JP3956317B2 - Mobile device with focusing area adjustment camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera-equipped mobile terminal capable of selecting and determining a region including a subject to be focused from a plurality of subjects and automatically focusing on the determined region.

In recent years, mobile terminals with a camera having a photographing function such as a mobile phone or a digital camera are increasingly having an autofocus function. However, the autofocus function focuses on the subject that is centered on the lens, so if you hold the mobile device so that the subject that you want to focus on is located outside the center of the lens, it will not be focused. , So-called out of focus. With respect to such a problem, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of in-focus areas are included in a shooting area captured by a camera, and the user of the camera is allowed to select an area to be focused from among the in-focus areas. A focus adjustment device has been proposed which has means and forms a signal for automatically focusing on a selected area.
Japanese Patent No. 2768469

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, it is effective for a device mainly having a photographing function, but it is operated with one hand in a composite device having a function other than the photographing function, particularly in a small electronic device such as a mobile phone. There are also many. In such a case, the user's finger enters the shooting area of the camera if the user automatically selects the area to be focused and automatically focuses on the selected area. Problems such as camera shake are likely to occur.

  In order to solve this problem, the present invention proposes a mobile terminal with an in-focus area adjustment camera that has a function for a user of a mobile terminal to select an area to be focused and to determine the selected area. . FIG. 1 shows an outline of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to the present invention. Here, the mobile terminal (0100) with the focusing area adjustment camera is assumed to be a mobile phone, but this is an example. The in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal (0100) is a mobile terminal capable of photographing a subject with a camera (not shown), and displays the subject captured by the camera on a monitor screen (0110). The monitor screen (0110) is divided into a plurality of areas, and has a function for the user of the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera to select and determine which area to focus on while viewing the monitor screen. . In FIG. 1, the monitor screen (0110) is equally divided into nine areas 0111 to 0119, but this is an example. It may be divided into any number, and may be set so that the shape and area of each region are different. Further, the portable terminal with focus area adjustment camera (0100) needs to have a button for selecting and determining a region, but the portable terminal with focus area adjustment camera (0100) is portable as shown in FIG. If it is like a telephone, it already has buttons such as a numeric keypad (0120) and a cross key (0130), and it is convenient and convenient to use these as buttons for selecting and determining.

  As described above, in the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the present invention, the subject captured by the camera is displayed on the monitor screen, and the region including the subject to be focused on the plurality of subjects is selected. In addition to the above process, it further has a function of determining the area selected in the selection process as an area to be actually focused. As a result, the user can select and determine an area including a subject to be focused while viewing the monitor screen. Thus, since there is a determination process in the present invention, there is no waste of shifting to a mechanical drive process for focusing simply by selecting an area. In particular, when the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera is a small terminal such as a mobile phone, it is often operated with one hand, and the user's finger enters the camera's shooting area when operating the buttons. Problems such as so-called camera shake are likely to occur. Therefore, if mechanical driving for focusing is performed only by the selection process, meaningless focusing occurs. However, since the user can finally determine the area by pressing the button after selecting the area, such a problem can be solved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the relationship between the following embodiment and a claim is as follows. The first embodiment will mainly describe claim 1 and the like. In the second embodiment, other embodiments will be described. The third embodiment will mainly describe claims 1 and 2. In the fourth embodiment, other embodiments will be described. The fifth embodiment will mainly describe claim 1 and the like.

  (Embodiment 1) (Embodiment 1: Overview) In this embodiment, focus area adjustment that enables focus adjustment by selecting and determining a region including a subject to be focused on a plurality of subjects. The present invention relates to a camera-equipped mobile terminal. The mobile terminal with the focus area adjustment camera according to the present embodiment displays the subject captured by the camera attached to the main body on a monitor screen or the like, and the subject to be focused on the user of the mobile terminal with the focus area adjustment camera Has a function of selecting and determining a region including.

  (Embodiment 1: Configuration) FIG. 2 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. The in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal (0200) includes a “monitor screen” (0210), a “selection unit” (0220), a “decision input unit” (0230), and a “focusing imaging unit” (0240). It consists of. The in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal (0200) may be a portable terminal that can be carried, but is particularly assumed to be a small-sized mobile terminal that can be operated with one hand. For example, a mobile phone is applicable.

  The “monitor screen” (0210) has a function for monitoring a subject. “Subject” means an object to be imaged when a user of a mobile terminal with an in-focus area adjusting camera captures an image with a camera attached to the main body. “To monitor” means to display so that the user can see the subject captured by the camera. Actually, the entire shooting area including the subject captured by the camera is displayed. Further, the entire area of the monitor screen is divided into a plurality of focusing areas. “Focus area” means an area obtained by dividing an area including a subject displayed on a monitor screen into a plurality of areas. It does not matter how many focusing areas are divided. Further, the size and shape of each in-focus area may be different. Further, the boundary of the in-focus area may or may not be clearly indicated by a boundary line. An example of a monitor screen corresponds to a display screen of a mobile phone.

  The “selection unit” (0220) has a function for selecting an in-focus area on the monitor screen (0210). The user of the in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal can focus on the target subject by selecting the in-focus area including the subject to be focused. Examples of the selection unit include cross keys (such as keys for moving the cursor displayed on the display screen such as 0130 in FIG. 1) up and down and left and right on the numeric keypad (numeric characters such as 0120 in FIG. 1). , Hiragana, English characters, etc.) are conveniently provided with a function of the selection unit, but a selection button may be provided separately. Further, the focus area may be selected by touching the monitor screen (0210) via a touch panel or the like.

  The “decision input unit” (0230) has a function for determining the in-focus area selected by the selection unit (0220) as the in-focus area that is used for the imaging. “Use for photographing” means, for example, focusing on a subject included in a focusing area for photographing. As an example of the determination input unit, the function of the determination input unit may be provided in a numeric keypad of a mobile phone, or a determination button may be provided separately. Alternatively, the in-focus area may be selected when the numeric keypad is pressed once, and may be determined when pressed twice. This is convenient because it is not necessary for the user to move his / her finger for selection and determination, so that the operation is facilitated and mistakes in pressing can be prevented. Furthermore, it is more convenient if the shutter can be released by pressing the button three times. Further, the shutter may be automatically released when the user determines the in-focus area.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the monitor screen. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the monitor screen (0310) of the in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal (0300), and is assumed to be divided into nine in-focus areas from 0311 to 0319. The in-focus area may or may not be clearly shown to the user by displaying a rectangle surrounded by a broken line as shown in FIG. 3 on the monitor screen. For example, if the selection unit is a touch panel, the user may select the focus area indirectly by directly touching the position of the subject to be focused. It seems that the focus area does not need to be specified. In addition, a number corresponding to the numeric keypad may be displayed in each focusing area, and the user may select a target focusing area by pressing the numeric keypad. In this example, the monitor screen is divided into nine in-focus areas. However, the monitor screen may be divided more finely or roughly.

  The “focusing photographing unit” (0240) has a function of performing photographing by performing a focusing operation on the subject monitored in the photographing focusing area determined by the determination input unit (0230). The “focusing operation” is an operation for focusing on the subject. For example, if it is a so-called contrast detection method (a method in which a lens is moved inside the camera and a high-contrast position is determined to be in focus) that is adopted for an autofocus function of a general digital camera, For example, a high-contrast position is detected by moving the lens, and the lens is adjusted to that position. “Shooting” means capturing light incident through the lens of the camera as image data. That is, the in-focus photographing unit actually includes from an autofocus mechanism to a mechanism for photographing.

  (Embodiment 1: Process Flow) FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow in a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to this embodiment. (A) is a flowchart when the user performs an action of pressing the shutter, and (B) is a flowchart when the shutter is automatically released. The difference between (A) and (B) is whether or not a shutter pressing step (S0450) described later is executed. First, the subject captured by the camera of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera is displayed on the monitor screen. This process is executed by the monitor screen (subject display step S0410). Next, an in-focus area is selected based on the subject displayed in the subject display step (S0410). This process is executed by the selection unit (focusing area selection step S0420). Next, the in-focus area selected in the in-focus area selection step (S0420) is determined as an imaging in-focus area. This process is executed by the decision input unit (decision input step S0430). Next, the subject to be monitored is focused in the photographing focus area determined in the determination input step (S0430). This process is executed by the focus photographing unit (subject focus step S0440). Next, the shutter is pressed. (Only in the case of (A).) This process is executed by the in-focus photographing unit (shutter pressing step S0450). Finally, the subject focused in the subject focusing step (S0440) is photographed. This processing is executed by the in-focus photographing unit (subject photographing step S0460).

  The above processing can be executed by a program for causing a computer to execute, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

  (Embodiment 1: Effect) According to the mobile terminal with a focus area adjustment camera according to this embodiment, the subject captured by the camera is displayed on the monitor screen, and the user selects and determines the focus area, and the determination is made. The camera has a function of focusing and shooting in the shooting focus area. Since the user can confirm the shooting focus area by pressing the enter button again after selecting the focus area, the user's finger enters the shooting area of the camera at the time of shooting. It is possible to determine the in-focus area while confirming whether there is a problem such as shaking causing a so-called camera shake. Moreover, it is possible to take a picture without pressing the shutter after the user determines the in-focus area.

  (Embodiment 2) (Embodiment 2: Overview) In addition to the function of the mobile terminal with the focus area adjustment camera of Embodiment 1, this embodiment has a function for operating the numeric keypad to select the focus area. The present invention relates to a portable terminal with an in-focus area adjusting camera.

  (Embodiment 2: Configuration) FIG. 5 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal with focus area adjustment camera (0500) includes a “monitor screen” (0510), a “selection unit” (0520), a “decision input unit” (0530), and a “focusing imaging unit” (0540). And “Numeric keypad” (0550). The selection unit (0520) includes a “tenkey symbol display unit” (0521) and a “tenkey symbol selection unit” (0522). The configuration other than the numeric keypad operation unit (0550), the numeric keypad symbol display unit (0521), and the numeric keypad symbol selection unit (0522) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera according to the first embodiment. Explanation here is omitted.

  The “numeric keypad” (0550) has a function of operating a numeric keypad. Not only the numeric keypad, but also a mail button (button for starting the mail function), a memo button (button for starting the memo function), and the like. Examples of the numeric keypad operation unit include a cellular phone numeric keypad, a mail button, a memo button, and the like. In addition, when the numeric keypad is placed at a position where the main body is supported by the palm of one hand and can be operated with the thumb of the one hand, the operability is good. It is thought that this has the effect of reducing the occurrence of camera shake, etc., where the finger of the camera enters the shooting area of the camera.

  The “ten-key symbol display means” (0521) has a function of dividing the monitor screen (0510) into a plurality of areas and assigning and displaying a ten-key symbol for selecting the area using the numeric keypad. In addition, the monitor screen (0510) may be divided into a plurality of areas having different widths and shapes, and a numeric keypad symbol for selecting the area may be assigned to each of the areas and displayed. “Dividing the monitor screen into a plurality of areas” means that the entire area of the monitor screen is divided into a plurality of areas as a focusing area. It does not matter how many focusing areas are divided. Further, the size and shape of each in-focus area may be different. The “ten-key symbol” is a symbol indicating which ten-key or the like of the in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal corresponding to each in-focus area. There are various ways of assigning the numeric key symbols. For example, if the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera is a mobile phone, the arrangement of the numeric keys and the like of the cellular phone is the same as the arrangement of the numeric key symbols assigned to the focusing area. This is convenient because it is easy for the user to select sensibly when selecting the in-focus area. Further, the focus area may be changed depending on the subject captured by the camera. In addition, the numeric keypad symbol may be displayed on the monitor screen (0510) together with the subject at the same time when the photographing function of the mobile terminal with the in-focus area adjusting camera is activated, or for the user to display the symbol. Switching between display and non-display may be made by pressing the button.

  FIG. 6 shows a specific example of ten key symbol display means. Reference numeral 0600 denotes a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera, and 0610 denotes a monitor screen. (A) is a case where the monitor screen (0610) is equally divided into 12 focusing areas. The boundaries of each in-focus area are displayed with broken lines, and numbers and symbols are displayed at the same time. The numbers and symbols correspond to the numeric keypad of the in-focus area adjusting camera-equipped mobile terminal (0600). For example, if the in-focus area 6 is selected, the “6” key may be pressed. If the # focus area is selected, the “#” key may be pressed. (B) is a case where the monitor screen (0610) is equally divided into 16 focusing areas. As in (A), the boundary of each in-focus area is displayed with a broken line, but in order to select each in-focus area, the number displayed in each in-focus area is pressed down by one digit using the numeric keypad. For example, to select 14 in-focus areas, the “1” and “4” keys are pressed in order. (C) is a case where the monitor screen (0610) is divided into seven areas, but the width and shape of each area are different. Note that the above (A) to (C) are merely examples, and other ten key symbol display methods may be used.

  The “ten-key symbol selection means” (0522) has a function of selecting the area of the monitor screen (0510) to which the ten-key symbol is assigned as a photographing focus area by operating the ten-key operation unit (0550).

  (Embodiment 2: Flow of processing) FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing in the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to this embodiment. Step S0710 and step S0740 to step S0770 are the same as step S0410 and step S0430 to step S0460 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4A of the first embodiment, respectively, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, step S0760 may be omitted. First, the subject captured by the camera of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera is displayed on the monitor screen (subject display step S0710). Next, a numeric keypad symbol is displayed on the monitor screen on which the subject is displayed in the subject display step (S0710). This process is executed by the ten key symbol display means (ten key symbol display step S0720). Next, a focusing area to which the numeric key symbol displayed in the numeric key symbol display step (S0720) is assigned is selected. This process is executed by the ten key symbol selecting means (ten key symbol focusing area selecting step S0730). Next, the in-focus area selected in the ten-key symbol in-focus area selecting step (S0730) is determined as the in-focus area (determination input step S0740). Next, the subject to be monitored is focused in the photographing focus area determined in the decision input step (S0740) (subject focus step S0750). Next, the shutter is pressed (shutter pressing step S0760). Finally, the subject focused in the subject focusing step (S0750) is photographed (subject photographing step S0770).

  (Embodiment 2: Effect) According to the portable terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the numeric keypad symbol is displayed in the focusing area of the monitor screen and the numeric keypad is operated. It has a function to select a focusing area. As a result, the user's finger enters the shooting area of the camera because the operability is good by giving the function for selecting the in-focus area to the numeric keypad, etc. that is normally used when using a mobile terminal. In other words, problems such as shaking of the mobile terminal and so-called camera shake are unlikely to occur. Also, especially when the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera is a small mobile terminal that is normally supported with one hand, such as a mobile phone, etc., when the numeric keypad is placed at a position where it can be operated with the thumb The operability is further improved.

  (Embodiment 3) (Embodiment 3: Overview) In this embodiment, in addition to the function of the mobile terminal with the focus area adjustment camera of Embodiment 1, a function for operating the cross key to select the focus area It is related with the portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera which has.

  (Embodiment 3: Configuration) FIG. 8 illustrates functional blocks of a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal with focus area adjustment camera (0800) includes a “monitor screen” (0810), a “selection unit” (0820), a “decision input unit” (0830), and a “focusing imaging unit” (0840). And “cross key operation unit” (0850). The selection unit (0820) includes “cross key symbol display means” (0821) and “cross key symbol selection means” (0822). The configuration other than the cross key operation unit (0850), the cross key symbol display means (0821), and the cross key symbol selection means (0822) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the first embodiment. Therefore, explanation here is omitted.

  The “cross key operation unit” (0850) has a function of operating the cross key and the like. “Cross key” means a key for moving a cursor displayed on the display screen such as 0130 in FIG. Although the case where it can mainly press in four directions of up and down, right and left is assumed, you may be able to press in another direction. An example of the cross key operation unit corresponds to a cross key of a mobile phone or the like. In addition, the cross key operation unit is used when pressing a button because it has good operability when it is placed at a position where it can be operated with the thumb of one hand while the main body is supported by the palm of one hand. It seems to be effective in reducing the occurrence of camera shake, etc., when a person's finger enters the shooting area of the camera.

  The “cross key symbol display means” (0821) has a function of displaying a cross key symbol that can be operated at an arbitrary position within the monitor screen by the cross key operation unit on the monitor screen (0810). The “cross key symbol” is a symbol indicating the currently selected focusing area. The focus area may be changed depending on the subject captured by the camera. In such a case, the shape and position of the cross key symbol change in accordance with the change of the focus area. Also, every time the user presses the cross key or the like, the cross key symbol does not move to the adjacent in-focus area, but the in-focus area changes little by little so that the cross-key symbol also changes. It may be designed to move little by little. Various methods of displaying the cross key symbol are conceivable. For example, the in-focus area may be displayed surrounded by a broken line, or the center of the in-focus area may be indicated by a small x mark or the like. Further, the cross key symbol may be displayed on the monitor screen (0810) together with the subject at the same time when the photographing function of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera is started, or the user can display the symbol. It may be possible to switch between display and non-display by pressing a button.

  FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the cross key symbol display means. Reference numeral 0900 denotes a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera, 0910 denotes a monitor screen, and 0920 denotes a selected focusing area. (A) is a case where the monitor screen (0910) is equally divided into 12 focusing areas. The boundary of each in-focus area is displayed with a broken line, and the cross key symbol is displayed by highlighting only four corners of the in-focus area with a thick line. Also, nothing may be displayed at the boundary of the focus area. In (B), the monitor screen (0910) is equally divided into 12 in-focus areas, but the boundaries of each in-focus area are displayed with broken lines, and the cross key symbol displays the center of the in-focus area with a small cross. Is done. In this way, when only the center of the cross key symbol is shown, since the size of the in-focus area is not known to the user unless the in-focus area boundary is displayed, the in-focus area boundary is a broken line. It would be better if it was displayed with etc. (C) shows a case where nothing is displayed at the boundary of the focus area, and only the cross key symbol is displayed as a rectangle filled with diagonal lines. The above (A) to (C) are examples, and other cross key symbol display methods may be used.

  “Cross key symbol selection means” (0822) operates the cross key symbol displayed on the cross key symbol display means (0821) by the cross key operation unit (0850) in the monitor screen (0810). It has a function of selecting a predetermined area including the cross key symbol as a photographing focus area by moving the symbol. The “predetermined area including the cross key symbol” means, for example, the area of 0920 including the cross key displayed with a small cross mark in the case of FIG. 9B.

  (Third Embodiment: Process Flow) FIG. 10 exemplifies a flow chart for explaining a process flow in a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to the present embodiment. Since step S1010 and step S1040 to step S1070 are the same as step S0410 and step S0430 to step S0460 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4A of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, step S1060 may be omitted. First, the subject captured by the camera of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera is displayed on the monitor screen (subject display step S1010). Next, a cross key symbol is displayed on the monitor screen on which the subject is displayed in the subject display step (S1010). This process is executed by the cross key symbol display means (cross key symbol display step S1020). Next, an in-focus area including the cross key symbol displayed in the cross key symbol display step (S1020) is selected. This processing is executed by the cross key symbol selection means (cross key symbol focus area selection step S1030). Next, the focus area selected in the cross key symbol focus area selection step (S1030) is determined as a shooting focus area (decision input step S1040). Next, the subject to be monitored is focused in the photographing focus area determined in the decision input step (S1040) (subject focus step S1050). Next, the shutter is pressed (shutter pressing step S1060). Finally, the subject focused in the subject focusing step (S1050) is photographed (subject photographing step S1070).

  (Embodiment 3: Effects) According to the portable terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the cross key symbol is displayed in the focusing area of the monitor screen and the cross key is operated. And has a function of selecting an in-focus area. As a result, the user's finger enters the shooting area of the camera because the operability is good by providing the function for selecting the focusing area to the cross key or the like that is normally used when using a mobile terminal. Problems such as shaking of the mobile terminal and so-called camera shake are unlikely to occur. In particular, when the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera is a small mobile terminal that is normally supported with one hand, such as a mobile phone, the cross key and the like are arranged at a position that can be operated with the thumb. In many cases, the operability is further improved.

  (Embodiment 4) (Embodiment 4: Overview) In this embodiment, in addition to the functions of the mobile terminal with an in-focus area adjusting camera in Embodiments 1 to 3, the touch panel is operated to select the in-focus area. The present invention relates to a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera having a function.

  (Embodiment 4: Configuration) FIG. 11 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal with focus area adjustment camera (1100) includes a “monitor screen” (1110), a “selection unit” (1120), a “decision input unit” (1130), and a “focusing imaging unit” (1140). And “Numerical Key Operation Unit” (1150) and “Touch Panel Operation Unit” (1160). The selection unit (1120) includes a “ten-key symbol display unit” (1121), a “ten-key symbol selection unit” (1122), and a “touch area selection unit” (1123). Since the configuration other than the touch panel operation unit (1160) and the touch area selection unit (1123) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. As another configuration, the ten-key operation unit (1150), the ten-key symbol display unit (1121), and the ten-key symbol selection unit (1122) are a cross key operation unit, a cross key symbol display unit, and a cross key symbol selection unit, respectively. It may be. That is, the structure which added the said touch-panel operation part (1160) and the said touch area | region selection means (1123) to the structure of the portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera which concerns on Embodiment 3 may be sufficient. As another configuration, the ten key operation unit (1150), the ten key symbol display means (1121), and the ten key symbol selection means (1122) may not be provided. That is, a configuration in which the touch panel operation unit (1160) and the touch area selection unit (1123) are added to the configuration of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the first embodiment may be used.

  The “touch panel operation unit” (1160) has a function of operating the touch panel. As a touch panel, there are an optical method, an ultrasonic method, a capacitance method, a resistance film method, and the like as a typical method for detecting contact with the panel, and any method may be used. In addition, when the touch panel operation unit is arranged at a position where the main body is supported by the palm of one hand and can be operated by the thumb of the one hand, the operability is good. It is thought that this has the effect of reducing the occurrence of camera shake, etc., where the finger of the camera enters the shooting area of the camera.

  The “touch area selection means” (1123) has a function of selecting a predetermined area including the area of the monitor screen touched by the touch panel operation unit (1160) as a photographing focus area. The “predetermined area including the touched monitor screen area” means an in-focus area including an area where the user of the mobile terminal with the in-focus area adjusting camera indirectly touches the monitor screen via the touch panel. Further, the focus area may or may not be clearly indicated on the monitor screen (1110) by a broken line or the like. If not clearly indicated, for example, the user of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera automatically selects the focusing area including the area touched by the user by touching the touch panel to indicate the subject to be focused. It only has to be adapted. Further, the focus area may be changed depending on the subject captured by the camera, or may be changed so that the position where the user touches the touch panel is the center.

  (Embodiment 4: Flow of Processing) FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram for explaining the flow of processing in a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. Step S1210, step S1220, and step S1240 to step S1280 are the same as step S0710, step S0720, and step S0730 to step S0770 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Further, step S1270 may be omitted. First, the subject captured by the camera of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera is displayed on the monitor screen (subject display step S1210). Next, a numeric keypad symbol is displayed on the monitor screen on which the subject is displayed in the subject display step (S1210) (tenkey symbol display step S1220). Next, it is determined whether or not an in-focus area has been selected using the touch panel. (Touch panel focusing area selection step S1230). If it is determined that the in-focus area has been selected using the touch panel, the process proceeds to a determination input step (S1250) described later. If it is determined that the in-focus area is not selected by the touch panel, the process proceeds to a ten-key symbol in-focus area selection step (S1240) described later. If the determination in the touch panel focus area selection step (S1230) is that the focus area is not selected by the touch panel, the numeric keypad displayed in the numeric keypad symbol display step (S1220). The focus area to which the symbol is assigned is selected (tenkey symbol focus area selection step S1240). Next, the in-focus area selected in the touch panel in-focus area selection step (S1230) or the ten-key symbol in-focus area selection step (S1240) is determined as the imaging in-focus area (decision input step S1250). Next, the subject to be monitored is focused in the photographing focus area determined in the decision input step (S1250) (subject focus step S1260). Next, the shutter is pressed (shutter pressing step S1270). Finally, the subject focused in the subject focusing step (S1260) is photographed (subject photographing step S1280).

  In addition, the ten-key operation unit (1150), the ten-key symbol display unit (1121), and the ten-key symbol selection unit (1122) of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera are respectively a cross key operation unit, a cross key symbol display unit, In the case of the cross key symbol selecting means, the cross key symbol is displayed on the monitor screen in the ten key symbol display step (S1220), and the cross key symbol is assigned in the ten key symbol focusing area selecting step (S1240). Select the focus area. If the ten-key operation unit (1150), the ten-key symbol display means (1121), and the ten-key symbol selection means (1122) of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera are not provided, the ten-key symbol display step (S1220). The processing of the ten key symbol focusing area selection step (S1240) is not performed, and the focusing area is selected by the touch panel in the touch panel focusing area selection step (S1230).

  (Embodiment 4: Effect) According to the portable terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, there is a function of selecting a focusing area with a touch panel. Thereby, since the user of the portable terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera can select the focusing area by touching the monitor screen via the touch panel, the user can more directly indicate the subject to be focused. . In addition, especially when the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera is a small mobile terminal that is normally supported with one hand, such as a mobile phone, the monitor screen provided with the touch panel is placed at a position where it can be operated with the thumb. In many cases, the operability is improved.

  (Embodiment 5) (Embodiment 5: Overview) In this embodiment, in addition to the functions of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera of Embodiments 1 to 4, the size of the focusing area in the monitor screen is set. The present invention relates to a portable terminal with an in-focus area adjusting camera having a function for performing the above-described function.

  (Embodiment 5: Configuration) FIG. 13 illustrates functional blocks of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal with focus area adjustment camera (1300) includes a “monitor screen” (1310), a “selection unit” (1320), a “decision input unit” (1330), and a “focusing imaging unit” (1340). "Numeric key operation unit" (1350) and "Touch panel operation unit" (1360). The selection unit (1320) includes a “tenkey symbol display unit” (1321), a “tenkey symbol selection unit” (1322), a “touch area selection unit” (1323), and a “focus area area setting unit”. (1324). Since the configuration other than the focusing area area setting unit (1324) is the same as the configuration of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjusting camera according to the fourth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. As another configuration, the ten-key operation unit (1350), the ten-key symbol display unit (1321), and the ten-key symbol selection unit (1322) are respectively a cross key operation unit, a cross key symbol display unit, and a cross key symbol selection unit. It may be. As yet another configuration, the touch panel operation unit (1360) and the touch area selection unit (1323) may not be provided. As another configuration, there is no touch panel operation unit (1360), touch area selection unit (1323), ten-key operation unit (1350), ten-key symbol display unit (1321), and ten-key symbol selection unit (1322). May be.

  The “focus area area setting means” (1324) has a function for setting the size of the focus area in the monitor screen and the area position corresponding to the size. That is, the size of the focus area can be increased or decreased, and the position of the focus area can be changed according to the change in the size of the focus area. When changing the size of the in-focus area, there are various ways to determine the center. For example, the center of the original in-focus area may be centered, and if the in-focus area is a rectangle, the position of the lower side is fixed, and the size is changed by moving the positions of the upper, left, and right sides. May be. Various magnifications can be considered when changing the size of the focus area. For example, the monitor screen (1310) may be changed only in a size that can be equally divided, or may be changed more finely. Further, when the size of the focus area is changed, the size and layout of other focus areas may be changed in accordance with the size of the focus area being changed. In addition, if the user keeps the finger on the touch panel, it is convenient that the area of the focusing area on which the finger is placed becomes larger or smaller. Further, the focus area may be determined after the area of the focus area is changed, or the area of the focus area may be changed after the focus area is determined.

  FIG. 14 shows a specific example of the focusing area area setting means. Reference numeral 1400 denotes a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera, 1410 denotes a monitor screen, and 1420 denotes a selected focusing area. (A) is a state in which the monitor screen (1410) is equally divided into 12 in-focus areas, and the in-focus area 1420 is selected by the numeric keypad “5”. (B) illustrates the case where the size of the focus area is increased by one step by the focus area area setting means in the state of (A). At this time, for example, the area 1420 is enlarged vertically and becomes a size obtained by dividing the monitor screen (1410) into nine in-focus areas. (C) further illustrates a case where the size of the focus area is increased by one step from the state of (B) by the focus area area setting means. At this time, for example, the area 1420 increases vertically and horizontally, the size and layout of the focus area other than 1420 change, and the assigned numeric keypad symbol also changes. In addition, only the area 1420 may be enlarged vertically and horizontally so that the size of the in-focus area other than 1420 does not change. In addition, this example is an example and the method of changing the focus area area other than these may be used.

  (Embodiment 5: Process Flow) FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow in the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to this embodiment. Step S1510 to step S1540 and step S1560 to step S1590 are the same as step S1210 to step S1240 and step S1250 to step S1280 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Further, step S1580 may be omitted. First, the subject captured by the camera of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera is displayed on the monitor screen (subject display step S1510). Next, a numeric keypad symbol is displayed on the monitor screen on which the subject is displayed in the subject display step (S1510) (tenkey symbol display step S1520). Next, it is determined whether or not an in-focus area has been selected using the touch panel. (Touch panel focusing area selection step S1530). If the determination in the touch panel focus area selection step (S1530) is that the focus area is not selected by the touch panel, the numeric keypad displayed in the numeric keypad symbol display step (S1520). A focusing area to which a symbol is assigned is selected (tenkey symbol focusing area selection step S1540). Next, the size of the focus area selected in the touch panel focus area selection step (S1530) or the numeric keypad symbol focus area selection step (S1540) is set. This process is executed by the focus area area setting means (focus area area setting step S1550). Next, the in-focus area set in the in-focus area area setting step (S1550) is determined as the in-focus area (determination input step S1560). Next, the subject to be monitored is focused in the photographing focus area determined in the decision input step (S1560) (subject focus step S1570). Next, the shutter is pressed (shutter pressing step S1580). Finally, the subject focused in the subject focusing step (S1570) is photographed (subject photographing step S1590). Further, the focus area area setting step (S1550) and the decision input step (S1560) may be reversed in order. That is, the area of the focus area may be changed after the focus area is determined.

  (Embodiment 5: Effect) According to the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 4, the size of the selected focusing area in the monitor screen is set. It has a function to do. Thereby, the size of the focusing area can be adjusted according to the size of the subject to be focused.

Diagram showing the outline of the invention Functional block diagram of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to the first embodiment Example of monitor screen FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the mobile terminal with the focusing area adjustment camera according to the first embodiment. Functional block diagram of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to the second embodiment Example of numeric keypad symbol display means FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to the second embodiment. Functional block diagram of a portable terminal with an in-focus area adjustment camera according to Embodiment 3 Example of cross key symbol display means FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to a third embodiment. Functional block diagram of a portable terminal with an in-focus area adjustment camera according to Embodiment 4 FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to a fourth embodiment Functional block diagram of a portable terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to a fifth embodiment Example of focusing area area setting means FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of a mobile terminal with a focusing area adjustment camera according to a fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

0100 Mobile terminal with in-focus area adjustment camera 0110 Monitor screen 0111 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0112 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0113 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0114 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0115 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0116 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0117 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0118 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0119 Area obtained by dividing the monitor screen 0120 Numeric keypad 0130 Four-way key

Claims (2)

A monitor screen for monitoring a subject, wherein the entire area of the screen is divided into a plurality of focusing areas ;
A selection unit for selecting an in-focus area in the monitor screen;
A decision input unit for determining the focusing area selected by the selection unit as a focusing area that is a focusing area used for shooting;
A focusing photographing unit for performing photographing by performing a focusing operation on a subject to be monitored in the photographing focusing area determined by the determination input unit; and a cross key operation unit;
The selection unit includes:
A cross key symbol display means for displaying a cross key symbol that can be operated at an arbitrary position with an in-focus area in the monitor screen at the center of the in-focus area;
A cross key symbol selecting means for selecting a predetermined area including the cross key symbol displayed by the cross key symbol display means as a photographing focus area;
Focus area area for receiving the setting of the size of the focus area where the cross key symbol is arranged and changing the area position of the other focus area and the size of the other focus area according to the received setting Setting means;
A mobile terminal with an in-focus area adjustment camera.   2. The mobile terminal with a focusing area adjusting camera according to claim 1, wherein the cross key operation unit is disposed at a position where the main body is supported by the palm of one hand and can be operated by the thumb of the one hand.

Images