JP3931947B2

JP3931947B2 - Electronic imaging device

Info

Publication number: JP3931947B2
Application number: JP2000231832A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 彰久山崎
Original assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Current assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Priority date: 2000-07-31
Filing date: 2000-07-31
Publication date: 2007-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-31
Also published as: JP2002051253A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は電子撮像装置に係り、特に光学ズーム機能と電子ズーム機能を兼備した電子カメラに適用可能なズーム制御技術に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
デジタルカメラやビデオカメラの分野では、ユーザが簡単に画角合わせできるように、撮影光学系にズームレンズを採用するものが多い。また、カメラを気軽に持ち歩くことができるようにカメラの小型化が進んでいる。近時、ズーム機能の高倍率化が要望さているが、光学的なズーム倍率を大きくすると、光学レンズが大きくなり小型化が困難である。そこで、従来より、撮像素子を介して取得した画像データを画像処理技術によって電子的に拡大処理する電子ズーム機能を光学ズームと併用することが行われている。
【０００３】
特開平１１−２５２４３３公報には、光学ズームと電子ズームを滑らかに変化させる技術が開示され、特開平８−１８８４２号公報には、不連続な光学ズーム（多焦点レンズ）の間を電子ズームで補間することで滑らかにズーム変化させる方法が開示されている。また、特開平７−１０７３６２公報は、電子ズームと光学ズームを併用した場合にズームスピードを一定にする技術を開示している。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来提案されている技術は、何れも光学ズームと電子ズームの境目を滑らかに変化させることを主目的としている。ビデオカメラは、動画像を撮影するために電子ズームの拡大処理による画質劣化が問題となることは少ないが、デジタルスチルカメラの場合は、静止画像を撮影するために電子ズームによる画質劣化が目立ちやすい。そのため、光学ズームと電子ズームをユーザ自身が意図的に使い分けたいという要望がある。これに対し、光学ズームと電子ズームを別々に制御するために、ズームレバーに回転角度検出器やストッパーを設けて光学ズーム領域の動作と電子ズーム領域の動作を制御する方法が提案されているが（特開平６−８６１３１号公報）、このような操作部材は構造が複雑になるという欠点がある。
【０００５】
本発明はこのような事情に鑑みてなされたもので、特別の操作部材を用いることなく、単一のズーム操作部材でユーザが光学ズームと電子ズームを意図的に使い分けることができる電子撮像装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、本発明に係る電子撮像装置は、記録する画像の解像度を規定の解像度の中から選択し、撮像手段によって撮像された被写体の画像を選択された解像度で記録手段に記録する電子撮像装置であって、前記撮像手段で撮像された画像を電子的に処理することにより被写体の像倍率を変更させて電子ズームする電子ズーム手段と、選択された解像度に応じて、画質劣化が生じない範囲で電子ズームによる倍率可変範囲を制限する手段と、被写体の倍率を光学的に変化させて光学ズームする光学ズーム手段と、倍率を変更する指示を与えるズーム操作手段と、前記ズーム操作手段からの指示に基づいて前記電子ズーム手段及び前記光学ズーム手段を制御する制御手段であって、前記ズーム操作手段からのテレ方向指令に伴う光学ズーム動作により、光学ズームのテレ端が検出されると、ズーム動作を一度停止させ、再度前記ズーム操作手段がテレ方向に操作されると、電子ズームに移行するようにズーム制御を行うとともに、電子ズーム時は、前記解像度に応じて制限された倍率可変範囲内でズーム制御を行う制御手段と、を備えたことを特徴としている。
【０００７】
本発明によれば、ズーム操作手段は光学ズームのズーム指令と、電子ズームのズーム指令を行う操作部として兼用されている。光学ズーム領域のテレ端よりも更に高倍率側に電子ズーム領域が付加される構成によって光学ズームと電子ズームが組み合わされ、ズームの倍率可変範囲が形成される。光学ズーム領域でテレ方向操作を行い、光学ズームのテレ端に到達すると光学ズーム動作が停止する。そのまま前記ズーム操作手段がテレ方向に操作され続けている間はズーム停止状態が継続される。そして、ズーム停止後、一旦前記ズーム操作手段の操作を解除してから、再度前記ズーム操作手段をテレ方向に操作すると電子ズームに切り換わり、更なる高倍率画像を得ることができる。このように、光学ズームから電子ズームへの切換点でズーム動作を停止させ、ズーム操作手段の再操作により電子ズーム領域に移行するようにしたので、ユーザは、光学ズームと電子ズームを意図的に使い分けることができる。また、ズーム操作手段は共通しているので操作も容易である。
【０００８】
ワイド側のズーム制御についても、電子ズームから光学ズームへ切換点でズーム動作を停止させ、ズーム操作手段の再操作により光学ズーム領域に移行する態様が好ましい。この場合、前記制御手段に代えて、若しくは、これに付加して、前記ズーム操作手段からのワイド方向指令に伴う電子ズーム処理により電子ズーム領域のワイド端が検出されると電子ズームの変倍処理を中止してズーム動作を一度停止させ、再度前記ズーム操作手段がワイド方向に操作された場合に光学ズームに移行するようにズーム制御を行う制御手段を備える態様となる。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下添付図面に従って本発明に係る電子撮像装置の好ましい実施の形態について説明する。
【００１０】
図１乃至図３は、本発明の実施形態に係るカメラの外観斜視図である。このカメラ１０は、ズームレンズ１２を備えたデジタルカメラであり、カメラ本体から前方へ突出したレンズ部１４と本体側部のグリップ部２２を撮影者が確実に保持して、撮影ブレを防止できる大きさ、形状を有している。ズームレンズ１２には、例えば光学６倍ズームレンズが用いられ、望遠（テレ）側又は広角（ワイド）側のズーム操作に応じて鏡胴１５が進退駆動される。
【００１１】
カメラ上部にはポップアップ式のストロボ１６が設けられ、ストロボ発光部の横にはストロボ調光センサ１８が設けられている。符号４０は、ストロボ１６を利用可能状態の位置にポップアップさせるストロボポップアップボタンである。グリップ部２２上面にはシャッターボタン８０が配置され、セルフタイマーランプ２０はグリップ部２２の前面に設けられている。
【００１２】
レンズ部１４にはフォーカスリング２４が設けられており、マニュアルモード時に撮影者がフォーカスリング２４を手で回動操作することによって、手動によるピント調整を行うことができる。
【００１３】
カメラ１０の側面には、自動焦点調節（ＡＦ）モード又はマニュアル焦点調節（ＭＦ）モードを選択するフォーカスモード切換スイッチ３０、ズームキー３２、情報ボタン３４、露出補正ボタン３６、及びホワイトバランス調節ボタン３８等が配設されている。これら各操作部は、撮影者がカメラ１０のレンズ部１４を保持した左手の親指で操作できる位置に設けられている。
【００１４】
ズームキー３２は、ズームレンズ１２の焦点距離の調節と電子ズーム機能による拡大／縮小の指示に兼用される操作部である。ズームキー３２は、カメラ１０の前後方向に傾動するシーソー型スイッチ構造を有し、傾動方向に応じてズームレンズ１２の焦点距離をテレ側及びワイド側へ変更できる。ズームキー３２の前側部分（TELEキーという。）が押されると、テレ方向（拡大方向）にズーム制御され、ズームキー３２の後側部分（WIDEキーという。）が押されると、ワイド方向（縮小方向）にズーム制御される。なお、TELEキーとWIDEキーを分離して別々のキーとする構成も可能である。
【００１５】
ズーム制御について詳しくは後述するが、本例のカメラ１０は、光学ズームのテレ端から更にテレ方向のズーム指示を与えると、電子ズームによる拡大処理に移行する。また、電子ズームのワイド端（最小倍率）から更にワイド方向のズーム指示を与えると、光学ズームによるワイド方向のズーム動作に移行する。
【００１６】
情報ボタン３４は、撮影時の撮影条件をワンタッチでカメラ１０の液晶モニタ（図１中不図示、図２において符号６８として記載）に表示させる指示を与える手段である。露出補正ボタン３６は、撮影画像の露出補正量を指示するときに使用され、ホワイトバランス調節ボタン３８は、ホワイトバランスの設定を変更するときに使用される。
【００１７】
カメラ側面に設けられている端子カバー４２を開けると、他の電子機器と情報の送受信を行うための通信コネクタ（例えばＵＳＢ端子）４４、映像信号を送受信する映像出力端子４６、外部から電源を供給する際に利用する電源入力端子４８が設けられている。
【００１８】
図２は、カメラ１０の背面側斜視図である。カメラ背面には、ファインダー５０及び液晶モニタ６８が設けられ、操作部として、十字キー５２、メニュー／実行ボタン５４、キャンセル／戻ボタン５６、表示ボタン５８、シフトボタン６０、表示切替ボタン６２、拡大表示ボタン６４、並びにＡＥロックの指示を入力するＡＥ固定ボタン６６等が設けられている。
【００１９】
ファインダー５０は、電子ビューファインダーで構成されるが、このファインダー５０を光学式ファインダーに置換する態様も可能である。液晶モニタ６８は、撮影時に画角確認用の電子ファインダーとして使用できるとともに、撮影した画像のプレビュー画やメモリカード等の外部記録装置（図２中不図示、図４において符号１１６として記載）から読み出した再生画像等を表示する表示手段である。また、十字キー５２や後述のコマンドダイヤル（図３中符号９６）を使用したメニューの選択や各メニューにおける各種項目の設定なども液晶モニタ６８の表示画面を用いて行われる。更に液晶モニタ６８には、撮影可能枚数（コマ数）や再生コマ番号の表示、ズーム可変範囲と現在のズーム位置を示すズームバー、ストロボ発光の有無、マクロモード表示、記録画質（クオリティー）表示、画素数表示等の情報を表示することができる。
【００２０】
撮影者はファインダー５０又は液晶モニタ６８に映し出される映像を見て画角を調整することができる。表示切替ボタン６２は、画像や情報の表示先としてファインダー５０を使用するか液晶モニタ６８を使用するかを切り換える指示を入力する操作部である。
【００２１】
十字キー５２は、上下左右のいずれかの縁部を押圧することによって、対応する４方向（上、下、左、右）の指示を入力できるように構成された多機能キーであり、メニュー画面における各種設定項目の選択や、設定内容の変更を指示する操作キーとして使用されるとともに、ズームレンズ１２の焦点距離調整（テレ／ワイド操作）、電子ズームの倍率調整、ズーム中心の移動指示、再生コマの送り／戻しを指示する手段として用いられる。なお、十字キー５２は、一つの操作部材が上下左右に傾動するタイプでもよいし、上下左右の４つのキーが別々に設けられていてもよい。
【００２２】
メニュー／実行ボタン５４は、各モードの通常画面からメニュー画面へ遷移させる時、或いは、選択内容の確定、処理の実行指示の時などに使用される。キャンセル／戻ボタン５６は、処理のキャンセル又は処理を以前の状態に戻すことを指定する手段であり、メニューから選んだ項目の取消や一つ前の操作状態に戻る時などに使用される。
【００２３】
表示ボタン５８は、液晶モニタ６８をＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作したり、再生中のコマ番号等の表示／非表示を切り換えるための手段である。シフトボタン６０は、十字キー５２などの多機能キーの機能を拡張するためのプッシュスイッチである。拡大表示ボタン６４は、被写体に対する合焦状態を確認するために画面の一部（例えば、画面中心部）を拡大表示させる指示を行う操作ボタンである。
【００２４】
カメラ背面に設けられた操作部のうち、シフトボタン６０は、他の操作ボタン（キー）との同時押しの必要性に鑑み、撮影者が左手で操作できる位置に設けられているが、シフトボタン６０以外の操作部（５２、５４、５６、５８、６２、６４、６６）は、撮影者がグリップ部２２を把持した右手の親指で操作できる位置に設けられている。
【００２５】
グリップ部２２のあるカメラ側部にはスロットカバー７０が開閉自在に設けられており、カバー内部には、外部記録装置１１６を装着するメディアスロット（不図示）が設けられている。また、カメラ１０の底面には、図示せぬ電池を装着する部分を覆う電池カバー７２及び三脚用ねじ穴７４が設けられている。
【００２６】
図３は、ストロボ１６と鏡胴１５を収納した状態のカメラ１０の斜視図である。カメラ１０の上面には、シャッターボタン８０、電源スイッチ８２、モードレバー８４、ストロボ１６の発光モード又は発光禁止を指示するストロボボタン８６、マクロ（近距離撮影）モードの設定又は解除を指示するマクロボタン８８、セルフタイマーボタン９０、連写モードの設定又は解除を指示する連写ボタン９２、モードダイヤル９４、及び各種モードを設定するコマンドダイヤル９６が設けられている。
【００２７】
シャッターボタン８０は、画像の記録開始を指示する手段であり、シャッターボタン８０を軽く押して止める「半押し」の状態で自動ピント合わせ（ＡＦ）及び自動露出制御（ＡＥ）が作動し、「半押し」から更に押し込む「全押し」の状態で撮影が実行される。シャッターボタン８０は、動画記録時の録画開始／停止を指示する録画ボタンとして兼用される。モードレバー８４は、カメラ１０を撮影又は再生の各モードに設定する手段である。モードレバー８４は、電源スイッチ８２の外周に回動自在に支持されたレバースイッチで構成されており、レバーの停止位置によって撮影モードと再生モードを切り換えることができる。
【００２８】
モードダイヤル９４は、各種の撮影モードを切り換える手段である。モードダイヤル９４を回し、ダイヤル上に描かれた各モードのマークを指標に合わせることにより、セットアップモード、マニュアル撮影モード、絞り優先の撮影モード、シャッター速度優先の撮影モード、予め撮影条件を設定しておくプログラム撮影モード、全自動の撮影モード（通常撮影モード）、夜景、人物、遠景等の撮影シーンを設定して撮影するシーンセレクトモード、動画記録モード等のモードの選択を行うことができる。
【００２９】
セットアップモードは、例えば記録画像の解像度、圧縮率、シャープネス、記録色、日付、ビープ音の有無等の設定を行うモードである。なお、画像の記録に関する解像度、圧縮率などは、撮影モードにおけるメニュー画面からも設定できる。マニュアル撮影モードに設定したときは、露出やストロボの発光量或いはフォーカスなどを全て手動で設定することができる。
【００３０】
図４は、カメラ１０の内部構成を示すブロック図である。ズームレンズ１２を含む光学ユニット１００の後方にはＣＣＤ等の固体撮像素子１０２が配置されており、ズームレンズ１２を通過した光は、固体撮像素子１０２に入射する。固体撮像素子１０２の受光面には、フォトセンサが平面的に配列されており、該受光面に結像された被写体像は、各フォトセンサによって入射光量に応じた量の信号電荷に変換される。こうして蓄積された信号電荷は、図示せぬドライバ回路から与えられるパルスに基づいて信号電荷に応じた電圧信号（画像信号）として順次読み出され、撮像回路１０６に加えられる。
【００３１】
撮像回路１０６は、ゲイン調整回路及びＡ／Ｄ変換器を含み、撮像回路１０６を通してデジタル信号に変換された画像データは、信号処理回路１０８へ送られる。信号処理回路１０８は、輝度・色差信号生成回路、ガンマ補正回路、シャープネス補正回路、コントラスト補正回路、ホワイトバランス補正回路等の画像処理手段を含み、制御ＣＰＵ１１０からのコマンドに従って画像信号を処理する。信号処理回路１０８に入力された画像データは、輝度信号（Ｙ信号）及び色差信号（Ｃr,Ｃb 信号）に変換されるとともに、ガンマ補正等の所定の処理が施された後、メモリ１１２に格納される。
【００３２】
また、必要に応じて信号処理回路１０８から画像データが電子ズーム回路１１１へ送られる。電子ズーム回路１１１は、入力した画像の拡大／縮小処理を行う処理部であり、拡大／縮小処理された画像は、信号処理回路１０８を介してメモリ１１２に格納される。
【００３３】
メモリ１１２に記憶された画像データは、制御ＣＰＵ１１０の指令に従って読み出され、ＮＴＳＣ方式などの所定の信号形式に変換された後、画像再生装置１１４に出力される。画像再生装置１１４は、カメラ１０に内蔵された液晶モニタ６８、ファインダー５０又は映像出力端子４６等に接続された外部の表示装置に相当する。
【００３４】
固体撮像素子１０２から出力される画像信号によってメモリ１１２内の画像データが定期的に書き換えられ、その画像データから生成される映像信号が画像再生装置１１４に供給されることにより、固体撮像素子１０２を介して撮像される画像がリアルタイムに画像再生装置１１４に表示される。
【００３５】
モードレバー８４によって撮影モードが選択され、モードダイヤル９４によって静止画記録のモードが選択された状態で、シャッターボタン８０が押下されると撮影開始指示（レリーズＯＮ）信号が発せられる。制御ＣＰＵ１１０は、レリーズＯＮ信号を検知して撮像動作を実行する。すなわち、図示せぬフォーカス駆動部を制御してフォーカス動作を行うとともに、固体撮像素子１０２の電荷蓄積時間（いわゆる電子シャッター）を制御することにより露出制御を行う。
【００３６】
シャッターボタン８０の全押し操作に呼応して取り込まれた記録用の画像データは、信号処理回路１０８において所定の処理が施された後、必要に応じて圧縮処理され、外部記録装置１１６に記録される。
【００３７】
外部記録装置１１６は、撮影で得た画像データを保存する手段であり、例えばスマートメディア（Solid-State Floppy Disk Card）と呼ばれるメモリカードが適用される。記録メディアの形態はこれに限定されず、ＰＣカード、コンパクトフラッシュ、磁気ディスク、光ディスク、光磁気ディスク、メモリスティックなどでもよく、電子的、磁気的、若しくは光学的、又はこれらの組み合わせによる方式に従って読み書き可能な種々の媒体を用いることができる。使用される媒体に応じた信号処理手段とインターフェースが適用される。異種、同種の記録メディアを問わず、複数の媒体を装着可能な構成にしてもよい。また、画像ファイルを保存する手段は、カメラ本体に着脱可能なリムーバブルメディアに限らず、カメラに内蔵された記録媒体（内部メモリ）であってもよい。
【００３８】
モードダイヤル９４によって動画記録モードが設定されたときには、シャッターボタン８０の押下によって録画動作がスタートし、もう一度シャッターボタン８０を押下すると録画動作が停止する。シャッターボタン８０を押下継続している期間、録画動作を行い、押下解除により録画を停止するようにしてもよい。動画データは、例えば、モーションＪＰＥＧ形式によって外部記録装置１１６に記録される。
【００３９】
モードダイヤル９４によって再生モードが設定されると、外部記録装置１１６から画像ファイルが読み出される。読み出された画像データは、信号処理回路１０８において伸張処理され、画像再生装置１１４に出力される。
【００４０】
撮影者がズームキー３２をテレ方向又はワイド方向に操作すると、制御ＣＰＵ１１０は、当該操作に応じてズーム制御回路１２０を制御し、モータ１２２を駆動させる。モータ１２２にはＤＣモータが用いられ、モータ１２２に印加する電圧の極性を変えることにより、テレ方向又はワイド方向に駆動できる。モータ１２２の動力が図示せぬギヤその他の動力伝達機構を介してズームレンズ１２に伝達されることにより、ズームレンズ１２が移動して焦点距離が変更される。
【００４１】
本例のカメラ１０は、光学ズーム領域のテレ端（以下、光学テレ端という。）よりも更に拡大側に電子ズーム領域が付加されており、全体として光学ズームのワイド端（以下、光学ワイド端という。）から電子ズームのテレ端（以下、電子テレ端という。）までのズーム範囲を有している。例えば、光学ズームの倍率可変範囲が１倍から６倍、電子ズームが１倍から４倍までとすると、電子ズームのワイド端（以下、電子ワイド端という。）は、電子ズーム倍率１倍×光学６倍の状態に相当し、電子テレ端は、電子ズーム倍率４倍×光学６倍の状態に相当する。
【００４２】
光学ズーム領域において、ズームキー３２がテレ方向に操作された場合は、ズーム制御回路１２０を介してズームレンズ１２の焦点距離をテレ方向に駆動する。ズームキー３２が押され続けると、やがて光学テレ端に達する。仮に、光学テレ端から連続的に電子ズームに移行する制御を行うと、ユーザは意図的に光学テレ端でズームを停止させることが困難である。そのため、画質劣化の生じる電子ズームを使用したくないユーザにとっては不快となる。
【００４３】
逆に、電子ズーム領域でワイド側（低倍率側）に操作した場合は、電子ズーム回路１１１による縮小処理を行う。ズームキー３２が押され続けると、拡大されていた画像が次第に縮小され、やがて電子ズームの最小倍率（例えば、１倍）となり、電子ワイド端に到達する。このとき、仮に、電子ワイド端から連続的に光学ズームに移行する制御を行うと、ユーザは、意図的に光学テレ端でズームを停止させることが困難である。
【００４４】
このような観点から、本例のカメラ１０は、光学ズーム領域から電子ズーム領域に移行する際、又は電子ズーム領域から光学ズーム領域に移行する際に、その切換点（光学テレ端、電子ワイド端）で一度停止させ、再度ズームキー３２が押された時に、ズーム制御を切り換えるように制御される。この制御内容については更に後述する（図５、図６）。
【００４５】
カメラ１０が撮影モードに設定されているとき、十字キー５２はズーム操作キーとして機能する。例えば、カメラ１０を水平に保持した状態（横位置）で、十字キー５２の上キーがズームアップキー（TELEキー）、下キーがズームダウンキー（WIDEキー）として機能する。したがって、ズームキー３２に代えて、十字キー５２を操作してもズーム駆動が可能である。
【００４６】
カメラ１０には、駆動したズームレンズ１２の位置（ズームポジション）を検出するための手段としてレンズ位置検出回路１２４が設けられており、その検出結果は制御ＣＰＵ１１０に通知される。制御ＣＰＵ１１０は、レンズ位置検出回路１２４の検出信号に基づいてズーム位置制御を行う。
【００４７】
レンズ位置検出回路１２４は、モータ１２２の回転によりパルスを発生する回路であってもよいし、レンズ鏡胴の外周に位置検出エンコード板を配置した態様であってもよく、本発明の実施に際して特に限定されるものではない。
【００４８】
制御ＣＰＵ１１０は、カメラ１０の各回路を統括制御する制御部であり、ズームキー３２、シャッターボタン８０、十字キー５２その他の操作部から受入する入力信号に基づき、対応する回路の動作を制御するとともに、画像再生装置１１４における表示の制御、ストロボ発光制御、オートフォーカス（ＡＦ）制御及び自動露出（ＡＥ）制御等を行う。
【００４９】
次に、上記の如く構成されたカメラ１０の動作について説明する。
【００５０】
図５は、テレ方向のズーム動作に関する制御手順を示すフローチャートである。このフローチャートは割り込み関数として定義しておき、一定のタイマー割り込みでこの関数が呼ばれるものとする。なお、制御上、割り込みに限定する必要はないが、ここでは割り込みで使用することを前提に説明する。
【００５１】
同図に示すように、一定の間隔でズームキー３２を監視し、ズームキー３２が押されているか否かを判断する（ステップＳ５１０）。ズームキー３２が押されていると（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ステップＳ５１２に進む。ステップＳ５１２では押下されたズームキー３２のズーム方向を判断する。すなわち、TELEキーが押されたか否かの判定を行う（ステップＳ５１２）。もし、WIDEキーが押されていれば（ＮＯ判定時）、そのキー操作に従ってワイド方向のズーム駆動処理を行う（ステップＳ５１４）。
【００５２】
ステップＳ５１２において、TELEキーが押されていれば（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ステップＳ５１６に進み、現在の状態がズーム停止中であるか否かを判断する。ズーム停止状態でズームキー３２を押した場合には、ステップＳ５１６においてＹＥＳ判定となり、次いで現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端未満であるか否かを判別する（ステップＳ５１８）。現在のズーム位置が光学ワイド端から光学テレ端未満の範囲にあるときは、ステップＳ５１８でＹＥＳ判定となり、この場合は、TELEキーの操作に従ってテレ方向に光学ズーム駆動を行う（ステップＳ５２０）。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定するとともに（ステップＳ５２１）、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」に設定し（ステップＳ５８０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００５３】
ズームキー３２のTELEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ズーム駆動中であるため、ステップＳ５１６でＮＯ判定となる。この場合、ステップＳ５２２に分岐し、現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端未満であるか否かを判断する。もし、光学テレ端に達していなければ（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ズームキー３２の操作に従って光学ズーム動作を継続する（ステップＳ５２４）。その後、ステップＳ５７０を経て本処理ルーチンを終了する。ズームキー３２が押され続けていれば、光学テレ端に達するまで光学ズーム駆動は継続される。
【００５４】
光学テレ端に到達する前にズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ５１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ５２６に進む。ステップＳ５２６では、ズーム駆動中か否かの判定を行う。この判定は、ズーム動作中フラグの状態に基づいて判断される。ズーム駆動中にズームキー３２の押下を解除した場合には、ステップＳ５２６でＹＥＳ判定となり、ズームの停止処理を行う（ステップＳ５２８）。ズーム停止後、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定して（ステップＳ５３０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００５５】
その一方、ズームキー３２のTELEキーが押し続けられ、光学テレ端に到達した時には、ステップＳ５２２においてＮＯ判定となる。ステップＳ５２２でＮＯ判定を得た場合には、ステップＳ５３４に進み、現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端に一致しているか否かを判断する。
【００５６】
光学ズーム駆動によって光学テレ端に到達した場合には、ステップＳ５３４でＹＥＳ判定となり、光学ズームを停止し（ステップＳ５３６）、ズーム駆動を止める。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＦＦ」とし（ステップＳ５３８）、その後、ステップＳ５７０でズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」にセットする。この光学テレ端の停止状態でズームキー３２のTELEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ステップＳ５１８でＮＯ判定となる。このとき、処理はステップＳ５４０に進み、現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端に一致しているか否かの判定を行う。
【００５７】
光学テレ端でズーム停止した状態の場合（ＹＥＳ判定時）には、次いで、ズームOFF フラグの状態が「ＯＮ」か否かを判断する（ステップＳ５４２）。ステップＳ５３６でズーム停止し、そのままズームキー３２が押され続けている状況では、ズームOFF フラグが「ＯＦＦ」となっているため、ステップＳ５４２でＮＯ判定となり、何も処理を行わずに（ステップＳ５４４）、ステップＳ５７０へ進む。すなわち、光学テレ端でズーム停止後ズームキー３２が押され続けているときは、ズーム停止状態が維持される。
【００５８】
その後、ズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ５１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ５２６においてもＮＯ判定となるため、ステップＳ５２８を省略して、ステップＳ５３０に進み、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定する。そして、再度ズームキー３２のTELEキーを押すと、ステップＳ５４２においてＹＥＳ判定となり、電子ズームを開始する（ステップＳ５４６）。電子ズーム開始後、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」にセットしてから、ステップＳ５７０に進む。
【００５９】
電子ズーム開始後、ズームキー３２のTELEキーが押され続けていると、ステップＳ５１６の判定において、ズーム動作中フラグが「ＯＮ」であることから、ＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ５２２及びステップＳ５２４を経て、ステップＳ５５０に至る。ステップＳ５５０では、電子ズームのテレ端（電子テレ端）に到達したか否かの判定を行う。もし、電子テレ端に達していなければ（ＮＯ判定時）、ズームキー３２の操作に従って電子ズームによる拡大処理を継続する（ステップＳ５５２）。その後、ステップＳ５７０を経て本処理ルーチンを終了する。こうして、ズームキー３２が押され続けると、電子テレ端に達するまで電子ズーム処理は継続される。
【００６０】
電子テレ端に達する前にズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ５１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ５２６に進む。このとき、ステップＳ５２６では、ズーム動作中フラグが「ＯＮ」であることから、ＹＥＳ判定となり、ステップＳ５２８に進んで、ズームの停止処理を行う（ステップＳ５２８）。そして、ズーム停止後、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定して（ステップＳ５３０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００６１】
その後、再びズームキー３２のTELEキーが押された時には、ステップＳ５４０でＮＯ判定を得てステップＳ５５６に進む。ステップＳ５５６では、現在のズーム位置が電子テレ端に一致しているか否かの判定を行う。電子テレ端と一致していなければ（ＮＯ判定時）、電子ズームを再開する（ステップＳ５５８）。電子ズームの開始に伴いズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定してから（ステップＳ５６０）、ステップＳ５７０に進む。
【００６２】
その一方、電子ズーム領域でズームキー３２のTELEキーが押し続けられ、電子テレ端に到達した時には、ステップＳ５５０においてＹＥＳ判定となり電子ズームを停止する（ステップＳ５６２）。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＦＦ」にセットし（ステップＳ５６４）、その後、ステップＳ５８０でズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」にセットする。この電子テレ端の停止状態でズームキー３２のTELEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ステップＳ５５６においてＹＥＳ判定となり、何も処理を行わずに（ステップＳ５６８）、ステップＳ５７０へ進む。すなわち、電子テレ端でズーム停止後、ズームキー３２が押され続けているときは、ズーム停止状態が維持される。
【００６３】
その後、ズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ５１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ５２６においてもＮＯ判定となるため、ステップＳ５２８を省略して、ステップＳ５３０に進み、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定する。この場合、再度ズームキー３２のTELEキーを押しても、ステップＳ５５６でＹＥＳ判定となり、ズーム停止状態が維持される。なお、ズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押されると、電子ズーム（縮小処理）が開始される。
【００６４】
図６は、ワイド方向のズーム駆動時のフローチャートである。このフローチャートも図５と同様に、割り込み関数として定義しておき、一定のタイマー割り込みでこの関数が呼ばれるものとする。
【００６５】
図６に示すように、一定の間隔でズームキー３２を監視し、ズームキー３２が押されているか否かを判断する（ステップＳ６１０）。ズームキー３２が押されると（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ステップＳ６１２に進む。ステップＳ６１２では押下されたズームキー３２のズーム方向を判断する。すなわち、WIDEキーが押されたか否かの判別を行う（ステップＳ６１２）。もし、TELEキーが押されていれば（ＮＯ判定時）、そのキー操作に従ってテレ方向のズーム駆動処理を行う（ステップＳ６１４）。
【００６６】
ステップＳ６１２において、WIDEキーが押されていれば（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ステップＳ６１６に進み、現在の状態がズーム停止中であるか否かを判断する。ズーム停止状態でズームキー３２を押した場合には、ステップＳ６１６においてＹＥＳ判定となり、次いで現在のズーム位置が電子ズーム領域にあるか否かを判別する（ステップＳ６１８）。現在のズーム位置が電子ズーム領域内にあるときは、ステップＳ６１８でＹＥＳ判定となり、この場合は、WIDEキーの操作に従ってワイド方向に電子ズーム処理を行う（ステップＳ６２０）。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定するとともに（ステップＳ６２１）、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」に設定し（ステップＳ６７０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００６７】
このままズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ズーム駆動中であるため、ステップＳ６１６でＮＯ判定となる。この場合、ステップＳ６２２に分岐し、現在のズーム位置が電子ズーム領域内であるか否かを判断する。もし、現在のズーム位置が電子ズーム領域内であれば（ＹＥＳ判定時）、ズームキー３２の操作に従って電子ズーム処理を継続する（ステップＳ６２４）。その後、ステップＳ６７０を経て本処理ルーチンを終了する。ズームキー３２が押され続けていれば、電子ワイド端に達するまで電子ズーム駆動は継続される。
【００６８】
電子ワイド端に到達する前にズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ６１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ６２６に進む。ステップＳ６２６では、ズーム駆動中か否かを判断する。ズーム駆動中にズームキー３２の押下を解除した場合には、ステップＳ６２６でＹＥＳ判定となり、ズームの停止処理を行う（ステップＳ６２８）。ズーム停止後、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定して（ステップＳ６３０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００６９】
その一方、ズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押し続けられ、ズームが電子ワイド端に到達した時には、ステップＳ６２２においてＮＯ判定となる。ステップＳ６２２でＮＯ判定を得た場合には、ステップＳ６３４に進み、現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端、すなわち、電子ワイド端に一致しているか否かを判断する。
【００７０】
電子ズーム処理によって電子ワイド端（＝光学テレ端）に到達した場合には、ステップＳ６３４でＹＥＳ判定となり、電子ズームを停止する（ステップＳ６３６）。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＦＦ」とし（ステップＳ６３８）、その後、ステップＳ６７０でズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」にセットする。この電子ワイド端の停止状態でズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ステップＳ６１８でＮＯ判定となる。このとき、処理はステップＳ６４０に進み、現在のズーム位置が光学テレ端（すなわち、電子ワイド端）に一致しているか否かを判断する。電子ワイド端でズーム停止した状態の場合は（ＹＥＳ判定時）、次いで、ズームOFF フラグの状態が「ＯＮ」か否かを判断する（ステップＳ６４２）。
【００７１】
ステップＳ６３６でズーム停止し、そのままズームキー３２が押され続けている状況では、ズームOFF フラグは「ＯＦＦ」となっているため、ステップＳ６４２はＮＯ判定となる。この場合、何も処理を行わずに（ステップＳ６４４）、ステップＳ６７０へ進む。すなわち、電子ワイド端でズーム停止後ズームキー３２が押され続けているときは、ズーム停止状態が維持される。
【００７２】
その後、ズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ６１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ６２６においてもＮＯ判定となるため、ステップＳ６２８を省略して、ステップＳ６３０に進み、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定する。そして、再度ズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押されると、ステップＳ６４２においてＹＥＳ判定となり、光学ズームの駆動を開始する（ステップＳ６４６）。光学ズーム開始後、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」にセットしてから（ステップＳ６４８）、ステップＳ６７０に進む。
【００７３】
光学ズーム開始後、ズームキー３２のWIDEキーを押し続けると、ステップＳ６１６の判定において、ズーム動作中フラグが「ＯＮ」であることから、ＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ６２２及びステップＳ６３４を経て、ステップＳ６５０に至る。ステップＳ６５０では、光学ズームのワイド端に到達したか否かの判定を行う。もし、光学ワイド端に達していなければ（ＮＯ判定時）、ズームキー３２の操作に従って光学ズームによるズーム動作を継続する（ステップＳ６５２）。その後、ステップＳ６７０を経て本処理ルーチンを終了する。こうして、ズームキー３２が押され続けていれば、光学ワイド端に達するまで光学ズームは継続される。
【００７４】
光学ワイド端に達する前にズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ６１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ６２６に進む。このとき、ステップＳ６２６では、ズーム動作中フラグが「ＯＮ」であることから、ＹＥＳ判定となり、ステップＳ６２８に進んで、ズームの停止処理を行う（ステップＳ６２８）。そして、ズーム停止後、ズームOFF フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定して（ステップＳ６３０）、本処理ルーチンを終了する。
【００７５】
その後、再びズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押された時には、ステップＳ６４０でＮＯ判定を得てステップＳ６５６に進む。ステップＳ６５６では、現在のズーム位置が光学ワイド端に一致しているか否かの判定を行う。光学ワイド端と一致していなければ（ＮＯ判定時）、光学ズームを再開する（ステップＳ６５８）。光学ズームの開始に伴い、ズーム動作中フラグを「ＯＮ」に設定してから（ステップＳ６６０）、ステップＳ６７０に進む。
【００７６】
その一方、光学ズーム領域でズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押し続けられ、光学ワイド端に到達した時には、ステップＳ６５０においてＹＥＳ判定となり光学ズームを停止する（ステップＳ６６２）。次いで、ズーム動作中フラグをＯＦＦにセットし（ステップＳ６６４）、その後、ステップＳ６７０でズームOFF フラグを「ＯＦＦ」にセットする。
【００７７】
この光学ワイド端の停止状態でズームキー３２のWIDEキーが押され続けていると、次の割り込み時には、ステップＳ６５６においてＹＥＳ判定となり、何も処理を行わずに（ステップＳ６６８）、ステップＳ６７０へ進む。すなわち、光学ワイド端でズーム停止後、ズームキー３２が押され続けているときは、ズーム停止状態が維持される。
【００７８】
その後、ズームキー３２の押下が解除されると、ステップＳ６１０でＮＯ判定となり、ステップＳ６２６においてもＮＯ判定となるため、ステップＳ６２８を省略して、ステップＳ６３０に進み、ズームOFF フラグをＯＮに設定する。この場合、再度ズームキー３２のWIDEキーを押しても、ステップＳ６５６でＹＥＳ判定となり、ズーム停止状態が維持される。
【００７９】
図５及び図６では、ズームキー３２の操作を示したが、ズーム操作に使用可能な十字キー５２によるテレ／ワイド方向の操作についても同様である。
【００８０】
上記実施の形態では、光学ズームから電子ズームに切り換えたときに、画質劣化が生じるものとして説明したが、電子ズームを使用しても画質劣化が生じない態様もある。例えば、高画素数の固体撮像素子１０２を用いて、撮影解像度（画素数）を「2400×1800」、「1600×1200」、「1280× 960」、又は「640 ×480 」に選択できるものとすると、選択される解像度に応じて、画質劣化が生じない範囲で電子ズームによる倍率可変範囲を制限する。
【００８１】
図７には、通常撮影時におけるズームバー表示の例が示されている。光学ズームと電子ズームを併用してズーム動作を行う場合、現在のズームポジションがどの位置にあるのかを表示することが好ましい。図７に示すように、ズームバー１７０は、垂直バーで表示され、ズーム動作に応じて上下移動する可動ブロック１７２の位置によって現在のズーム位置を示すようになっている。ズームバー１７０の上側がテレ方向、下側がワイド方向に対応しており、ズームバー１７０の上端にはテレ側であることを示す「Ｔ」の文字が表示され、下端にはワイド側であることを示す「Ｗ」の文字が表示される。
【００８２】
撮影解像度によって電子ズームのズーム倍率は異なるため、撮影解像度に応じてズームバー表示は変更される。「2400×1800」の時は、フル画素を使用するため、電子ズームで拡大処理を行うと画質劣化が生じる。したがって、「2400×1800」時には電子ズームの使用が禁止され、光学ズーム領域のみのズームバー表示となる。
【００８３】
撮影解像度が「1600×1200」、「1280× 960」、又は「640 ×480 」の時は、電子ズームが使用可能となり、光学ズーム領域の上に電子ズーム領域が追加された形態のバー表示が行われる。バーの長さはズーム可変範囲の大きさを反映しており、低画素数の場合ほど電子ズームの可変範囲が大きくなる様子がバー表示によってユーザに提示される。また、光学ズームと電子ズームの境目には仕切線１７４が示され、ズーム領域の切換点を明確に表示している。
【００８４】
図８には、マクロ撮影時におけるズームバー表示の例が示されている。通常撮影とマクロ撮影では使用できる光学ズーム領域が異なる。マクロ撮影時の光学ズーム領域は通常撮影時よりも狭い範囲に制限されるため、ズームバー表示もこれに対応して光学ズーム領域を示すバー表示部分が短い表示に変更される。
【００８５】
図７及び図８で示したように、撮影解像度と撮影モードに応じて、光学ズームと電子ズームのバーの長さを変えて表示することにより、ユーザは、ズーム可変範囲を容易に把握することができる。なお、図７及び図８では、垂直バー表示を例示したが、水平バー表示に変更することも可能である。
【００８６】
上記実施の形態では、デジタルカメラを例に説明したが、本発明の適用範囲はこれに限定されず、ビデオカメラなど、撮像素子を用いて被写体像を電気信号に変換して撮像する電子カメラに広く適用できる。
【００８７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明に係る電子撮像装置によれば、特別な操作部材を用いることなく、共通のズーム操作手段によって光学ズームと電子ズームの切り換えを可能とし、光学ズームから電子ズームへの切換点でズーム動作を停止させ、ズーム操作手段の再操作により電子ズーム領域に移行するようにしたので、操作性もよく、ユーザは、光学ズームと電子ズームを意図的に使い分けることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係るカメラの外観を示す斜視図
【図２】図１に示したカメラの背面側斜視図
【図３】図１に示したカメラの正面側斜視図
【図４】本例のカメラの内部構成を示すブロック図
【図５】テレ方向のズーム動作に関する制御手順を示すフローチャート
【図６】ワイド方向のズーム動作に関する制御手順を示すフローチャート
【図７】通常撮影時のズームバー表示の例を示す図
【図８】マクロ撮影時のズームバー表示の例を示す図
【符号の説明】
１０…カメラ、１２…ズームレンズ（光学ズーム手段）、３２…ズームキー（ズーム操作手段）、５２…十字キー（ズーム操作手段）、１０２…固体撮像素子（撮像手段）、１１０…制御ＣＰＵ（制御手段）、１１１…電子ズーム回路（電子ズーム手段）、１２２…モータ（光学ズーム手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a zoom control technique applicable to an electronic camera having both an optical zoom function and an electronic zoom function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the field of digital cameras and video cameras, a zoom lens is often used for the photographing optical system so that the user can easily adjust the angle of view. In addition, miniaturization of the camera is progressing so that the camera can be easily carried around. Recently, there has been a demand for higher magnification of the zoom function. However, if the optical zoom magnification is increased, the optical lens becomes larger and it is difficult to reduce the size. Therefore, conventionally, an electronic zoom function for electronically enlarging image data acquired via an image sensor using an image processing technique is used in combination with an optical zoom.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-252433 discloses a technique for smoothly changing between an optical zoom and an electronic zoom, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-18842 discloses an electronic zoom between discontinuous optical zooms (multifocal lenses). A method of smoothly changing the zoom by interpolating is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-107362 discloses a technique for making the zoom speed constant when electronic zoom and optical zoom are used in combination.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, all of the techniques proposed heretofore have a main purpose of smoothly changing the boundary between optical zoom and electronic zoom. Video cameras are unlikely to suffer from image quality degradation due to enlargement processing of electronic zoom to capture moving images, but digital still cameras tend to notice image quality degradation due to electronic zoom to capture still images. . Therefore, there is a demand that the user himself / herself uses the optical zoom and the electronic zoom intentionally. On the other hand, in order to control the optical zoom and the electronic zoom separately, there has been proposed a method of controlling the operation of the optical zoom area and the operation of the electronic zoom area by providing a rotation angle detector and a stopper on the zoom lever. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-86131), such an operating member has a drawback that the structure is complicated.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an electronic imaging device that allows a user to intentionally use an optical zoom and an electronic zoom with a single zoom operation member without using a special operation member. The purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an electronic imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution, The imaging means Images captured with Change image magnification of subject by electronic processing Let the electronic zoom Electronic zoom means; Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution; Optically change the magnification of the subject To optically zoom An optical zoom means; a zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification; and a control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, from the zoom operation means. By the optical zoom operation accompanying the tele direction command Optical zoom When the tele end is detected , The zoom operation is stopped once and the zoom operation means is operated in the tele direction again. Then Zoom control to shift to electronic zoom At the same time, during electronic zoom, the magnification is limited within the variable range limited according to the resolution. And a control means for performing zoom control.
[0007]
According to the present invention, the zoom operation means is also used as an operation unit for performing a zoom command for optical zoom and a zoom command for electronic zoom. With the configuration in which the electronic zoom region is further added to the higher magnification side than the tele end of the optical zoom region, the optical zoom and the electronic zoom are combined to form a zoom magnification variable range. When the tele direction operation is performed in the optical zoom area and the tele end of the optical zoom is reached, the optical zoom operation is stopped. While the zoom operation means continues to be operated in the tele direction, the zoom stop state is continued. Then, after the zoom operation is stopped, once the operation of the zoom operation unit is canceled and then the zoom operation unit is operated again in the tele direction, the zoom is switched to the electronic zoom, and a further high-magnification image can be obtained. As described above, since the zoom operation is stopped at the switching point from the optical zoom to the electronic zoom and the zoom operation unit is re-operated to shift to the electronic zoom region, the user intentionally performs the optical zoom and the electronic zoom. Can be used properly. Further, since the zoom operation means is common, operation is also easy.
[0008]
As for the zoom control on the wide side, it is preferable that the zoom operation is stopped at the switching point from the electronic zoom to the optical zoom and the zoom operation unit is re-operated to shift to the optical zoom region. In this case, instead of or in addition to the control means, if the wide end of the electronic zoom area is detected by the electronic zoom process in accordance with the wide direction command from the zoom operation means, the electronic zoom scaling process Is stopped, the zoom operation is stopped once, and a control unit that performs zoom control to shift to the optical zoom when the zoom operation unit is operated in the wide direction again is provided.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of an electronic imaging device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
1 to 3 are external perspective views of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera 10 is a digital camera equipped with a zoom lens 12 and is large enough that a photographer can reliably hold the lens portion 14 protruding forward from the camera body and the grip portion 22 on the side of the body to prevent photographing blur. Well, it has a shape. As the zoom lens 12, for example, an optical 6 × zoom lens is used, and the lens barrel 15 is driven back and forth in accordance with a zoom operation on the telephoto (tele) side or the wide angle (wide) side.
[0011]
A pop-up strobe 16 is provided at the top of the camera, and a strobe light control sensor 18 is provided beside the strobe light emitting unit. Reference numeral 40 denotes a strobe pop-up button that pops up the strobe 16 at a usable position. A shutter button 80 is disposed on the upper surface of the grip portion 22, and the self-timer lamp 20 is provided on the front surface of the grip portion 22.
[0012]
The lens unit 14 is provided with a focus ring 24. When the photographer manually rotates the focus ring 24 in the manual mode, manual focus adjustment can be performed.
[0013]
On the side surface of the camera 10, a focus mode changeover switch 30 for selecting an automatic focus adjustment (AF) mode or a manual focus adjustment (MF) mode, a zoom key 32, an information button 34, an exposure correction button 36, a white balance adjustment button 38, and the like. Is arranged. Each of these operation units is provided at a position where the photographer can operate with the thumb of the left hand holding the lens unit 14 of the camera 10.
[0014]
The zoom key 32 is an operation unit that is used both for adjusting the focal length of the zoom lens 12 and for instructing enlargement / reduction by the electronic zoom function. The zoom key 32 has a seesaw-type switch structure that tilts in the front-rear direction of the camera 10, and can change the focal length of the zoom lens 12 to the tele side and the wide side according to the tilt direction. When the front part of the zoom key 32 (referred to as the TELE key) is pressed, zoom control is performed in the tele direction (enlargement direction), and when the rear part (referred to as the WIDE key) of the zoom key 32 is pressed, the wide direction (reduction direction) is selected. Zoom control. It is also possible to separate the TELE key and the WIDE key into separate keys.
[0015]
Although the zoom control will be described in detail later, when the camera 10 of this example gives a zoom instruction in the tele direction from the tele end of the optical zoom, the process proceeds to enlargement processing by electronic zoom. Further, when a zoom instruction in the wide direction is further given from the wide end (minimum magnification) of the electronic zoom, the operation shifts to a zoom operation in the wide direction by optical zoom.
[0016]
The information button 34 is a means for giving an instruction to display the shooting conditions at the time of shooting on the liquid crystal monitor of the camera 10 (not shown in FIG. 1, described as 68 in FIG. 2) with one touch. The exposure correction button 36 is used when instructing the exposure correction amount of the captured image, and the white balance adjustment button 38 is used when changing the white balance setting.
[0017]
When the terminal cover 42 provided on the side of the camera is opened, a communication connector (for example, a USB terminal) 44 for transmitting / receiving information to / from other electronic devices, a video output terminal 46 for transmitting / receiving video signals, and supplying power from the outside A power supply input terminal 48 is provided for use in the process.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera 10. A finder 50 and a liquid crystal monitor 68 are provided on the rear side of the camera. As an operation unit, a cross key 52, a menu / execution button 54, a cancel / return button 56, a display button 58, a shift button 60, a display switching button 62, an enlarged display. A button 64 and an AE fixed button 66 for inputting an AE lock instruction are provided.
[0019]
Although the finder 50 is configured by an electronic view finder, an embodiment in which the finder 50 is replaced with an optical finder is also possible. The liquid crystal monitor 68 can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting, and is read out from an external recording device such as a preview image of the shot image or a memory card (not shown in FIG. 2, described as reference numeral 116 in FIG. 4). Display means for displaying a reproduced image or the like. Further, menu selection using the cross key 52 and a command dial (reference numeral 96 in FIG. 3), which will be described later, and setting of various items in each menu are also performed using the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 68. In addition, the LCD monitor 68 displays the number of shootable images (number of frames) and playback frame number, a zoom bar indicating the zoom variable range and the current zoom position, presence / absence of strobe light emission, macro mode display, recording image quality (quality) display, pixel Information such as number display can be displayed.
[0020]
The photographer can adjust the angle of view by viewing the image displayed on the finder 50 or the liquid crystal monitor 68. The display switching button 62 is an operation unit that inputs an instruction to switch between using the finder 50 and the liquid crystal monitor 68 as a display destination of images and information.
[0021]
The cross key 52 is a multi-function key configured to be able to input instructions in the corresponding four directions (up, down, left, right) by pressing any one of the upper, lower, left, and right edges. Is used as an operation key for instructing selection of various setting items and changing the setting contents, focal length adjustment of the zoom lens 12 (tele / wide operation), electronic zoom magnification adjustment, zoom center movement instruction, playback This is used as a means for instructing frame advance / return. The cross key 52 may be of a type in which one operating member tilts up, down, left, and right, or four keys, up, down, left, and right may be provided separately.
[0022]
The menu / execution button 54 is used when transitioning from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, or when confirming the selection contents or instructing execution of processing. The cancel / return button 56 is a means for designating cancellation of processing or returning the processing to the previous state, and is used when canceling the item selected from the menu or returning to the previous operation state.
[0023]
The display button 58 is a means for turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor 68 and switching between display / non-display of a frame number being reproduced. The shift button 60 is a push switch for extending the function of a multifunction key such as the cross key 52. The enlargement display button 64 is an operation button for giving an instruction to enlarge and display a part of the screen (for example, the center of the screen) in order to confirm the focused state with respect to the subject.
[0024]
Of the operation units provided on the back of the camera, the shift button 60 is provided at a position where the photographer can operate with the left hand in view of the necessity of simultaneous pressing with other operation buttons (keys). The operation units (52, 54, 56, 58, 62, 64, 66) other than 60 are provided at positions where the photographer can operate with the thumb of the right hand holding the grip unit 22.
[0025]
A slot cover 70 is provided on the side of the camera with the grip portion 22 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a media slot (not shown) for mounting the external recording device 116 is provided inside the cover. Further, a battery cover 72 and a tripod screw hole 74 are provided on the bottom surface of the camera 10 to cover a portion where a battery (not shown) is mounted.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera 10 in a state in which the strobe 16 and the lens barrel 15 are housed. On the upper surface of the camera 10, a shutter button 80, a power switch 82, a mode lever 84, a flash button 86 for instructing the flash mode of the flash 16 or prohibiting flash, and a macro button for instructing to set or cancel the macro (short-distance shooting) mode. 88, a self-timer button 90, a continuous shooting button 92 for instructing to set or cancel the continuous shooting mode, a mode dial 94, and a command dial 96 for setting various modes.
[0027]
The shutter button 80 is a means for instructing the start of image recording. The automatic focus (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) are activated in a “half-pressed” state in which the shutter button 80 is lightly pressed to stop. In this state, the image is taken in the state of “full press”. The shutter button 80 is also used as a recording button for instructing start / stop of recording at the time of moving image recording. The mode lever 84 is means for setting the camera 10 to each mode of photographing or reproduction. The mode lever 84 is configured by a lever switch that is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the power switch 82, and can switch between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode depending on the stop position of the lever.
[0028]
The mode dial 94 is means for switching various shooting modes. By turning the mode dial 94 and aligning the mark of each mode drawn on the dial with the index, set the setup mode, manual shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, and shooting conditions in advance. It is possible to select a mode such as a program shooting mode, a fully automatic shooting mode (normal shooting mode), a scene selection mode for setting a shooting scene such as a night view, a person, a distant view, and a moving image recording mode.
[0029]
The setup mode is a mode for setting, for example, the resolution, compression rate, sharpness, recording color, date, presence / absence of a beep sound, and the like of a recorded image. Note that the resolution, compression rate, and the like related to image recording can also be set from the menu screen in the shooting mode. When the manual shooting mode is set, exposure, strobe light emission, focus, etc. can all be set manually.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera 10. A solid-state image sensor 102 such as a CCD is disposed behind the optical unit 100 including the zoom lens 12, and light that has passed through the zoom lens 12 enters the solid-state image sensor 102. Photosensors are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 102, and the subject image formed on the light receiving surface is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. . The signal charge accumulated in this way is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a pulse supplied from a driver circuit (not shown) and added to the imaging circuit 106.
[0031]
The imaging circuit 106 includes a gain adjustment circuit and an A / D converter, and the image data converted into a digital signal through the imaging circuit 106 is sent to the signal processing circuit 108. The signal processing circuit 108 includes image processing means such as a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, and a white balance correction circuit, and processes an image signal in accordance with a command from the control CPU 110. The image data input to the signal processing circuit 108 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal), and is subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction and then stored in the memory 112. Is done.
[0032]
Further, image data is sent from the signal processing circuit 108 to the electronic zoom circuit 111 as necessary. The electronic zoom circuit 111 is a processing unit that performs enlargement / reduction processing of an input image, and the enlarged / reduced image is stored in the memory 112 via the signal processing circuit 108.
[0033]
The image data stored in the memory 112 is read in accordance with a command from the control CPU 110, converted into a predetermined signal format such as the NTSC system, and then output to the image reproduction device 114. The image reproduction device 114 corresponds to an external display device connected to the liquid crystal monitor 68, the finder 50, the video output terminal 46, or the like built in the camera 10.
[0034]
The image data in the memory 112 is periodically rewritten by the image signal output from the solid-state image sensor 102, and the video signal generated from the image data is supplied to the image reproducing device 114, so that the solid-state image sensor 102 is The image captured through the display is displayed on the image playback device 114 in real time.
[0035]
When the shooting mode is selected by the mode lever 84 and the still image recording mode is selected by the mode dial 94, when the shutter button 80 is pressed, a shooting start instruction (release ON) signal is issued. The control CPU 110 detects the release ON signal and executes an imaging operation. In other words, the focus drive unit (not shown) is controlled to perform the focus operation, and the exposure control is performed by controlling the charge accumulation time (so-called electronic shutter) of the solid-state image sensor 102.
[0036]
The recording image data captured in response to the full-pressing operation of the shutter button 80 is subjected to a predetermined process in the signal processing circuit 108, and then subjected to a compression process as necessary, and is recorded in the external recording device 116. The
[0037]
The external recording device 116 is means for storing image data obtained by photographing, and for example, a memory card called a smart media (Solid-State Floppy Disk Card) is applied. The form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and it may be a PC card, a compact flash, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., and read / write according to an electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof. Various possible media can be used. A signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the medium to be used are applied. A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. The means for storing the image file is not limited to a removable medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, but may be a recording medium (internal memory) built in the camera.
[0038]
When the moving image recording mode is set by the mode dial 94, the recording operation is started by pressing the shutter button 80, and when the shutter button 80 is pressed again, the recording operation is stopped. The recording operation may be performed while the shutter button 80 is kept pressed, and the recording may be stopped by releasing the press. The moving image data is recorded in the external recording device 116, for example, in the motion JPEG format.
[0039]
When the playback mode is set by the mode dial 94, the image file is read from the external recording device 116. The read image data is decompressed by the signal processing circuit 108 and output to the image reproduction device 114.
[0040]
When the photographer operates the zoom key 32 in the tele direction or the wide direction, the control CPU 110 controls the zoom control circuit 120 according to the operation and drives the motor 122. A DC motor is used as the motor 122, and the motor 122 can be driven in the tele direction or the wide direction by changing the polarity of the voltage applied to the motor 122. The power of the motor 122 is transmitted to the zoom lens 12 through a gear or other power transmission mechanism (not shown), so that the zoom lens 12 moves and the focal length is changed.
[0041]
In the camera 10 of this example, an electronic zoom region is further added on the enlargement side than the tele end of the optical zoom region (hereinafter referred to as the optical tele end), and the optical zoom wide end (hereinafter referred to as the optical wide end) as a whole. The zoom range is from the tele end of electronic zoom (hereinafter referred to as electronic tele end). For example, when the variable range of the optical zoom is 1 to 6 times and the electronic zoom is 1 to 4 times, the wide end of the electronic zoom (hereinafter referred to as the electronic wide end) is 1 × electronic zoom magnification × optical. The electronic telephoto end corresponds to a state of electronic zoom magnification 4 ×× optical 6 ×.
[0042]
In the optical zoom region, when the zoom key 32 is operated in the tele direction, the focal length of the zoom lens 12 is driven in the tele direction via the zoom control circuit 120. When the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the optical telephoto end is reached. If the control for continuously shifting to the electronic zoom from the optical telephoto end is performed, it is difficult for the user to intentionally stop zooming at the optical telephoto end. This is uncomfortable for a user who does not want to use an electronic zoom that causes image quality degradation.
[0043]
On the contrary, when the electronic zoom region is operated to the wide side (low magnification side), the electronic zoom circuit 111 performs a reduction process. If the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the enlarged image is gradually reduced, and eventually reaches the electronic zoom end with the electronic zoom minimum magnification (for example, 1 time). At this time, if the control for continuously shifting from the electronic wide end to the optical zoom is performed, it is difficult for the user to intentionally stop the zoom at the optical tele end.
[0044]
From such a point of view, the camera 10 of this example has its switching points (optical tele end, electronic wide end, when moving from the optical zoom region to the electronic zoom region, or when shifting from the electronic zoom region to the optical zoom region). When the zoom key 32 is pressed again, the zoom control is controlled to be switched. Details of this control will be described later (FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0045]
When the camera 10 is set to the shooting mode, the cross key 52 functions as a zoom operation key. For example, with the camera 10 held horizontally (horizontal position), the up key of the cross key 52 functions as a zoom up key (TELE key) and the down key functions as a zoom down key (WIDE key). Therefore, zoom driving can be performed by operating the cross key 52 instead of the zoom key 32.
[0046]
The camera 10 is provided with a lens position detection circuit 124 as means for detecting the position (zoom position) of the driven zoom lens 12, and the detection result is notified to the control CPU 110. The control CPU 110 performs zoom position control based on the detection signal of the lens position detection circuit 124.
[0047]
The lens position detection circuit 124 may be a circuit that generates a pulse by the rotation of the motor 122, or may be an aspect in which a position detection encoding plate is disposed on the outer periphery of the lens barrel. It is not limited.
[0048]
The control CPU 110 is a control unit that performs overall control of each circuit of the camera 10, and controls the operation of the corresponding circuit based on input signals received from the zoom key 32, the shutter button 80, the cross key 52, and other operation units. Display control, strobe light emission control, autofocus (AF) control, automatic exposure (AE) control, and the like are performed in the image playback device 114.
[0049]
Next, the operation of the camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure relating to a zoom operation in the tele direction. This flowchart is defined as an interrupt function, and this function is called by a constant timer interrupt. For control purposes, it is not necessary to limit to interrupts, but here it is assumed that they are used for interrupts.
[0051]
As shown in the figure, the zoom key 32 is monitored at regular intervals, and it is determined whether or not the zoom key 32 is pressed (step S510). If the zoom key 32 is pressed (YES determination), the process proceeds to step S512. In step S512, the zoom direction of the pressed zoom key 32 is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not the TELE key has been pressed (step S512). If the WIDE key has been pressed (NO determination), zoom driving processing in the wide direction is performed according to the key operation (step S514).
[0052]
In step S512, if the TELE key is pressed (YES determination), the process proceeds to step S516, and it is determined whether or not the current state is zoom stop. If the zoom key 32 is pressed in the zoom stop state, a YES determination is made in step S516, and then it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is less than the optical telephoto end (step S518). If the current zoom position is in the range from the optical wide end to less than the optical tele end, a YES determination is made in step S518. In this case, optical zoom driving is performed in the tele direction according to the operation of the TELE key (step S520). Next, the zoom operation flag is set to “ON” (step S521), the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” (step S580), and this processing routine is ended.
[0053]
If the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the zoom drive is in progress at the next interruption, so that a NO determination is made in step S516. In this case, the process branches to step S522 to determine whether or not the current zoom position is less than the optical telephoto end. If the optical telephoto end has not been reached (YES determination), the optical zoom operation is continued according to the operation of the zoom key 32 (step S524). Thereafter, the processing routine is terminated through step S570. If the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the optical zoom drive is continued until the optical telephoto end is reached.
[0054]
If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is released before reaching the optical telephoto end, a NO determination is made in step S510, and the process proceeds to step S526. In step S526, it is determined whether zoom driving is in progress. This determination is made based on the state of the zoom operation flag. If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is canceled during zoom driving, a YES determination is made in step S526, and zoom stop processing is performed (step S528). After the zoom is stopped, the zoom OFF flag is set to “ON” (step S530), and this processing routine is ended.
[0055]
On the other hand, when the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is continuously pressed and reaches the optical telephoto end, a NO determination is made in step S522. If NO is obtained in step S522, the process proceeds to step S534, and it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is coincident with the optical telephoto end.
[0056]
When the optical telephoto end is reached by the optical zoom drive, a YES determination is made in step S534, the optical zoom is stopped (step S536), and the zoom drive is stopped. Next, the zoom operation flag is set to “OFF” (step S538), and then the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” in step S570. If the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed while the optical telephoto end is stopped, a NO determination is made at step S518 at the next interruption. At this time, the process proceeds to step S540 to determine whether or not the current zoom position is coincident with the optical telephoto end.
[0057]
If the zoom is stopped at the optical telephoto end (YES determination), it is then determined whether or not the state of the zoom OFF flag is “ON” (step S542). In a situation where the zoom is stopped in step S536 and the zoom key 32 is kept pressed as it is, the zoom OFF flag is “OFF”, so a NO determination is made in step S542, and no processing is performed (step S544). The process proceeds to step S570. That is, when the zoom key 32 continues to be pressed after zoom stop at the optical telephoto end, the zoom stop state is maintained.
[0058]
After that, when the zoom key 32 is released, the determination at step S510 is NO, and the determination at step S526 is also NO. To do. If the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a YES determination is made in step S542, and electronic zooming is started (step S546). After starting the electronic zoom, the zoom operation flag is set to “ON”, and then the process proceeds to step S570.
[0059]
If the TELE key of the zoom key 32 continues to be pressed after the electronic zoom is started, the determination in step S516 is NO because the zoom operation flag is “ON”, and after steps S522 and S524, the step is performed. S550 is reached. In step S550, it is determined whether or not the tele end (electronic tele end) of the electronic zoom has been reached. If the electronic telephoto end has not been reached (NO determination), the enlargement process using the electronic zoom is continued according to the operation of the zoom key 32 (step S552). Thereafter, the processing routine is terminated through step S570. Thus, if the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the electronic zoom process is continued until the electronic telephoto end is reached.
[0060]
If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is released before reaching the electronic tele end, a NO determination is made in step S510, and the process proceeds to step S526. At this time, since the zoom operation flag is “ON” in step S526, the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S528, and zoom stop processing is performed (step S528). Then, after the zoom is stopped, the zoom OFF flag is set to “ON” (step S530), and this processing routine ends.
[0061]
Thereafter, when the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a NO determination is obtained in step S540, and the process proceeds to step S556. In step S556, it is determined whether or not the current zoom position matches the electronic telephoto end. If it does not coincide with the electronic telephoto end (NO determination), the electronic zoom is resumed (step S558). The zoom operation flag is set to “ON” when the electronic zoom is started (step S560), and the process proceeds to step S570.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed in the electronic zoom area and reaches the electronic telephoto end, a YES determination is made in step S550 and the electronic zoom is stopped (step S562). Next, the zoom operation flag is set to “OFF” (step S564), and then the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” in step S580. If the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed while the electronic telephoto end is stopped, a YES determination is made at step S556 at the next interruption, no processing is performed (step S568), and the process proceeds to step S570. That is, after the zoom is stopped at the electronic tele end, when the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the zoom stop state is maintained.
[0063]
After that, when the zoom key 32 is released, the determination at step S510 is NO, and the determination at step S526 is also NO. To do. In this case, even if the TELE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a YES determination is made in step S556, and the zoom stop state is maintained. When the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed, electronic zoom (reduction processing) is started.
[0064]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart at the time of zoom driving in the wide direction. Similarly to FIG. 5, this flowchart is defined as an interrupt function, and this function is called by a constant timer interrupt.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 6, the zoom key 32 is monitored at regular intervals, and it is determined whether or not the zoom key 32 is pressed (step S610). When the zoom key 32 is pressed (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, the zoom direction of the pressed zoom key 32 is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not the WIDE key has been pressed (step S612). If the TELE key has been pressed (NO determination), tele-direction zoom drive processing is performed according to the key operation (step S614).
[0066]
If it is determined in step S612 that the WIDE key has been pressed (YES determination), the process advances to step S616 to determine whether or not the current state is zoom stop. If the zoom key 32 is pressed in the zoom stopped state, a YES determination is made in step S616, and then it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is in the electronic zoom region (step S618). If the current zoom position is within the electronic zoom area, a YES determination is made in step S618. In this case, electronic zoom processing is performed in the wide direction in accordance with the operation of the WIDE key (step S620). Next, the zoom operation flag is set to “ON” (step S621), the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” (step S670), and this processing routine ends.
[0067]
If the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed as it is, zoom driving is being performed at the next interruption, so that a NO determination is made in step S616. In this case, the process branches to step S622, and it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is within the electronic zoom area. If the current zoom position is within the electronic zoom area (YES determination), the electronic zoom process is continued according to the operation of the zoom key 32 (step S624). Thereafter, the processing routine is terminated through step S670. If the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the electronic zoom drive is continued until the electronic wide end is reached.
[0068]
If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is released before reaching the electronic wide end, a NO determination is made in step S610, and the process proceeds to step S626. In step S626, it is determined whether zoom driving is in progress. If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is canceled during zoom driving, a YES determination is made in step S626, and zoom stop processing is performed (step S628). After the zoom is stopped, the zoom OFF flag is set to “ON” (step S630), and this processing routine is ended.
[0069]
On the other hand, if the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed and the zoom reaches the electronic wide end, a NO determination is made in step S622. If NO is obtained in step S622, the process proceeds to step S634, and it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is coincident with the optical telephoto end, that is, the electronic wide end.
[0070]
If the electronic zoom processing has reached the electronic wide end (= optical telephoto end), a YES determination is made in step S634, and the electronic zoom is stopped (step S636). Next, the zoom operation flag is set to “OFF” (step S638), and then the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” in step S670. If the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed in the electronic wide end stop state, a NO determination is made in step S618 at the next interruption. At this time, the process proceeds to step S640, and it is determined whether or not the current zoom position is coincident with the optical telephoto end (that is, the electronic wide end). If the zoom is stopped at the electronic wide end (when YES is determined), it is then determined whether or not the zoom OFF flag is “ON” (step S642).
[0071]
In a situation where the zoom is stopped in step S636 and the zoom key 32 is kept pressed as it is, the zoom OFF flag is “OFF”, so that the determination in step S642 is NO. In this case, no processing is performed (step S644), and the process proceeds to step S670. That is, when the zoom key 32 continues to be pressed after zoom stop at the electronic wide end, the zoom stop state is maintained.
[0072]
Thereafter, when the zoom key 32 is released, the determination at step S610 is NO, and the determination at step S626 is also NO. To do. When the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a YES determination is made in step S642, and optical zoom driving is started (step S646). After the optical zoom is started, the zoom operation flag is set to “ON” (step S648), and the process proceeds to step S670.
[0073]
If the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is continuously pressed after the optical zoom is started, the determination in step S616 is NO because the zoom operation flag is “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S650 through steps S622 and S634. . In step S650, it is determined whether or not the wide end of the optical zoom has been reached. If the optical wide end has not been reached (NO determination), the zoom operation by the optical zoom is continued according to the operation of the zoom key 32 (step S652). Thereafter, the processing routine is terminated through step S670. Thus, if the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the optical zoom is continued until the optical wide end is reached.
[0074]
If the pressing of the zoom key 32 is released before reaching the optical wide end, a NO determination is made in step S610, and the process proceeds to step S626. At this time, in step S626, since the zoom operation flag is “ON”, the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S628, and zoom stop processing is performed (step S628). Then, after the zoom is stopped, the zoom OFF flag is set to “ON” (step S630), and this processing routine ends.
[0075]
Thereafter, when the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a NO determination is obtained in step S640, and the process proceeds to step S656. In step S656, it is determined whether or not the current zoom position matches the optical wide end. If it does not coincide with the optical wide end (NO determination), the optical zoom is resumed (step S658). With the start of the optical zoom, the zoom operation flag is set to “ON” (step S660), and the process proceeds to step S670.
[0076]
On the other hand, when the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed in the optical zoom area and reaches the optical wide end, YES is determined in step S650, and the optical zoom is stopped (step S662). Next, the zoom operation flag is set to OFF (step S664), and then the zoom OFF flag is set to “OFF” in step S670.
[0077]
If the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is kept pressed while the optical wide end is stopped, a YES determination is made at step S656 at the next interruption, and no processing is performed (step S668), and the process proceeds to step S670. That is, after the zoom is stopped at the optical wide end, when the zoom key 32 is kept pressed, the zoom stop state is maintained.
[0078]
Thereafter, when the zoom key 32 is released, the determination at step S610 is NO, and the determination at step S626 is also NO, so step S628 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S630, where the zoom OFF flag is set to ON. In this case, even if the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed again, a YES determination is made in step S656, and the zoom stop state is maintained.
[0079]
5 and 6 show the operation of the zoom key 32, the same applies to the operation in the tele / wide direction using the cross key 52 that can be used for the zoom operation.
[0080]
In the above embodiment, it has been described that image quality deterioration occurs when switching from optical zoom to electronic zoom. However, there is also an aspect in which image quality deterioration does not occur even when the electronic zoom is used. For example, using a solid-state image sensor 102 with a high pixel count, the shooting resolution (number of pixels) can be selected from “2400 × 1800”, “1600 × 1200”, “1280 × 960”, or “640 × 480”. Then, in accordance with the selected resolution, the magnification variable range by the electronic zoom is limited within a range in which the image quality does not deteriorate.
[0081]
FIG. 7 shows an example of zoom bar display during normal shooting. When performing a zoom operation using both optical zoom and electronic zoom, it is preferable to display the current zoom position. As shown in FIG. 7, the zoom bar 170 is displayed as a vertical bar, and indicates the current zoom position by the position of the movable block 172 that moves up and down in accordance with the zoom operation. The upper side of the zoom bar 170 corresponds to the tele direction, and the lower side corresponds to the wide direction. The upper end of the zoom bar 170 displays a letter “T” indicating the tele side, and the lower end indicates the wide side. The letter “W” is displayed.
[0082]
Since the zoom magnification of the electronic zoom differs depending on the shooting resolution, the zoom bar display is changed according to the shooting resolution. In the case of “2400 × 1800”, since full pixels are used, image quality degradation occurs when enlargement processing is performed with electronic zoom. Accordingly, when “2400 × 1800” is used, the use of the electronic zoom is prohibited, and the zoom bar is displayed only in the optical zoom area.
[0083]
When the shooting resolution is "1600 x 1200", "1280 x 960", or "640 x 480", the electronic zoom can be used, and a bar display with an electronic zoom area added to the optical zoom area is displayed. Done. The length of the bar reflects the size of the zoom variable range, and the bar display indicates to the user that the variable range of the electronic zoom increases as the number of pixels decreases. In addition, a partition line 174 is shown at the boundary between the optical zoom and the electronic zoom, and the zoom area switching point is clearly displayed.
[0084]
FIG. 8 shows an example of zoom bar display during macro shooting. The optical zoom area that can be used differs between normal shooting and macro shooting. Since the optical zoom area at the time of macro shooting is limited to a narrower range than that at the time of normal shooting, the bar display portion indicating the optical zoom area is also changed to a short display corresponding to this.
[0085]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the user can easily grasp the zoom variable range by changing the length of the optical zoom and electronic zoom bars according to the shooting resolution and shooting mode. Can do. 7 and 8 exemplify the vertical bar display, it can be changed to the horizontal bar display.
[0086]
In the above embodiment, a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic camera that captures an image by converting a subject image into an electrical signal using an imaging device, such as a video camera. Widely applicable.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the electronic imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to switch between the optical zoom and the electronic zoom by using a common zoom operation means without using a special operation member, and switching from the optical zoom to the electronic zoom. Since the zoom operation is stopped at a point and the operation is shifted to the electronic zoom region by re-operation of the zoom operation means, the operability is good and the user can intentionally use the optical zoom and the electronic zoom properly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a front perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera of this example.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure related to a zoom operation in the tele direction.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure related to a zoom operation in a wide direction.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a zoom bar display during normal shooting.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of zoom bar display during macro shooting
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera, 12 ... Zoom lens (optical zoom means), 32 ... Zoom key (zoom operation means), 52 ... Cross key (zoom operation means), 102 ... Solid-state image sensor (imaging means), 110 ... Control CPU (control means) 111 ... Electronic zoom circuit (electronic zoom means), 122 ... Motor (optical zoom means)

Claims

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, stops the zoom operation Once Ru is operated again the zoom operation means telephoto direction, performs the zoom control to transition to the electronic zoom, the electronic zoom, according to the resolution limit Control means for performing zoom control within the set variable magnification range ;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zooming means for electronically zooming the captured image by Ri to change the image magnification of an object to be processed electronically by the imaging means,
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
A control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on a signal from the zoom operation means, wherein the wide end of the electronic zoom is determined by electronic zoom processing accompanying a wide direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, stops once's over arm operation, when Ru is operated in a wide direction again the zoom operation means performs the zoom control is shifted to the optical zoom, the electronic zoom is depending on the resolution Control means for performing zoom control within a limited variable range of magnification ,
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. When detected, the zoom operation is stopped once. When the zoom operation unit is operated again in the tele direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the electronic zoom, and the zoom operation unit is accompanied by a wide direction command. When the wide end of the electronic zoom is detected by the electronic zoom process, the zoom operation is stopped once, and when the zoom operation means is operated again in the wide direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the optical zoom. Control means for performing zoom control within a variable magnification range limited according to the resolution during zooming ;
Electronic imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a.

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, the zoom operation was once stopped, when Ru is operated again the zoom operation means telephoto direction, performs the zoom control to transition to the electronic zoom, when the electronic zoom, the image quality deteriorates resolution Control means for performing zoom control so that electronic zoom is prohibited ,
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zooming means for electronically zooming the captured image by Ri to change the image magnification of an object to be processed electronically by the imaging means,
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
A control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on a signal from the zoom operation means, wherein the wide end of the electronic zoom is determined by electronic zoom processing accompanying a wide direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, stops once's over arm operation, when Ru is operated in a wide direction again the zoom operation means performs the zoom control is shifted to the optical zoom, when the electronic zoom, image degradation Control means for performing zoom control so that electronic zoom is prohibited when the resulting resolution is selected ;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. When detected, the zoom operation is stopped once. When the zoom operation unit is operated again in the tele direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the electronic zoom, and the zoom operation unit is accompanied by a wide direction command. When the wide end of the electronic zoom is detected by the electronic zoom process, the zoom operation is stopped once, and when the zoom operation means is operated again in the wide direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the optical zoom. Control means for performing zoom control so that electronic zoom is prohibited when a resolution that causes image quality degradation when zooming is selected;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, the zoom operation once stopped, when Ru is operated in the tele direction again said zooming means, and control means for performing the zoom control to transition to the electronic zoom,
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zooming means for electronically zooming the captured image by Ri to change the image magnification of an object to be processed electronically by the imaging means,
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
A control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on a signal from the zoom operation means, wherein the wide end of the electronic zoom is determined by electronic zoom processing accompanying a wide direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, it stops once's over arm operation, when Ru is operated in a wide direction again said zooming means, and control means for performing the zoom control is shifted to the optical zoom,
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. When detected, the zoom operation is stopped once. When the zoom operation unit is operated again in the tele direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the electronic zoom, and the zoom operation unit is accompanied by a wide direction command. When the wide end of the electronic zoom is detected by the electronic zoom processing, the zoom operation is once stopped, and when the zoom operation unit is operated in the wide direction again, the control unit performs zoom control so as to shift to the optical zoom. When,
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

The zoom bar is displayed in a form in which an electronic zoom area is added on the tele end side of the optical zoom area, and a partition line is displayed at a boundary between the optical zoom area and the electronic zoom area. The electronic imaging apparatus according to 7, 8, or 9.

In accordance with the selected resolution, a means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur,
The control means, during electronic zoom, performs zoom control within a variable magnification range limited according to the resolution,
11. The display according to claim 10, wherein the zoom bar is displayed by changing the length of the electronic zoom area in accordance with the size of the image zoom variable range limited by the resolution. Electronic imaging device.

12. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the variable range of magnification of electronic zoom is increased as the resolution is lower, and the length of the electronic zoom area of the zoom bar is displayed longer as the resolution is lower. .

The zoom bar is characterized in that the length of the optical zoom area is displayed corresponding to the limited optical zoom range during macro shooting in which the optical zoom range is limited to a range narrower than normal shooting. The electronic imaging device according to claim 10, 11 or 12.

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, stops the zoom operation Once Ru is operated again the zoom operation means telephoto direction, performs the zoom control to transition to the electronic zoom, the electronic zoom, according to the resolution limit Control means for performing zoom control so that electronic zoom is prohibited when a resolution is selected that causes image quality degradation when performing zoom control within the variable magnification range and electronic zoom .
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
The zoom bar is displayed in a form in which an electronic zoom area is added to the tele end side of the optical zoom area, a partition line is displayed at the boundary between the optical zoom area and the electronic zoom area, and the electronic zoom area is The electronic zoom area is displayed with a length changed according to the size of the image zoom variable range limited according to the resolution, and the optical zoom area is narrower than the normal shooting range. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized in that a short length is displayed corresponding to a limited optical zoom range during macro shooting limited to.

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zooming means for electronically zooming the captured image by Ri to change the image magnification of an object to be processed electronically by the imaging means,
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically ;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
A control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on a signal from the zoom operation means, wherein the wide end of the electronic zoom is determined by electronic zoom processing accompanying a wide direction command from the zoom operation means. Once detected, stops once's over arm operation, when Ru is operated in a wide direction again the zoom operation means performs the zoom control is shifted to the optical zoom, the electronic zoom is depending on the resolution Control means for performing zoom control so as to prohibit electronic zoom when a resolution is selected that causes image quality degradation when zoom control is performed within a variable range of magnification limited by electronic zoom and electronic zoom is performed .
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
The zoom bar is displayed in a form in which an electronic zoom area is added to the tele end side of the optical zoom area, a partition line is displayed at the boundary between the optical zoom area and the electronic zoom area, and the electronic zoom area is The electronic zoom area is displayed with a length changed according to the size of the image zoom variable range limited according to the resolution, and the optical zoom area is narrower than the normal shooting range. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized in that a short length is displayed corresponding to a limited optical zoom range during macro shooting limited to.

An electronic imaging device that selects a resolution of an image to be recorded from a prescribed resolution, and records an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means on the recording means at the selected resolution,
An electronic zoom means for electronically zooming by changing an image magnification of a subject by electronically processing an image picked up by the image pickup means;
Means for limiting a variable magnification range by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality degradation does not occur according to the selected resolution;
Optical zoom means for optically zooming by changing the magnification of the subject optically;
Zoom operation means for giving an instruction to change the magnification;
Control means for controlling the electronic zoom means and the optical zoom means based on an instruction from the zoom operation means, and the tele end of the optical zoom is controlled by an optical zoom operation in response to a tele direction command from the zoom operation means. When detected, the zoom operation is stopped once. When the zoom operation unit is operated again in the tele direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the electronic zoom, and the zoom operation unit is accompanied by a wide direction command. When the wide end of the electronic zoom is detected by the electronic zoom process, the zoom operation is stopped once, and when the zoom operation means is operated again in the wide direction, the zoom control is performed so as to shift to the optical zoom. When zooming, if zoom control is performed within the variable range of magnification limited according to the resolution and electronic zoom is performed, image quality degradation will occur. If Jill resolution is selected, and a control means for performing zoom control such electronic zoom is inhibited,
Display means;
Means for causing the display means to display a zoom bar indicating the current zoom position according to the position of the movable block that moves according to the zoom operation;
The zoom bar is displayed in a form in which an electronic zoom area is added on the tele end side of the optical zoom area, a partition line is displayed at the boundary between the optical zoom area and the electronic zoom area, and the electronic zoom area is The electronic zoom area is displayed with a length changed according to the size of the image zoom variable range limited according to the resolution, and the optical zoom area is narrower than the normal shooting range. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized in that a short length is displayed corresponding to a limited optical zoom range during macro shooting limited to.