the subject image without degrading the image quality, but it can only magnify the center of the screen and requires mechanical switching, making it suitable for quick switching and smooth switching. Not.

  On the other hand, “electronic zoom” narrows down the limited pixels of the image pickup unit 2 so that the image quality is likely to deteriorate, but the angle of view can be switched quickly and smoothly, and it is enlarged even if it is not in the center of the screen. Is possible.

  The user may shoot taking these differences into account. When observing and shooting large subjects such as flying birds, electronic zoom is less likely to miss a chance. In addition, as with moving images, in many cases, the angle of view is greatly changed, and in an unnatural image that returns quickly and is unnatural, the optical zoom is preferable because there is no deterioration in image quality.

  Regarding such a change in the angle of view, direct designation of the image obtained by the imaging unit 2 on the display screen 8 is intuitive and preferable. In the camera in which the touch panel 8b is provided on the display unit 8, an area to be enlarged can be easily specified while viewing the displayed subject image on the display unit 8. The control unit 1 can control the angle of view while determining where on the screen is touched. As the method of controlling the angle of view, there are “optical zoom” and “electronic zoom” as described above.

  In addition, the control unit 1 determines the user's shooting instruction operation with the operation determination unit 6 or the touch panel 8b, compresses the captured image whose parameters are changed as necessary, and records the compressed image in the recording unit 4.

  In particular, according to the present invention, the image area designated on the touch panel 8b can be quickly photographed. The slide detection unit 1c can determine which part of the touch panel 8b is touched and how the touch detection unit 1b in the control unit 1 moves the finger on the touch panel 8b.

  Thus, what operation was performed on the touch panel 8b may have a dedicated circuit in the touch panel 8b. There are various types of touch panels such as a capacitance type, a resistance film type, and a photoelectric conversion type, and any of them may be used in the present invention.

  A clock 9 is provided so that images taken in this way can be recorded and organized together with shooting date and time information. Needless to say, the display unit 8 can also check how the image is changed by the ring member 23 as the operation unit. The adjustment of the focus position, the amount of blur, etc. has good holding properties and does not hide the screen, so that the ring member 23 can be used effectively. At the time of operation, an auxiliary display as will be described later appears on the display unit 8, and this is displayed by the display control unit 1d on the subject image.

  In this embodiment, in order to photograph the subject as desired by the photographer with the effect as intended by the camera having such a configuration, in the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. The operation method was assumed.

  The photographer 11 supports the imaging lens 20 of the imaging device 10 with his left hand and holds the subject 11 aiming.

  In conventional cameras, the photographer (user) 11 has exclusively adjusted the ring member of the photographing lens with his left hand as shown in the figure to switch the angle of view when the subject 12 is photographed. In this case, for example, when the optical zoom is performed with the ring member, the angle of view changes as shown in FIGS. While watching this, the user controls the rotation of the ring member by rotating, stopping, or reversing the rotation. Therefore, even if the angle of view in FIG. 2C is good, trial and error such as returning to FIG. 2E is performed after zooming up as shown in FIG. 2D. Also, beginners may not know that the lens ring member can be enlarged. In particular, when such trial and error occurs during moving image shooting, the image is not settled, which is undesirable for viewing.

  In view of this, an index finger or the like as shown in FIG. 2 (a) or FIG. It was made to select by slide operation. This makes it possible for anyone to operate more intuitively by pointing at what is shown.

  In FIG. 3, a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal panel) 8 provided on the back of the camera body (body) 10 is shown so that a part of the displayed image is touched and slid by the user. Indicates.

  When the subject image displayed on the display unit 8 is touched, the touch panel 8b provided thereon outputs a coordinate signal, and it is known in which part of the display unit the subject image obtained by the imaging unit is displayed. Therefore, the control unit (1 in FIG. 1) of the camera can determine which part of the image the user has touched.

  Since the touch panel 8b is arranged on the display unit 8, a switch shape is displayed on the display unit 8 in the form of a square or circle like an icon, and touching that part is like operating the switch. Control can be performed.

  When sliding the point touched with a finger on the screen, it is possible to determine from where to where the finger is moved. Such functions are illustrated as a touch detection unit 1b and a slide detection unit 1c in FIG. The touch detection unit 1b detects coordinates on the screen at a touched location and a location where the touch is released, and the slide detection unit 1c can determine whether or not a slide operation has been performed. Such a function may be built in the touch panel 8b, but here, it is shown in the control unit 1 that can centrally manage the arithmetic control of the camera.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), if a slide finger is indicated in a range including the face part of the person part, the touch start and end points of the slid part are detected, and a quadrilateral having the diagonal as a frame is displayed. And make it possible to enlarge the frame. Here, the slide is performed from the lower left to the upper right of the screen, but this determination is performed by the slide detection unit 1c.

  The display frame at this time does not have to be strictly the start point and end point of the touch, and may be adjusted according to the aspect ratio of the camera screen and the display screen. For example, if the range designated by the slide is equivalent to a square, the frame may be displayed with the top and bottom aligned so that the range is included and the left and right expanded according to the aspect of the screen. This is performed by the display control unit 1d.

  Since the frame of the screen is displayed in this way, as shown in FIG. 3B, “optical zoom” for enlarging the frame portion by zooming the photographic lens, and taking out only the image portion in the frame for enlarged display In addition, the switch display in the above-described icon format is performed so that it is possible to select whether to enlarge the displayed portion in “electronic zoom” to be recorded. Since the display control unit 1d determines the position of this switch display, the touch detection unit 1b can determine whether or not the position touched by the user is the position of the switch.

  When the displayed icon is touched, the touch detection unit 1b determines which switch is touched, and the control unit 1 controls the image via the angle of view control unit 1e according to the control corresponding to the operated switch. Perform the enlargement.

  When “optical zoom” is selected, the angle-of-view control unit 1e of the camera moves the photographing lens to the long focal side. When “electronic zoom” is selected, the angle-of-view control unit 1e of the camera cuts out and displays the corresponding portion of the image from the imaging unit 2. As a result, the corresponding portion is enlarged as shown in FIG. When returning to the original state after enlarging, it is possible to design so that the ring operation member 23 shown here can be turned back.

  In some cases, such as the periphery of the screen cannot be handled by optical zoom. In this case, the “optical zoom” switch is not displayed. Further, when the enlargement ratio is too large and exceeds the limit of the zoom compatible range of the optical zoom, the optical zoom may be performed as much as possible, and enlarged by the electronic zoom from the middle.

  At this time, since it is also necessary to return to the original screen range, a “return” switch is displayed as shown in the figure, and when this is touched, the touch detection unit 1b determines this, and the original zoom position Or return to the imaging range.

  This “return” operation may be returned by operating the operation ring member as described above.

  The selection of the screen range by slides has the advantage that it can be quickly done with one finger, the advantage that the period when the finger hides the screen by the slide can be shortened, and the subsequent control can be switched depending on where the slide is performed from where. There is a merit that you can.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a slide from the upper right to the lower left as shown in FIG. 3C, the slide direction is determined by the slide detection unit 1c. In this case, as shown in FIG. After that, it is possible to switch between “still image” and “moving image” that can be selected. Thus, if these are selected after the images determined by the slide range are selected, it is possible to perform control such that these images are taken after controlling the angle of view or while controlling the angle of view.

  In other words, if such a display is given, after confirming the zoom range (enlarged range), it is possible to start shooting immediately without changing the camera, and the speed is increased.

  The user can immediately take a picture while checking the angle of view while looking at the shooting screen displayed on the display unit 8. Using only the index finger, it is possible to set an appropriate composition, and quick shooting is possible.

  As described above, an example of a main flow of the camera that confirms the image portion determined by the sliding operation of the touch panel and, as a result, enables enlargement of the screen and photographing is shown. This is executed by the control unit 1 of the camera 10 based on a predetermined program.

  First, in step S101, for example, a power operation performed by a power switch or the like is determined. If it is turned on, it is determined in S102 and S111 whether the mode is a shooting mode or a playback mode.

  When the power switch is turned off, only the circuit for detecting the operation of the power switch is operated, and other electronic circuits are turned off to enter the energy saving mode (standby mode). If the shooting mode is set by switching the touch panel or the switch, a through image is displayed in S103.

  In this case, the subject image signal obtained by the imaging unit is displayed in real time on the display unit, and the user can confirm the effect of changing the imaging parameters including the imaging timing, composition, and angle of view while watching this.

  S104 is a touch panel operation determination subroutine (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and S105 is a determination step of whether or not the switch (see FIGS. 3B and 3D) displayed at that time has been operated.

  By this switch operation, the screen enlargement and cutout control as described in FIG. 3 can be performed by the subroutine of S106. If the release switch 6b is operated while confirming the effect on the display unit, S107 is branched to Y, and in S108, shooting according to the angle of view thus switched becomes possible.

  When shooting is not performed, since the through image display is repeated, parameter change and shooting can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

  When switching to the playback mode is performed, step S102 is branched to S111, and the captured image is played back (S112). If the user wants to view another image, when the user again operates the touch panel or switch, it is determined in S113, and the image is switched in S115.

  When neither the shooting mode nor the playback mode is selected, the image communication mode is such that a shot image is transmitted to the outside. In this method, a captured image is transmitted to an external device such as a PC or a mobile phone.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow example for explaining in detail the camera control by the touch panel operation shown in step S104 of the flowchart of FIG. This is for determining the slide operation shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. Every time a touch is performed, this is determined in S201, and the touched point (slide start point) is detected in S202. To do. This is performed by the touch detection unit 1b in FIG.

  Thereafter, when a time change of the touch point is detected and the continuous touch is finished (slide end point detection), it can be determined that there is a slide operation in S203. This is performed by the slide detection unit 1c in FIG. This is to determine in which direction the touch point moves according to the time change.

  If the slide operation is determined, the process branches to S211, the coordinates of the slide end point are obtained, and the frame is displayed according to the start point and end point coordinates.

  Thereafter, the slide detection unit 1c in FIG. 1 determines the slide direction, and branch processing is performed in S212 and S214 according to the result. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, control is performed such that the switch that can be selected is changed depending on the direction of the slide.

  When sliding diagonally to the lower right (sliding from the upper left to the lower right), the vertical and horizontal directions of the touched coordinates change, so the quadrangle defined by the vertical and horizontal changes of the start and end points is shown in FIG. ), The process branches from S212 to S213 on the assumption that the user wants to shoot.

  In S213, as shown in FIG. 3B, a switch that can select an optical zoom (“optical Z” in the figure) or an electronic zoom (“electronic Z” in the figure) is displayed (icon-like display).

  In addition, when the slide operation slides diagonally to the lower left (slid from the upper right to the lower left), the vertical and horizontal directions of the touched coordinates change, so the square defined by the vertical and horizontal changes of the start and end points is As shown in FIG. 3C, assuming that the user wants to shoot, the process branches from S214 to S215.

  In S215, as shown in FIG. 3D, a switch capable of selecting a moving image and a still image is displayed (icon display).

  Further, when these icon-like switches are operated after sliding, it is not a slide operation but a touch operation. Therefore, step S203 is branched to Y, and it is determined in S204 whether or not the portion where the switch display is performed is touched. To do. If this part is touched, the process branches to S205, and it is determined that a switch operation has been performed. This S205 is a subroutine for performing control when each switch is pressed, and this will be further described with reference to FIG.

  If it is not touched, the process branches to S216. This is not directly related to the touch operation, but a switch display is made in S213 or S215, but a switch for turning off such switch display or returning to enlargement is displayed. It is a flow for displaying.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), when the subject display is enlarged because it has been zoomed or cut out from the imaging area, it will be necessary to return it. In step S217, a “return” switch is displayed on the display unit 8.

  When this switch display is in a predetermined position and this switch equivalent part is touched, the angle of view is restored. When this switch is turned on, the switch display such as “optical zoom” and “electronic zoom” as shown in FIG. 3B and the frame display of the enlargement target are turned off.

  After this “return” operation is performed, the “return” switch is not displayed in S218.

  In this step of S217, an application that displays “Return by ring operation” is also possible. In this case, when the ring member 23 (see FIG. 3E) provided in the lens unit 20 is turned, control is performed so as to return to the original state. In this case, the control unit 1 determines the rotation signal of the ring unit 23 and executes control to return to the original angle of view.

  As described above, in the flow of FIG. 5, the switch display capable of quick photographing is performed by effectively utilizing the touch operation and the slide operation of the touch panel 8b. In steps S212 and S214, the determination is made with the slide from the lower right to the lower left. However, another function can be selected by sliding from the lower left to the upper right or from the lower right to the upper left. Also good. As described above, various accompanying operations (zoom method switching, shooting mode switching, etc.) can be switched by switching according to the direction unique to the slide operation.

  The touch operation determination control subroutine described in S205 of FIG. 5 will be described in more detail using the flowchart of FIG. Here, it shows in detail what kind of control the camera performs when operating the iconic switch displayed in FIG.

  In S231, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is determined whether the optical zoom switch is operated (touched). In that case, the process branches to Y, and the zoom lens is zoomed up in S232 until the image corresponding to the designated frame can be enlarged to the full extent of the screen.

  In step S233, it is determined whether the electronic zoom switch has been operated (touched). In that case, the process branches to Y, and in S234, the corresponding portion of the image obtained by the imaging unit 2 is cut out and enlarged and displayed until the image corresponding to the designated frame can be enlarged to the full size of the screen. At this time, if the image is magnified in an instant, the difference from the time-consuming optical zoom becomes clear.

  In S235, it is determined whether the switch for still image shooting has been operated (touched) as shown in FIG. In that case, the process branches to Y, and in S236, the corresponding portion of the image obtained by the imaging unit 2 is controlled to be enlarged and displayed until the image corresponding to the designated frame can be enlarged to fill the screen. When you are done, take a photo. Thereby, it is possible to quickly shoot a desired angle of view only by touch panel operation.

  In step S237, it is determined whether the moving image shooting switch is operated (touched). In that case, the process branches to Y, and in S238, shooting of the moving image is started immediately, and the optical zoom control is performed until the image corresponding to the designated frame can be enlarged to the full size of the screen. Thereby, the moving image shooting in which the state of the subject up to the desired angle of view is recorded can be quickly performed only by the touch panel operation. You can take a picture of the subject until the subject notices the shot and smiles, with the face enlarged (close-up).

  In S239, it is determined whether the “return” switch (see FIG. 3E) after the enlargement is operated (touched). In that case, the process branches to Y and returns to the angle of view before enlargement in S240. The return method differs depending on how the image is enlarged. In the case of electronic zoom, the extraction position is enlarged. Optical zoom zooms down.

  In addition, after shooting a still image, you may return to the original angle of view immediately. However, if you are shooting a movie, use the optical zoom control until you return to the original angle of view and continue shooting movies during that time. It may be. If it returns to the original angle of view, it may be a specification for ending movie shooting.

  As described above, it is possible to provide a camera capable of intuitively and quickly operating various angle-of-view controls by effectively using touch and slide operations on the touch panel.

  Here, assuming that there are many right-handed users, we explained the example where you can hold the shooting lens with the left hand and operate with the fingertip of the right hand, but of course, the right hand holds the camera by touching the release button, It can also be applied when operating with the left hand. In such a case, the camera does not have to have a structure in which the photographing lens unit protrudes. There is no need for a camera with interchangeable lenses.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the user can intuitively and easily perform shooting operations that the user wants by making effective use of the variety of slide operations on the touch panel (not only pressing or not pressing, but also considering direction information). I made it.

  7 and 8, as another example of the function switching according to the slide direction of the touch panel, which is a feature of the present invention, the display position of the touched icon-like switch for the right-handed person and the left-handed person is as follows. An example of switching according to the manner will be described.

  The basic configuration of this embodiment may be the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As shown in Fig. 7 (a), a right-handed person slides from the upper right to the lower left from the direction in which the joint tends to bend naturally when the index finger of the right hand is applied to the display part of the camera held and held with the left hand. Is relatively easy. In that case, as shown in FIG. 7C, a shooting icon-like switch is displayed in the lower right. This enables operation at a position close to the right hand, which is easy for right-handed people to use. It is easy to operate and can be operated at a position where the hand does not hide the screen.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, when a left-handed person puts the index finger of the left hand, which is the dominant hand, against the display unit of the camera held with the right hand, the joint is naturally bent easily from the upper left to the right. Can slide down relatively easily. In that case, as shown in FIG. 7D, a shooting icon-like switch is displayed in the lower left. This allows an operation at a position close to the left hand that is easy for left-handed people to use. It is easy to operate and can be operated at a position where the hand does not hide the screen.

  Of course, by such an oblique slide operation, the range to be cut and the range to be enlarged are determined from the start point and the end point as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart example when the camera control unit (1 in FIG. 1) controls the camera of the embodiment characterized by such display.

  Here, only the part related to photographing is extracted from the main flow of the camera and described.

  S301 is a through image step for displaying a subject image in real time in order to confirm a captured image. In this method, the subject image signal obtained by the image pickup unit is sequentially displayed on the display unit, and the user can check the effect of changing the shooting parameters including the shooting timing, composition, and angle of view while watching this.

    S302 is the touch panel operation determination described above. If a touch is detected, the coordinates of the touched point are determined in S303. When the user slides and releases the finger from the touch panel, the slide operation is performed in S304. The determination is made and the process branches to Y. In S311, the coordinates on the touch panel on which the finger is released are set as the end points, and the frame display with the start point and end point at the time of sliding as diagonals of the square is possible.

  The direction of such a slide operation is determined in S312, S314, and S316, and if this is an oblique slide as described in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in S313 and S315, FIGS. The “shooting” switch as indicated by () is displayed on the display unit 8 as a switch in the form of an icon. In S316, the slide in the horizontal direction is determined. At this time, parameter change candidate switches other than the area expansion are displayed in S317. The switch display position may also be switched depending on which direction the switch display position is operated.

  As a result, parameter items such as aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, focus position, and color adjustment are displayed as selectable icon-type switches. If the user selects either one, the parameter can be changed by operating the above-described ring operation unit of the lens unit or the touch panel.

  As already described, since the touch panel 8b is disposed on the display unit 8, the display control unit 1d displays a switch shape in a quadrangular or circular shape like an icon on the display unit 8, and that portion is touched. If the function is detected and the corresponding function (parameter) control is switched, control as if the switch was operated can be performed.

  The numerical value of the parameter to be adjusted according to the parameter item may be adjusted by the ring member of the photographic lens 20.

  Further, when an operation such as displaying a dial or a slide bar on the display unit and tracing it is performed, the touch panel 8b determines this, and the display control unit 1d performs a display such that this numerical value is switched, and also controls the camera. An application in which the unit 1 changes the shooting parameters is also possible.

  Such control of the icon switch is determined in S305, S306, and the like. If the shooting switch is operated in step S305, the specification is such that shooting is performed at the same time as the angle of view is switched. This eliminates the need to perform the release operation again thereafter. That is, the control may be performed so that the image is captured when the image is enlarged, and the image is restored as soon as the image is captured.

  Further, when the switch of the parameter item displayed in S317 is touched, control is performed so that the parameter can be changed.

    As described above, according to this embodiment, a camera capable of intuitively and quickly operating various angle-of-view controls by effectively using touch and slide operations on the touch panel can be provided. Judgment is made from right-handed or left-handed based on the operation, making it easier to operate at a position where the person can easily operate. As a result, it is possible to shoot without failure without hiding the screen. Immediate shooting performance has been improved by enabling shooting as soon as the angle of view is changed. Further, here, not only the angle of view but also other shooting parameters can be switched quickly as well.

  As described above, according to the present invention, using the touch panel that allows the photographer to intuitively specify where the photographer is paying attention, only the portion that is quickly specified by touch or slide, You can zoom in and shoot.

  In other words, there are many shooting parameters (for example, aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, focus position, color adjustment, etc.), but simple and clear operation is possible especially for the most frequently used angle of view control. Switching and shooting are possible. For other shooting parameters, it is possible to switch items intuitively by a horizontal slide operation indicating that the user does not like the image on the display unit.

  Even users who do not have knowledge of zoom operations such as switches, rings, and dials can perform rapid shooting with intuitive operations.

  In addition, since the time for hiding the touched portion by the quick slide operation is short, the user can sufficiently adjust the image while changing the parameter while confirming the shooting effect. As a result, an image with the desired effect can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. A camera for moving images may be used, and a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like may of course be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It should be noted that even if the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings is described using “first,” “next,” etc. for convenience, it is essential to carry out in this order. It doesn't mean. In addition, it goes without saying that the steps constituting these operation flows can be omitted as appropriate for portions that do not affect the essence of the invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device concerning this invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a situation where adjustment is performed at the time of photographing using the photographing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the method of angle of view adjustment at the time of imaging | photography of the imaging device concerning this invention. It is an example of the flowchart of imaging device control of this invention. It is the flowchart example which showed the subroutine of the flow performed at the time of touch panel operation of the imaging device of this invention. It is the example of the flowchart which showed the subroutine of switch determination (touch operation determination) of the imaging device of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of operation of 2nd Example of the imaging device of this invention. It is the example of the flowchart which showed the subroutine of the touchscreen operation of 2nd Example of the imaging device of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Signal processing, control part, 1b ... Parameter control part, 1c ... Touch detection part, 1d ... Display control part, 1e ... Information acquisition part, 2 ... Imaging part, 3 ... face detection unit, 4 ... recording unit, 5 ... communication unit with lens, 6 ... operation unit, 8 ... display unit, 8b ... touch panel unit, 9 ... clock DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera body (body), 11 ... Photographer, 12 ... Subject, 20 ... Imaging lens, 23 ... Operation member (ring member)

Claims (7)

  In the photographing apparatus comprising: a photographing lens; an imaging unit via the photographing lens; an image display unit that displays image data acquired by the imaging unit; and a touch panel provided on the display unit. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that displays a zoom range and a guide display for starting zoom control according to screen range information acquired in accordance with a change in operation position.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs switching of the guide display according to a change pattern of an operation position of the touch panel.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a plurality of guide displays for starting the zoom control and displays on the display unit so that a photographer can select a touch.   The plurality of guide displays that are controlled by the control unit include a guide display that electrically controls a zoom mechanism of the photographing lens and a guide display that controls to cut out an image from the imaging unit. The photographing apparatus described.   The plurality of guide displays controlled by the control unit include a guide display for cutting out an image in the screen range and shooting a still image, and a guide display for cutting out an image of the screen range and shooting a movie. The imaging device according to claim 3.   In a photographing method of a photographing apparatus, comprising: an image display unit that displays image data acquired by an imaging unit via a photographing lens; and a touch panel provided on the display unit. An imaging method comprising: a step of detecting; a step of determining an imaging range according to screen range information in accordance with the change in the operation position; and a step of switching an image displayed on the display unit.   In a photographing method of a photographing apparatus comprising: an image display unit that displays image data acquired by an imaging unit via a photographing lens; and a touch panel provided on the display unit, a range of a slide operation on the touch panel Or a shooting method, wherein the shooting parameters are changed according to the direction.

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