JP4210818B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a technique for improving the operability of a camera in which a zoom lens is applied to a photographing optical system.
[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. As a zoom mechanism, the zoom ring provided in the lens unit is manually operated to change the focal length of the optical lens, and a zoom lever or the like is operated using a driving device such as a motor. However, in recent years, a camera equipped with an electric zoom device has become common.
[0003]
The camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-36126 has a zoom lens that can change the focal length stepwise, and can be stopped by a tele (telephoto) switch and a wide (wide angle) switch. By changing the focal length, the zoom operation has a sharp feeling. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-297239 proposes a method of switching between step zoom and continuous zoom using a zoom key and other keys.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-142650 discloses a camera having a multi-function switch in which a pressing area is divided into four in a cross shape, and this multi-function switch is used as a zoom key only in a specific mode. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-31808 discloses a camera having two sets of zoom switches having different zoom speeds, and is devised so that high-speed zooming and low-speed zooming can be used properly.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the high-magnification zoom machine, it is particularly preferable that the camera is held with both hands in order to prevent camera shake. In this case, as in a single-lens reflex camera, a form in which the grip portion is gripped with the right hand and the release operation is performed with the right index finger while the lens portion is supported with the left hand and the zoom operation is performed is the shape that is most easily operated by the user. However, such a shape has a problem that the zoom operation cannot be performed when the camera is operated with one hand (only the right hand).
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an easy-to-use camera that can be operated with both hands, has a good hold feeling, is less likely to shake, and can be zoomed with one hand. With the goal.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a camera according to the present invention includes a first zoom operation unit that inputs an instruction to change the magnification of an image, and a second zoom operation unit that is different from the first zoom operation unit. When the camera is set to a specific operation mode, a second zoom operation unit that allows an input of an instruction to change the magnification of the image, the first zoom operation unit, and the second zoom Magnification changing means for performing an operation or processing for changing the magnification of the image in accordance with at least one operation of the operation unit; The first zoom operation unit is a seesaw type switch structure zoom key provided on the left side of the lens unit when viewed from the back side of the camera, and the second zoom operation unit is on the right side of the back of the camera. It is a cross key provided in It is characterized by that.
[0008]
The means for changing the magnification of the image may be an optical zoom mechanism using a zoom lens, an electronic zoom function based on enlargement / reduction processing using the image processing means, or a combination thereof.
[0009]
A first zoom operation unit dedicated to the zoom operation and a second zoom operation unit that can be used for other operations are provided, and the zoom operation by the second zoom operation unit can be performed according to a required situation. By doing so, the operation member provided in the camera body can be used effectively, and the operability of the camera is improved.
[0010]
A camera according to another aspect of the present invention drives a zoom lens, a first zoom operation unit that gives an instruction to drive the zoom lens to the wide-angle side and the telephoto side, and drives the zoom lens to the wide-angle side and the telephoto side. This is a second zoom operation unit that gives instructions, and is composed of a multi-function operation unit that is also used for operations other than zoom operations. When the camera is set to a specific operation mode, zoom drive commands can be issued A second zoom operation unit, and electric drive means for electrically driving the zoom lens in accordance with at least one of the first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit. The first zoom operation unit is a seesaw type switch structure zoom key provided on the left side of the lens unit when viewed from the back side of the camera, and the second zoom operation unit is on the right side of the back of the camera. It is a cross key provided in It is characterized by that.
[0011]
In addition, the first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit are provided at predetermined positions that can be operated with different hands when the photographer holds the camera.
[0012]
According to the present invention, a feeling of holding is good when shooting with the camera held with both hands, and a zoom operation is possible even when shooting with one hand.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
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.
[0015]
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.
[0016]
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.
[0017]
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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
When the camera 10 of this example gives an instruction in the tele direction further than the enlargement limit by the optical zoom, the process proceeds to enlargement processing by the electronic zoom. The magnification variable range of the electronic zoom function is determined in relation to the resolution (number of pixels) at the time of recording. The lower the resolution, the higher the magnification can be used.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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 an item selected from the menu or returning to the previous operation state.
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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 mode lever 84.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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 image processing circuit 108. The image processing circuit 108 is an image processing unit including a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, a white balance correction circuit, and the like, and processes an image signal according to a command from the control CPU 110.
[0036]
The image data input to the image 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. 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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
When the shooting mode is selected by the mode lever 84 and the still image shooting 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.
[0039]
In response to the full pressing operation of the shutter button 80, the captured image data for recording is subjected to predetermined processing in the image processing circuit 108, and then compressed as necessary, and recorded in the external recording device 116. Is done.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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 image processing circuit 108 and output to the image reproduction device 114.
[0043]
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.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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.
[0047]
The control CPU 110 is a control unit that performs overall control of each circuit of the camera 10, and based on input signals received from the zoom key 32, the shutter button 80, the cross key 52, the menu / execution button 54, and other operation units, In addition to controlling the operation, display control, strobe emission control, autofocus (AF) control, automatic exposure (AE) control, and the like are performed in the image playback device 114.
[0048]
The camera 10 is provided with a posture sensor (for example, a gyro) 130 for detecting the posture of the camera 10, and detection information of the sensor is notified to the control CPU 110. When the posture sensor 130 detects that the camera 10 is in the normal posture (lateral position), the control CPU 110 enables the up key and the down key of the cross key 52 as a zoom up key and a zoom down key, respectively.
[0049]
On the other hand, when the posture sensor 130 detects that the camera 10 is in the vertical posture (vertical position), the control CPU 110 invalidates the operation input of the zoom key 32 and controls the left key and right key of the cross key 52. Of these, the key on the upper side in the posture can be used as the zoom-up key, and the key on the lower side can be used as the zoom-down key. Thus, by switching the zoom operation function of the cross key 52 according to the detection of the camera posture, there is an advantage that the zoom operation can be easily performed even when the camera 10 is moved to the vertical position.
[0050]
Next, the operation of the camera 10 configured as described above will be described. Since there are a plurality of operation units having equivalent functions of the zoom key 32 and the cross key 52 regarding zoom control, it is necessary to devise a countermeasure (processing) when a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time. Several control examples related to zoom control, including countermeasures for such conflicting zoom instructions, will be described below.
[0051]
The first control example shown in FIG. 5 is a control method in which, when a plurality of zoom operation units are pressed at the same time, priority is given to the key that was pressed first and the operation by the other zoom operation unit is prohibited. One of the plurality of zoom operation units will be described as the zoom key 32 and the other as the cross key 52.
[0052]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, after starting the process, the control CPU 110 first determines whether or not the zoom key 32 is pressed (step S510). When the zoom key 32 is pressed (when YES is determined), zooming in the tele direction or the wide direction is performed according to the instruction of the pressed key (step S512), and a zoom operation instruction from the cross key 52 is issued. Input is prohibited (step S514).
[0053]
In step S510, if the zoom key 32 has not been pressed (NO determination), the process branches to step S520 to determine whether or not the cross key 52 has been pressed. When the cross key 52 functioning as the zoom operation unit is pressed (when YES is determined), zooming in the tele direction or the wide direction is performed according to the instruction of the pressed key (step S522), and the zoom key 32 is used. Input of the zoom operation instruction from is prohibited (step S524). If the cross key 52 is not pressed in step S520 (NO determination), steps S522 to S524 are omitted and the present processing routine is terminated. In this way, the key input to be pressed later is invalidated, and multiple pressing is prohibited.
[0054]
The second control example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a control method for stopping the zoom drive when a plurality of zoom operation units are simultaneously pressed. The operation of pressing the other zoom operation unit while performing zoom drive by operating one zoom operation unit may cause an erroneous operation, but the photographer intends to stop zooming intentionally. It is also assumed that such an operation is performed.
[0055]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, it is determined whether or not the zoom key 32 is pressed (step S610). If the zoom key 32 is pressed (YES determination), the pressed key is pressed. In accordance with the instruction, zoom driving in the tele direction or the wide direction is performed (step S612). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the cross key 52 is further pressed during the pressing operation of the zoom key 32 (step S614). In step S614, if the cross key 52 is not pressed (NO determination), the zoom drive corresponding to the operation of the zoom key 32 is continued as it is.
[0056]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S614 that the cross key 52 has been pressed (YES determination), zoom stop processing is performed (step S616), and zoom drive is stopped. Note that when the zoom key 32 is not pressed in step S610 (NO determination), this processing routine ends.
[0057]
Similarly, when the zoom key 32 is further operated during the zoom operation using the cross key 52, the zoom drive stop process is performed. The flowchart is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not the cross key 52 is pressed (step S710). If the cross key 52 is pressed (when YES is determined), the pressed key is determined. In accordance with the instruction, zoom driving in the tele direction or wide direction is performed (step S712). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the zoom key 32 is further pressed during the pressing operation of the cross key 52 (step S714).
[0058]
In step S714, if the zoom key 32 is not pressed (NO determination), the zoom drive corresponding to the operation of the cross key 52 is continued as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S714 that the zoom key 32 has been pressed (YES determination), zoom stop processing is performed (step S716), and zoom drive is stopped. If the cross key 52 is not pressed in step S710 (NO determination), this processing routine ends.
[0059]
Next, a third control example will be described. The third control example is a control method in which when a plurality of zoom operation units are pressed at the same time, the control is changed by matching / mismatching of the zoom directions indicated by both. The flowchart is shown in FIG.
[0060]
According to the figure, first, it is determined whether or not the zoom key 32 is pressed (step S810). If YES, the process proceeds to step S812. In step S812, it is determined whether or not the TELE key of the zoom key 32 has been pressed. If the TELE key is pressed (YES determination), the zoom is driven in the TELE direction according to the key operation (step S814). Then, it is determined whether or not the cross key 52 is pressed during the TELE driving (step S816). If the cross key 52 has not been pressed (NO determination), this processing routine ends.
[0061]
If the cross key 52 is pressed in step S816 (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S818, and it is determined whether or not a key (TELE key) indicating the tele direction of the cross key 52 is pressed. If the TELE key of the cross key 52 is further pressed during the TELE driving by the zoom key 32 (YES determination), the zoom driving in the TELE direction is continued because it is the same zoom direction command (step S820).
[0062]
When NO determination is obtained in step S818, that is, when the WIDE key of the cross key 52 is pressed during the TELE drive by the zoom key 32, it is opposite to the initial drive direction by the zoom key 32 (in this case, the TELE direction). Since the key for commanding the zoom in the direction has been pressed, the zoom drive is stopped (step S822).
[0063]
If NO is obtained in step S812, that is, if the WIDE key of the zoom key 32 is pressed, a process for driving the zoom in the WIDE direction according to the key operation is performed (step S834). Then, it is determined whether or not the cross key 52 is pressed during the WIDE driving (step S836). If the cross key 52 has not been pressed (NO determination), this processing routine ends.
[0064]
If the cross key 52 has been pressed in step S836 (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S838, and it is determined whether or not the key (WIDE key) instructing the wide direction of the cross key 52 has been pressed. If the WIDE key of the cross key 52 is further pressed during the WIDE drive by the zoom key 32 (YES determination), the zoom drive in the WIDE direction is continued because the command is in the same zoom direction (step S840). When NO determination is obtained in step S838, that is, when the TELE key of the cross key 52 is pressed during WIDE driving by the zoom key 32, it is opposite to the initial driving direction by the zoom key 32 (in this case, the WIDE direction). Since the key for performing the zoom command for the direction has been pressed, the zoom drive is stopped (step S842).
[0065]
After the processing in step S820, step S822, step S840, or step S842, this processing routine is terminated. The processing routine is also ended when NO is obtained in step S810, that is, when the zoom key 32 is not pressed.
[0066]
Although not shown, after the zoom drive is first started with the cross key 52 and the zoom key 32 is pressed during the drive, the determination target key in step S810, step S816 and step S836 in FIG. Processing control similar to that described above is performed according to the replaced flowchart.
[0067]
Next, a fourth control example will be described. The fourth control example is a control method for causing the cross key 52 to function as a zoom operation unit only in a specific mode. If a plurality of zoom operation units that are exclusively used for zoom operations are mounted on the camera body, the number of operation members increases, making it difficult to reduce the size of the camera. Therefore, a mode in which a multi-function operation unit such as the cross key 52 is used as a zoom operation unit in a specific mode is preferable.
[0068]
The camera 10 of this example can set various conditions at the time of shooting from the menu screen or the setup mode when the shooting mode is set. The setting items include shooting resolution (number of pixels of the recorded image), data compression rate, strength of sharpness enhancement processing (strength level), and the like. By pressing the menu / execution button 54 in the shooting mode, the menu is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 68 by an on-screen display (OSD) or the like, and the user can select a desired item by operating the cross key 52 on the screen. While the menu screen is displayed, the cross key 52 functions as a cursor key for inputting an instruction to move the cursor. When the menu key is exited, the cross key 52 functions as a zoom operation key. 52 functions are switched.
[0069]
The flowchart is shown in FIG. According to FIG. 9, first, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is set (step S910), and when YES is determined, the process proceeds to step S912. In step S912, it is determined whether or not the menu / execution button 54 has been pressed.
[0070]
If the menu / execution button 54 is not pressed (NO determination), the zoom operation with the cross key 52 is permitted (step S914), and the up key and down key (or the left key and right key) of the cross key 52 are zoomed. Functions as an operation key.
[0071]
On the other hand, when YES is determined in step S912, that is, when the menu / execution button 54 is pressed in the shooting mode, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 68, and various shooting-related items such as shooting resolution (number of pixels of the recorded image) are displayed. Settings can be made (step S916). At this time, since the cross key 52 functions as an operation means for selecting a menu item or the like, zooming is prohibited so that the zoom does not operate even if the cross key 52 is pressed (step S918).
[0072]
When NO is determined in step S910, for example, in the playback mode, zoom operation with the cross key 52 is permitted (step S914). However, in the playback mode, zoom operation of a zoom function (so-called playback zoom) for enlarging / reducing a playback image by electronic signal processing is allowed, and the upper key of the cross key 52 is used for playback zoom. The enlargement key and the lower key function as a reduction key. After the process of step S914 or step S918, this process routine is terminated.
[0073]
As described with reference to FIG. 9, when the menu / execution button 54 is pressed in the shooting mode, the zoom operation control by the cross key 52 is prohibited, so that the key operation unit can be effectively used.
[0074]
Next, a fifth control example will be described. The fifth control example is a control method for selecting a usable zoom operation unit in accordance with the posture detection of the camera 10.
[0075]
When a plurality of zoom operation units are provided on the camera body, there are operation units that are difficult to operate depending on the posture of the camera 10. For example, in the case of the camera 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, when the camera 10 is held vertically (vertical position with the grip portion 22 on the upper side), the zoom key 32 provided on the side surface of the lens portion 14 is lowered. The photographer is difficult to operate the zoom key 32. Therefore, in such a vertical position, even if the zoom key 32 is pressed, it is determined that the key has been pressed by mistake, zoom control is prohibited, and a zoom operation is accepted only from the cross key 52.
[0076]
The flowchart is shown in FIG. Based on the detection signal of the attitude sensor 130, it is determined whether or not the camera 10 is in the vertical position (step S1010). When the camera 10 is in the vertical position (YES determination), the zoom operation by the zoom key 32 is prohibited (step S1012). On the other hand, in step S1010, when the camera 10 is in the horizontal position (NO determination), the processing in step S1012 is omitted, and the zoom operation can be performed from both the zoom key 32 and the cross key 52.
[0077]
The cross key 52 controls the zoom up / down with the up key and the down key when the camera 10 is in the horizontal position. However, when the camera 10 is in the vertical position, the cross key 52 also moves together with the camera body. Since it rotates 90 degrees, the up key and the down key are respectively in a left-right positional relationship, which may be difficult for the user to use. Therefore, when the output of the posture sensor 130 is in the horizontal position, zoom control is performed with the upper key and the lower key of the cross key 52. On the other hand, when the output of the posture sensor 130 is in the vertical position, the left key of the cross key 52 is used. The function of the cross key 52 is changed so that zoom control is performed with the right key.
[0078]
FIG. 11 shows the flowchart. Based on the detection signal of the attitude sensor 130, it is determined whether or not the camera 10 is in the vertical position (step S1110). When the camera 10 is in the horizontal position (NO determination), zoom driving is performed with the up / down key of the cross key 52 (step S1112). On the other hand, when the camera 10 is in the vertical position (YES determination) in step S1110, zoom driving is performed with the left / right key of the cross key 52 (step S1114). Thereby, an easy-to-use camera can be realized.
[0079]
In the above embodiment, the digital camera having both the optical zoom and the electronic zoom has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a camera having only the optical zoom or only the electronic zoom function. The present invention can be widely applied to photographing apparatuses having a zoom function, and can also be applied to a digital camera, a video camera, or a camera that records an optical image on a photographic film.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, the camera is provided with a plurality of zoom operation units, and one zoom operation unit uses a multi-function operation unit that is also used for other operations. The zoom operability of the camera can be improved without increasing the number of operation members provided on the camera.
[0081]
In particular, when the photographer holds the camera, the operation units are arranged so that the first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit can be operated with different hands, thereby holding the camera with both hands. When shooting, the feeling of holding is good, and zooming is also possible when shooting with one hand. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera that can perform an operation as intended by the user even when a plurality of zoom operation units are simultaneously pressed.
[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 first control example regarding zoom control;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second control example regarding zoom control;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second control example regarding zoom control;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third control example regarding zoom control;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth control example related to zoom control.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth control example regarding zoom control;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth control example regarding zoom control;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera, 12 ... Zoom lens, 32 ... Zoom key (1st zoom operation part), 52 ... Cross key (2nd zoom operation part), 110 ... Control CPU (Magnification change means, prohibition means, control means, operation) Part limiting means, key function changing means), 122... Motor (magnification changing means, electric drive means), 130... Attitude sensor (attitude detection means)

Claims (9)

A first zoom operation unit for inputting an instruction to change the magnification of the image;
A second zoom operation unit different from the first zoom operation unit, wherein a second zoom operation unit is capable of inputting an instruction to change an image magnification when the camera is set to a specific operation mode. An operation unit;
A magnification changing means for performing an operation or process to change the magnification of the image in accordance with at least one of the operations of the first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit,
Equipped with a,
The first zoom operation unit is a zoom key having a seesaw type switch structure provided on the left side surface of the lens unit when viewed from the back side of the camera.
The camera, wherein the second zoom operation unit is a cross key provided on the right side of the back side of the camera. A zoom lens,
A first zoom operation unit that gives an instruction to drive the zoom lens to a wide-angle side and a telephoto side; and a second zoom operation unit that gives an instruction to drive the zoom lens to a wide-angle side and a telephoto side. A second zoom operation unit that is configured by a multi-function operation unit that is also used for operations other than the above, and allows a zoom drive command when the camera is set to a specific operation mode;
Electric drive means for electrically driving the zoom lens according to at least one of the first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit;
Equipped with a,
The first zoom operation unit is a zoom key having a seesaw type switch structure provided on the left side surface of the lens unit when viewed from the back side of the camera.
The camera, wherein the second zoom operation unit is a cross key provided on the right side of the back side of the camera.   2. The first zoom operation unit and the second zoom operation unit are provided at predetermined positions that can be operated by different hands when a photographer holds the camera. Or the camera of 2.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prohibiting unit that prohibits operation control by the other operation unit during an operation period of any one of the first and second zoom operation units. Camera described in.   2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that stops zoom driving when the other operation unit is operated during operation by either one of the first and second zoom operation units. 2. The camera according to 2 or 3.   Of the first and second zoom operation units, when one operation unit is operated in the tele direction or the wide direction, the other operation unit is operated in a zoom direction different from the zoom direction by the one operation unit. 4. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for stopping the zoom drive in the event of a failure.   When one of the first and second zoom operation units is operated in the tele direction or the wide direction and the other operation unit is also operated in the same zoom direction, 4. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising control means for continuing zoom driving.   Attitude detection means for detecting the attitude of the camera, and operation section restriction means for prohibiting operation control by one of the first and second zoom operation sections in accordance with a detection result of the attitude detection means. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a camera. A camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the camera includes a position detecting means for detecting the posture of the camera, in accordance with the detection result of the posture detection means, zooming operation by the cross key And a key function changing means for changing a usable key.

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