JP4557927B2 - Imaging apparatus, control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a display function such as guide display for maintaining the level of a camera during shooting, a control method thereof, and a computer program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for maintaining the level of a camera has been proposed in order to make it easy to see an image shot with a still camera, a video camera, or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technique, a camera tilt is detected by the posture detection means, and information corresponding to the detected tilt is displayed on the screen of the display means to indicate to the photographer that the camera is tilted. And urges attention.

In addition, as a tilt display method, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2, a method is proposed in which both the horizontal reference line and the tilt of the camera are displayed in different colors and, if they match, are displayed as a single line. Has been. Patent Document 3 proposes an imaging apparatus that can be set to a still image shooting mode or a moving image shooting mode.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-40824 JP 2002-271654 A JP 2003-8959 A

  In recent years, imaging devices having two shooting modes of still images and moving images have become widespread, and it has become common to shoot by switching between a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode according to a photographer's intention.

  Here, consider the guide display for each of the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. First, in the still image shooting mode, if an image is taken with the image pickup apparatus tilted, a tilted still image is shot, so it is essential to display the amount of tilt during shooting. On the other hand, in the video shooting mode, even if the imaging device is tilted during video recording, if it is left and right alternating repetition, the tilt amount is also considered in view of the continuity of video during playback. I don't care as much as still images.

  Next, when considering the guide display method, there should be no tilt when taking a still image. Therefore, when taking a still image, it is necessary to provide a display with good visibility in order to prompt the photographer to correct the tilt. . On the other hand, if the above guide display is used during movie shooting, the camera display often moves while moving the camera to the left or right due to the characteristics of movie shooting. Lacking the image may interfere with shooting.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an inclination guide display suitable for a still image and a moving image shooting mode in an image pickup apparatus capable of shooting in two shooting modes of a still image and a moving image. To do.

The imaging device of the present invention is an imaging device capable of setting any one of a plurality of modes including at least a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, and includes a display unit and an inclination of the imaging device with respect to a reference position and tilt detection means for detecting an amount, and a display processing means for displaying the inclination guide displayed on the screen of said display means based on the amount of tilt detected by said tilt detection means, the imaging mode set, the still Display control means for controlling the display of the tilt guide display according to whether the mode is the image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode .
Further, the control method of the present invention is a control method for an imaging apparatus having a display unit and capable of setting any one of a plurality of modes including at least a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode, A tilt detection step for detecting a tilt amount with respect to a reference position of the image pickup apparatus, and a photographing operation that is set together with a process for displaying a tilt guide display based on the tilt amount detected by the tilt detection step on the screen of the display means. And a step of controlling the display of the tilt guide display according to whether the mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode .
The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for controlling an image pickup apparatus that has display means and can set any one of a plurality of modes including at least a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode. And an inclination detection process for detecting an inclination amount with respect to a reference position of the imaging apparatus, and a process for displaying an inclination guide display based on the inclination amount detected by the inclination detection process on the screen of the display means, According to another aspect of the invention, the computer executes a process of controlling the display of the tilt guide display according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode .

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention controls the display of the tilt guide display according to the selected shooting mode among the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. Thus, for example, control is performed so that the tilt guide display is displayed in the still image shooting mode and the tilt guide display is not displayed in the moving image shooting mode. In this case, in the still image shooting mode, the photographer is urged to make the tilt of the camera inconspicuous, and a still image in which the tilt is not conspicuous can be taken. Further, in the moving image shooting mode, it is possible not to interfere with moving image shooting.

  An outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the video camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, an inclination amount of the imaging apparatus is detected by an inclination detection unit attached to the imaging apparatus. Then, a tilt guide display corresponding to the tilt amount is displayed on the display device together with the captured image. In this case, the tilt guide display is displayed or hidden, the display sensitivity is changed with respect to the tilt, the display color is changed, the display shape is changed, and the display responsiveness is changed according to the switching of the shooting mode of the imaging apparatus. To control. Hereinafter, first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a lens unit for photographing a subject, and reference numeral 102 denotes a CCD for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the lens unit 101.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a camera signal processing circuit which converts an analog image signal of an object image obtained by the CCD 102 into a digital signal and performs predetermined signal processing such as gamma correction and white balance. After that, a standard video signal is generated.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an inclination sensor for detecting the inclination of the video camera 100. In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor is used. Reference numeral 108 denotes an amplifier circuit that amplifies the output of the inclination sensor 107, and reference numeral 112 denotes a guide display generation circuit that generates an inclination guide display according to an inclination signal from the input inclination sensor 107 and amplifier circuit 108.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes a display superimposing circuit for superimposing the tilt guide display obtained from the guide display generating circuit 112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104 and simultaneously displaying it on the finder 106.

  Reference numeral 131 denotes a shooting mode switching switch, which is operated according to the shooting intention of the photographer, and switches between a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode.

  A tape recorder 120 records a standard moving image signal processed by the camera signal processing circuit 104. A memory card 121 records a standard still image signal processed by the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a microcomputer that controls the drive of the CCD 102, the camera signal processing circuit 104, and the like in accordance with the operation of the shooting mode switching switch 131, and switches the signal processing method between still image processing and moving image processing. Further, the system is controlled to record a moving image on the tape recorder 120 or a still image on the memory card 121, and the display superimposing circuit 105 is controlled.

  A viewfinder 106 displays an image generated by superimposing the standard video signal and the tilt guide display signal in the display superimposing circuit 105.

  Next, the operation of each unit will be described. First, the subject image picked up by the lens unit 101 is formed on the CCD 102. Then, after being photoelectrically converted by the CCD 102 and converted into a digital signal by the camera signal processing circuit 104, predetermined signal processing such as gamma correction and white balance is performed and output as a standard video signal, and the tape recorder 120 and the memory card 121. Is transmitted.

  On the other hand, the inclination signal obtained from the inclination sensor 107 is amplified by a predetermined amount by the amplifier circuit 108, and the guide display generation circuit 112 outputs an inclination guide display signal corresponding to the inclination signal, and the display superimposing circuit. At 105, the image is superimposed on the standard video signal and displayed on the viewfinder 106.

  Next, processing associated with switching of the shooting mode will be described. First, the case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the still image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected, reading control of all pixels of the CCD 102 is performed by the microcomputer 109, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to still image processing. At the same time, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  Furthermore, a display superimposition control signal is transmitted to the display superimposing circuit 105 via the microcomputer 109 as the photographing mode changeover switch 131 is switched. The display superimposing circuit 105 executes or stops superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104 in accordance with the display superimposing control signal. Therefore, when the still image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode changeover switch 131, guide display by the display superimposing circuit 105 is executed.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode switch 131 is switched and the moving image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 109 performs reading control of the moving image area of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to moving image processing. At the same time, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, when the moving image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode switch 131, the guide display by the display superimposing circuit 105 is prohibited as described above.

  Here, the processing of the microcomputer 109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to the operation of switching the photographing mode in which processing is performed in the microcomputer 109.

  If this figure is explained in order, step S201 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle such as video synchronization at the beginning of this flow.

  In step S202, the shooting mode selected by the shooting mode switch 131 is confirmed. If the shooting mode is set to the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S203. If the shooting mode is set to the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S204.

First, the case where the shooting mode is selected as the still image shooting mode will be described.
In step S203, since the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the all-pixel still image reading mode.

  Next, in step S205, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to still image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert the analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into still image data, it is converted into a digital signal, and after performing predetermined signal processing such as still image gamma correction and white balance, standard still image data is converted. Generated at every predetermined timing such as video synchronization.

  Next, in step S207, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  Next, in step S209, the output of the tilt guide display is permitted, the superimposing operation of the display superimposing circuit 105 is executed, and the image signal in which the tilt guide display is superimposed on the standard video signal is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed.

  Next, in step S211, it is determined whether or not a shutter button (not shown) has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S213, and if not, the process proceeds to step S220 to end the process.

  In step S213 when the shutter button is pressed, the captured image obtained at that time is recorded in the memory card 121, and the process proceeds to step S220 to end the process.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the tilt guide display is displayed on the finder 106.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode is selected as the moving image shooting mode in step S202 will be described.

  First, in step S204, since the shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the moving image reading mode.

  Next, in step S206, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to moving image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert an analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into a moving image signal, it is converted into a digital signal, and after a predetermined signal processing such as moving image gamma correction and white balance, a standard moving image signal is converted into a standard video signal. Generated at every predetermined timing such as synchronization.

  Next, in step S208, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Next, in step S210, the output of the tilt guide display is prohibited, the superimposing operation of the display superimposing circuit 105 is stopped, and the standard video signal is directly transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed.

  Next, in step S212, it is determined whether or not a trigger switch (not shown) has been pressed. If the trigger switch has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S214. If not, the process proceeds to step S220 and the process is terminated.

  In step S214 when the trigger switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not moving image shooting is in progress. If moving image shooting is in progress, the process proceeds to step S215, and if not moving image recording, the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S215 when the moving image is being recorded, since the moving image is being recorded, the moving image recording is stopped by operating the trigger switch.

  In step S216 when the moving image is not being recorded, the moving image recording is started by the trigger switch operation since the moving image recording is stopped.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the tilt guide display is not displayed on the finder 106, and only the captured image is displayed.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the tilt of the video camera 100 and the tilt sensor 107 (acceleration sensor). In FIG. 3, 100 is a video camera, 106 is a finder as a display device, and 107 is a tilt sensor (acceleration sensor). By appropriately setting the gain setting of the amplifier circuit 108, the output of the tilt sensor 107 can be set to take the following voltage range.

  FIG. 3B shows a state in which the video camera is in the normal position (reference position). In this state, the output of the tilt sensor 107 is about half of the power supply voltage Vcc. In contrast, when the video camera 100 is tilted 90 degrees to the right as shown in FIG. 3A, the output of the tilt sensor 107 is in the vicinity of the power supply voltage Vcc. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3C, when tilted 90 degrees to the left, the output of the tilt sensor 108 is in the vicinity of the Gnd level.

  In the middle inclination between FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, the output of the inclination sensor 108 changes linearly with respect to the inclination. In this way, an image indicating the amount of inclination is generated from the guide display generation circuit 112 based on the voltage corresponding to the amount of inclination, and is combined with the standard video signal via the display superimposing circuit 105 and displayed on the finder 106.

  An image displayed on the finder 106 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a display example in which the tilt guide is displayed on the finder 106 when the still image recording mode is set.

  In FIG. 4, 301 is a tilt guide display, which is generated by the guide display generation circuit 112, and the tilt display amount is changed according to the tilt signal obtained from the tilt sensor 107. At that time, as described above, by appropriately aligning the amplification factors of the amplifier circuit 108, it is possible to set “A ′” equivalent to the inclination of the subject (for example, the inclination “A” with the horizon of the background). Is possible.

  As described above, in the video camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the tilt guide display is displayed in the still image shooting mode, and the tilt guide display is not displayed in the moving image shooting mode. . Therefore, it is possible to urge the photographer to make the tilt of the video camera 100 inconspicuous in the still image shooting mode, and not to disturb the shooting of the moving image of the photographer in the moving image shooting mode. .

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the second embodiment performs tilt guide display in both the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. In that case, particularly in the still image shooting mode, the visibility to the photographer is improved by increasing the tilt amount of the tilt guide display with respect to the tilt of the imaging device.

  A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that the configuration of the video camera of the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts is omitted.

  First, differences between the video camera 200 according to the second embodiment and the video camera 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  The video camera 200 according to the second embodiment is such that a microcomputer 509 provided therein controls the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 508. The amplifier circuit 508 can amplify the output of the tilt sensor 107 and change the amplification factor by an external control signal, similarly to the amplifier circuit 108 according to the first embodiment. .

  Next, a description will be given of processing associated with switching of the photographing mode in the configuration having the amplifier circuit 508 and capable of controlling the amplification factor. First, a case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the still image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 509 controls the readout of all pixels of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to still image processing. At the same time, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, along with the switching of the shooting mode switch 131, the amplification factor of the amplifier control circuit 508 is switched to a preset amplification factor for still image shooting via the microcomputer 509.

  The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the finder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode switch 131 is switched and the moving image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 509 performs reading control of the moving image area of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to moving image processing. At the same time, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 508 is changed to an amplification factor for moving image shooting. The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the finder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  Here, for example, if the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 508 in the still image shooting mode is double that in the moving image shooting mode, the tilt guide display displayed on the finder 106 shows a double tilt even if the tilt is the same. It becomes.

  The processing of the microcomputer 509 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to the operation of switching the shooting mode in which processing is performed in the microcomputer 509.

  If the figure is explained in order, step S601 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle such as video synchronization at the beginning of this flow.

  In step S602, the shooting mode selected by the shooting mode switch 131 is confirmed. If the shooting mode is set to the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S603. If the shooting mode is set to the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S604.

First, the case where the shooting mode is selected as the still image shooting mode will be described.
In step S603, since the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the all-pixel still image reading mode.

  Next, in step S605, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to still image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert the analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into still image data, it is converted into a digital signal, and after performing predetermined signal processing such as still image gamma correction and white balance, standard still image data is converted. Generated at every predetermined timing such as video synchronization.

  Next, in step 607, the memory card 121 is selected as a recording medium.

  In step S609, the microcomputer 109 doubles the amplification factor of the amplifier 508 (twice that in the moving image shooting mode) to increase the inclination of the inclination guide display, and then displays the inclination guide display on the standard video signal. The superimposed image signal is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed.

  Next, in S611, it is determined whether or not a shutter button (not shown) has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S613. If the shutter button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S620 and the process ends.

  In step S613 when the shutter button is pressed, the captured image obtained at that time is recorded in the memory card 121, and the process proceeds to step S620 to end the process.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the tilt guide display can be displayed on the finder 106.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode is selected as the moving image shooting mode in step S602 will be described.

  First, in step S604, since the shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the moving image reading mode.

  Next, in step S606, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to moving image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert an analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into a moving image signal, it is converted into a digital signal, and after a predetermined signal processing such as moving image gamma correction and white balance, a standard moving image signal is converted into a standard video signal. Generated at every predetermined timing such as synchronization.

  Next, in step S608, the tape recorder 120 is selected as a recording medium.

  Next, in step S610, the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 508 is returned to the standard, the inclination of the inclination guide display is adjusted to the actual inclination, the inclination guide display is superimposed on the standard video signal, and is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed. .

  Next, in step S612, it is determined whether a trigger switch (not shown) has been pressed. If the trigger switch is pressed, the process proceeds to S614. If the trigger switch is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S620 and the process ends.

  In step S614 when the trigger switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not moving image shooting is in progress. If moving image shooting is in progress, the process proceeds to step S615, and if not moving image recording, the process proceeds to step S616.

  In step S615 when the moving image is being recorded, since the moving image is being recorded, the moving image recording is stopped by operating the trigger switch.

  In step S616 when the moving image recording is not in progress, the moving image recording is started by the trigger switch operation because the moving image recording is stopped.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the sensitivity of the tilt guide display is increased and displayed on the finder 106. That is, the tilt amount of the tilt guide display can be displayed larger than the actual tilt.

  The relationship between the tilt of the video camera 200 and the tilt sensor 107 (acceleration sensor) is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

  An image displayed on the viewfinder 106 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A shows a display example in which tilt guide display is performed on the finder 106 when the still image recording mode is set.

  In FIG. 7A, reference numeral 701 denotes an inclination guide display, which is generated by the guide display generation circuit 112, and the inclination display amount is changed according to an inclination signal obtained from the inclination sensor 107. When the still image recording mode of FIG. 7A is set, the tilt amount of the tilt guide display becomes “B” which is twice the tilt of the subject (for example, the tilt “A” of the background horizon etc.). ing. Thereby, the visibility to the photographer is enhanced.

  Further, when the moving image recording mode of FIG. 7B is set, the tilt display amount of the tilt guide display 701 ′ is the same amount of “A ′” with respect to the tilt angle “A” as in the first embodiment. "

  As described above, in the video camera 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the still image shooting mode, the tilt guide display is made larger and more noticeable than in the moving image shooting mode. To display more. Thus, the tilt of the video camera 200 can be displayed more easily by the photographer in the still image shooting mode, and can be displayed in the movie shooting mode so as not to interfere with the shooting of the movie by the photographer.

(Third embodiment)

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the third embodiment performs tilt guide display in both the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. In that case, particularly in the still image shooting mode, the visibility to the photographer is improved by changing the display color or display form of the tilt guide display with respect to the tilt of the image pickup apparatus.

  A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera 300 according to the third embodiment. Note that the configuration of the video camera of the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts is omitted.

  First, differences between the video camera 300 according to the third embodiment and the video camera 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the video camera 300 according to the third embodiment, a guide display generation circuit 812 that generates an inclination guide display according to an input inclination signal has a display color or a display color of a guide display signal generated by a control signal of the microcomputer 809. It has the function of changing the character shape.

  A process that accompanies switching of the photographing mode in the configuration having the guide display generating circuit 812 and the microcomputer 809 will be described. First, a case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the still image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 809 controls the readout of all pixels of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is switched to still image processing. At the same time, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, the display color of the tilt guide display generated by the guide display generation circuit 812 or the character shape is changed via the microcomputer 809 in accordance with the switching of the shooting mode switch 131. As a changing method, two colors or two kinds of characters that can be output in advance may be switched and output by a control signal from the microcomputer 809.

  The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the finder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 812 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  Next, the case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the moving image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 809 controls the reading of the moving image area of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to moving image processing. At the same time, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, the display color or character shape of the tilt guide display generated from the guide display generation circuit 812 is returned to the standard display.

  The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the finder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 812 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  The processing of the microcomputer 809 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart related to the operation of switching the photographing mode in which processing is performed in the microcomputer 809.

  If the figure is explained in order, step S901 is repeatedly executed at a start of this flow, for example, at a predetermined cycle such as video synchronization.

  In step S902, the shooting mode selected by the shooting mode switch 131 is confirmed. If the shooting mode is set to the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S903. If the shooting mode is set to the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S904.

First, the case where the shooting mode is selected as the still image shooting mode will be described.
In step S903, since the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the all-pixel still image reading mode.

  Next, in step S905, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to still image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert the analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into still image data, it is converted into a digital signal, and after performing predetermined signal processing such as still image gamma correction and white balance, standard still image data is converted. Generated at every predetermined timing such as video synchronization.

  Next, in step S907, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  In step S909, the display color or display character generated from the guide display generation circuit 812 is changed by the microcomputer 809, and an image signal obtained by superimposing the tilt guide display on the standard video signal is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed.

  Next, in step S911, it is determined whether a shutter button (not shown) has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S913, and if not, the process proceeds to step S920 to end the process.

  In step S913 when the shutter button is pressed, the captured image obtained at that time is recorded in the memory card 121, and the process proceeds to step S920 to end the process.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the tilt guide display can be displayed on the finder 106.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode is selected as the moving image shooting mode in step S902 will be described.

  First, in step S904, since the shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the moving image reading mode.

  Next, in step S906, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to moving image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert an analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into a moving image signal, it is converted into a digital signal, and after a predetermined signal processing such as moving image gamma correction and white balance, a standard moving image signal is converted into a standard video signal. Generated at every predetermined timing such as synchronization.

  Next, in step S908, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Next, in step S910, the display color or display character generated by the guide display generation circuit 812 is instructed by the microcomputer 809 to return to the standard state, and then the tilt guide display is superimposed on the standard video signal and transmitted to the finder 106. And display.

  Next, in step S912, it is determined whether a trigger switch (not shown) has been pressed. If the trigger switch is pressed, the process proceeds to step S914. If the trigger switch is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S920 and the process ends.

  In step S914 when the trigger switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not moving image shooting is in progress. If moving image shooting is in progress, the process proceeds to step S915, and if not moving image recording, the process proceeds to step S916.

  In step S915 when the moving image is being recorded, since the moving image is being recorded, the moving image recording is stopped by operating the trigger switch.

  In step S916 when the moving image is not being recorded, the moving image recording is started by the trigger switch operation because the moving image recording is stopped.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the display color of the tilt guide display or the character shape is changed and displayed on the finder 106.

  The relationship between the tilt of the video camera 300 and the tilt sensor 107 (acceleration sensor) is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

  An image displayed on the finder 106 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a display example in which the tilt guide is displayed on the finder 106 when the still image recording mode is set.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes an inclination guide display, which is generated by the guide display generation circuit 812. By the control signal of the microcomputer 809, the display shown in the first and second embodiments described above is performed. It is a display that can be clearly visually recognized that an inclination has occurred. That is, in this example, the tilt guide display is displayed with a thick and exaggerated arrow.

  The shape of the display character is not limited to that shown in the figure, and any shape that can be changed to a display shape with higher visibility when switched to the still image shooting mode may be used. Similarly, the display color may be changed to a display shape with higher visibility when switched to the still image shooting mode.

  As described above, in the video camera 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the still image shooting mode, the tilt guide display is displayed with higher visibility than in the moving image shooting mode by changing its shape. . This makes it possible to display the tilt of the video camera 300 in an easy-to-understand manner for the photographer in the still image shooting mode, and to prevent the photographer from shooting the moving image in the moving image shooting mode.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the fourth embodiment performs tilt guide display in both the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. In such a case, the responsiveness of the guide display is changed particularly in the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode, thereby reducing the complexity of the viewfinder display image during moving image shooting.

  A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera 400 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the configuration of the video camera of the fourth embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts is omitted.

  First, differences between the video camera 400 according to the fourth embodiment and the video camera 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  The video camera 400 according to the fourth embodiment is based on a low-pass filter 1132 (hereinafter referred to as LPF) that limits the frequency band of the tilt signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 108 and a control signal from the microcomputer 1109. There is a changeover switch 1133 for switching whether an output signal of the amplifier circuit 108 or an output signal obtained by performing LPF1132 on the output signal of the amplifier circuit 108 is input to the guide display generation circuit 1112.

  The LPF 1132 performs band limiting processing after the inclination signal obtained from the inclination sensor 107 is amplified by a predetermined amount by the amplifier circuit 108 and is input to the guide display generation circuit 1112 via the changeover switch 1133. . Then, the guide display generation circuit 1112 outputs a tilt guide display signal corresponding to the band-limited tilt signal, and the signal is superimposed on the standard video signal by the display superimposing circuit 105 and the guide display is displayed on the finder 106. Is done.

  Hereinafter, processing associated with switching of the shooting mode in the configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described. First, a case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the still image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 1109 controls reading of all pixels of the CCD 102 and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to still image processing. At the same time, the memory card 121 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, along with the switching of the shooting mode switch 131, the switch 1133 selects the amplifier circuit 108 side via the microcomputer 1109. That is, the tilt signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 108 is added to the guide display generation circuit 1112.

  The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the viewfinder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 1112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  Next, the case where the shooting mode changeover switch 131 is switched and the moving image shooting mode is selected will be described.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the microcomputer 1109 controls the reading of the moving image area of the CCD 102, and the camera signal processing circuit 104 is also switched to moving image processing. At the same time, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  Further, along with the switching of the photographing mode switch 131, the switch 1133 selects the LPF 1132 side via the microcomputer 1109 (state shown in FIG. 11). That is, the guide display generation circuit 1112 is added with a tilt signal whose high frequency band is limited by the LPF 1132 among the tilt signals amplified by the amplifier circuit 108.

  The display superimposing circuit 105 displays the tilt guide display in the viewfinder 106 by superimposing the guide display signal generated from the guide display generating circuit 1112 on the standard video signal obtained from the camera signal processing circuit 104.

  The processing of the microcomputer 1109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart related to the operation of switching the photographing mode in which processing is performed in the microcomputer 1109.

  If the figure is explained in order, step S1201 is repeatedly executed at a start of this flow, for example, at a predetermined cycle such as video synchronization.

  In step S1202, the shooting mode selected by the shooting mode switch 131 is confirmed. If the shooting mode is set to the still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S1203. If the shooting mode is set to the moving image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S1204.

First, the case where the shooting mode is selected as the still image shooting mode will be described.
In step S1203, since the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the all-pixel still image reading mode.

  Next, in step S1205, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to still image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert the analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into still image data, it is converted into a digital signal, and after performing predetermined signal processing such as still image gamma correction and white balance, standard still image data is converted. Generated at every predetermined timing such as video synchronization.

  In step S1207, the memory card 121 is selected as a recording medium.

  Next, in step S1209, the microcomputer 1109 causes the changeover switch 1133 to select the output side of the amplifier circuit 108, and an image signal in which a tilt guide display that does not limit the frequency band is superimposed on the standard video signal is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed. To do.

  Next, in step S1211, it is determined whether a shutter button (not shown) has been pressed. If the shutter button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1213. If not, the process proceeds to step S1220, and the process ends.

  In step S1213 when the shutter button is pressed, the captured image obtained at that time is recorded in the memory card 121, and the process proceeds to step S1220 to end the process.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the tilt guide display can be displayed on the finder 106.

  Next, a case where the shooting mode is selected as the moving image shooting mode in step S1202 will be described.

  First, in step S1204, since the shooting mode is the moving image shooting mode, the reading mode of the CCD 102 is set to the moving image reading mode.

  Next, in step S1206, the signal processing of the camera signal processing circuit 104 is similarly switched to moving image signal processing. Specifically, in order to convert an analog image signal read out from the CCD 102 into a moving image signal, it is converted into a digital signal, and after a predetermined signal processing such as moving image gamma correction and white balance, a standard moving image signal is converted into a standard video signal. Generated at every predetermined timing such as synchronization.

  Next, in step S1208, the tape recorder 120 is selected as the recording medium.

  In step S1210, the microcomputer 1109 causes the changeover switch 1133 to select the output side of the LPF 1132, and an image signal obtained by superimposing a tilt guide display with a frequency band restriction on the standard video signal is transmitted to the finder 106 and displayed.

  Next, in step S1212, it is determined whether or not a trigger switch (not shown) has been pressed. If the trigger switch has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1214. If the trigger switch has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1220 and the process ends.

  In step S1214 when the trigger switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not moving image shooting is in progress. If moving image shooting is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1215. If moving image recording is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S1216.

  In step S1215 when the moving image is being recorded, since the moving image is being recorded, the moving image recording is stopped by operating the trigger switch.

  In step S1216 when the moving image is not being recorded, the moving image recording is started by the trigger switch operation since the moving image recording is stopped.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected by the above processing, the frequency response of the tilt guide display is not changed when the still image shooting mode is selected, and when the moving image shooting mode is selected, the frequency response of the tilt guide display is limited and the viewfinder 106 is limited. To display.

  The relationship between the tilt of the video camera 400 and the tilt sensor 107 (acceleration sensor) is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. The viewfinder display is the same as that of the other embodiments except for the responsiveness.

  As described above, in the video camera 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the tilt guide display is displayed with higher responsiveness in the still image shooting mode than in the moving image shooting mode. Accordingly, since the response of the tilt guide display is reduced in the moving image shooting mode compared to the still image shooting mode, it is possible to prevent the tilt guide display from changing the tilt more than necessary.

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the video camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the inclination sensor of the video camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the inclination guide display in the video camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the video camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the inclination guide display in the video camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the video camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the inclination guide display in the video camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video camera which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the video camera which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 video camera 101 lens unit 102 CCD
104 Camera signal processing circuit 105 Display superposition circuit 106 Finder 107 Tilt sensor 108 Amplifier circuit 109 Microcomputer 131 Shooting mode changeover switch 200 Video camera 300 Video camera 400 Video camera 508 Amplifier circuit 509 Microcomputer 809 Microcomputer 812 Guide display generation circuit 1109 Microcomputer 1112 Guide display Generation circuit 1132 Low-pass filter (LPF)
1133 changeover switch

Claims (13)

An imaging device capable of setting one of a plurality of modes including at least a still image shooting mode and a movie shooting mode,
Display means;
An inclination detecting means for detecting an inclination amount with respect to a reference position of the imaging device;
Display processing means for displaying on the screen of the display means an inclination guide display based on the amount of inclination detected by the inclination detection means;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: display control means for controlling display of the tilt guide display according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode .   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit performs control so that the tilt guide display is not displayed when the moving image shooting mode is set. 3. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit performs control so that a captured image is displayed and the tilt guide display is not displayed during recording of a moving image when the moving image shooting mode is set. Imaging device. A detection amount amplifying means for amplifying the amount of inclination detected by the inclination detection means;
The display control means changes the amplification factor of the detection amount amplifying means according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode, and sets the amplified inclination amount. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display of the tilt guide display based on the control is controlled. 5. The imaging according to claim 4 , wherein when the still image shooting mode is set, the display control unit increases the amplification factor of the detection amount amplifying unit than when the moving image shooting mode is set. apparatus. The display control means changes a display color of the tilt guide display according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode. The imaging device described in 1. The display control unit changes a display shape of the tilt guide display according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode. Or the imaging device of 6 . Filter means for removing a change in the high-frequency component of the tilt amount detected by the tilt detection means;
Filter switching means for switching whether or not to perform removal processing by the filter means on the inclination amount detected by the inclination detection means;
The display processing means generates an inclination guide display based on either the amount of inclination detected by the inclination detecting means or the amount of inclination from which a change in high frequency component has been removed by the filter means,
The display control unit controls the display of the tilt guide display by switching the filter switching unit according to whether the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the display control unit switches the filter switching unit so as to perform a removal process by the filter unit when the moving image shooting mode is set.   The display control means, when the moving image shooting mode is set, controls to display the tilt guide display with less responsiveness than when the still image shooting mode is set. The imaging apparatus according to 1. It said display processing means, the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that superimposes the incline guide on the screen of the display unit the captured image. A control method for an imaging apparatus having a display unit and capable of setting any one of a plurality of modes including at least a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode,
A tilt detection step of detecting a tilt amount with respect to a reference position of the imaging device;
Along with the processing for displaying the tilt guide display based on the tilt amount detected by the tilt detection step on the screen of the display means, the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode. And a step of controlling the display of the tilt guide display according to whether there is any . A computer program for controlling an imaging apparatus having a display means and capable of setting any one of a plurality of modes including a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode,
A tilt detection process for detecting a tilt amount with respect to a reference position of the imaging device;
Along with the processing for displaying the tilt guide display based on the tilt amount detected by the tilt detection processing on the screen of the display means, the set shooting mode is the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode. A computer program for causing a computer to execute processing for controlling the display of the tilt guide display according to whether there is any .

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