JP2804776B2 - Electronic imaging device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera system,
Reconstructed as an upright image regardless of the camera's attitude
The present invention relates to an electronic imaging device that can be used. [Prior art] In recent years, the same as floppy disk instead of silver halide film
Using a structured still video floppy as a recording medium
Chill video camera system (hereinafter, electronic camera system)
) Appear. And this electronic camera system
The stem is composed of the camera body and the image playback processor
The camera body is detachable mechanically, and the camera
Images taken by the camera to the built-in still video floppy
Processor for recording and playing back the camera
To play the recorded image of the Still Video Floppy,
It can be shown as a hard copy or
I'm trying to come. And such an electronic camera system
In the stem, to improve the portability of the camera body
For the camera body, the shooting function required for recording and magnetic recording
Built-in minimal function unit including playback unit for playback
Necessary functions and power supply with large capacity need to be portable.
Not all of the image playback processors
The weight of the mold is reduced. To explain in more detail, the camera body is an optical system
And an imaging system and a recording system.
After forming an image on an image element and capturing it, converting it to an electrical signal,
To the built-in still video floppy (magnetic recording medium).
I will keep my mind. Still video floppies are concentric,
For example, 50 magnetic tracks can be formed, and
Record image signals using different tracks in order
You. Then, connect the camera to the image playback processor.
To play the recorded image of the Still Video Floppy
Video on the display, or
That is, it is obtained as a hard copy and the image is viewed. On the other hand, as the housing structure of such an electronic camera,
Lens reflex type, video camera type and box type
And so on. By the way, a box type camera is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is such a configuration. That is, the camera body 1
13 and finder 5, and the recording medium drive unit
Slot 2, the recording medium is inserted into the recording medium drive unit 2.
Outlet 2a, hand grip on the side of camera body 1
16 and other power switch (power switch) 21
First, the release switch which is the shutter button for shooting
22, zooming with a camera with a zoom mechanism.
(T) / Wide (W) (telephoto / wide-angle) operation switch 23,2
4.Forced flash, automatic flash, flash off, etc.
Flash mode setting switch 25 for setting the mode, cell
Self-timer switch 26 that activates the timer
Buzzer to turn on / off the buzzer
Switch 27, the eject switch for attaching / detaching the recording medium.
Switches for various operations, such as a switch 28, are provided. [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, in the electronic camera, the switches for various operations are used.
There is a switch. And these switches are operable
Provided in a limited area of the camera body based on. Special
These make up the majority of the population due to layout limitations
It is intended for right-handers, and is arranged for right-handers. However, some people are left-handed and everything is right-handed
Cameras designed for use are difficult to use for left-handed people.
And manufacturing two types for right-handed and left-handed,
Packing various necessary elements in a small space with no space
Developing a completely different product as an embedded electronic camera
Is industrially very wasteful and cost-effective.
Leads to By the way, the box type camera is a book type
Therefore, various operation buttons such as the release button are integrated on the right hand side
ing. And it is in the form of operating with the right finger
You. On the other hand, the box-type camera is used by holding it upright.
But you can flip it 180 ° and hold it upside down.
Can also be used. In this case, the operation is performed with the left finger
But the release button is
Came to the bottom of the
You. In addition, electronic cameras use silver halide film.
Unlike cameras, which obtain images electronically, they
Recorded on a recording medium such as a drop-off desk, played back, and played back
It is a method of viewing the image by converting it to a signal and giving it to a monitor etc.
So that when used in the upright orientation, it becomes an upright image
In addition, the camera is 180 ゜
If you use it upside down,
There is a disadvantage that it becomes a standing image. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera body.
Can be used upright or inverted
In this way, right-handed or left-handed
And use the camera in the inverted
The reproduced image can be reproduced as an erect image even when
To provide an electronic imaging device with good operability.
You. [Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention solves the above problems and achieves the object.
The following measures were taken. That is, hold the camera body
To match the orientation of the
Trigger operation means are separately arranged at predetermined positions, and the shooting operation
Is triggered by any of the above triggering means.
Correct the direction of the recorded or reproduced image according to the
So that signal processing for the same can be performed. [Operation] The following actions are taken by taking such measures.
Present. That is, the orientation and operation of the camera
Camera body to fit the left and right hand
Trigger operation means at multiple predetermined positions, such as side and bottom
It is provided separately and can be used in the upright or inverted position.
Hold the camera body in the user's preferred orientation for shooting.
Can be. And it is easy for the user to operate the camera while holding the camera.
When the trigger operation means is operated, the shooting operation
Made by any of the triggering means
To correct the orientation of the recorded or reproduced image according to
Signal processing is performed. Therefore, how to set the camera body
The trigger operation means that is operated
So that the captured image can be recorded and reproduced
The playback image is displayed even when the camera body is used upside down.
That can be viewed as an erect image
You can hold not only with your right hand but also with your left hand, and
Shutter operation can be performed, and at the time of playback
The image can be reproduced without being inverted. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
I do. FIG. 6 shows an external view of a camera according to the present invention. Shown in the figure
As shown in FIG.
Release buttons 40a, 40b are provided on the front side and bottom side, respectively.
is there. The camera body 40 has a shooting lens 40c on one side of the front,
Also, a strobe 40d is provided on the opposite side of the lens 40c from the front.
There is. Not shown on the back side of the camera body 40
There is a finder. One side of the camera body 40,
That is, the side of the photographing lens 40c side is a camera.
It is the hold side when setting up, hold here with your hand
And press the release button 40a with your index finger
Thus, a shooting operation can be performed. box
The camera body 40 is inverted and the hold side is turned from the right side.
It can be moved to the left and used.
The release buttons 40a and 40b hold the camera in your right / left hand, respectively.
When you hold it, you can press it with the index finger on each side.
It is located in. As a result, the camera body is turned over
By setting it up, you can use it with either the left or right hand.
You. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, the block indicated by A is a photographing system, and is indicated by B.
The block is a reproduction system. Camera A is attached to the camera body 40
It is a built-in component. Camera book in shooting system A
Reference numeral 41 in the body 40 denotes an optical system such as a lens,
Image on the imaging unit 42 and built-in exposure control mechanism
doing. The imaging unit 42 is an imaging device such as a solid-state imaging device.
Image formed through the optical system 41.
This is converted into a signal and output to the recording unit 43. Recording section
43 uses this video signal for recording on a still video floppy 46.
To the still video floppy recording
Output to the air head 45. Recorded on magnetic head 45
That the amplified signal is given through the recording / amplifying unit 44
Become. The magnetic head 45 is provided with a head access
Still Video Floppy 46 Seek by Controller
Is controlled. Also, stil bidet
The drive that drives the off-floppy 46 is not shown.
However, a rotation pulse PG is output every time the floppy 46 rotates once.
The drive is provided with a rotation detector.
The rotation pulse PG output by the detector and the
Vertical synchronizing signal (reading synchronizing signal of imaging unit is also acceptable)
Driven by a rotation control unit that performs rotation control in synchronization with
You. Therefore, the rotation output from the rotation control unit and the rotation detector
Is synchronous with the reverse pulse PG.
For each shot, the signal of the shot video is
Now you can record on one track of disc 46
ing. The exposure control system in the optical system controls the recording timing
Exposure control by microcomputer not shown
Upon receiving the start signal, detection from a photometric sensor (not shown)
A shutter signal is generated until the output reaches the set exposure.
Therefore, while this shutter signal is present, the optical system
The exposure control mechanism is controlled to pass through. The shutter signal is
Release by trigger generated by operation of release buttons 40a, 40b
Power. Although not shown, the camera body 40 has a
When this switch is turned on, the camera power is turned on.
Battery power is supplied to each part, and the camera can operate. The camera body 40 has shutter buttons 40a and 40b on the upper and lower surfaces.
However, when one of these shutter buttons 40a, 40b is pressed,
The trigger is activated and the control circuit 47 detects this and
Normal / reverse, vertical
It generates command information for horizontal conversion. 48 is this directive
The information is data-modulated and output to the recording unit 43.
You. The recording unit 43 processes the video signal from the imaging unit 42
A process signal processing circuit 43a for adding a signal;
FM modulator 43b that FM modulates the video signal after the process signal processing
And the FM modulated signal and the data from the data modulator 48.
Data multiplexed by receiving the
Multiplexing unit 43c, and the output of the data multiplexing unit 43c
The output is 43. The playback system B reads the recorded information of the still video floppy 46
Read head 50 and read signals from the read head 50
The reproduction amplification unit 51 amplifies the signal, and the amplified signal is
Data demodulation and forward / reverse and vertical / horizontal change during reproduction of the recorded image
Data demodulation unit that separates the switching instruction information and the reproduced video signal
52, a reproduced video signal demodulated by the data demodulation unit 52
FM demodulation unit 53 that obtains a video signal by FM demodulation
To obtain the command information of
Image recording direction discriminator 54 to determine whether to perform raw control, FM demodulation
A / D converter 5 that converts the output of unit 53 to digital data
6, according to the write / read address of the recording / reproducing unit 57,
The digital data of the video signal output from the A / D converter 56
Data is temporarily stored at the specified write address,
A function to read stored data from the read specified address
A memory unit 58 having a capacity of one frame, for example.
The digital data read from the memory unit 58 is
D / A converter 59 for converting to a analog signal, this analog signal
From the display circuit 60 that displays the converted video signal as an image
Become. Further, the FM demodulation unit 52 and the image recording direction discrimination unit 54
Controlling A / D converter 56 and recording / reproducing unit 57 in response to output
The control unit 55 is provided. This control unit 55 is different from the FM demodulation unit 52
Receiving the output of the image recording direction determining unit 54,
While controlling the conversion operation of the A / D converter 56
Writing of the recording / reproducing unit 57 according to the judgment output of the direction discriminating unit 54
/ Outputs a read address update control command.
The recording / reproducing unit 57 converts the output of the A / D converter 56 according to this command.
The write designation address to the memory unit 58 is sequentially updated,
When the reproduction operation starts, the image data stored in the memory unit 58 is read.
Set the read address so that the image is read in the upright state.
It has a function that it is generated sequentially and given to the memory unit 58
You. Next, the operation of the present apparatus having the above configuration will be described. In general
In the configuration shown in FIG.
And the reproduction system B is provided in the reproduction processor.
However, if possible, the camera body 40
There is no problem even if it is built in. Here is an example
The system in which only the shooting system A is built into the camera body 40
Will be described. The camera body 40 is on one side, that is,
Hold the camera when the side on which the taking lens 40c is placed holds the camera.
On the side of the
Press the release button 40a or 40b with the index finger.
The camera can be operated for shooting. Soshi
The camera body 40 is turned over and the hold side is
Can be used by shifting it to the left side,
Release button 40a, 40b camera on right / left hand
When holding, the index finger on each side can push
It is placed in the place. As a result, the camera body is turned over.
By setting it up, you can use it with either your left or right hand
Become. The other buttons have the function at the stage of performing the shutter operation.
There are many things that do not need to be used, so take it here
Release buttons 40a and 40b can be left-handed / right-handed
There is noh. Then, hold the camera body 40 with a desired hand.
Press the release button 40a or 40b to trigger for shooting
Starts, and the shooting operation starts. Then, the subject image is an optical system
After passing through 41 and forming an image on the imaging unit 42,
Exposure is performed until the time is reached. The imaging unit 42 is a solid-state imaging device.
The optical system is composed of an imaging device such as an image element.
The image formed via 41 is converted into a video signal and recorded by a recording unit 43
Output to The recording unit 43 converts this video signal into a still video
The signal is modulated to a signal form suitable for recording on the
Output to the magnetic head 45 for off-flop recording. That is,
The process signal is added, and the FM signal is modulated by the FM modulator 43b.
After that, the data is multiplexed with other information by the data multiplexing unit 43c.
After being amplified by the recording amplifier 44,
The received signal is given to the magnetic head 45. Said
The magnetic head 45 is a head access controller (not shown)
By the still video floppy 46
The rack position is controlled. And this track position
A video signal with data multiplexed on one track is recorded.
Will be. On the other hand, when either of the release buttons 40a or 40b is pressed
The control circuit 47 detects whether or not it is upright if the former,
If so, it is determined that the head is inverted. And output the judgment signal
To the data modulator 48. The data modulation section 48
Is modulated and given to the data multiplexing unit 43c,
The signal output from the multiplexing unit 43c is different from the video signal component
It becomes a multiplexed signal of the inverted determination information. in this way
Then, every time you shoot, the video signal is
(Erect / Inverted) information recorded on each floppy
Going on. At the time of playback, the captured
Load the track 46, specify the playback track number, and
When this is specified, the playback head 50
Seek to the fixed position and record still video floppy 46
Read information. Read signal from this read head 50
Is amplified by the reproduction amplifier 51 and then sent to the data demodulator 52.
The data is demodulated by the image recording direction discrimination unit 54 and FM demodulation unit
Sent to 53. The data demodulation unit 52 performs normal / reverse operation when the recorded image is reproduced.
Command information for the vertical and horizontal conversion and the reproduced video signal
And the reproduction demodulated by the data demodulation unit 52
The video signal is FM-demodulated by the FM demodulation unit 53 into a video signal,
The command information for the forward / reverse and vertical / horizontal conversion is based on the image recording
The direction is given to the direction discriminating unit 54, and the reproduction is performed from either direction.
Determine whether to control. The output of the FM demodulation unit 53 is
Digital data is converted via the A / D converter 56 for converting to digital data.
After the conversion, the write / read address of the recording / reproducing unit 57
According to the video signal output from the A / D converter 56.
The temporary data is temporarily stored in the specified write address.
Further, the outputs of the FM demodulation unit 53 and the image recording direction determination unit 54 are
The control circuit 55 controls the timing of the A / D converter 56
A conversion operation of the output of the FM demodulation unit 52 by the A / D conversion unit 56
In response to the determination output of the image recording direction determination unit 54.
System for updating the write / read address of the recording / reproducing unit 57
Output control command. The recording / reproducing unit 57 follows this instruction,
Write designation address of conversion output of D conversion unit 56 to memory unit 58
Addresses are sequentially updated, and when the playback operation starts, the memory unit 58
The stored image data is read in an upright state
Read addresses are sequentially generated and given to the memory unit 58.
Since the memory unit 58 has a capacity of one frame,
If it is a video, it was stored in memory as it was in order
Then, if reading is done in reverse, reading from memory
Data can be reproduced as an upright image,
Images are stored in memory in reverse order from the end of the address
If reading is done from the forward direction,
These read data can be reproduced as an image in an upright state. Correct
For images in the upright state, the image is left in the normal forward state.
Writing and reading may be performed while updating the dress. Thus, the write / read address of the recording / reproducing unit 57 is
The video signal output from the A / D converter 56 in accordance with the
Digital data is temporarily stored at the specified write address.
And read the stored data from the read specified address.
The erect read from the memory unit 58
The digital data for one frame in the state is supplied to the D / A converter 59.
Video converted to analog signal by analog signal
The signal is displayed as an image by the display circuit 60. In this way, depending on the position of the release button pressed during shooting,
First, determine the image recording direction, and take the
Multiplexed with the recorded video signal and recorded on the image signal recording medium
When the recorded image on the recording medium is reproduced,
The information is separated and the judgment information is obtained.
Update control of write / read address of signal to memory
This is a command that outputs commands to write / read memory
The recording / reproducing unit that outputs the dresses
Update the write designation address of the image output to the memory section sequentially
When the playback operation starts, the image data stored in the memory
The read address so that the image is read in the upright state
Are sequentially generated and given to the memory unit,
Even if the camera body is used upside down, the reproduced image is automatically corrected.
It can be displayed as a standing image. In the above embodiment, the image is stored in the frame memory during reproduction.
Once the signal is stored, when reading it out,
The image is reproduced as a standing image, as shown in FIG.
This inversion may be performed when recording on a recording medium.
No. That is, Fig. 2 shows a CCD image sensor imaged by an optical system.
When reading the video signal of the subject image above, the camera body
When shooting in an upright state, the camera book pressed at that time
A signal transmission path L formed by a release button 40a on the upper surface of the body 40
a to the recording unit 43A through
When shooting with the camera body upside down,
Pressed by the release button 40b on the top of the camera body 40
Video provided on this path through the signal transmission path Lb formed
Inversion processing circuit 71 (first
Configuration similar to that of the forward / reverse reversal processing system by 55,57,58
To the recording unit 43A through
Configuration. In this case, it is converted to an erect image during recording.
During playback, a conventional playback processor is used.
Can be used as is. Incidentally, in FIG. 2, the recording unit 43A is
Of the recording unit 43, the data multiplexing unit 43
The one without the c is used. Also, the recording unit 43A
Of the electronic camera body 40
Electronic viewfinder (EVF) 72 (or liquid crystal display element)
Image display element with a small LCD).
With this, the viewfinder display image can also be displayed as an erect image.
It becomes possible. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the CCD imaged by the optical system
Controls reading of video signal of subject image on image sensor 42a
To perform up / down conversion on the image sensor 42a.
A method of obtaining an image may be used. In other words, when shooting with the camera body upright,
Release button 40a on the top of the camera
Pressed when shooting with the camera body upside down
Which of the release buttons 40b on the top of the camera body is pressed
Is detected, and the video signal is
Inverted read processing for reading the beginning of a signal in reverse order from the end and
A control circuit that generates a control output so that read processing is performed in the normal order.
Route 81 and the update of the read address based on this command.
And a readout circuit 82 that outputs an address signal while controlling
In accordance with the output address of the read circuit 82,
Forward / reverse inversion processing by reading and controlling the S-type image sensor 42a
To achieve. Then, the read video signal is stored in a recording unit.
43A. The configuration of Fig. 3 is a configuration that performs forward / reverse conversion on a MOS type image sensor.
However, this is stored in the field memory (or frame memory).
) Can be used. This is
As shown in FIG. 4, the CCD image sensor 42a has a normal readout control.
Control, and the output is digitally converted by the A / D converter 90.
Process to add necessary process signals as video signals
And then the field memory (or frame memo)
Re) Store on 92. And release button 40a, 40b
In addition to detecting which was pressed,
Invert to read the video signal head in reverse order from the end according to the result
Control output to perform read processing and read processing in normal order
Control circuit 81 that generates
Address while controlling the address and read address update.
A write / read circuit 82a for outputting signals;
According to the output address of the write / read circuit 82a.
Reads stored data from the next field memory 92 and controls
By doing so, forward / reverse inversion processing is realized. And this read
After converting the converted video signal to analog in the D / A converter 93,
This is to be given to the adjusting section 43b. The image in the electronic viewfinder of the camera body 40 is also displayed.
As a method of displaying as an erect image, there is a method as shown in FIG.
It is also feasible. That is, as shown in FIG.
The D image sensor 42a performs a normal read control, and outputs its output.
Performs processing to add the necessary process signals as video signals.
After that, the video signal is displayed on the display circuit 95 in the EVF finder.
And give it as it is. And release button 40
It detects which of a and 40b is pressed and
In addition, the top of the video signal is
Reverse display display in reverse order Deflection scan and display in normal order
Display circuit to control forward display deflection scanning
Select whether to change the electronic scanning direction of 95 to forward or reverse.
A control circuit 81 for determining a display circuit 95 based on the control output.
For deflecting the electronic scanning direction in either forward or reverse direction
System 96, and sequentially displays according to the deflection output of the deflection system 96.
The scanning of the indicated circuit is performed. This allows the table in the finder
The image can be displayed as an erect image. The device of the present invention described in detail above holds the camera body in an upright state.
Or in the inverted state so that it can be used
Buttons were placed on multiple surfaces, and which release button was operated
Detects whether the camera was held in the normal or reverse state,
When recording or reproducing on a recording medium,
Is controlled so that it becomes an erect image
is there. Therefore, even if the camera body is upright,
It can also be used in a
In addition, it can be used in a direction that is easy to use even for left-handed people.
Even when the camera is used in the upside down state, the reproduced image is
It can be reproduced as an erect image. In this way, the present apparatus comprises the camera body
To match the orientation of the
Trigger operation means (release)
And the photographing operation is performed by any of the trigger operation means.
Recorded or reproduced images, depending on what is done by the
So that signal processing for correcting the orientation of the
The direction and operation of holding the camera body
In order to fit the left and right hand, etc.
Separate trigger operating means at multiple predetermined positions, such as
In an upright or inverted position.
Hold the camera body in the user's preferred orientation for shooting.
Can be. Then, the user operates the camera with the camera
By operating the trigger operation means at the position where it is easy to make
The operation is triggered by any of the triggering means.
Correct the direction of recorded or reproduced image depending on whether it was done
Signal processing is performed. Therefore, the camera body
Whatever the shape of the trigger operating means,
The shot image is recorded and played back in a state determined by the position.
And use the camera body upside down
So that the reproduced image can be viewed as an upright image
So, hold not only with your right hand but also with your left hand
And release operation can be performed.
So that the image can be reproduced without inverting it during reproduction.
Become. The present invention is limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings.
Without any modification, as long as the gist is not changed
For example, in the above embodiment,
I took a child still camera as an example, but also use it for movies
It is possible to check the orientation of the camera
To detect the release button, mercury switch
Camera posture using a switch that can detect the direction of gravity, such as
To use this output for posture detection.
And this position switch allows you to
It may be determined whether to use the release button. Ma
In addition to forward / reverse conversion, the posture of the camera body
The camera body is detected by detecting whether there is any
It is possible to appreciate the erect statue regardless of the momentum
You can also [Effects of the Invention] As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the camera
Can be used in upright or inverted posture
Therefore, right-handed and left-handed
It can be used in an easy-to-use orientation,
The reproduced image is reproduced as an erect image even when the camera is used.
Provide an electronic imaging device with good operability that enables
be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 5 are block diagrams showing other embodiments of the present invention, respectively, and FIG. 6 is for explaining an example of use of the device of the present invention. The figure of the
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a conventional example. 40 camera body, 40a, 40b release button, 40c shooting lens, 41 optical system, 42 imaging unit, 43A recording unit, 43b FM modulation unit, 43c data multiplexing Kabe, 46 ……
Still Video Floppy, 45 ... Magnetic head for recording, 46 ...
… Still video floppy, 48 …… Data modulator, 50 ……
Reproduction head 51: Reproduction amplification unit, 52: Data demodulation unit, 53
…… FM demodulation unit, 54 …… Image recording direction discrimination unit, 56 …… A / D
Conversion unit, 57: Recording / reproducing unit, 58: Memory unit, 81: Control circuit, 82: Read circuit, 82a: Write / read circuit, 90: A / D conversion unit, 92: Field ( Frame) memory, 96 ... deflection system.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. Trigger operation means are separately arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions so as to be adapted to the direction of holding the camera body, the right and left of an operating hand, and the like, and the photographing operation is performed by any one of the trigger operation means. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized in that signal processing for correcting the direction of a recorded or reproduced image can be performed depending on whether the processing is performed by an image pickup apparatus. 2. An electronic image pickup apparatus, wherein position information of a trigger operating means at the time of photographing is recorded together with video information, and at the time of reproduction, the information is simultaneously read out to correct the video information.