JP2013258748A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of automatically switching an image region which is displayed without depending on user operation.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises: an imaging element 14; image generating means 20 for generating an image by using output of the imaging element; display means 28; display control means 50 for causing the display means 28 to display the image while switching a first image region and a second image region including the first image region and wider than the first image region; and subject detecting means 74 for detecting a subject included in the image. In a state where one of the first and second image regions is displayed on the display means, the display control means causes the display means to display the other image region among the first and second image regions according to information obtained from a detection result by the subject detecting means in the one image region.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a video camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a subject detection function.

  Many imaging devices such as digital cameras have an electronic zoom function that enlarges a part of an image generated by using an output from an imaging element by electronic processing. By using the electronic zoom function, it is possible to acquire a high-magnification image that cannot be obtained by optical zoom alone.

  However, when shooting (recording) is performed while displaying a high-magnification image obtained by the electronic zoom function on a display (electronic finder), the subject is framed out due to slight movement of the imaging device or subject. Probability is high.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151820 discloses an imaging apparatus capable of displaying an image area wider than an actually recorded image area on a display by a user operation in an imaging preparation state.

JP 2006-19882 A

  However, the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a button operation by the user to switch the image area displayed on the display, and is not suitable for quickly switching the display area.

  The present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of automatically switching an image area to be displayed regardless of a user operation.

  An image pickup apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup device, an image generation unit that generates an image using an output of the image pickup device, a display unit, a first image region of the image, and the first image region. Display control means for switching the second image area including the image area and wider than the first image area to display on the display means, and subject detection means for detecting a subject included in the image. Then, the display control means displays in accordance with information obtained from the detection result of the subject detection means in the one image area in a state where one of the first and second image areas is displayed on the display means. The means displays the other image area of the first and second image areas.

  A control method according to another aspect of the present invention is applied to an imaging apparatus that generates an image using an output of an imaging element. The control method includes a display switching step of switching between a first image area and a second image area including the first image area and wider than the first image area, and causing the display unit to display the image. And a subject detection step for detecting a subject included in the image. In the display switching step, display is performed according to information obtained from the detection result of the subject detection step in the one image area in a state where one of the first and second image areas is displayed on the display unit. The means displays the other image area of the first and second image areas.

  According to the present invention, since the image area displayed on the display unit is automatically switched according to various information obtained from the detection result by the subject detection unit, the image to be displayed without requiring a user operation. It is possible to realize an imaging device capable of switching regions quickly.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of display switching processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of display switching processing according to the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a digital camera as an image pickup apparatus that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera). In the camera 100, 10 is an imaging lens as an imaging optical system, and 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function. Reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image (subject image) and outputs an electrical signal. Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

  A timing generator 18 supplies a clock signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26. The timing generator 18 is controlled by the memory controller 22 and a system controller 50 described later.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing unit (image generating means) that performs pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, etc. on the digital image pickup signal from the A / D converter 16 or the memory control unit 22. Perform various image processing. Thereby, image data (image) using the output of the image sensor 14 is generated.

  Further, the image processing unit 20 performs a predetermined calculation process using the generated image data. The system control unit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40, the focus control unit 42, and the flash 48 based on the calculation result. Thus, TTL (through-the-lens) AE (automatic exposure) processing, AF (autofocus) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed. The image processing unit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the generated image data, and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the calculation result.

  The memory control unit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation unit 18, the image processing unit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression unit 32.

  The image data from the image processing unit 20 or the digital image pickup signal from the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the memory control unit 22.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes an image display unit (display means) constituted by an LCD or the like. Display image data (hereinafter referred to as an EVF image) written in the image display memory 24 is converted into an electronic zoom OFF image, a normal view image, or a wide view image, which will be described later, via an image display unit 28 via a D / A converter 26. Sent to. By displaying the EVF image on the image display unit 28, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) function is realized.

  The memory 30 stores the generated still image and moving image. The memory 30 is also used as a work area for the system control unit 50.

  A compression / decompression unit 32 compresses / decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and stores the processed data again in the memory. Write to 30.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control unit that controls the shutter 12 and also has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a focus control unit that performs autofocus control (AF processing) of the imaging lens 10 together with the system control unit 50. By the AF process, the in-focus state of the imaging lens 10 with respect to the subject to be focused is obtained.

  A zoom control unit 44 controls the optical zoom operation of the imaging lens 10.

  A barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the lens barrier 102. The flash 48 illuminates the subject with illumination light, and has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and the above-described flash light control function.

  The exposure control unit 40 and the focus control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. That is, the system control unit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the focus control unit 42 based on the calculation result using the image data generated in the image processing unit 20. The system control unit 50 controls the overall operation of the camera 100 in addition to the exposure control unit 40 and the focus control unit 42.

  Furthermore, the system control unit 50 also functions as a display control unit, and switches display of an electronic zoom OFF image, a normal view image, and a wide view image as an EVF image on the image display unit 28, and various information regarding the camera 100 and the subject. Control the display of display elements.

  A memory 52 stores constants, variables, computer programs, and other data for operating the system control unit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes an information display unit that outputs information indicating the operating state of the camera 100, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like. The information display unit 54 includes a liquid crystal display element, a speaker, and the like. The information display unit 54 displays some information on the finder screen via the optical finder 104.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial which is operated to switch and set each function such as an imaging mode (a still image imaging mode or a moving image imaging mode) and a reproduction mode.

  An imaging preparation switch (SW1) 62 is turned on by a first stroke operation (half-pressing operation) of a shutter button (not shown), and starts an imaging preparation operation such as an AE process and an AF process based on a photometric result.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes an imaging recording switch (SW2), which is turned on by a second stroke operation (full pressing operation) of the shutter button, and starts an imaging recording operation. The image recording operation described here includes an opening / closing operation of the shutter 12, an operation of generating image data in the image processing unit 20 based on an imaging signal from the image sensor 14, and the image data in the memory 30 via the memory control unit 22. Includes write operations. Also included is an operation of reading image data from the memory 30, compressing it by the compression / decompression unit 32, and recording it on the recording medium 200 or 210. Such a series of imaging and recording operations can also be referred to as a recording image acquisition operation.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes a display changeover switch, which is an operation member for the user to input an instruction to switch display ON / OFF on the image display unit 28.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and is operated to display a menu screen for selecting functions and various settings of the camera 100 and determining menu items.

  Reference numeral 72 denotes a zoom switch operated by the user, which includes a tele switch for instructing zooming to the telephoto side and a wide switch for instructing zooming to the wide angle side. When the zoom switch 72 is operated, the zoom control unit 44 causes the imaging lens 10 to perform optical zoom for changing the angle of view (magnification). Further, when the zoom switch 72 is operated, the system control unit 50 causes the image processing unit 20 to cut out a part of the image area of the generated image data and enlarge the process. Thereby, electronic zoom is performed.

  Reference numeral 74 denotes a subject detection unit (subject detection means) that detects a subject such as a person's face from image data generated by the image processing unit 20 using an image processing technique such as pattern matching.

  A power control unit 80 includes a battery detection unit that detects a remaining battery level, a DC-DC converter that converts a power supply voltage from the battery into a predetermined operating voltage, a switch unit that switches a block to be energized, and the like.

  A battery 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery or a Li battery. Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors for electrical connection between the battery 86 and the camera 100.

  Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces for performing communication with the recording media 200 and 210, respectively. Reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors connected to the recording media 200 and 210, respectively.

  A communication unit 110 has communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting another device to the camera 100 via the communication unit 110, and an antenna is connected when performing wireless communication.

  Each of the recording media 200 and 210 includes interfaces 204 and 214 for performing communication with the camera 100 and connectors 206 and 216 for performing electrical connection between the camera 100 and the interfaces 204 and 214. In the recording units 202 and 212, compressed image data and audio data output from the camera 100 are written. The recording units 202 and 212 are configured by a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, or the like.

  Here, an image obtained by enlarging a first image area as a part of the image data generated by the image processing unit 20 as an EVF image by the electronic zoom is referred to as a normal view image. A display mode in which the normal view image is displayed on the entire screen of the image display unit 28 is referred to as a normal view mode. The normal view image corresponds to an image recorded by imaging.

  Further, among the image data generated by the image processing unit 20, an image that includes the first image area and corresponds to a second image area wider than the first image area is referred to as a wide view image. A display mode in which a wide view image is displayed on the entire screen of the image display unit 28 is referred to as a wide view mode. The second image area is narrower than the image area displayed on the image display unit 28 when the electronic zoom is not used, but corresponds to an image area wider than the first image area. Note that an image displayed on the image display unit 28 when the electronic zoom is not used is referred to as an electronic zoom OFF image.

  On the normal view image and the wide view image, the setting information of the camera 100, the AF / photometry frame indicating the focus detection / photometry area, and the subject (face) surrounding the subject (for example, the face) detected by the subject detection unit 74 ) Information display elements such as frames may be displayed in a superimposed manner.

  The flowchart in FIG. 2 shows the flow of display switching processing performed by the system control unit 50. This process (control method) is executed according to a computer program.

  When the power of the camera 100 is turned on (ON), the system control unit 50 is activated in step S2001. In step S2002, the system control unit 50 displays an EVF image (electronic zoom OFF image) on the image display unit 28.

  Thereafter, in step S2003, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the zoom switch 72 has been operated to enter the electronic zoom state. In the electronic zoom state, the system control unit 50 enters the normal view mode in step S2004, and causes the image display unit 28 to display a normal view image corresponding to the electronic zoom magnification.

  Next, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the subject (face) is detected by the subject detection unit 74 in step S2005. If not detected, the process proceeds to step S2010, and the system control unit 50 enters the wide view mode and causes the image display unit 28 to display a wide view image.

  On the other hand, if a subject is detected in step S2005, the process proceeds to S2006, and the system control unit 50 detects the position of the subject in the normal view image. In step S2007, the system control unit 50 determines whether the current display mode is the wide view mode or the normal view mode. If it is in the normal view mode, the process proceeds to step S2009 as it is, and the display of the normal view image in the normal view mode is continued. Then, the process proceeds to step S2011.

  If the current display mode is the wide view mode, the process proceeds to step S2008. In this step, the system control unit 50 determines whether the position of the subject detected in step S2006 is within the center range (specific range) including the center of the screen of the image display unit 28 and the vicinity thereof, that is, the subject is within the center range. It is determined whether or not it exists.

  If the subject exists within the center range, the process proceeds to step S2009, the display mode is switched from the wide view mode to the normal view mode, and the normal view image is displayed on the image display unit 28. If the subject does not exist within the central range, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S2010 and continues displaying the wide view image in the wide view mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S2011.

  As described above, in this embodiment, whether or not to switch the display mode is controlled according to the information obtained from the detection result of the subject detection unit 74 as to whether or not the subject exists in the center range. Thus, frequent switching from the wide view mode to the normal view mode is prevented, and the usability of the camera 100 having a function of automatically switching the display mode is improved.

  In step S2011, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the SW1 (62) is operated. If not, the process returns to step S2005.

  If the subject is detected again by the subject detection unit 74 in step S2005, the process proceeds to step S2006. If the subject is not detected, the process proceeds to step S2010. At this time, if a subject is present in the normal view image in the previous routine, the system control unit 50 determines that the subject present in the normal view image is not detected this time. Information that it no longer exists can be obtained. That is, it is possible to obtain information that the subject is out of the frame of the normal view image from the information on whether or not the subject obtained from the subject detection result exists.

  In this case, in step S2010, the system control unit 50 switches the display mode from the normal view mode to the wide view mode, and causes the image display unit 28 to display a wide view image. As described above, the system control unit 50 switches to display a wide view image in which the subject may exist in response to the subject being out of the frame of the normal view image. Then, the process proceeds to step S2011.

  If SW1 (62) is not operated again in step S2011 and the subject is detected in the central range of the wide view image in steps S2005 and S2008 of the next routine, the normal view image is determined in step S2009. Switch to display. That is, the image displayed on the image display unit 28 is switched from the wide view image to the normal view image according to the information that the subject existing outside the center range of the wide view image is now in the center range. It is done.

  At this time, the display may be switched to display of the normal view image after waiting for a continuation time during which the subject is detected in the center range of the wide view image reaches a predetermined time.

  In step S2011, when SW1 (62) is operated, the system control unit 50 performs an imaging preparation operation, and further proceeds to step S2012 to perform an imaging recording operation in response to the operation of SW2 (64). . At this time, the image that is actually recorded is an image corresponding to the normal view image, regardless of the imaging and recording operation from either the normal view mode or the wide view mode. When the imaging / recording operation ends, the process returns to step S2002.

  FIG. 3 shows transition of images displayed on the image display unit 28 by the processing of FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state in which an electronic zoom OFF image is displayed. By performing electronic zoom from this state, a normal view image is displayed as shown in FIG. A subject is present in the normal view image, and a face frame is superimposed around the face.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, when the subject is removed from the normal view image due to the movement of the camera 100 or the subject, the display is automatically switched to the display of the wide view image as shown in FIG. Thereby, the subject can be observed on the image display unit 28 again. Note that the thick frame superimposed on the wide view image indicates the range of the normal view image shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, according to information obtained from the subject detection result in one image area in a state where one of the normal view image and the wide view image is displayed on the image display unit 28. The display mode is switched to display the other image area. As a result, it is possible to realize a camera that can quickly switch an image area to be displayed without requiring a user operation.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the subject that was present in the normal view image is switched to the display of the wide view image because the subject no longer exists in the normal view image has been described. However, because the subject that was present in the center range (specific range) of the normal view image is present in the peripheral range of the normal view image but is no longer in the center range, the wide view image is displayed. You may make it switch to.

  In addition, when switching between the normal view image and the wide view image, one or a plurality of images (including the first image region and wider than the first image region) at an intermediate angle of view between these images. A third image area smaller than the image area) may be displayed during switching. As a result, the angle of view of the display image is switched in stages, and switching between the normal view image and the wide view image can be performed smoothly.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Information obtained from the subject detection result in one of the normal view image and the wide view image displayed on the image display unit 28 in addition to the information described in the first embodiment. There are a number of subjects.

  In this case, in the state where the normal view image is displayed on the image display unit 28, the wide view image is displayed on the image display unit 28 in response to the decrease in the number of subjects detected in the normal view image. (First function).

  Further, a wide view image may be displayed in response to an increase in the number of subjects detected in the normal view image in a state where the normal view image is displayed (second function).

  Furthermore, a normal view image may be displayed in response to an increase in the number of subjects detected in the wide view image while the wide view image is displayed (third function).

  By having at least one of these first to third functions, it is possible to realize a camera that can quickly switch display images according to increase or decrease in the number of subjects without requiring user operation. it can.

  In the first to third functions, a threshold value may be provided for the number of subjects that serve as a switching condition between the normal view image and the wide view image.

  For example, in the first function, when the normal view image is displayed, the wide view image is displayed in response to the number of subjects detected in the normal view image being reduced from the first predetermined number. You may do it. Further, in the second function, when the normal view image is displayed, the wide view image is displayed in response to the number of subjects detected in the normal view image being increased from the second predetermined number. It may be. Further, in the third function, the normal view image is displayed in response to the number of subjects detected in the wide view image being increased from the third predetermined number while the wide view image is being displayed. It may be.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Information obtained from the subject detection result in the one image area in a state where one of the normal view image and the wide view image is displayed on the image display unit 28 includes the subject itself or the normal view image obtained by moving the camera. There is a moving speed of the subject.

  In this case, when the normal view image is displayed on the image display unit 28, the wide view image is displayed on the image display unit 28 in response to an increase in the moving speed of the subject detected in the normal view image. You may make it make it.

  A threshold may be provided for the moving speed of the subject as a condition for switching from the normal view image to the wide view image.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a camera that can quickly switch a display image in accordance with an increase in the movement speed of a subject without requiring a user operation.

  Each embodiment described above is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment in carrying out the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image pickup lens 12 Shutter 14 Image pick-up element 20 Image processing part 28 Image display part 50 System control part 74 Subject detection part 100 Digital camera

Claims (7)

An image sensor;
Image generating means for generating an image using the output of the image sensor;
Display means;
Display control means for switching the first image area of the image and a second image area including the first image area and wider than the first image area to display on the display means;
Subject detection means for detecting a subject included in the image,
The display control means responds to information obtained from a detection result of the subject detection means in the one image area in a state where one of the first and second image areas is displayed on the display means. An image pickup apparatus that causes the display means to display the other image area of the first and second image areas. The information is whether or not a subject exists,
The display control means includes the first image area or the subject that was present in a specific range of the first image area in a state where the first image area is displayed on the display means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image area is displayed on the display unit in response to disappearance. The information is the number of subjects,
The display control means includes
In the state where the first image area is displayed on the display means, the second image area is displayed on the display means in response to a decrease in the number of subjects detected in the first image area. The first function;
The display means displays the second image area in response to an increase in the number of subjects detected in the first image area in a state where the first image area is displayed on the display means. The second function,
The display means displays the first image area in response to an increase in the number of subjects detected in the second image area in a state where the second image area is displayed on the display means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus has at least one of the third functions. The information is the moving speed of the subject,
The display control means controls the display means in response to an increase in the moving speed of the subject detected in the first image area in a state where the first image area is displayed on the display means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image area is displayed. The information is whether or not the subject is in a specific range,
The display control unit displays the second image area on the display unit in response to the presence of the subject detected in the second image area in the specific range in a state where the second image area is displayed on the display unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image area including the subject is displayed.   The display control means includes the first image area when the image area displayed on the display means is switched between the first image area and the second image area. 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a third image area wider than one image area and narrower than the second image area is displayed during switching. An image pickup apparatus control method for generating an image using an output of an image pickup element,
A display switching step of switching between a first image area of the image and a second image area including the first image area and wider than the first image area, and displaying on the display means;
A subject detection step of detecting a subject included in the image,
In the display switching step, according to the information obtained from the detection result of the subject detection step in the one image region in a state where one of the first and second image regions is displayed on the display means. A control method for an imaging apparatus, wherein the display means displays the other image area of the first and second image areas.

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