JP3411717B2 - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic still camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electronic still camera (camera) or the like, a mechanism has been made electronic to have multiple functions, and one camera has many functions. As the contents of these functions become more complicated, the setting and selecting operations become more complicated, and it takes too much time to input each item from an input device (operation button or the like) provided in the camera. For this reason, an IC memory card in which predetermined setting contents are stored in advance or a bar code is attached to the camera, and when changing the setting, desired setting information (operation mode of the camera such as an exposure mode, etc.) from the IC memory card or the bar code is changed. Has been proposed. With this configuration, the setting can be instantaneously performed only by connecting the IC memory card to the connection part of the camera or by reading the bar code with the scanner.

However, with the above configuration, the IC
It is necessary to externally attach a memory card connection part, a scanner for reading a barcode, etc. to the camera, which causes a problem that the shape of the camera itself becomes large and is unsuitable for carrying.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic still camera which is compact and lightweight and which can read (decode) information represented by a data symbol.

[0005]

These objects are achieved by the present invention described in (1) to (19) below.

(1) A photographing optical system for forming an image of a subject, an image pickup unit arranged at an image forming position by the photographing optical system for generating a signal corresponding to the subject image, and operating function setting of the camera are performed. Selecting means for selecting either a reading mode or a shooting mode for shooting, and a case where a data symbol representing predetermined information is shot through the shooting optical system when the reading mode is selected by the selecting means. A decoding means for decoding the information represented by the data symbol based on an image signal from the image pickup section, a first memory for storing the decoded information decoded by the decoding means, and used for the operation function setting And a second memory storing index data corresponding to the operation mode of the camera, and the decryption information stored in the first memory. Discrimination means for discriminating whether or not it matches any of the index data, and corresponding to the decryption information when the discrimination information is judged by the discrimination means to match with any of the index data in the reading mode. It has a setting means for setting the operation mode and an output terminal for outputting a signal to an external device of the electronic still camera, and in the reading mode, if the decryption information does not match any of the index data by the determination means. An electronic still camera configured to output the decryption information through the output terminal when it is determined.

(2) Projection that illuminates the data symbol with spot-like light in which the shape of the beam spot on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system changes according to the position in the optical axis direction. The electronic still camera according to (1) above, further comprising a section, wherein the image pickup section and the light projecting section are housed in a camera body.

(3) A photographing optical system for forming an image of a subject, an image pickup unit arranged at an image forming position by the photographing optical system for generating a signal corresponding to the subject image, and operating function setting of the camera are performed. Selecting means for selecting either a reading mode or a shooting mode for shooting, and a case where a data symbol representing predetermined information is shot through the shooting optical system when the reading mode is selected by the selecting means. Decoding means for decoding the information represented by the data symbol based on the image signal from the image pickup unit, and the shape of the beam spot on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system is the optical axis direction. And a light projecting unit that illuminates the data symbol with a spot-shaped light that changes according to the position of the image capturing unit and the light projecting unit. A characteristic electronic still camera.

(4) The electronic still camera according to (3), further including a first memory for storing the decryption information decrypted by the decryption means.

(5) A second memory which is used for the operation function setting and stores index data corresponding to the operation mode of the camera, and the decryption information stored in the first memory is the index data. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it coincides with any of the above, and in the reading mode, when the discriminating information judges that the decryption information coincides with any of the index data, the operation corresponding to the decryption information. The electronic still camera according to (4) above, further comprising setting means for setting a mode.

(6) The electronic still camera according to any one of the above (2) to (5), wherein the light projecting section has a pair of light projecting means for emitting illumination light so as to intersect each other.

(7) In the photographing mode, the electronic still camera according to the above (6), wherein the focal point of the photographing optical system is located at or near an intersection position where the pair of illumination lights intersect.

(8) The electronic still camera according to (6) or (7), wherein the data symbol is installed at an intersection position where the pair of illumination lights intersect.

(9) The spot-like light generated on the surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position includes the data symbol, and is described in (7) or (8) above. Electronic still camera.

(10) The spot-like light generated on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position is included in the reading area of the data symbol, and is any one of the above (7) to (9). The electronic still camera described in.

(11) The electronic still camera according to any one of the above (6) to (9), wherein the centers of the pair of spot-shaped lights overlap each other at the intersecting position where the pair of illumination lights intersect.

(12) The electronic still camera according to (11), wherein the centers of a pair of spot-shaped lights that overlap each other at the intersecting position are located on the optical axis of the photographing optical system.

(13) The electronic still camera according to any one of (6) to (12), wherein the pair of light projecting means are symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical axis of the photographing optical system.

(14) The electronic still camera according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the image pickup section has a solid-state image pickup element.

(15) The electronic still camera according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the data symbol is a two-dimensional data symbol.

(16) In the photographing mode, the photographing optical system can be switched between a normal photographing state and a macro photographing state in which photographing is performed with a subject distance shorter than that in the normal photographing state. Then, the electronic still camera according to any one of (1) to (15) above, wherein the photographing is performed in the macro photographing state.

(17) In the reading mode, when a data symbol representing information on the setting of the operating function of the camera is photographed, the setting means for setting the operating function of the camera based on the information is provided (1) to (16). )
The electronic still camera according to any one of 1.

(18) The information represented by the data symbol includes information indicating an aperture priority mode, information indicating a shutter speed priority mode, information indicating a manual exposure mode, information indicating a program mode, and one frame shooting. Any one of the above (1) to (17) includes at least one of information indicating a mode, information indicating a continuous shooting mode, information indicating an interval shooting mode, and information indicating a self-timer shooting mode. Electronic still camera described.

(19) The image signal is a plurality of types of color image signals, and has a brightness signal generating means for generating a brightness signal based on the color image signal, and the decoding means has the brightness signal generating means. The electronic still camera according to any one of (1) to (18), wherein the information represented by the data symbol is decoded based on the luminance signal generated by.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The electronic still camera of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are a perspective view and a block diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic still camera of the present invention, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic still camera (CCD
The digital camera 1 has a box-shaped body 10, and a front surface (front surface) of the body 10 includes a photographing lens 3, a flash light emitting portion 91, and a pair of light projecting means 92.
93 is provided on the rear surface of the body 10 with the viewfinder 7 and the loading port 32 for the IC memory card 40.
The main switch 120, the release switch 121, the zoom switch 122, the eject switch 124, and the display unit 13 are on the upper surface of 0, and the side surface of the body 10 is
An external connection terminal 34, a main switch 120, and a changeover switch 123 which is a selection unit (a selection unit for manually selecting either the reading mode or the photographing mode) are installed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic still camera 1
Has a photographing optical system 2 in the body 10. The photographic optical system 2 is composed of a photographic lens 3 movably installed in a cam ring, a diaphragm 4, and a half mirror 5. The diaphragm 4 has a plurality of blades, and its aperture diameter can be changed by moving and rotating the blades by the diaphragm drive circuit 20.

Further, a CCD (solid-state image pickup device) 8 is installed at an image forming position behind the photographing optical system 2. The CCD 8 is configured such that a large number of pixels are arranged in rows and columns, each of the pixels stores an electric charge according to the amount of received light, and the electric charges are sequentially transferred at a predetermined time.

The present embodiment is an electronic still camera 1 for photographing a color image, and for example, a CCD having a complementary color filter is used as the CCD 8. Ie CCD
Each pixel of 8 has magenta (Mg), yellow (Y
Filters for taking out e), cyan (Cy) and green (G) are respectively covered. And CC
Four pixels having filters for extracting magenta, yellow, cyan, and green of D8 form one unit, and one unit on the screen is formed by this one unit.

A reflecting mirror 6 and a finder 7 are installed as a finder optical system branched from the optical path of the photographing optical system 2. In such a configuration, the light from the subject passes through the taking lens 3 and the aperture 4
After passing through the opening of, the half mirror 5 divides it into two.
The light reflected by the half mirror 5 is further reflected by the reflecting mirror 6 and reaches the finder 7. On the other hand, the light transmitted through the half mirror 5 reaches the light receiving surface of the CCD 8. In this way, the subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 8.

The image pickup section in the electronic still camera 1 also serves as a reading section when reading data symbols, and is composed of the CCD 8 and a CCD drive circuit 24 described later.

Further, the light projecting section 9 of the electronic still camera 1 includes a pair of light projecting means 92, 93 symmetrically arranged via the taking lens 3 of the taking optical system 2 and a light source driving circuit for projecting light. It is composed of an LED drive circuit 60.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as “LED”) 92 which is a light source.
1, 931 and the projection optical system (condensing lens) 922, 93
The illumination light whose diffusivity is suppressed to some extent by 2 and
That is, a pair of light projecting means 92, 93 that can irradiate the reading area of the data symbol with the spot light is configured.

The emission centers of the LEDs 921 and 931 are
They are located substantially on the optical axis 52 of the projection optical system 922 and the optical axis 53 of the projection optical system 932. Further, a pair of LEDs 921 and 931 and a pair of projection optical system 922,
932 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis 51 of the taking lens 3, and the optical axes 52 and 53 of the projection optical systems 922 and 932 are inclined with respect to the optical axis 51 of the taking lens 3 by a predetermined angle. Further, the three optical axes 51, 52 and 53 are provided so as to be located in the same plane.

The spots E ₁ and E ₂ are the irradiation areas (illumination areas) from the light projecting means 92 and 93 on the cross-section, which are formed by cutting the surface of the photographic lens 3 perpendicular to the optical axis 51.

The position where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide is where the intersection of the three optical axes 51, 52 and 53 is located (B in FIG. 3). In the reading mode,
The lens is driven so that the spots E ₁ and E ₂ substantially coincide with each other in focus. The “intersection position” in the present invention means a position where the intersection of the three optical axes 51, 52 and 53 is located (see FIG. 3).
Middle, B).

Further, in the reading mode, the zoom lens is driven to a preset fixed position, whereby the angle of view is fixed, and the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide with each other (B in FIG. 3). The spots E ₁ and E _{2 at}
The (irradiation area) is configured to fit within the shooting screen (reading area). Incidentally, the spot E ₁ at the position where the spot E ₁ and E ₂ are identical and E ₂
The center of and the center of the shooting screen almost coincide.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, at the position where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide (B in FIG. 3), the data symbol 3 is added to the spots E ₁ and E _2.
8 is designed to fit exactly. It goes without saying that the coincident spots E ₁ and E ₂ may be slightly larger than the data symbol 38.

The light source of the light projecting section 9 is not limited to the light emitting element such as the LED, but an incandescent bulb such as a krypton or a light bulb may be used. In this case, as the light source,
When using a spot lamp or the like that can emit spot light, the light projecting optical systems 922 and 932 can be omitted.

The electronic still camera 1 has the control means 1
Have one. The control means 11 is usually composed of a microcomputer (CPU), sequence control,
In addition to performing exposure calculation, automatic exposure and automatic focusing, controlling various functions of the electronic still camera 1 such as strobe driving, etc., it also decodes (decodes) the information represented by the data symbol 38, as will be described later. The main functions of the decoding means, the discrimination means, the setting means and the luminance signal generation means are achieved by the control means 11.

The control means 11 has a built-in buffer RAM (rewritable memory) 35 which is a first memory.

Further, the control unit 11 is connected to the operation unit 12, the display unit 13, and an EEPROM (nonvolatile memory) 32 which is a second memory. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a main switch (power switch) 120,
A release switch 121 for shooting and storing (recording) the image signal in the IC memory card 40, and a zoom switch for driving the zoom lens of the shooting lens 3 to change the focal length to the telephoto side or the wide-angle side. 12
2, the changeover switch 12 for switching between the "shooting mode" and the "reading mode" for reading information from the data symbol 38
3. An eject switch 124 for ejecting the IC memory card 40 is installed. Further, a recording mode selection switch for selecting one of field recording / frame recording and a memory of the IC memory card 40 for storing image signals. Switches for designating the upper area (address) are installed as necessary.

When the changeover switch 123 is turned off in the operation section 12, the "photographing mode" is set.
When the shooting mode is set, the operation unit 12
The photographing optical system 2 is operated by operating a switch (not shown).
However, it is possible to switch between a normal shooting state and a macro shooting state in which shooting is performed at a shorter subject distance than the normal shooting state. In this case, the photographing optical system 2 is extended toward the objective side more than in the normal state (normal photographing state), whereby the macro photographing is possible (macro photographing state).

When the changeover switch 123 is turned on,
The switching signal is input to the control means 11 and the "reading mode" is set. When the reading mode is set, the photographing optical system 2 is set to the macro photographing state.

On the display unit 13, for example, whether the main switch 120 or the changeover switch 123 is turned on or off and the field recording / selection selected by the recording mode selection switch are performed.
Information such as frame recording, shooting date and time, whether or not the IC memory card 40 is loaded, memory area of the IC memory card 40 for storing image signals, information regarding flash emission, zoom magnification, current time, etc. The necessary information among them is displayed by, for example, a liquid crystal display element (LCD) or a light emitting element.

The EEPROM 32 stores in advance code data used to change the operation control of the electronic still camera 1 (operation function setting). This code data is tabulated data showing the relationship between the index data and the operation mode (exposure mode, etc.) of the camera corresponding to the index data. EE
In the PROM 32, index data is registered by the number of various operation modes whose settings can be changed (can be set).

The electronic still camera 1 also has a power supply circuit 14 for supplying electric power. This power circuit 1
4, a battery 15 is connected, and a terminal for connecting to an external power supply circuit 16 is provided.

Further, the electronic still camera 1 has the control means 1
1 has an interface circuit 33 connected to 1, and the external connection terminal (output terminal) 34 is connected to the interface circuit 33. To the external connection terminal 34, for example, a communication cable for communicating with an external device (for example, a host computer or the like) of the electronic still camera 1 is connected (neither is shown), whereby the external device is connected. It becomes possible to communicate with. The control means 11 has a function of outputting a signal to the external connection terminal 34 via the interface circuit 33, and is input from an external device connected to the external connection terminal 34 via a communication cable. A predetermined signal is output to the outside based on a command signal or the like.

The electronic still camera 1 has a zoom drive circuit 18, a focus drive circuit 19, and an aperture drive circuit 2.
0, a photometric unit and a distance measuring unit (not shown).
The photometric means measures the brightness of the subject and inputs the information to the control means 11. The distance measuring unit measures the distance information from the electronic still camera 1 to the subject or the amount of defocus (defocus amount) with respect to the planned focal plane (the light receiving surface of the CCD 8) in the electronic still camera 1 by, for example, the active method or the passive method. Then, the information (distance measurement information) is input to the control means 11.

The release switch 121 is a two-step switch. In the photographing mode, when the first step of the release switch 121 is turned on, the photometric means and the distance measuring means are respectively activated, and when the second step is turned on, the CCD driving means 21 drives the CCD 8 to perform photographing. Be seen.

Further, in the reading mode, when the first stage of the release switch 121 is turned on, the light projecting means 92, 9
The three LEDs 921 and 931 emit light. Further, when the second stage is turned on, the CCD 8 is driven by the CCD driving means 21 to photograph the data symbol 38, and information is decoded (decoded) from the photographed image.

The zoom driving circuit 18 is a circuit for driving the focal length of the photographing optical system 2 to the telephoto side or the wide angle side by rotating the cam ring, and has a zoom driving motor. The zoom drive circuit 18 operates by operating the zoom switch 122.

The focus drive circuit 19 has a motor for in-focus drive. As described above, the distance measurement information is input from the distance measurement means to the control means 11, and the control means 11
Based on the distance measurement information, a command signal for focusing is input to the focus drive circuit 19. The focus drive circuit 19 rotationally drives the focusing drive motor by a predetermined amount in response to this focusing command, and drives the focusing lens of the taking lens 3. Thereby, a focused state is obtained.

The diaphragm drive circuit 20 has a motor for driving the diaphragm. As described above, the brightness information of the subject is input from the photometric means to the control means 11, and the control means 11
Based on this brightness information, an exposure calculation is performed to determine an appropriate aperture value and shutter speed (charge storage time in the CCD 8). Then, a command signal for setting the aperture value of the aperture 4 to the appropriate aperture value is input to the aperture drive circuit 20. The diaphragm driving circuit 20 drives the blades of the diaphragm 4 by rotating the diaphragm driving motor by a predetermined amount in response to this command.

The electronic still camera 1 also has a strobe light emitting section 91 and a strobe drive circuit 17.
When a strobe drive command signal (strobe light emission trigger signal) is input from the control means 11 to the strobe drive circuit 17 based on the photometric value by the photometry means, the strobe drive circuit 17 causes the light emitting section 91 to emit light in response to this instruction. The light emission amount (light emission time) of the light emitting unit 91 is appropriately controlled by the dimming circuit built in the strobe drive circuit 17.

The electronic still camera 1 also includes a CCD drive circuit 21, a sync signal generation circuit 22, and an address control circuit 2.
3, the CCD signal processing circuit 24, the A / D converter 25, the main memory 26, the RGB matrix circuit 27, the image compression circuit 28, the memory card control circuit 29, the loading section 30 for loading the IC memory card 40, and the loading section 30. 3 for detecting loading of the IC memory card 40
Have one. The CCD signal processing circuit 24,
The A / D converter 25, the main memory 26, and the RGB matrix circuit 27 constitute a signal processing circuit that generates an image signal.

In the synchronizing signal generating circuit 22, the control means 11
A control signal is input from the input terminal, a clock signal is generated based on this control signal, and a synchronizing signal (horizontal synchronizing signal, vertical synchronizing signal, etc.) is generated based on this clock signal.
The generated clock signal and synchronization signal are respectively
It is input to the CCD drive circuit 21 and the address control circuit 23 and used for each operation.

The address control circuit 23 generates various pulse signals based on the synchronizing signal and the clock signal input from the synchronizing signal generating circuit 22. The pulse signals generated by the address control circuit 23 are input to the RGB matrix circuit 27, respectively.

The CCD drive circuit 21 drives the CCD 8 based on the sync signal input from the sync signal generation circuit 22. In this case, when the second stage of the release switch 121 is turned on, the appropriate shutter speed (exposure time) obtained based on the brightness information of the subject from the above-described photometric means, that is, charge accumulation, is applied to each pixel of the CCD 8. Charges corresponding to the amount of light corresponding to the subject image are accumulated in time, and the accumulated charges are sequentially transferred to the CCD signal processing circuit 24.
Entered in.

The CCD signal processing circuit 24 performs predetermined signal processing on the signal output from the CCD 8 to obtain analog image signals of the photographed subject image, that is, analog image signals of magenta, yellow, cyan and green. . This analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 25, that is, magenta,
It is converted into a complementary color digital image signal of yellow and cyan and a primary color digital image signal of green, and is temporarily stored in a predetermined address of the main memory 26.

In this case, the address control circuit 23 activates the built-in write address counter based on the synchronizing signal from the synchronizing signal generating circuit 22 to write each digital image signal at a predetermined address of the main memory 26. Go out.

Further, the address control circuit 23 operates the built-in read address counter on the basis of the clock signal from the control means 11 to cause the main memory 26 to operate.
Each digital image signal is read from the predetermined address of.

Each digital image signal read out is RG
It is input to the B matrix circuit 27. The RGB matrix circuit 27 performs predetermined arithmetic processing and the like on the input magenta, yellow and cyan complementary color digital image signals and the green primary color digital image signals to obtain red (R), green (G) and blue. The digital image signal of (B), that is, a primary color digital image signal is converted.

Each primary color digital image signal thus obtained is input to the memory card control circuit 29. In the memory card control circuit 29, the image compression circuit 28 controlled by the control means 11
A primary color digital image signal obtained by compressing the input primary color digital image signal into a predetermined amount is output.

With the IC memory card 40 loaded in the loading section 30, the compressed primary color digital image signal output from the memory card control circuit 29 is sent through the connector to a predetermined IC memory of the IC memory card 40. Stored in the address. As described above, the storage of the captured image information in the IC memory card 40 is completed.

A connector electrically connected to the terminals of the IC memory card 40 is installed at the back of the loading section 30,
Further, the connector is provided with detection means 31 for detecting whether or not the connector and the terminal of the IC memory card 40 are electrically connected.

Further, a card transport mechanism (not shown) is installed in the loading section 30, and the IC memory card 4
When 0 is ejected from the loading section 30, the card transfer mechanism is operated in accordance with the operation of the eject switch 124, and the IC memory card 40 is ejected.

The IC memory card 40 is a recording medium for storing (recording) images taken by the electronic still camera 1, and is a card in which an IC (Integrated Circuit) memory is incorporated. This IC memory has an area for storing the above-mentioned image signal (image information) and an area for storing the card attribute information. Examples of the card attribute information include the type of IC memory (eg, static RAM, flash memory, etc.), the storage capacity of the IC memory, the access speed, and the like.

Further, the control means 11 is connected to the light emitting LED drive circuit 60 of the light projecting section 9. As described above, the projection LED drive circuit 60 includes a pair of LEDs 92.
1, 931 are connected, and when a signal is input from the control means 11 to the LED drive circuit 60 for projecting light, the LED 92
1, 931 lights up.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of the data symbol 38. In the configuration shown, the data symbol 38
The (symbol code) is composed of a black or white (or transparent) mosaic arranged in x rows × y columns (x and y are integers of 2 or more). The black or white color of this mosaic represents, for example, 0 or 1 in the binary system, and this combination specifies desired information. The data symbol 38 is not limited to the one having the illustrated configuration.

The information on the operation mode represented by the data symbol 38 is, for example, the exposure mode (program mode [mode for automatically selecting the combination of aperture-shutter speed], aperture priority mode, shutter speed priority mode, manual mode [manual Exposure mode]
Etc.), drive mode (single-frame shooting mode [single-frame shooting mode], continuous shooting mode, interval shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode, etc.), selection of whether or not to set the shooting date, time writing mode, etc. Information about the shooting conditions of the camera, delete mode (all delete, single frame delete, etc.)
Information other than the shooting conditions, such as The electronic still camera 1 is configured so that the operation mode can be set.

In the electronic still camera 1 configured as described above, when reading data from the data symbol 38, the changeover switch 123 is operated to set the "reading mode".
Then, the taking lens 3 is extended and driven to a preset position. This results in spots E ₁ and E ₂
Is focused on a position (B in FIG. 3) that coincides, and the angle of view is fixed so that the spots E ₁ and E ₂ (irradiation area) at the positions where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide are within the photographing screen. To be done.

When the first stage of the release switch 121 is turned on, illumination light is emitted from the light projecting means 92, 93. In this case, the attitude of the electronic still camera 1 is determined so that the optical axis of the taking lens 3 is substantially perpendicular to the data symbol 38.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the spot shape of the illumination light emitted to the surface on which the data symbol 38 is placed, that is, the spots E ₁ and E of the illumination light from the light projecting means 92 and 93, respectively. _The irradiation area and the shape thereof by ₂ change according to the distance between the data symbol 38 and the taking lens 3.

When reading the data symbol 38, the spot shape of the illumination light from the light projecting unit 9, that is, the spot E
The relative positions of the data symbol 38 and the electronic still camera 1 are adjusted based on ₁ and E ₂ , and the data symbol 38 is arranged as shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the spots E ₁ and E ₂ are almost coincident with each other (spot E ₁
The distance between the data symbol 38 and the photographing lens 3 is adjusted so that the irradiation area by E ₂ and E ₂ is minimized, and the electronic still camera 1 is positioned with respect to the data symbol 38 in the optical axis 51 direction. As a result, a focused state is obtained for the data symbol 38 and the data symbol 3
The image magnification of 8 (size of the data symbol 38 with respect to the shooting screen) becomes a preset value (constant value).

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the spot E _{1 at} a position where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide with _{each other.}
Then, the data symbol 38 is adjusted so as to be arranged within E ₂ and E ₂ , and positioning is performed within the photographing screen (in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis 51). As a result, the data symbol 38 becomes
It fits within the shooting screen (reading area) and is arranged in the center of the shooting screen (reading area).

As shown in A of FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 (A), the case where the position of the data symbol 38 is too close and C of FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 (C) are shown. As described above, when the position of the data symbol 38 is too far, the spots E ₁ and E ₂ do not coincide.

Next, the control means 11 of the electronic still camera 1
The control operation of is specifically described. 6, 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control means 11. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this flowchart.

First, it is determined whether the main switch 120 is on (step 101). If the main switch 120 is on, it is determined whether the changeover switch 123 is on (step 102).

At step 102, the changeover switch 1
If it is determined that 23 is off, the shooting mode is set. As shown in FIG. 8, when the shooting mode is set, it is determined whether or not the first step of the release switch 121 is turned on (step 201). When it is determined that the first step of the release switch 121 is turned on, , Step 1 described later
On the basis of various operation modes changed based on the decoded data at 16, the AF control (automatic focus control), the photometry and the exposure calculation process described above are executed (step 202).

Then, it is judged whether or not the second step of the release switch 121 is turned on (step 203). When it is judged that the second step of the release switch 121 is not turned on, the procedure returns to step 201, and again. Step 201-
Step 203 is executed. If it is determined in step 203 that the second stage of the release switch 121 is turned on, shooting (exposure control) is performed as described above (step 204).

Then, as described above, the CCD 4 to C
The CD signal (charge signal) is read out, and the CCD signal is subjected to generation processing (signal processing) into an image signal for recording, that is, an R, G, B digital image signal (step 204).
Then, as described above, the digital image signals of R, G, and B are recorded (written) in a predetermined address of the IC memory of the IC memory card 40 (step 20).
5). After step 206 or in step 201, when it is determined that the first step of the release switch 121 is not turned on, the process returns to step 102.

If it is determined in step 102 that the changeover switch 123 is on, the reading mode is set. That is, the photographing lens 3 is moved to the macro photographing position (step 103). As a method thereof, for example, the zoom lens and the focus lens (the entire photographing optical system 2) are extended toward the subject side from the normal time (during normal photographing) and moved to a predetermined position, so that the macro photographing is performed. As a result, the spot E ₁ and E ₂ are focused on the position (B in FIG. 3), and the angle of view is adjusted so that the irradiation area at the position where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ match is within the shooting screen. Fixed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the first stage of the release switch 121 is on (step 104). When it is determined that the first stage of the release switch 121 is on, the light emitting LED drive circuit 60 is driven. , LED921,93
1 is turned on (step 105).

Here, the photographer (user) moves the data symbol 38 and the electronic still camera 1 based on the spots E ₁ and E ₂ of the illumination light from the LEDs 921 and 931 as described above. As shown in FIG. 5B, the spots E ₁ and E ₂ are aligned with each other, and the data symbols 38 are arranged so that the entire data symbols 38 are included in the spots E ₁ and E ₂ .

Next, it is determined whether or not the second stage of the release switch 121 is on (step 106). If it is determined in step 106 that the second stage of the release switch 121 is on, shooting is performed. Then, as described above, the CCD signal from the CCD 8 is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the CCD signal processing circuit 24 and converted into a digital image signal (Cy, G, Mg, Ye signals) by the A / D converter 25. , The digital image signal of the data symbol 38 is written to a predetermined address of the main memory 26 (step 107).

Next, as described above, the digital image signal is read out from the predetermined address of the main memory 26, converted into the primary color digital image signal (R, G, B signals) by the RGB matrix circuit 27, and then the control means 11 is operated. Output (step 108). Then, the decode processing subroutine is called (step 109).

FIG. 9 shows the control means 11 in the decoding process.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. As shown in the figure, when the decode processing subroutine is called, the read OK flag is reset (read OK flag =
0) (step 301).

Next, a color image signal corresponding to each pixel for one screen from the RGB matrix circuit 27, that is, R, G, B for one pixel of the primary color digital image signals (R, G, B signals). A luminance signal (black and white) is generated from the signal (step 302).

Next, the generated luminance signal is compared with a predetermined threshold value (threshold value) and binarized (step 303). As a result, binary data (binary signal) for one pixel is obtained. Then, the binarized data is written in a predetermined address of the buffer RAM 35 in the control means 11 (step 304).

Then, it is judged whether or not the writing of the binarized data for one screen to the buffer RAM 35 is completed (step 305). If it is determined in step 305 that the writing of the binarized data for one screen into the buffer RAM 35 has not been completed, the process returns to step 302 and steps 302 to 305 are executed again. That is, the luminance signal generation, the binarization process, and the binarized data writing operation are repeatedly performed until the binary data of all the pixels corresponding to the effective reading area of the CCD 4 is written.

In step 305, the buffer RAM
When it is determined that the writing of the binarized data for one screen to the screen 35 is completed, the contour of the data symbol to be decoded is detected based on the binarized data written in the buffer RAM 35 (step 306). The outer periphery of the data symbol is black so that its contour can be discriminated. In this step 306, the binarized data corresponding to the black pixel at the outermost periphery of the data symbol is traced and extracted, and the contour of the data symbol (main In the embodiment, a square) is detected.

Next, it is judged whether or not the contour detection of the data symbol is OK, that is, whether or not the contour detection of the data symbol has been completed (step 307). When it is determined in step 307 that the contour of the data symbol cannot be detected, the process returns to the main program. For example, when there is no data symbol in the imaging area (reading area) or when the reading operation is performed with the data symbol protruding from the reading area, the outermost binarized data cannot be recognized or is tracked. Since the existing pixels reach the end of the reading area, the outline of the data symbol cannot be detected, and therefore the decoding cannot be performed.

When it is determined in step 307 that the contour of the data symbol has been detected, the decoding area is detected (step 308). In this case, the area surrounded by the black pixels forming the contour of the data symbol is recognized as the decoding area.

Next, predetermined image processing is performed on the binary data in the decoding area to perform decoding processing (decoding the information represented by the data symbol) (step 30).
9). Next, it is judged whether or not the decoding result is OK (step 310). That is, the reliability of the decoded data (decoding information) obtained by the decoding process is checked.

If it is determined in step 310 that the decoded data has an error, the process returns to the main program. If it is determined in step 310 that there is no error in the decoded data (decoding result OK), the read OK flag is set (read OK flag = 1) (step 311).

Next, based on the code data (index data and tabulated data showing the relationship between the index data and the operation mode of the camera corresponding to the index data) stored in advance in the EEPROM 32, the decoded data is converted into each index data. It is determined whether or not the data corresponds to any of the above, that is, whether or not the decoded data matches any of the respective index data (step 312).

If it is determined in step 312 that the decoded data matches any one of the index data, the process returns to the main program to change the setting to the operation mode corresponding to the index data. If it is determined in step 312 that the decoded data does not match any of the index data, the decoded data output subroutine is called (step 313).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means 11 when outputting decoded data. As shown in the figure, when the decode data output subroutine is called, it is determined whether or not a communication cable or the like is connected to the external connection terminal 34, that is, whether or not the external connection terminal 34 is in the connected state. (Step 401).

In this case, when a communication cable for communicating with an external device such as a host computer is connected to the external connection terminal 34 and the electronic still camera 1 and the external device can communicate with each other, The voltage of a predetermined terminal among the connection terminals 34 is configured to be at the ground level. Thereby, the control circuit 11 grasps the connection state of the external device to the external connection terminal 34 via the interface circuit 33.

In step 401, the external connection terminal 3
When it is determined that No. 4 is in the connected state, the decoded data is output to the interface circuit 33 (step 40).
2). As a result, the decoded data is output to the external connection terminal 34 via the interface circuit 33 and input to the external device via the communication cable.

If it is determined in step 402 that the external connection terminal 34 is not in the connected state, the process exits this subroutine, returns to the decoding process subroutine, and returns to the main program.

After step 109, the LED drive circuit 60 for projecting light turns off the LEDs 921 and 931 (step 110). Next, it is judged whether or not the reading of the data symbol 38 is OK based on the reading OK flag (step 111). In step 111, if the reading OK flag is set (reading OK flag = 1), it is determined that reading is OK, and if the reading OK flag is reset (reading OK flag = 0), reading is performed. Judge as NG.

If it is determined in step 111 that the reading has failed, it is determined whether the changeover switch 123 is on (step 117). If it is determined that it is on, the process returns to step 104.

If it is determined in step 117 that the changeover switch 123 is off, the taking lens 3 is returned from the macro photographing position to the normal position (step 11).
8) Then, the process returns to step 102.

In step 111, read O
If it is determined to be K, the decoded data is sent to the control means 11
The data is written in a predetermined address of the internal buffer RAM 35 (step 112). In this case, the decoded data is written in an area different from the area used for writing the binarized data in the decoding process.

Next, a buzzer for notifying that the reading is OK is transmitted (step 113). Next, on the display unit 13, a display indicating that shooting is performed according to the conditions read from the data symbol 38, and further, the operation mode (shooting condition) is displayed (step 114).

Next, the photographing lens 3 is returned from the macro photographing position to the normal position (step 115). Then
The operation mode input by reading the data symbol 38 is set. That is, the decoded data is read from a predetermined address of the buffer RAM 35 built in the control means 11, and the operation mode is set based on the decoded data (step 116). This is the end of this program.

In the present embodiment, the fact that the reading is OK is notified by transmitting a buzzer, but in the present invention, for example, in addition to this, reading is OK.
The display unit (LCD or the like) 13 may be configured to display that.

As described above, in the electronic still camera 1 of the present invention, the data symbol 38 can be easily and quickly read without providing an external reading device (photographing of the data symbol 38 and information represented by the data symbol 38). Can be deciphered), and thereby desired operation function settings can be performed. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide an external reading device, the size and weight of the device can be reduced.

In particular, in this embodiment, the two illumination lights, that is, the spots E ₁ and E ₂ are used as guides for positioning the electronic still camera 1 with respect to the data symbol 38 in the direction of the optical axis 51, and of the data symbol 38 in the photographing screen. The data symbol 3 functions as a positioning guide and a guide for keeping the image magnification of the data symbol 38 constant.
When reading 8, the data symbol 38 can be positioned quickly and easily so that the data symbol 38 is located at the proper reading position, and the data symbol 38 can be properly read.

Further, the data symbol 3 is read every time it is read.
Since the image magnification of 8 can be made constant, a circuit for performing signal processing such as decorating processing can be simplified. Further, since the position of the data symbol 38 is determined by the illumination light, the data symbol 38 can be easily positioned even in a dark place, and the data symbol 38 can be read by the illumination light even in a dark place.

Although the electronic still camera of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated configuration example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present embodiment, in the reading mode, the photographing lens 3 is extended to the subject side and moved to a predetermined position to be in a macro photographing state. However, in the present invention, other than this, for example, In the reading mode, by inserting another optical element in the taking lens 3 or by exchanging it, the taking lens 3
May be configured to be switched for macro photography. Further, for example, in the reading mode, a configuration may be such that a taking lens dedicated to reading data symbols (for macro photography) is externally attached.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the reading mode, the focus is made to the position of the level B shown in FIG. 3. However, in the present invention, for example, the image pickup section is automatically focused. It is also possible to have a configuration in which a focus mechanism is provided and the data symbol 38 is automatically focused by the mechanism. In this case, the illumination light spots E ₁ , E ₂
Is used for positioning the data symbol 38 in the reading area and for making the image magnification constant, and the spots E ₁ , E
_{2 is made} to coincide with each other, and the data symbol 38 is arranged at the portion where the spots E ₁ and E ₂ coincide with each other for reading.

Further, in the present embodiment, the light projecting section is provided with a pair of light projecting means 92, 93, but in the present invention,
The light projecting portion may be provided with one light projecting means or three or more light projecting means.

For example, in the case where only one light projecting means is provided, the contour of the spot E ₁ of the illumination light from the light projecting means 92 and the outer edge portions (four corners) of the data symbol 38 match. That is, the alignment is performed so that the outer edge of the data symbol 38 is inscribed on the contour of the spot E ₁ .
This position becomes the in-focus position, and the spot E at that position becomes
Configure ₁ to be included in the reading area.

Further, in the present invention, the data symbol (medium representing information) is not limited to the two-dimensional data symbol as in this embodiment, but may be a one-dimensional data symbol such as a bar code.

In this embodiment, the recording medium is I
Although a C memory card is used, the recording medium in the present invention is not limited to an IC memory card, and may be, for example, a memory built in the device itself or a memory mounted on something other than the card. May be a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like.

[0120]

As described above, according to the electronic still camera of the present invention, either the reading mode for setting the operating function of the camera or the photographing mode for photographing can be selected, and the reading mode is selected. When the data symbol is photographed at this time, the information represented by the data symbol is decoded, which is versatile.

In particular, by also using the image pickup section, that is, by using the image pickup section also as the reading section of the data symbol,
Since it is not necessary to attach an external device for reading the information of the data symbol, it is possible to suppress the size increase of the entire camera.

When an image pickup unit having a CCD (solid-state image pickup device) is used as a reading unit, it can be used not only for reading one-dimensional data symbols but also for reading two-dimensional data symbols. Is wide. Further, in the reading mode, since the image is photographed and read in the macro photographing state, the data symbol can be more surely read.

Further, in the reading mode, when the data symbol representing the information on the operation function setting of the camera is photographed, when the operation function setting of the camera is performed based on the information, the data symbol is read from the image pickup section (reading section). Based on the obtained information, it is possible to automatically set the operation function of each part of the camera.

Further, the first memory for storing the decoding information decoded by the decoding means, the second memory for storing the index data corresponding to the operation mode of the camera, and the first memory are stored. A determination means for determining whether the decryption information matches any of the index data, and a setting means for setting the operation mode corresponding to the decryption information when the decryption information matches any of the index data in the read mode. With the above, it is possible to more reliably execute the operation function setting of each part of the camera.

Further, the electronic still camera has an output terminal for outputting a signal to an external device, and when the decoding information does not match any of the index data in the reading mode, the decoding information is output through the output terminal. With such a configuration, the data symbol for setting the operation mode of the camera and the other data symbol can be sorted and read.

The information represented by the data symbol includes
Information indicating the aperture priority mode, information indicating the shutter speed priority mode, information indicating the manual exposure mode, information indicating the program mode, information indicating the single frame shooting mode, and information indicating the continuous shooting mode. If at least one of the information indicating the interval shooting mode and the information indicating the self-timer shooting mode is included,
Since these are frequently used, it is easy to set or change the operation mode.

Further, when a pair of light projecting means for emitting illumination light so as to cross each other is provided, particularly when a data symbol is installed at an intersecting position where a pair of illumination light intersects each other, and further in the photographing mode. When the focal point of the imaging optical system is located at or near the intersection position where a pair of illumination lights intersect, spot-shaped light at the intersection position is used to easily, quickly, and accurately position data symbols. Focusing is possible, which allows proper reading of the data symbols. Further, since the spot-like light at the intersecting position is used, the data symbol can be positioned and focused without contact, and thus the reading operation is easy. Further, since it is only necessary to provide the light projecting portion as the data symbol positioning means, the structure thereof is simple. Moreover, positioning can be easily performed even in a dark place.

Further, when the spot-like light generated on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position includes the data symbol, especially when the spot-like light is perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position. When the spot-like light generated on the surface is included in the reading area of the data symbol, the spot-like light can function as a guide for positioning the data symbol in the photographing screen, so that it is easier, faster, and more accurate. The data symbols can be positioned and focused so that they can be read more properly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an electronic still camera of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic still camera of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a light projecting unit in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a data symbol in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relationship between the position of a data symbol and the illumination range in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control means in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (continuation of FIG. 6) showing an example of the operation of the control means in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control means in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control means at the time of decoding processing in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control means at the time of outputting decoded data in the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Electronic Still Camera 2 Photographing Optical System 3 Photographing Lens 4 Aperture 5 Half Mirror 6 Reflecting Mirror 7 Finder 8 CCD (Solid-State Image Sensor) 9 Light Emitting Unit 91 Light Emitting Unit 92, 93 Light Emitting Means 921, 931 LED 922, 932 Light Emitting Optical system 10 Body 11 Control means 12 Operation unit 120 Main switch 121 Release switch 122 Zoom switch 123 Changeover switch 124 Eject switch 13 Display unit 14 Power supply circuit 15 Battery 16 External power supply circuit 17 Strobe drive circuit 18 Zoom drive circuit 19 Focus drive circuit 20 Aperture drive circuit 21 CCD drive circuit 22 Synchronous signal generation circuit 23 Address control circuit 24 CCD signal processing circuit 25 A / D converter 26 Main memory 27 RGB matrix circuit 28 Image compression circuit 29 Memory card control circuit 30 Loading section 31 Detecting means 32 EEPROM 33 Interface circuit 34 External connection terminal 35 Buffer RAM 38 Data symbol 40 IC memory cards 51, 52, 53 Optical axis 60 Projecting LED drive circuit 101 to 118 Steps 201 to 206 Steps 301 to 313 Steps 401, 402 Step E ₁ , E ₂ spot

Claims (19)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image pickup optical system for forming an image of a subject, an image pickup section arranged at an image forming position by the image pickup optical system, for generating a signal corresponding to the subject image, and a reading for setting an operation function of the camera. Selecting means for selecting either a mode or a shooting mode for shooting, and when the reading mode is selected by the selecting means,
Decoding means for deciphering the information represented by the data symbol based on the image signal from the image pickup unit when the data symbol representing the predetermined information is photographed through the photographing optical system, and deciphered by the decoding means. First to store the decrypted information
Of the index data, a second memory used for the operation function setting, which stores index data corresponding to the operation mode of the camera, and the decryption information stored in the first memory, which is one of the index data. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it coincides with, and in the reading mode, when the discriminating information is discriminated by the discriminating means for coincidence with any of the index data, the operation mode corresponding to the decryption information A setting means for setting and an output terminal for outputting a signal to an external device of the electronic still camera, and in the read mode, the determination information determines that the decryption information does not match any of the index data. Is characterized in that the decryption information is output via the output terminal. Electronic still camera. 2. A light projecting unit that illuminates the data symbol with spot-shaped light in which the shape of a beam spot on a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system changes according to the position in the optical axis direction. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, further comprising a camera body, wherein the imaging unit and the light projecting unit are housed in the camera body. 3. A photographing optical system that forms an image of a subject, an image pickup unit that is arranged at an image forming position by the photographing optical system, and that generates a signal corresponding to the subject image, and a reading that sets the operation function of the camera. Selecting means for selecting either a mode or a shooting mode for shooting, and when the reading mode is selected by the selecting means,
Decoding means for deciphering the information represented by the data symbol based on an image signal from the imaging unit when a data symbol representing predetermined information is photographed through the imaging optical system, A light spot illuminating the data symbol with spot-shaped light in which the shape of a beam spot on a surface perpendicular to the optical axis changes according to the position in the optical axis direction; An electronic still camera characterized in that a light projecting portion is housed in a camera body. 4. The electronic still camera according to claim 3, further comprising a first memory for storing the decryption information decrypted by the decryption means. 5. A second memory, which is used for the operation function setting and stores index data corresponding to an operation mode of the camera, and the decryption information stored in the first memory is the index data of the index data. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it matches any one, and in the reading mode, when the discriminating information judges that the decryption information matches any of the index data, the operation mode corresponding to the decryption information The electronic still camera according to claim 4, further comprising setting means for setting the setting. 6. The electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the light projecting section has a pair of light projecting means for emitting illumination light so as to intersect with each other. 7. The electronic still camera according to claim 6, wherein in the photographing mode, the focal point of the photographing optical system is located at or near an intersection position where the pair of illumination lights intersect. 8. The electronic still camera according to claim 6, wherein the data symbol is installed at an intersecting position where the pair of illumination lights intersect. 9. The electronic still camera according to claim 7, wherein the spot-like light generated on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position includes the data symbol. 10. The electron according to claim 7, wherein the spot-like light generated on the surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system at the intersecting position is included in the reading area of the data symbol. Still camera. 11. The center of the pair of spot-shaped lights is
The electronic still camera according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the pair of illumination lights overlap each other at an intersecting position. 12. The electronic still camera according to claim 11, wherein the centers of a pair of spot-shaped lights that overlap each other at the intersecting positions are located on the optical axis of the photographing optical system. 13. The electronic still camera according to claim 6, wherein the pair of light projecting means are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the photographing optical system. 14. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a solid-state imaging device. 15. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the data symbol is a two-dimensional data symbol. 16. In the photographing mode, the photographing optical system can be switched between a normal photographing state and a macro photographing state in which photographing is performed with a subject distance shorter than that in the normal photographing state. In the reading mode, 16. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the photographing is performed in the macro photographing state. 17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the operating function of the camera based on the information when the data symbol representing the information regarding the operating function setting of the camera is photographed in the reading mode. The electronic still camera described in. 18. The information represented by the data symbol includes information indicating an aperture priority mode, information indicating a shutter speed priority mode, information indicating a manual exposure mode, information indicating a program mode, and a single frame shooting mode. 18. The electronic still according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the information indicating the continuous shooting mode, the information indicating the continuous shooting mode, the information indicating the interval shooting mode, and the information indicating the self-timer shooting mode is included. camera. 19. The image signal is a plurality of types of color image signals, and has a brightness signal generating means for generating a brightness signal on the basis of the color image signal, and the decoding means uses the brightness signal generating means. 19. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the information represented by the data symbol is decoded based on the generated luminance signal.