JP4818020B2 - Zoom device, recording device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a zoom device, a recording device, and a zoom device control method suitable for a digital camera or the like.

In recent years, digital cameras that are multifunctional and highly functional have been required to have a compact and easy to carry and high zoom function. However, there is a limit to downsizing in order to optically achieve a high magnification, and it is necessary to use an electronic zoom to realize a high magnification. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 proposes a camera including an adjustment unit that adjusts the optical zoom device so as to cancel out a change in magnification of the electronic zoom device when a fixed enlargement ratio is switched by the electronic zoom device.
JP-A-5-130478

  As described above, it is necessary to combine the optical zoom and the electronic zoom in order to realize a compact camera and a high magnification. However, conventionally, there has not been proposed a technique that makes it possible to switch an appropriate electronic zoom mode from among a plurality according to various shooting scenes.

(Object of invention)
An object of the present invention is to prepare a plurality of electronic zoom modes including a combination of an optical zoom and an electronic zoom, and to control a zoom device, a recording device, and a zoom device capable of selecting a zoom magnification according to various applications Is to provide a method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first zoom mode in which an optical zoom drive is performed and an electronic zoom magnification can be changed continuously without changing an optical zoom position in accordance with operation of a zoom operation means. And a second zoom mode that allows the optical zoom position to be changed by fixing the electronic zoom magnification to a predetermined magnification in accordance with the operation of the zoom operation means, the display unit, the first zoom mode, and the second zoom mode. Selection means for selecting a zoom mode, and memory that is not performed when the first zoom mode is selected when the second zoom mode is selected when returning from the non-shooting state to the shooting state The electronic zoom magnification is acquired from the electronic zoom and the electronic zoom drive control is performed at the electronic zoom magnification, and the display corresponding to the electronic zoom magnification acquired from the memory and the second zoom mode are controlled. De is what a display indicating that it is selected for a zoom device and a control means for controlling so as to be displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, by preparing a plurality of electronic zoom modes including a combination of optical zoom and electronic zoom, it is possible to select a zoom magnification according to various applications, control of a zoom device, a recording device, or a zoom device. A method can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is as shown in the following examples.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 100 denotes an image pickup apparatus, which includes the following components. Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. I do. That is, TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  A memory control circuit 22 is an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20, and an image display memory 24, a D / A converter 26, a memory 30, and a compression / decompression circuit 32, which will be described later. To control. The data of the A / D converter 16 is sent to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly sent to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22. Written.

  Reference numeral 24 is an image display memory, and 26 is a D / A converter. Reference numeral 28 denotes an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. Display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26. If the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. I can do it.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a compression / decompression circuit that compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), wavelet transform, etc., and reads the image stored in the memory 30 to perform compression processing or decompression processing. Is written into the memory 30. Reference numeral 34 denotes an encryption / decryption circuit, which performs encryption processing on image data that has been photographed and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 as necessary, and that has been encrypted and stored in the predetermined area of the memory 30. Decoding processing is performed when image data is reproduced and displayed.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control unit that controls the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48. Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the protective member 102 serving as a barrier. A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 includes the exposure control unit 40, Control is performed for the distance measurement control unit 42.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100, and 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50. Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is installed in a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the imaging device 100 so as to be easily visible, and is configured by a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sounding element, and the like. The display unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes, for example, single / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, and recording pixel number display. In addition, the number of recorded images, the number of remaining images that can be captured, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a flash display, a red-eye reduction display, and a macro shooting display are included. In addition, a buzzer setting display, a clock battery remaining amount display, a battery remaining amount display, an error display, and a multi-digit number information display are included. Further, it includes a display state of the recording medium 200, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, a display indicating a connection state with an external computer, and the like.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes an in-focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, and a flash charging completion display. Furthermore, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like are included. Moreover, what is displayed on the LED or the like among the display contents of the display unit 54 includes a focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a camera shake warning display, and a flash charge display. Furthermore, a flash charge completion display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like are included. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the lamp or the like includes, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be shared with AF auxiliary light.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory.

  Next, the operation member will be specifically described.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a power switch (main switch) which can switch and set the power-on and power-off modes of the imaging apparatus 100. In addition, the power-on and power-off settings of various accessory devices connected to the imaging apparatus 100 can be switched and set together. A shutter switch 62 is turned on by the SW1 signal during the operation of a shutter button (not shown). This SW1 signal is an instruction to start operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

  A shutter switch 64 turns on the SW2 signal when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed. This SW2 signal serves as an instruction to start an exposure process operation in which the signal read from the image pickup device 12 is written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Furthermore, a development process using an operation in the image processing circuit 20 or the memory control circuit 22, a recording process in which image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and written to the recording medium 200. This is an instruction to start operation.

  An operation unit 70 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, and a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button. In addition, the menu movement + (plus) button, menu movement-(minus) button, playback image movement + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button Including. In addition, an image display ON / OFF button, a compression mode switch, and a quick review switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing and displaying image data captured immediately after shooting using the image display unit 28 are included. Also, a selection / changeover switch for setting selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and / or playback and / or communication, and determination and execution of various functions when performing shooting and / or playback and / or communication. Includes a decision / execution switch to set

  The display unit 54 includes an external display of a rear liquid crystal panel and a peep-type internal display. Each display destination can be set to display / non-display of shooting information, display / non-display of histogram, display / non-display of grid lines, and has a DISP button for switching the display destination and setting. .

  The compression mode switch is a switch for selecting a compression rate of JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Gpoup) compression, or for selecting a CCD RAW mode in which a signal of an image sensor is directly digitized and recorded on a recording medium. For example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared as JPEG compression modes. The user of the imaging apparatus 100 can select the normal mode when emphasizing the data size of the captured image and select the fine mode when emphasizing the image quality of the captured image.

  In the JPEG compression mode, the image data read from the image sensor 14 and written to the memory 30 is read via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22. Then, the image data is compressed to the compression rate set by the compression / decompression circuit 32 and subjected to predetermined encryption processing by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 as necessary, and then recorded on the recording medium 200. In the CCD RAW mode, the image data is read as it is for each line according to the pixel arrangement of the color filter of the image sensor 14. Then, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and a predetermined encryption process is performed by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 as necessary, and then the recording medium Record 200.

  Reference numeral 72 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as an automatic shooting mode, a shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode. Reference numeral 75 denotes a vertical position detection sensor, which can detect whether the posture of the imaging apparatus 100 is a vertical position or a horizontal position.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. Then, the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, the remaining battery level are detected, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and the necessary voltage is recorded for a necessary period. To each part including

  82 is a connector, and 84 is a connector. A power source 86 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-i battery, an AC adapter, or the like. Reference numeral 90 denotes an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk, and reference numeral 92 denotes a connector for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a protective member that is a barrier that prevents the imaging unit from being soiled or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the imaging device 100.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are installed.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication means having a cellular phone communication function such as a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) system, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system, a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) system, and the like. .

  Reference numeral 112 denotes an antenna (or connector), which connects the imaging apparatus 100 to the image information management apparatus (image gateway) via the packet network or the network by the communication unit 110, and further to other devices via the network or the Internet. In the case of wired communication, it is a connector.

  A communication unit 114 has a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth. The communication means 114 includes RS232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, P1284, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), modem, LAN (Local Area Network) and other wired communication, IrDA ( It may be configured to have various communication functions such as infrared communication such as Infrared Data Association) and optical communication.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes an antenna (or connector), which is an antenna when the imaging device 100 is connected to another device such as a printing device (print service) by the communication unit 114 or a connector in the case of wired communication.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 204 with the imaging device 100, and a connector 206 that connects to the imaging device 100. In this embodiment, the recording medium 200 is described as being built in the imaging apparatus 100.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the main operation of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and performs initialization processing for each part of the imaging apparatus 100 (S1001). Next, the setting position of the main switch 60 is determined, and if the main switch 60 is set to power off (NO in S1002), the display on each display unit is changed to the end state. In addition, necessary parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. Further, the power control unit 80 performs predetermined end processing such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the imaging apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28 (S1004). Then, the process returns to step S1002.

  If the main switch 60 is set to power on (YES in S1002), the system control circuit 50 indicates that the remaining capacity and operation status of the power source unit 86 configured by a battery or the like by the power source control unit 80 is the imaging device. It is determined whether there is a problem in the operation of 100 (S1003). As a result, if there is a problem (NO in S1003), a predetermined warning is displayed by an image or sound using the display unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 (S1006). Then, the process returns to step S1002. On the other hand, if there is no problem in the power supply unit 86 (YES in S1003), the system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 to display various setting states of the image pickup apparatus 100 using images and sounds (S1005). Next, it is determined whether the image display of the image display unit 28 is on. If it is on (YES in S1007), the image display unit 28 is also used to display various setting states of the imaging apparatus 100 using images and sounds. This is performed (S1008). If the image display of the image display unit 28 is not on, the process immediately proceeds to step S1009.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 72, and if the mode dial 72 is set to the shooting mode (YES in S1009), performs processing of the shooting mode (S1010). When the shooting mode processing is completed, the process returns to step S1002. If the mode dial 72 is set to the playback mode (NO in S1009), the playback mode is processed (step S1011). When the playback mode processing is completed, the process returns to step S1002.

  As described above, the user of the imaging apparatus 100 can carry the imaging apparatus 100 and perform shooting, playback, and communication as needed, analyze the captured image, and perform communication processing based on the information. Is possible.

  Next, the operation at the time of zoom switching performed during the processing of the shooting mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation at the time of zoom mode switching will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not an electronic zoom mode for continuously changing the zoom magnification is set (S201). The electronic zoom mode can be set by using a menu button included in the operation unit 70 of FIG. 1 as described later with reference to FIGS. If the electronic zoom mode for continuously changing the zoom magnification is set as a result of the determination, the zoom control unit 44 performs optical zoom driving and further changes the electronic zoom magnification (S210).

  If it is not the electronic zoom mode in which the zoom magnification is continuously changed, the system control circuit 50 determines the mode setting state of the electronic telecon that fixes the electronic zoom magnification (S202). The setting of the electronic telecon mode can be set by a menu button included in the operation unit 70 of FIG. 1 as described later with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. As a result of the determination, if the electronic telecon is not set, the zoom control unit 44 performs zoom driving only by optical zoom driving (S211).

  On the other hand, when the electronic telecon is set, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the magnification of the electronic telecon is A or B (S203). In the case of the magnification A, the electronic zoom is fixed at the magnification A, and only the optical zoom is set to be driven (S212). In the case of the magnification B, the electronic zoom magnification is fixed to the magnification B and only the optical zoom is driven (S213).

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the magnification of the electronic tele-conversion can be switched to two fixed magnifications (magnification A or magnification B) is described, but three or more magnifications may be set. Is possible.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the zoom mode is switched by the menu button included in the operation unit 70 of FIG. 1, that is, the zoom mode menu is selected. In this menu, menu switching from the following FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D is enabled. FIG. 3A shows a mode in which the electronic zoom can be continuously changed by combining the electronic zoom with the optical zoom, and FIG. 3B shows a mode in which the electronic zoom is prohibited. FIG. 3C shows that only the optical zoom can be driven with the electronic zoom magnification fixed at 1.4 times, and FIG. 3D shows that only the optical zoom can be driven with the electronic zoom magnification fixed at 2.0 times. Mode.

  In this way, by switching one item, combining the electronic zoom with the optical zoom, or the mode for changing the electronic zoom position continuously only with the electronic zoom, the mode for prohibiting the electronic zoom mode, and the electronic zoom magnification By making it possible to select a mode for fixing the mode, exclusion of each mode can also be realized.

  It is also possible to adopt the menu configuration shown in FIG. The configuration of FIG. 4 is a combination of an electronic zoom and an optical zoom, or a setting for enabling / disabling a mode in which the electronic zoom magnification is changed continuously only with the electronic zoom, and a mode for fixing the electronic zoom magnification is disabled and enabled. This is an example in which the setting of the magnification when enabled can be set individually.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the mode for continuously changing the electronic zoom magnification is enabled, the mode for fixing the electronic zoom magnification is disabled. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the mode for fixing the electronic zoom magnification is enabled, the mode for continuously changing the electronic zoom magnification is disabled. It is also possible to exclude the two electronic zoom modes in this way.

  In the present embodiment, switching by menu has been described, but it is also possible to switch each electronic zoom setting with a button. Furthermore, one setting can be performed using a menu and the other setting can be performed using a button. For example, a configuration that simplifies switching between the two modes, such as enabling / disabling the mode for continuously changing the electronic zoom magnification using a menu and switching the mode for fixing the electronic zoom magnification using a button, is also conceivable.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation during electronic zoom or electronic telecon in this embodiment. First, the system control circuit 50 determines whether a zoom lever (not shown) has been pressed to tele or wide (S501). As a result, if the zoom lever has been pressed, it is next determined whether or not the zoom setting is an electronic telecon (S502). If it is not an electronic telecon, the zoom control unit 44 performs zoom driving (optical zoom driving) (S515).

  On the other hand, in the case of an electronic telecon, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not it is a digital domain (S503). If it is not in the digital area, the optical zoom drive is performed according to the zoom lever (S515). For example, when the tele direction is pressed by the zoom lever, the zoom control unit 44 performs zoom driving (optical zoom driving) in the direction of enlarging the subject. When the wide direction is pressed by the zoom lever, the zoom control unit 44 performs zoom driving in the direction in which the angle of view becomes wider (optical zoom driving).

  If it is in the digital domain, the system control circuit 50 performs electronic zoom (digital zoom) driving (S504). For example, when the tele direction is pressed with the zoom lever, the electronic zoom magnification is increased. When the wide direction is pressed with the zoom lever, the electronic zoom magnification is reduced.

  When the zoom lever is released during zoom driving, the system control circuit 50 stops zoom driving (S511).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of returning the setting of the electronic telecon. When imaging power is turned on via the power control unit 80 (S601), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the electronic telecon is set (S602). As a result, when the electronic telecon is set, the electronic zoom magnification is acquired from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the magnification is set in the electronic zoom drive module (S603). If the electronic telecon is not set, the operation in step S603 is not performed.

  In addition to the operation of turning on the power supply for imaging, the same applies to the control for retracting the lens barrel, changing the photographing mode, changing the reproduction mode, changing the PC mode, and changing the print mode.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram summarizing the telecon magnification and the cutout size according to the electronic zoom position, and the diagram summarizing the recording pixel setting and the zoom position where the image quality does not deteriorate.

  First, FIG. 7A will be described. FIG. 7A is an example in which the telecon magnification and the cutout size according to the electronic zoom position are summarized. In the electronic zoom mode in which the zoom position can be changed continuously, when the zoom lever is further operated from the optical telephoto end, the zoom position moves to the electronic zoom positions 1-6. In the electronic tele-conversion mode that fixes the electronic zoom position, the upper limit is 2M size that can maintain the image quality of the L print size. 0 (10M size), 1 (5M size), 2 (3M size), 3 (2M size) An electronic zoom position can be selected.

  In this way, two electronic zoom states can be easily realized by using the same electronic zoom position in the electronic zoom mode and the electronic telecon mode.

  Next, FIG. 7B will be described. FIG. 7B is an example in which recording pixel settings and zoom positions where image quality does not deteriorate are summarized. For example, when the recording pixel number L is selected, interpolation processing is performed so that the image quality does not deteriorate when entering the electronic zoom area. When the recording pixel number M3 is selected, it is possible to shoot up to the zoom position 3 without deterioration in image quality. In the electronic zoom mode in which the zoom position can be changed continuously, it is possible to approach the subject at a zoom magnification of optical magnification × 2.3 times.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of display on the display unit 54 in the electronic telecon mode in which the electronic zoom position is fixed.

  An icon (T) indicating the electronic telecon mode and a character string (1.4x) indicating the electronic zoom magnification are displayed on the display unit 54. In addition, the icon indicating the telecon mode and the electronic zoom magnification change the display color depending on whether or not the image quality is deteriorated. For example, when the magnification is set to 1.4 times, the display color is displayed in a display color that warns of image quality deterioration in the recording pixel numbers L and M1, and the display color in which the image quality deterioration does not occur in other recording pixel numbers. An icon indicating the electronic tele-conversion mode may be a character string, a method of changing the display form of the electronic zoom magnification, or the like. Regarding the electronic zoom magnification, there can be considered a method of expressing with an icon or a color that allows the magnification to be known in addition to a numerical value.

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to switch between the electronic zoom mode in which the zoom position can be changed continuously and the electronic telecon mode in which the optical zoom position is changed with the electronic zoom position fixed. Furthermore, it has the following configuration.
(1) A plurality of electronic zoom magnifications (electronic magnification A and magnification B in the embodiment) in the electronic tele-conversion mode can be set.
(2) The electronic zoom magnification in the electronic telecon mode is one of the electronic zoom positions in the electronic zoom mode (see FIG. 7).
(3) In the electronic tele-conversion mode, it is displayed that the electronic zoom magnification is fixed.
(4) At the electronic zoom position where image quality degradation occurs, the display of the electronic zoom is changed (red display).
(5) The electronic telecon mode is set to the stored electronic zoom position when it is possible to return to the electronic zoom state after transitioning to the state to cancel the electronic zoom state.
(6) The condition for canceling the electronic zoom state is when the imaging power supply is turned off, when the lens barrel is stored, or when the imaging power supply is turned on again.
(7) The condition for canceling and returning the electronic zoom state is when the photographing mode is changed.
(8) The magnification of the electronic zoom is a magnification that can withstand the print image quality, or a magnification that is suitable for the resolution of the output device.

  With the above-described configuration, it is possible to select a zoom magnification corresponding to various user needs in a compact image pickup apparatus that is highly functional and compact. For example, in the electronic tele-conversion mode, by using the electronic zoom magnification while the open aperture of the optical zoom is bright, it is possible to shoot at a high shutter speed while being close to the subject.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of switching an electronic zoom mode in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of the electronic zoom mode switching menu selection in one Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of the method of the electronic zoom mode switching menu selection in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the electronic zoom in 1 Example of this invention, and an electronic telecon. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the setting reset of the electronic telecon in one Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tele-con magnification, a cut-out size, a recording pixel setting, and a zoom position where image quality does not deteriorate according to an electronic zoom position in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the imaging | photography information display example of the electronic telecon mode in one Example of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Shooting lens 14 Image sensor 20 Image processing circuit 22 Memory control circuit 24 Image display memory 28 Image display part 40 Exposure control part 44 Zoom control part 50 System control circuit

Claims (7)

A first zoom mode in which the electronic zoom magnification can be changed without changing the optical zoom position by performing optical zoom driving in accordance with the operation of the zoom operation means, and the electronic zoom magnification in accordance with the operation of the zoom operation means. A second zoom mode in which the optical zoom position can be changed by fixing the zoom to a predetermined magnification,
A display unit;
Selecting means for selecting the first zoom mode and the second zoom mode;
When the second zoom mode is selected when returning from the non-photographing state to the photographing state, the electronic zoom magnification is not acquired from the memory and the electronic zoom is not performed when the first zoom mode is selected. Control for performing electronic zoom drive control at the zoom magnification, and controlling to display on the display unit a display corresponding to the electronic zoom magnification acquired from the memory and a display indicating that the second zoom mode is selected. And a zoom device.   The zoom apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of electronic zoom magnifications that can be fixed in the second zoom mode.   3. The zoom device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic zoom magnification fixed in the second zoom mode is included in a range of the electronic zoom magnification in the first zoom mode.   4. The zoom device according to claim 1, wherein in the first zoom mode, the zoom magnification can be continuously changed by combining the optical zoom magnification with the electronic zoom magnification. 5.   The control means disables the second zoom mode when the first zoom mode is set, and disables the first zoom mode when the second zoom mode is set. The zoom apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when both the first zoom mode and the second zoom mode are invalid, optical zoom is performed without performing electronic zoom. The zoom device described.   7. A recording apparatus comprising: the zoom apparatus according to claim 1; and a recording unit capable of recording an image zoomed by the zoom apparatus.

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