JP5622535B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that displays an image that gives interest to a user together with a live view display.

  In an imaging apparatus, a display form in which a subject image stored in an imaging element is displayed on a display unit in real time is widely used, and is generally called a live view. In this live view, an image obtained by subjecting a captured subject image to image processing is also displayed.

  As a display method on the display unit, when one area on the CRT composed of four areas is designated with a light pen, the target graphic is displayed on the remaining three display surfaces based on the image of the selected area. A kaleidoscope display method for displaying a kaleidoscopic image (see Patent Document 1) is known.

  A method of generating a kaleidoscope image that can be used in a scrapbook on a display such as a computer (see Patent Document 2) is also known.

JP-A-56-78882 JP 2003-143392 A

  In a digital camera, live view display (also called through image display or monitor display) can be performed in order to observe a subject image. In normal live view display, an image acquired by the imaging unit is displayed as it is in real time.

  On the other hand, live view display is not limited to the purpose of simply observing a subject, and various functions are desired. In view of this, it is possible to display a full-fledged display such as the above-described kaleidoscope image in the live view display.

  However, when configuring a kaleidoscope image with a part of the image as a partial image in live view display, if this partial image is not properly selected, the user feels the joy of seeing the actual kaleidoscope. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can display a display that gives interest to a user by generating a kaleidoscope image and displaying it in a live view display. And

  An imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a photographing lens that forms an image of a subject, an imaging unit that converts an optical image formed by the photographing lens into image data and outputs the image data, and image data output from the imaging unit A live-view display unit, a subject detection unit that detects a subject from an optical image, a kaleidoscopic image generation unit that generates kaleidoscopic image data from a part of the image data, and image data output from the imaging unit And a control unit that displays kaleidoscopic image data generated by the kaleidoscopic image generation unit on the display unit, and the control unit is configured to display the subject in the live view display. A first display mode in which a kaleidoscope image generated using the subject is displayed on the display unit together with the live view display, and the subject detection unit When not detecting the body, and wherein the switching and the second display mode without displaying the kaleidoscope-like image on the display unit.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the kaleidoscope image data is displayed together with the live view display on the display unit based on the detected subject, and the kaleidoscope image is not displayed when the subject is no longer detected. Dynamic display can be performed, the user's interest can be enhanced, and the user can use the imaging apparatus while getting familiar with it.

1 is a configuration block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the control which the system controller of embodiment of this invention performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display method of the kaleidoscopic image of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the generation method of the kaleidoscope-like image performed by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the generation method of the kaleidoscope-like image performed by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the recording format of the image data recorded on the memory card of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the recording format of the image data recorded on the memory card of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the kaleidoscope-like image produced | generated by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit of embodiment of this invention. The live view display of embodiment of this invention WHEREIN: The other example when displaying the produced kaleidoscope-like image is shown.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A system controller 300 that functions as a control unit for controlling the operation of the digital camera 100 includes a CPU 302 and a plurality of circuit blocks (functional blocks). The plurality of circuit blocks are an image processing circuit 304, a compression / decompression circuit 306, a display image generation circuit 307, a motion vector detection circuit 308, a face recognition circuit 309, a kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310, and the like. The CPU 302 and these circuit blocks are connected to each other via a control line and a bus line, and each circuit block is controlled by a command from the CPU 302.

  The system controller 300 (control unit) includes an imaging element IF (InterFace) circuit 312, an aperture driving mechanism 316, a shutter driving mechanism 318, a display element driving circuit 332, a touch panel detection circuit 336, a memory card 340, FlashRom (flash read only Memory) 342, SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) 344, and camera operation unit 350 are electrically connected. The imaging element IF circuit 312 is electrically connected to the imaging element 314, the display element driving circuit 332 is connected to the display element 334, and the touch panel detection circuit 336 is connected to a touch panel 338 provided in the display element 334.

  The photographing lens 102 forms an image on the image sensor 314 from light from a subject captured from outside the camera. The image sensor 314 converts an optical image formed on the image sensor 314 into an image signal by photoelectric conversion. The image sensor 314 is, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor. The imaging element IF circuit 312 includes a circuit that generates a drive signal for the imaging element 314 in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 300, an AD conversion circuit that performs AD conversion on the output of the imaging element 314, and the like. The image signal of the optical image is AD converted by the image sensor IF circuit 312 and input to the system controller 300 as image data.

  That is, the imaging device 314 and the imaging device IF circuit 312 constitute an imaging unit that converts the subject image formed by the imaging lens into image data and outputs the image data.

  The focal point / focal length adjusting mechanism 315 is configured as a lens driving unit that adjusts the focal point of the photographing lens 102 and forms an object image on the image sensor 314. The focal point / focal length adjusting mechanism 315 adjusts the focal length of the taking lens 102 to change the magnification of the subject image formed on the image sensor 314.

  The aperture driving mechanism 316 drives an aperture that controls the amount of light passing through the taking lens 102. The shutter drive mechanism 318 drives a shutter that sets the image sensor 314 to an exposure state and a light shielding state.

  The CPU 302 of the system controller 300 controls the circuit block so as to perform the following operations. The image processing circuit 304 performs processing such as γ correction, color conversion, and demosaicing on the image data output from the image sensor IF circuit 312 and outputs the processed data to the compression / decompression circuit 306. The image processing circuit 304 also processes display image data input from the imaging element IF circuit 312 at a predetermined frame rate (30 fps, 60 fps) when the digital camera 100 is in a state before imaging, and displays the display element. You may output to the drive circuit 332. This state before imaging is a state in which the digital camera 100 is set to the image recording mode and the user points the digital camera 100 toward the subject.

  The display element driving circuit 332 displays an image based on the image data output from the image processing circuit 304 on the display element 334. An image displayed on the display element at this time is generally called a through image, a live view image, a monitor image, or the like.

  The compression / decompression circuit 306 compresses the image data output from the image processing circuit 304 and records it on the memory card 340. The compression / decompression circuit 306 decompresses the compressed image data read from the memory card when the digital camera 100 is set to the image reproduction mode, and displays the display element drive circuit 332 via the display image generation circuit 307. Output to.

  The motion vector detection circuit 308 detects a subject moving from within the imaging region by comparing image data between different frames from the image in the live view, and outputs information on the position and size of the subject.

  The face recognition circuit 309 detects the face of a person or a pet (dog, cat, etc.) as a subject by a method such as pattern matching, and outputs the position and size of the subject.

  The kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 generates and outputs a kaleidoscope image using the detected image data based on the subject detected by the motion vector detection circuit 308 or the face detection circuit 309.

  The display element driving circuit 332 displays an image based on the image data input from the compression / decompression circuit 306 on the display element 334.

  The display element 334 is provided with a touch panel 338. The touch panel detection circuit 336 detects an operation position on the touch panel (a position pressed (contacted) with a mode setting member, a finger, a pen, etc., which will be described later) and outputs the detected position to the system controller 300. The display element 334 and the touch panel 338 are integrally configured and function as a display 132 that displays image data and information of the digital camera 100.

  The SDRAM 344 is mainly used as a work area (WorkArea) when the image processing circuit 304 and the compression / decompression circuit 306 perform the above-described processing. The CPU 302 controls the circuit block based on the program code and the control parameter recorded in the FlashRom 342.

  The camera operation unit 350 detects user operations on various switches such as the power switch (SW) 106, the release switch (SW) 108, and the mode setting switch (SW) 120, and outputs the detection result to the system controller 300. .

  Next, generation of a kaleidoscope image in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  A toy called a kaleidoscope has a cylindrical shape in which, for example, three rectangular mirrors are combined in a triangular prism shape, and there is a storage room in which one piece of glass or colored paper such as beads is placed at one end of the cylinder. By looking into the other end of the cylinder, an infinite number of symmetrical images are generated from the glass pieces and the colored paper pieces by a mirror.

  The kaleidoscope is interesting for those who look into it by observing glass pieces and colored paper pieces stored in the storage room as geometric patterns consisting of innumerable symmetrical images. In addition, when a kaleidoscope is vibrated to move a piece of glass or a piece of colored paper, there is a pleasure due to an unexpected change in the geometric pattern.

  In the present invention, when an image imitating this kaleidoscope is reproduced on the display 132 of the digital camera 100 by image processing technology, the following operation is executed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of control executed by the system controller 300 of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a procedure regarding the characteristic part of the embodiment is described, and other procedures are omitted.

  When the power switch 106 is turned on by the user, the system controller 300 is activated. First, the system controller 300 performs initial setting operations (memory initialization, peripheral circuit initialization, etc.). Then, the system controller 300 acquires an image from the image sensor 314 at a predetermined frame rate, and starts an operation (live view operation) for displaying an image of the subject on the display element 334 (S100).

  Next, the system controller 300 permits the operation of the touch panel detection circuit 336 and starts detecting information input to the touch panel 338 (S102). Further, the operation of the face recognition circuit 309 is permitted, and detection of the face information of the subject is started from the captured image data (S104). Further, the operation of the motion vector detection circuit 308 is permitted, and detection of the moving subject is started from the captured image data (S106).

  Next, the system controller 300 determines whether or not the kaleidoscope mode is selected by the mode setting SW 120 of the operation member 350. If it is determined that the kaleidoscope mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the kaleidoscope mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S200. In step S200, other camera operations (photometry, focusing, imaging, reproduction, etc.) not defined in this flowchart are executed.

  At this time, the user may select not only the kaleidoscope mode but also any division method (for example, 2-division, 4-division, 8-division, etc.).

  In step S110, the system controller 300 determines whether the face recognition circuit 309 has detected a face from the subject. If a face is detected, the process proceeds to step S118. If a face is not detected, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the system controller 300 determines whether the motion vector detection circuit 308 has detected a motion vector of the subject. If a motion vector is detected, the process proceeds to step S118. If a motion vector is not detected, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S <b> 114, the system controller 300 determines whether or not an area for generating a kaleidoscope image is specified from the touch panel 338 by the touch panel detection circuit 336. If an area is designated, the process proceeds to step S118. If no area is designated, the process proceeds to step S116.

  By the processes in steps S110 to S114, a subject (face, moving subject, etc.) that is the original image of the kaleidoscope image is detected. That is, a subject detection unit is configured.

  In step S116, the system controller 300 determines whether or not a shooting start operation has been performed by operating the release SW 108 or the like. If it is determined that shooting has started, the process proceeds to step S130. If shooting has not started, the process returns to step S110 and the process is repeated.

  In step S <b> 118, the system controller 300 sets an area of the original image that is a source for generating the kaleidoscopic image. The area set here is an area including the face when a face is detected from the image data in the live view. When a motion vector is detected from image data in live view, an area including a moving subject is set. When a predetermined area in the image data is designated by the user, the designated area is set.

  Next, in step S120, the system controller 300 permits the operation of the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310, and executes the kaleidoscope generation process by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310.

  The kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 generates a plurality of mirror target images from the set original image and displays them on the display element 334. The kaleidoscope image generation process by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 will be described later.

  Next, in step S122, the system controller 300 is set as a subject such that the face recognition circuit 309 no longer detects a face, or the motion vector detection circuit no longer detects a motion vector in the set area. It is determined whether or not the original image has disappeared from the imaging area of the image data. When the set original image disappears from the imaging area, the process proceeds to step S126. If the set original image data has not disappeared from the imaging region, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the system controller 300 determines whether or not an operation for starting shooting is performed by the user by operating the release SW 108 or the like. If it is determined that an operation for starting shooting has been performed, the process proceeds to step S130. If the shooting start operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S122 and the process is repeated.

  In step S126, the system controller 300 prohibits the operation of the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 and changes the display to normal live view image display without displaying the kaleidoscope image on the display 132. Then, it returns to step S110.

  In step S130, the system controller 300 performs a shooting preparation operation. Specifically, a subject to be focused, photometric, white balance, or the like is extracted from the imaging range of the image sensor 314, and focusing, photometry, and white balance are set for the extracted subject. .

  Next, in step S131, the system controller 300 stops the live view operation on the display 132. Next, in step S133, the system controller 300 acquires the signal acquired by the image sensor 314 via the image sensor IF circuit 312, and generates this as image data.

  Next, in step S133, the system controller 300 determines whether or not a kaleidoscopic image can be generated. If the original image of the kaleidoscope image has already been set in steps S110 to S114, it is determined that the kaleidoscope image can be generated. When the original image is not set, it is determined that a kaleidoscopic image cannot be generated.

  If it is determined that a kaleidoscopic image cannot be generated, the process proceeds to step S134, and the captured image data is stored in the memory card 340 as it is.

  If it is determined that the kaleidoscopic image can be generated, the process proceeds to step S135, the captured image data is stored in the memory card 340 as it is, and the kaleidoscope image generated by the kaleidoscope image generating circuit 310 is Store in the memory card 340.

  Through the above processing, the system controller 300 displays a kaleidoscope image on the screen during live view to indicate what kind of image effect the user has, and saves this as a kaleidoscope image after imaging. can do.

  In addition, when the subject used as the original image of kaleidoscope image generation is detected by the process of step S110-114, display of a kaleidoscope image is permitted with live view display. The display mode at this time is referred to as “first display mode”. Further, when the subject is not detected by the processing of steps S110 to 114, or when the subject no longer exists in the screen in the processing of step S122, display of the kaleidoscope image is not permitted. The display mode at this time is referred to as “second display mode”.

  Also, in this embodiment, in steps S110 to S114 described above, priority is given to setting the face detected by the face recognition circuit 309 as the original image of the kaleidoscope image, and if no face is detected, the motion vector A moving subject detected by the detection circuit 308 is selected as an original image. This may be reversed, and the moving subject may be given priority over the face.

  When the face recognition circuit 309 detects a plurality of faces, the plurality of subjects may be shown on the display 132 and the touch panel 338 may cause the user to select one of them. Further, when the face recognition circuit 309 detects a plurality of faces, an image closest to the imaging device may be selected as an original image. As the moving subject, a subject having the highest moving speed in the screen may be selected as the original image.

  In addition, a kaleidoscope-like image having a different shape may be generated by the user operating the mode selection SW 120 or the touch panel 338. In principle, a regular polygonal kaleidoscopic image that can be divided into even regions can be generated. When the user selects the original image using the touch panel 338, one of a plurality of candidates for the detected face or moving subject may be selected as described above, or the user may roughly specify a range. The digital camera 100 may modify the original image area such as a regular triangle.

  Moreover, although the example which image | photographs a still image was shown in the above-mentioned flowchart, you may produce moving image data. For example, when the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 generates a kaleidoscope image based on the original image, the recording of the kaleidoscope image is started as moving image data, and the recording of the moving image data is ended when the subject disappears. Also good.

  Next, generation of a kaleidoscope image performed by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a kaleidoscopic image display method according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which the kaleidoscope image generated by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 is displayed on the display 132 during live view display.

  FIG. 3A shows an example when the user selects the kaleidoscope mode by the mode selection SW 120 of the camera operation member 350 during the live view display on the display 132. The live view image shows an example in which a person (* 2) is displayed on the right side of the screen in the background (* 0).

  As illustrated, when the kaleidoscope mode is selected, an icon (* 1) indicating that the kaleidoscope mode is selected is displayed in the upper left portion of the display 132. This icon is an example in which a regular hexagonal kaleidoscope-like image is displayed. In other shapes (for example, square, regular octagon, etc.), an icon corresponding to the shape is displayed.

  In addition, an instruction frame (* 3) indicating the position of the face detected by the face recognition circuit 309 is displayed from the image data in the live view display. When a kaleidoscopic image is generated using this face image as an original image, an area (* 4) set as the original image is displayed.

  FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C show an example when the generated kaleidoscope-like image is displayed in the live view display.

  A kaleidoscope image (* 6) generated from the set original image is displayed on the display 132. At this time, the background (* 7) is not displayed and is plain.

  When displaying a kaleidoscope image, the entire image data being captured is reduced and the live view image is reduced and displayed on the reduced display portion (* 5) in the display 132. Also, the area (* 4) set as the original image is reduced and displayed on the reduced display portion (* 5). The user can recognize in which part in the live view image the original image of the kaleidoscope image (* 6) exists by observing the reduced display portion (* 5).

  When the subject selected as the original image moves while displaying the kaleidoscope-like image, as shown in FIG. 3C, the user displays the area (* of the original image in the reduced display portion (* 5). The movement of 4) can be confirmed.

  When the subject further moves and the area (* 4) of the original image moves outside the range of the live view image being captured, the display is switched to the display as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3D, when the person (* 2) moves outside the imaging range of the live view image being captured and the original image (* 3) moves outside the imaging range, the original image It becomes impossible to detect the face and the like. Thereby, it transfers to 2nd display mode and the display of a kaleidoscope-like image is prohibited. Since the kaleidoscope mode remains set, the live view display is performed on the entire display 132 as in FIG. 3A while the icon (* 1) indicating the kaleidoscope mode is displayed.

  Next, a method for generating a kaleidoscope image by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 will be described.

  4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a kaleidoscopic image generation method executed by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310. FIG.

  The examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show examples of kaleidoscopic images formed in a regular hexagonal shape with respect to the original image in line symmetry or point symmetry.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the kaleidoscope image data, a regular hexagon is divided into six regions, and each of the divided triangular regions is referred to as SEG1 to SEG6. Moreover, the center part of a regular hexagon is called P0, and each vertex is called P1-P6, respectively.

  The kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 sets the face detected by the face recognition circuit 309 as an original image. The original image is set as an equilateral triangle area including the detected face. As shown in FIG. 5A, an equilateral triangle area including the detected face is first set as SEG1.

  Next, the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 generates a mirror-symmetric image with respect to the set SEG1 with reference to one side (P0-P2) of the equilateral triangle. This image is set as SEG2 and synthesized with SEG1. Similarly, a mirror-symmetric image is generated with respect to the set SEG1 with reference to one side (P0-P1) of the equilateral triangle. This image is set as SEG6 and combined with SEG1 and SEG2. The state at this time is shown in FIG.

  Next, the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 generates a mirror-symmetric image based on the side (P6-P0-P3) passing through the center of the regular hexagon from SEG1, SEG2, and SEG6. The three regions at this time are generated as SEG3, SEG4, and SEG5, respectively. Then, the generated SEG3, SEG4, and SEG5 are synthesized into SEG1, SEG2, and SEG6. The state at this time is shown in FIG.

  In this way, the kaleidoscope generation circuit 310 generates a kaleidoscope-like image divided into regular hexagons by generating five mirror-symmetric images based on the original image.

  Next, a recording format of image data in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording format of image data recorded on the memory card 340.

  In the digital camera 100, a set of image data of normally captured image data (normal image data) and image data (kaleidoscopic image data) generated as a kaleidoscopic image is generated. This set of image data is recorded as one file, and normal image data and kaleidoscopic image data can be reproduced, stored, copied, etc. with only one file.

  When recording a plurality of image data as one file, it can be recorded by a method defined in a multi-picture format (CIPA DC-007-2009).

  The multi-picture format is a format for recording a plurality of image data in one file. In this embodiment, normal image data and image data generated as a kaleidoscope image based on the normal image data are combined. Record as a file.

  More specifically, the normal image data and header information 1 indicating information of the image data, and kaleidoscopic image data and header information 2 indicating the image data are generated as one file. The generated file is recorded in the memory card 340 with a folder name and a file name conforming to the DCF standard.

  In the header information 1, for example, information of kaleidoscopic image data corresponding to normal image data is recorded. Further, the kaleidoscopic image data is not one, and two or more kaleidoscopic image data may be added.

  When the recorded file is played back on a computer or the like, normal image data and kaleidoscopic image data are displayed simultaneously, normal image data and kaleidoscopic image data are displayed continuously, or one of them is displayed as an icon. As a display, a display method such as an enlarged display by clicking display can be adopted.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the recording format of the image data recorded on the memory card 340.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, apart from the method of recording a plurality of image data in one file, normal image data and kaleidoscopic image data can also be recorded in separate folders.

  More specifically, normal image data is recorded on the memory card 340 with a folder name and a file name conforming to the DCF standard.

  On the other hand, the kaleidoscope image data generates a kaleidoscope image folder in the memory card 340 as a dedicated folder for recording the kaleidoscope image data, and records the kaleidoscope image data in the kaleidoscope image folder. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the folder name of the kaleidoscope image folder is “Kaleidoscope Photo”.

  The file name of the kaleidoscope image data to be recorded in the kaleidoscope image folder may be the same as that of the normal image data, or it is related to the file name of the normal image data, such as loading a predetermined character string into the file name of the normal image data. It is good also as a name.

  Furthermore, an association file indicating the association between the normal image data and the kaleidoscope image data is recorded in the kaleidoscope image folder. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the name of the association file is “LinkData.dat”.

  Next, a modified example of the kaleidoscopic image of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the present embodiment, a regular hexagonal kaleidoscopic image obtained by combining six original image areas of regular triangles is shown as an example, but the shape is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a kaleidoscope image generated by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310.

  FIG. 8A is an example of a square kaleidoscopic image. In this case, the region to be the original image is an isosceles triangle, and a square kaleidoscope-like image is generated by combining four isosceles triangles.

  FIG. 8B is an example of a regular octagon kaleidoscopic image. In this case, the region to be the original image is an isosceles triangle, and a regular octagon kaleidoscope-like image is generated by combining eight isosceles triangles.

  As described above, the kaleidoscope image generated by the kaleidoscope image generation circuit 310 can take various forms. Although it depends on the resolution of the image data, it is possible in principle to generate a kaleidoscopic image with a regular polygon shape that can be divided into even regions. You may comprise so that it may select by. Further, instead of selecting a regular n-gon, the center angle of the original image is specified by the user as numerical values such as 60 ° (regular hexagon), 45 ° (regular octagon), and 30 ° (regular dodecagon), for example. May be.

  Next, a modified example of displaying a kaleidoscope-like image in live view display will be described.

  As described with reference to FIG. 3, an example is shown in which the generated kaleidoscope-like image is displayed on the display 132 together with the live view display. However, the display form is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 9 shows another example when displaying the generated kaleidoscope image in the live view display.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, live view display of the entire imaging region is performed on the display 132 without reducing the live view image. Then, the generated kaleidoscopic image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the image data being displayed in live view.

  In this way, when displaying the generated kaleidoscope image, the live view display is performed on the entire display 132, so that the portion where the kaleidoscope image is displayed is hidden, but the user does not capture the captured image. There is an advantage that it is easy to grasp the whole.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, when a subject (for example, a face) is detected by the subject detection unit (motion vector detection circuit 308, face detection circuit 309, etc.) in the digital camera 100, the subject is detected. The kaleidoscopic image generated as the original image is displayed on the display 132 during live view display. If the subject is no longer detected, the display of the kaleidoscope image is terminated.

  By doing so, not only a kaleidoscope-like image is displayed on the digital camera 100 but also a dynamic display corresponding to the situation is performed by being displayed in association with the image being captured displayed in the live view display. It is possible to enhance the interest of the user, and the user can use the imaging apparatus while getting familiar with it.

  Further, when displaying a kaleidoscopic image, the entire imaging area is reduced to a part of the display 132 and displayed in a live view without overlapping with the kaleidoscopic image, so that the live view display is hindered by the kaleidoscopic image. The image being imaged can be observed without any problem.

  In addition, live view display may be performed on the entire display 132, and a kaleidoscope-like image may be superimposed on the display. As a result, the user can easily grasp the entire image being captured.

  The subject detection unit detects the face by the face detection circuit 309 or the moving subject by the motion vector detection unit 308, so the digital camera 100 automatically detects the original image generated as a kaleidoscope image. In addition, by automatically generating a kaleidoscope image, the user can feel interest by the kaleidoscope image generated by the face and the like, and can also enjoy the pleasure caused by unexpected changes that are displayed in live view. it can. In addition, the subject can be instructed by the user using a touch panel or the like, and a kaleidoscope-like image in accordance with the user's intention can be generated.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. It is also apparent that the present invention is applicable to all electronic devices that can acquire and display subject images as image data.

100 Digital Camera 102 Photography Lens 132 Touch Panel Display 300 System Controller (Control Unit)
308 Motion vector detection circuit 309 Face detection circuit 310 Kaleidoscope image generation circuit 314 Image sensor 350 Camera operation unit

Claims (6)

A photographic lens for imaging the subject;
An imaging unit that converts an optical image formed by the photographing lens into image data and outputs the image data;
A display unit capable of live view display of image data output from the imaging unit;
A subject detection unit for detecting a subject from the optical image;
A kaleidoscope image generator for generating kaleidoscope image data from a part of the image data;
A control unit that displays the image data output from the imaging unit on the display unit in a live view, and displays the kaleidoscope image data generated by the kaleidoscope image generation unit on the display unit;
With
In the live view display, the control unit displays a kaleidoscope image generated using the subject together with the live view display on the display unit when the subject detection unit detects the subject, and a first display mode; An image pickup apparatus that switches between a second display mode in which a kaleidoscope-like image is not displayed on the display unit when the subject detection unit does not detect a subject. The imaging device according to claim 1,
In the first display mode, the control unit causes the display unit to display the generated kaleidoscopic image, and the entire image data output by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit as a part of the kaleidoscope shape. An image pickup apparatus that displays a live view by reducing the image without overlapping the image. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
In the first display mode, the control unit displays the image data output by the imaging unit on the display unit in a live view, and displays the generated kaleidoscope image superimposed on the live view display. An imaging apparatus characterized by that. In the imaging device according to claims 1 to 3,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the subject detection unit detects a position of a human or animal face. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the subject detection unit detects a position of a moving object. An optical image formed by a photographic lens that forms an object is converted into image data, and the display method of an imaging apparatus including a display unit capable of performing live view display of the image data,
Live view display on the display unit,
When a subject is detected from the optical image, a kaleidoscope image generated using the subject is displayed together with a live view display,
A display method of an imaging apparatus, wherein when a subject is not detected from the optical image , a kaleidoscopic image is not displayed on the display unit.

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