JP4432256B2 - Optical instrument with contrast display function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus having a contrast display function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, binoculars and other optical devices are well known as tools for landscape observation.
In addition, a tourist telescope is fixedly installed on the observatory in the scenic area.
By using these optical devices, it is possible to observe a distant landscape, wild birds, and the like with an appropriate magnification.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional optical device, when the user tries to examine the object under observation in detail, the user has had to look away from the optical device and look at the map, the tourist information board, or the picture book.
Since such work relies on visual memory, it tends to be cumbersome and inaccurate.
Furthermore, since the eyes are often taken away from the optical equipment during this work, there is a high risk of losing the object under observation.
In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus having a contrast display function such as a sample image.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following configuration requirements.
[0005]
<Claim 1>
The optical apparatus according to claim 1, an imaging unit that captures an optical image to generate a captured image, a database that stores a sample name and a sample image in association with each other, and an input unit that receives a sample name designation operation by a user And a search means for searching for a sample image from the database based on the sample name designated by the input means, and a display means for displaying the sample image searched for by the search means in contrast to the photographed image.
[0006]
<Claim 2>
The optical instrument according to claim 2 is the optical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the optical instrument according to claim 1 detects at least one of the current position and date and time, and the sample name according to the information detected by the detector. Limiting means for limiting the selection candidates, and the input means displays on the display means a selection candidate of the sample name limited by the limiting means on the display means, and accepts a user operation for specifying the sample name.
[0007]
<Claim 3>
The optical apparatus according to claim 3 includes an imaging unit that captures an optical image to generate a captured image, a function of storing a sample name and a sample image in association with each other, and a function of retrieving a sample image from the sample name. A communication means for communicating with an external database server, an input means for accepting a sample name designation operation by a user, and a sample name designated by the input means are transmitted to the database server via the communication means. Search request means for making a search request and receiving a sample image returned from the database server, and display means for displaying the sample image received from the database server by the search request means in contrast to the photographed image.
[0008]
<Claim 4>
The optical device according to claim 4 is the optical device according to claim 3, wherein the information detected by the detection means via the detection means for detecting at least one of the current position and date and time and the communication means. Is sent to the database server to request a sample name selection candidate to be limited, and receives a sample name selection candidate returned from the database server. The input means includes a limit request means from the database server. The received sample name selection candidates are displayed in a menu on the display means, and a user operation for specifying the sample name is accepted.
[0009]
<Claim 5>
An optical device according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the optical device according to any one of the first to second aspects, further comprising billing means for performing billing processing for at least one of search and display of sample images.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the inventions described in claims 1 to 5. First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described in the order of a database server and binoculars.
[0011]
(Database server configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the database server 12 in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a server computer 11 is connected to the Internet 10. In the server computer 11, the following objects (1), (2), and (3) are virtually mounted along with the execution of the program to constitute the database server 12.
{Circle around (1)} Search engine 13: Sends / receives to / from optical devices such as the binoculars 21, the tourist telescope 61, and the electronic camera 81 via the Internet 10, analyzes search requests, returns search results, and the like.
(2) Database 14: A database in which sample images and sample names are recorded in association with each other. The sample name in the database 14 is also associated with information such as the shooting position, shooting direction, date and time. Further, the database 14 includes a plurality of databases (a map database 15, a bird database 16, a plant database 17, etc.) subdivided for each type of sample image.
(3) Billing system 18: A system that manages client billing information and bills a credit company or bank account.
[0012]
(Configuration of binoculars 21)
Here, the configuration of the binoculars 21 described above will be further described. Note that the above-described sightseeing telescope 61 and electronic camera 81 have the same configuration as that of the binoculars 21 (that is, the configuration related to the search and display of sample images), and thus the description of the configuration is omitted here.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the binoculars 21 in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the binoculars 21.
In these drawings, an objective lens 22 is attached to the binoculars 21. The objective lens 22 is subjected to a zoom operation and a focus operation via a lens driving mechanism 22a. In the image space of the objective lens 22, the light receiving surface of the image sensor 23 is disposed. The imaging device 23 is supplied with a driving pulse from the imaging driver 24a. The image output of the image sensor 23 is supplied to the frame memory 25 and the display circuit 26 via the image processing circuit 24b.
[0014]
The display circuit 26 displays images on left and right LCDs (liquid crystal displays) 27 and 28. The user observes the screens of the LCDs 27 and 28 through the left and right eyepieces 29 and 30.
In addition, two GPS (global positioning system) antennas 31 and 32 are arranged on the binoculars 21 apart from a predetermined base line length. The outputs of these GPS antennas 31 and 32 are processed through the positioning circuit 33 and then supplied to the MPU 34.
[0015]
Further, a search switch 35, an observation switch 36, a selection switch 37, and a display changeover switch 39 are connected to the MPU 34, respectively. These operation members are arranged near the grip of the binoculars 21. When the user holds the grip with both hands, the index finger and the middle finger of the user naturally come into contact with these operation members.
[0016]
In addition, a communication circuit 38 is connected to the MPU 34. The communication circuit 38 realizes connection to the Internet 10 by wireless communication with a nearby base station.
Further, an ID memory 40 is connected to the MPU 34. The ID memory 40 stores a product ID and other unique information in a nonvolatile manner.
In addition, the above-described lens driving mechanism 22a, photographing driver 24a, frame memory 25, display circuit 26, and the like are also connected to the MPU 34.
[0017]
(Correspondence between this embodiment and the invention)
Hereinafter, the correspondence between the description items of the claims and the present embodiment will be described. In addition, the correspondence here illustrates one interpretation for reference, and does not limit the present invention.
[0018]
As for the correspondence between the matters described in claim 1 and the present embodiment, the imaging means corresponds to the imaging device 23 and the imaging driver 24a, the database corresponds to the database 14, the input means corresponds to the selection switch 37, and the search is performed. The means corresponds to the “function of transmitting a search request to the search engine 13 and receiving the search result” of the MPU 34 and the search engine 13, and the display means of the display circuit 26 and the MPU 34 “function of comparing and displaying sample images and photographed images” Corresponds to.
[0019]
As for the correspondence between the matters described in claim 2 and the present embodiment, the detecting means corresponds to the GPS antennas 31 and 32, the positioning circuit 33 and the MPU 34, and the limiting means is “transmit location information to the search engine 13 etc. by the MPU 34. Then, the input means dynamically generates and displays a selection menu based on the sample name selection candidates by the selection switch 37 and the MPU 34, and corresponds to the function of limiting the selection candidates of the sample names. Corresponds to “Function to accept user selection”.
[0020]
With respect to the correspondence relationship between the matters described in claim 3 and this embodiment, the imaging means corresponds to the imaging element 23 and the imaging driver 24a, the external database server corresponds to the database server 12, and the input means corresponds to the selection switch 37. Correspondingly, the communication means corresponds to the communication circuit 38, the search request means corresponds to the “function of transmitting a search request to the search engine 13 and receiving the search result” of the MPU 34, and the display means of the display circuit 26 and the MPU 34. Corresponds to “Function to compare and display sample images and captured images”.
[0021]
Regarding the correspondence relationship between the matters described in claim 4 and this embodiment, the detection means corresponds to the GPS antennas 31 and 32, the positioning circuit 33 and the MPU 34, and the limitation request means uses the MPU 34 " The input means corresponds to the function of requesting limitation of sample name selection candidates and receiving limited selection candidates, and the input means operates the selection menu based on the sample name selection candidates by the selection switch 37 and the MPU 34. This function corresponds to “a function that generates and displays automatically and accepts user selection from a selection menu”.
[0022]
With regard to the correspondence between the matters described in claim 5 and the present embodiment, the charging means corresponds to the billing system 18.
[0023]
(Description of operation of the binoculars 21)
Here, the operation of the binoculars 21 will be described. Note that the operation of the characteristic part of the invention (that is, the operation related to the search and display of the sample image) of the sightseeing telescope 61 and the electronic camera 81 is the same as that of the binoculars 21, and thus the description of the operation is omitted here.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the search and display operation of the sample image by the binoculars 21.
Hereinafter, the operation will be described along the step numbers in FIG.
[0024]
[Step S1] First, when the main power supply (not shown) of the binoculars 21 is turned on, the MPU 34 periodically drives the image sensor 23 via the imaging driver 24a to repeatedly image the subject. The captured image is processed through the image processing circuit 24b and then displayed as a moving image in real time on the left and right LCDs 27 and 28 through the display circuit 26.
During such an operation, the MPU 34 determines whether or not the display changeover switch 39 has been pressed. When the display changeover switch 39 is pressed, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to step S2. On the other hand, when the display changeover switch 39 is in the OFF state, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to step S3.
[0025]
[Step S2] Each time the display changeover switch 39 is pressed, the MPU 34 switches the display mode of the display circuit 26 in a cyclic manner in the order of “single screen → multiple screen → parent / child screen → single screen”.
Here, the single screen displays the captured image 51 together with the guide marker 50 on the entire screen, as shown in FIG. 6A.
The multi-screen displays the sample window 52 and the menu window 53 side by side on the right side of the captured image 51 as shown in FIG. 6B. In this menu window 53, menu items and a cursor 54 are displayed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the parent / child screen displays a sample window 52 as a child window at the lower right of the screen of the captured image 51.
[0026]
[Step S3] The MPU 34 determines a switch to be pressed next. Here, when the selection switch 37 is pressed, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to step S4 in order to perform a menu selection operation. On the other hand, when the search switch 35 is pressed without the selection switch 37 being pressed, the MPU 34 determines that the search for the sample name is requested, and moves the operation to step S8. On the other hand, when neither of the switches 35 and 37 is pressed, the MPU 34 returns the operation to step S1 and continues the moving image display as it is.
[0027]
[Step S4] The MPU 34 forcibly switches the display mode of the display circuit 26 to the multi-screen. At this time, the MPU 34 displays the previously acquired sample name candidate list (see step S14) in the menu item.
[0028]
[Step S5] Each time the selection switch 37 is pressed, the MPU 34 moves the cursor 54 in the menu window 53 in order along the menu items.
[0029]
[Step S6] Such a menu selection operation is repeated until the search switch 35 is pressed. In this state, when the search switch 35 is pressed, the MPU 34 exits the menu selection operation and shifts the operation to step S7.
[0030]
[Step S7] The MPU 34 acquires the menu item where the cursor 54 is currently located as the selected “sample name”. Further, the MPU 34 acquires a product ID from the ID memory 40. The MPU 34 sets this sample name and product ID in the search information. After setting such search information, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to step S11.
[0031]
[Step S8] The MPU 34 stores the current captured image in the frame memory 25. Further, the MPU 34 controls the display circuit 26 to display the captured images in the frame memory 25 on the left and right LCDs 27 and 28. As a result, when the user presses the search switch 35, the display image is frozen (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “freeze”).
[0032]
[Step S9] The MPU 34 uses the positioning circuit 33 to measure the current positions (longitude, latitude, and altitude) of the GPS antennas 31 and 32, respectively. The MPU 34 determines the current shooting position and shooting direction based on these two current positions. In addition, it is preferable that the imaging | photography direction detected here substantially corresponds with the visual line direction of the guide marker 50 shown in FIG. However, this shooting direction may be a value with a large error of about 30 to 90 degrees because it can be used as a reference when narrowing down sample name candidates to be described later. Further, the MPU 34 acquires the current date and time from an internal timer (not shown).
[0033]
[Step S10] The MPU 34 sets the shooting position, shooting direction, and date / time in the search information. Further, the MPU 34 acquires the product ID from the ID memory 40 and sets this product ID in the search information. At this time, the sample name column is set to blank (null value).
[0034]
[Step S11] The MPU 34 transmits the search information created as described above to the database server 12 via the communication circuit 38.
[0035]
[Step S12] Upon receiving this search information, the database server 12 analyzes whether or not a sample name exists in the search information. Here, when a sample name exists in the search information, the database server 12 searches the database 14 for a sample image related to the sample name and returns it to the binoculars 21.
On the other hand, if the sample name does not exist in the search information, the database server 12 narrows down the sample name candidate list based on the shooting position, the shooting direction, and the date and time and returns it to the binoculars 21.
[0036]
[Step S13] The MPU 34 receives the search result returned from the database server 12 via the communication circuit 38.
[0037]
[Step S14] When the received search result is a sample image, the MPU 34 displays the sample image in the sample window 52 as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the captured image 51 and the sample image are displayed in comparison.
On the other hand, if the received search result is a candidate list of sample names, as shown in FIG. 7, the MPU 34 displays the top sample name (here “Yakedake”) in the candidate list over the captured image 51. . When the user presses the search switch 35 in this state, the MPU 34 sequentially changes the sample names to be displayed according to the order of the candidate list. The MPU 34 stores this candidate list in the memory for use in the next menu display.
[0038]
[Step S15] The MPU 34 continues the search result display screen until the observation switch 36 is pressed. Thereafter, the user presses the observation switch 36 to return to normal observation. When the observation switch 36 is thus pressed, the MPU 34 returns to step S1 and repeats the above-described operation.
With the series of operations described above, the search and display operations for the sample image by the binoculars 21 are completed.
[0039]
(Description of operation of database server 12)
Here, the operation on the database server 12 side described in step S12 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the response process of the database server 12.
[0040]
[Step S21] The search engine 13 in the database server 12 waits for search information transmitted from the client (here, binoculars 21) side. When receiving the search information, the search engine 13 shifts the operation to step S22.
[0041]
[Step S22] The product ID is read from the search information to authenticate the client.
[0042]
[Step S23] The search engine 13 analyzes whether or not a sample name exists in the search information. If the sample name exists, the search engine 13 determines that it is a sample image search request, and proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the sample name does not exist, it is determined as a sample name search request, and the operation proceeds to step S27.
[0043]
[Step S24] The search engine 13 searches the database 14 using the sample name as a key, and finds a related sample image.
[0044]
[Step S25] The search engine 13 returns a sample image of the search result to the client side via the Internet 10.
[0045]
[Step S26] The search engine 13 charges a sample image search fee according to a payment method (such as automatic account withdrawal) designated in advance by the client. The search engine 13 processes the sample image search request in this way, and then returns the operation to step S21.
[0046]
[Step S27] The search engine 13 acquires key information such as the shooting position, shooting direction, date and time from the search information. The search engine 13 searches the database 14 based on the key information and finds a plurality of related sample names. The search engine 13 rearranges the plurality of sample names searched in this way in order of strong association with the key information, and generates a sample name candidate list. If the retrieved sample names have a hierarchical relationship as shown in the menu display of FIG. 6B, data indicating the hierarchical relationship (hierarchical relationship data) is also included in the candidate list.
[0047]
[Step S <b> 28] The search engine 13 returns a candidate list of sample names to the client side via the Internet 10.
[0048]
[Step S29] The search engine 13 charges a sample name search fee in accordance with a payment method (such as automatic account withdrawal) designated in advance by the client. The search engine 13 processes the sample name search request in this manner, and then returns the operation to step S21.
Through the series of operations described above, the search request response process by the database server 12 is completed.
[0049]
(Effect of this embodiment)
With the above operation, the present embodiment can accurately obtain the effects of the invention described below.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MPU 34 displays the top of the sample name candidate list so as to overlap the photographed image. Therefore, the user can know the most probable name of the captured image.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the candidate list of sample names is arranged in descending order of possibility. Therefore, the user can find a sample image that matches the captured image in the shortest time by selecting the candidate list from the top in order.
[0051]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the MPU 34 hierarchically displays the sample names according to the hierarchical relationship data included in the sample name candidate list. Therefore, the user can find a more detailed and specialized sample image by following the hierarchical menu.
[0052]
In this embodiment, the database uses the shooting direction as key information, and roughly narrows sample name candidates. Therefore, it is not necessary to list all the surrounding landscape names around the shooting position, and the sample name candidates are more appropriately limited.
[0053]
(Supplementary items of the embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of a mode in which a large number of optical devices collectively perform a search operation using the database server 12. In this case, there is an advantage that the usage fee of the database 14 can be centrally managed and charged on the database server 12 side. In addition, there is an advantage that maintenance such as update and expansion of the database 14 can be performed collectively on the database server 12 side.
[0054]
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a database and a search unit are locally incorporated in the optical device (for example, a database program is incorporated in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a hard disk), and the search operation (for example, FIG. 4 and FIG. (Operation shown in FIG. 5) may be executed. In this case, it is possible to quickly obtain a search result without any loss of communication time or the like. In this case, the limited operation for selecting the sample name may be performed locally on the optical device side. Further, in this case, a billing operation for searching and displaying the sample image may be performed locally on the optical device side.
[0055]
In particular, in such a local database, it is preferable to provide means for easily exchanging data via a recording medium or a communication medium. In this case, the user can appropriately replace the data in the database according to the destination and interest. As a result, there is no need to hold a large amount of general-purpose data on the database side, and the capacity of the database can be saved. As a result, it is easy to shorten the search time. In addition, it becomes easy to always keep the database updated by exchanging data.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, the binoculars 21 are described as an optical device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In general, any optical device may be used. In addition, as an optical apparatus, what can be portable for outdoor activities is more preferable. Examples of such an optical device include an electronic camera, glasses, an outdoor portable microscope, a field scope, a portable computer with an electronic camera, or a mobile phone with an electronic camera. By using such an optical device, it is possible to photograph an object of interest outdoors and compare it with a sample image on the spot or confirm the name on the spot. As a result, outdoor activities are extremely meaningful and interesting.
[0057]
Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where landscape was made into the search object was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, wild birds, animals, plants, and the like may be searched.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, billing processing is performed in response to a search for sample images and sample names. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the charging process may be performed in response to the display of the sample image or sample name. In this case, even if a large number of sample images and sample names are searched for unilateral convenience on the database side, the charging process is not necessarily performed for all search results. Among these many search results, a reasonable billing process is performed only for those actually displayed. Note that a charge may be set for each search and display, and charging processing may be performed for each search and each display.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the billing system 18 is arranged on the external database server 12 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the database is built in the optical device, the billing system 18 may be built in the optical device.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the switch type input means has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a line-of-sight input device, mouse, trackball, cursor key, or other input means may be used.
[0061]
Further, in the present embodiment, sample name selection candidates are narrowed down based on the shooting position and the date and time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Sample name selection candidates may be narrowed down based on at least one of the shooting position and the date and time.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, a GPS system is used for position and direction detection. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position and direction may be detected from the position of a nearby radio base station or the strength of communication radio waves at a plurality of radio base stations. Furthermore, you may detect a position and a direction from the information of a compass and an acceleration sensor.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, “sample name selection candidate limiting process” and “menu display” are executed at independent timings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, “sample name selection candidate limiting process” may be executed every time immediately before menu display.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first or third aspect of the present invention, a sample image is appropriately selected from the database, and the sample image is displayed in contrast with the photographed image. Therefore, the user can compare the sample image with the captured image without taking his eyes off the captured image. In such an operation, it is possible to accurately compare the captured image and the sample image side by side. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to keep an eye on the photographed image, problems such as losing sight of the observation target are unlikely to occur.
[0065]
In the invention according to claim 2 or claim 4, selection candidates for the sample name are narrowed down based on at least one of location and date / time information. Therefore, sample names that match the location and date / time are displayed in a limited manner, and the sample name can be easily and appropriately selected by the user.
[0066]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, billing processing is performed for at least one of search and display of sample images. Therefore, it is possible to collect the database creation cost fairly from the user side at an appropriate timing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a database server 12 in the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of binoculars 21 in the present embodiment.
3 is an internal block diagram of the binoculars 21. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating sample image search and display operations.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation on the database side.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing screen display switching.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen for a search result of a sample name.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Internet
11 Server computer
12 Database server
13 Search engine
14 Database
15 Map database
16 Bird database
17 Plant database
18 Billing system
21 binoculars
22 Objective lens
22a Lens drive mechanism
23 Image sensor
24a Shooting driver
24b Image processing circuit
25 frame memory
26 Display circuit
31, 32 GPS antenna
33 Positioning circuit
34 MPU
35 Search switch
36 Observation switch
37 selection switch
38 Communication circuit
39 Display selector switch
40 ID memory
51 images
52 Sample window
53 Menu window
61 Sightseeing Telescope
81 electronic camera

Claims (5)

An imaging means for capturing an optical image and generating a captured image;
A database that stores sample names and sample images in association with each other;
Input means for accepting an operation for specifying the sample name by the user;
Search means for searching for the sample image from the database based on the sample name specified by the input means;
An optical apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the sample image searched by the search means in contrast to the photographed image. The optical instrument according to claim 1,
Detection means for detecting at least one of the current position and date and time;
Limiting means for limiting the sample name selection candidates according to the information detected by the detection means,
The optical device is characterized in that the input unit displays a menu of selection candidates for the sample name limited by the limiting unit on the display unit, and accepts a user operation for designating the sample name. An imaging means for capturing an optical image and generating a captured image;
A communication means for communicating with an external database server having a function of storing a sample name and a sample image in association with each other, and a function of retrieving the sample image from the sample name;
Input means for accepting an operation for specifying the sample name by the user;
Search request means for transmitting the sample name designated by the input means to the database server via the communication means to perform a search request, and receiving the sample image returned from the database server;
An optical apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the sample image received by the search request means from the database server in contrast to the captured image. The optical apparatus according to claim 3.
Detection means for detecting at least one of the current position and date and time;
Via the communication means, the information detected by the detection means is transmitted to the database server to make a request for limiting the sample name selection candidates, and the sample name selection candidates returned from the database server A limited request means for receiving,
An optical apparatus characterized in that the input means displays the sample name selection candidates received by the limitation request means from the database server on the display means, and accepts a user operation for designating the sample name. The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
An optical apparatus comprising charging means for performing a charging process for at least one of retrieval and display of the sample image.

Images