JP5669881B2 - Imaging apparatus and mode switching method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, a digital video camera, a mobile terminal with a digital camera (including a mobile phone with a digital camera), and a mode switching method thereof.

  In imaging devices such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, and mobile terminals with digital cameras (including mobile phones with digital cameras), the image from the subject is imaged on the image sensor via the taking lens, and photoelectrically converted to digitize Has been. The digitized image is displayed as a live view image (through moving image) on a display means such as a liquid crystal display, and the composition and timing of the shooting are observed and confirmed, and the release switch (shutter switch) is operated to shoot the digitized image. . The imaging device has a still image / moving image shooting function, and can easily shoot a still image / moving image by switching modes.

  In addition to switching between still image and moving image shooting modes, there is also a change in shooting mode from still image to continuous shooting. Further, the photographed image is reproduced on the liquid crystal display in the reproduction mode by switching from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode. Further, by switching to zoom shooting, still images and moving images are enlarged or wide-angle shot.

  In recent imaging apparatuses, a number of shooting scene modes can be set in consideration of the subject, shooting environment, and the like. For example, portrait photography (suitable for taking pictures of people), night scenes (suitable for taking pictures of night scenes such as illuminated buildings), snapshot photography (suitable for taking pictures of people with landscapes), and landscapes (shooting distant scenery) Shooting modes such as beach / snow (suitable for taking pictures of the beach or snowy mountains), party shots (suitable for taking pictures with strobe light far away and indoors) are available in the menu mode. It is possible to switch from program auto (fully automatic mode) to these shooting scene modes.

  Determining the exposure is an important shooting factor for taking good pictures.For example, if sufficient exposure cannot be secured with natural light, the flash will fire, and in night scene shooting, the exposure time will be changed for long exposures. Adjustments have been made. The default setting for the flash control is the flash auto that switches the flash according to the brightness.If the flash is forced to fire or the flash is prohibited regardless of the natural light exposure, the You can change the setting from the strobe auto mode and switch between strobe on and strobe off. For example, in facilities such as museums and art galleries where photography is permitted but strobe photography is prohibited, the strobe must be set to forced off (strobe off). In continuous shooting and moving images, the strobe is turned off. Further, when there is a large difference in brightness between the subject and the background, the brightness is adjusted by performing exposure correction. For example, −1.0, −0.6, −0.3, +0.3 , +0.6, +1.0 can be switched to correction values.

  As described above, shooting with an imaging device requires a mode switching operation such as switching between shooting modes of still images, moving images, and continuous shooting, and these mode switching is performed by a menu provided on the exterior of the imaging device. The operation is performed by a switch operation using a mechanical switch (mechanical mode switch) such as a dial for changing modes such as a key, an enter key (OK key), and a zoom switch (zoom SW), a push button, and a cross key.

  From the viewpoint of portability, the image pickup apparatus is downsized, and it is becoming difficult in design to secure a space for arranging the mechanical mode switch while ensuring operability. There has been known a configuration in which a screen surface of a liquid crystal display provided on the back surface of an imaging device is a touch panel, and modes are switched by touching the touch panel. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-164175, a zoom switch and a shutter switch are superimposed on a live view image and displayed on a liquid crystal display, and a captured image is zoomed up and down by touching the zoom switch on the image. By touching the upper shutter switch, enlargement shooting or wide-angle shooting is possible.

JP-A-11-164175

  Patent Document 1 only considers zoom switching, that is, zoom-up and zoom-down, and does not disclose any technical idea that enables switching to a wide range of modes. The only mechanical mode switch that can be omitted is the mode switch. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and a mode switching method thereof capable of switching to a wide range of modes for photographing without a mechanical mode switch operation. In the present invention, the mode is set by combining operations with a clear intention of the photographer, such as a tap that the photographer consciously applies high-frequency acceleration to the imaging device, a shake that shakes the imaging device strongly, and a touch of a built-in touch panel. The display mode can be switched. In addition, the mode can be switched in the shutter operation (release operation).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode switching method of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a first shake operation applied to the imaging device and based on the output of said acceleration detecting means, and displays the first mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When the second shake operation is detected after displaying the first mode menu, the second mode menu is additionally displayed as a selection candidate in addition to the first mode menu,
A mode corresponding to the position of the touch operation when a touch operation on any of the selection candidates configured from the first mode menu and the second mode menu displayed on the display means is detected. It is characterized by being switched to.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a shake operation applied to based imaging device to an output of said acceleration detecting means, to display the mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When a touch operation applied to the display means is detected based on the output of the touch panel, a mode is selected from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation,
The appearance direction of the mode menu serving as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a shake operation applied to based imaging device to an output of said acceleration detecting means, to display the mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When a touch operation applied to the display means is detected based on the output of the touch panel, a mode is selected from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation,
The above mode menu as a selection candidate changes according to the strength of the shake operation,
The appearance direction of the mode menu serving as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation.

According to this invention of Claim 4, the display means which has a touch panel,
Acceleration detection means;
Upon detecting a first shake operation applied to an imaging apparatus based on the output of said acceleration detecting means, and displays the first mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
Control means for additionally displaying the second mode menu as a selection candidate in addition to the first mode menu when a second shake operation is detected after the first mode menu is displayed.
A mode corresponding to the position of the touch operation when a touch operation on any of the selection candidates configured from the first mode menu and the second mode menu displayed on the display means is detected. Switched to

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the display means having a touch panel;
Acceleration detection means;
Anda control means for performing mode switching based on the touch operation applied to the display means is detected from the output of the shake operation and the touch panel applied to the imaging device detected from the output of said acceleration detecting means And
When detecting the shake operation, the control means displays a mode menu as a selection candidate on the display means. When detecting the touch operation, the control means selects a mode from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation.
The appearance direction of the mode menu serving as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation.

According to this invention of Claim 6, the display means which has a touch panel,
Acceleration detection means;
Anda control means for performing mode switching based on the touch operation applied to the display means is detected from the output of the shake operation and the touch panel applied to the imaging device detected from the output of said acceleration detecting means And
When detecting the shake operation, the control means displays a mode menu as a selection candidate on the display means. When detecting the touch operation, the control means selects a mode from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation.
The above mode menu as a selection candidate changes according to the strength of the shake operation,
The appearance direction of the mode menu serving as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation.

  In the present invention, the mode menu is displayed by the shake operation, and the mode can be switched by selecting the mode from the mode menu displayed by the touch operation. By displaying a large number of mode menus, a wide range of mode switching can be quickly performed. Yes. If the shake operation and touch operation can be performed with a hand holding the imaging apparatus, the mode can be switched with one hand operation.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention embodied as a digital camera. (A)-(C) show the mode of operation which held the digital camera horizontally. (A)-(C) show the screen of a liquid crystal display when a digital camera is tapped. (A) and (B) show the screen of the liquid crystal display when the digital camera is tapped. (A)-(D) show the example of a detection of the acceleration (vibration) by an operation detection means. (A) (B) is a schematic sectional drawing of a liquid crystal display, (C) shows the state which hold | gripped the digital camera. 3 shows a flowchart of shooting control by the digital camera of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a camera holding subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 7. FIG. (A) and (B) show examples of inclination detection by the inclination detection means. (A)-(C) show the aspect of the counterclockwise direction in Example 2 of this invention, a touch, and the shake to clockwise direction. (A)-(C) show the screen of the liquid crystal display when shaken. 7 shows a flowchart of shooting control by a digital camera according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. (A)-(D) show the aspect of the shake in the counterclockwise direction, shutter operation, and the shake in the clockwise direction in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (A)-(D) show the screen of the liquid crystal display when shaken. 9 shows a flowchart of shooting control by a digital camera according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (A)-(D) show the mode of operation added to a digital camera, such as a tap in the Example 4 of this invention, a touch, a counterclockwise rotation, and a clockwise shake. (A) and (B) show the screen of the liquid crystal display when tapped. (A)-(C) show the screen of the liquid crystal display when shaken. 9 shows a flowchart of shooting control by a digital camera according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The order of the set modes (superordinate mode) is shown. (A)-(C) show the display of the liquid crystal display for reset. (A) and (B) show the shake in the front-rear direction and the screen of the liquid crystal display at that time.

  In response to a tap on the top of the digital camera, the mode menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display overlapping the live view image, and the touch panel provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display is touched to select the mode from the displayed mode menu. Mode switching.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention embodied as a digital camera. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera (imaging device) 10 includes an imaging unit 12, a control unit (central processing circuit) 14, a display unit (monitor) 16, a recording unit (memory) 18, a time measuring unit (clock) 20, The communication unit 22, the switch operation determination unit 24, the tilt detection unit 26, the operation detection unit 28, the switch group 30, the strobe unit 32, and the like are provided.

  The imaging unit 12 includes a photographic lens 12a (see FIG. 2A) formed of a zoom lens, an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, and an image from a subject is formed on the imaging element via the photographic lens. It is photoelectrically converted and digitized and output to the central processing circuit 14. Then, the central processing circuit 14 performs necessary image processing such as color and gradation correction and compression processing. It is converted into an image file compressed in the H.264 format or the like and recorded in a recording means (memory) 18 such as a flash memory.

  The time measuring means (clock) 20 measures the shooting date and time, and the date and time information is recorded in the memory 18 together with the shot image, so that the shot images are recorded in order and can be easily searched. The clock (time measuring means) 20 also has a stopwatch function.

  In order to confirm the composition and timing of shooting prior to shooting, the image signal from the imaging unit 12 is displayed as a live view image (through moving image) on the display unit (monitor) 16. Further, not only the through moving image before photographing but also the image signal in the memory 18 are expanded and displayed (reproduced) by the central processing circuit 14 for reproduction on the display means 16. For example, the display unit 16 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), and is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 10 (opposite side to the subject; photographer side). An organic EL display or the like may be used as the display unit 16 instead of the liquid crystal display.

  A central processing circuit (control means) 14 that performs image processing on a photographed image from the imaging means 12 is configured to control the entire system in a predetermined procedure from, for example, a CPU or MPU. Then, the central processing circuit 14 determines whether the still image processing unit 14a for processing still images, the moving image processing unit 14b for processing moving images, or still image processing or moving image processing is performed, and switches the shooting mode. And a mode switching unit 14c. The captured image is selectively processed by the still image processing unit and the moving image processing unit and recorded in the memory 18.

  The communication unit 22 includes a USB terminal, a wireless transmission / reception unit, and the like. The captured image data recorded in the memory 18 is output to an external display unit such as a TV or another imaging device via the communication unit. Captured image data recorded in another imaging device is input via the communication means.

  The switch operation determination means 24 detects the photographer's operations such as a power switch (power switch) and a release switch 30a (see FIGS. 2A and 3A), and the detection result is sent to the central processing circuit 14. The output is output and the central processing circuit performs control corresponding to the photographer's operation. For example, when the operation (release operation, shutter operation) of the release switch 30a is detected by the switch operation determining means 24 and determined by the central processing circuit 14, the image-processed still image or moving image is recorded in the memory 18. The

  The tilt detection unit 26 detects the tilt (tilt angle) of the digital camera 10 around the optical axis (shooting optical axis) direction of the photographing lens 12a. The tilt of the digital camera always detected by the tilt detection unit. Is output to the central controller 14 to determine the tilt of the digital camera. As will be described later, if the operation detection means 28 is an acceleration sensor, the inclination can also be detected by the acceleration sensor, so the inclination detection means 26 may be omitted.

  The operation detection means 28 detects an intentional operation applied by the photographer to the surface of the digital camera 10 and the like, and is composed of, for example, an acceleration sensor. For example, acceleration (gravity) generated in the digital camera 10 by a tap. (Including acceleration). Then, the detection result is output to the central processing circuit 14, and when the operation is determined in the central processing circuit and it is determined that a predetermined operation is applied, the mode of the digital camera 10 is switched.

  Here, “tap” means that the exterior (outer surface) of the digital camera 10 is tapped lightly, and an operation that generates acceleration (vibration) with a relatively high frequency of about 50 Hz corresponds to “tap”. This “tap” operation is an operation that generates acceleration of a relatively high frequency only once in a specific direction or periodically, and is not performed unconsciously, but detects and determines the applied direction, its amplitude, and frequency. By doing so, it can be easily distinguished from other operations.

  The switch group 30 includes a release switch (shutter switch) 30a (see FIG. 2B), a power switch (power switch), and the like. When the switch is operated, the switch operation determination unit 24 detects the operation. Corresponding processing is performed under the control of the central processing circuit 14.

  The light emission of the strobe means 32 is controlled by the central processing circuit 14, the strobe auto is initially set, the central processing circuit determines whether or not to shoot with the light emitted according to the brightness of the subject, and exposure is performed with natural light. If it cannot be secured sufficiently, the flash unit emits light. When the strobe unit 32 is forced to emit light or to prohibit strobe light emission, the strobe auto setting is switched from the default strobe auto to strobe on and strobe off.

  The image captured by the still image shooting or the moving image shooting and recorded in the memory 18 is reproduced by the central processing circuit 14 and displayed on the liquid crystal display (display means) 16 on the back of the digital camera, and the result of the shooting is immediately confirmed. . The captured image can be reproduced and displayed by connecting the digital camera 10 to an external display means such as a TV via the communication means 22.

  In the present invention, for example, the operation detection means (acceleration sensor) 28 detects the acceleration (vibration) generated by the tap, and the mode is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 so as to be superimposed on the photographed image. It is characterized in that is selected and switched.

  FIGS. 2A to 2C show modes of operation with the digital camera held horizontally, and FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A and 4B show the screen of the liquid crystal display when tapped. Indicates. Hold the digital camera 10 with the right hand and hold it horizontally, and tap the upper surface 10U of the digital camera where the release switch 30a is located (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In the present invention, taps are classified into a plurality of types based on their strength, for example, when tapped lightly, when tapped strongly, and when tapped in an intermediate state, and are displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 on the screen. The mode menu is changed according to the tap type.

  Any one of the six surfaces on the top, bottom, left, and right of the digital camera 10, for example, the upper surface 10U on which the release switch 30a is located is used as an operation surface (tap surface). Is displayed. That is, acceleration (vibration) is generated by tapping the upper surface 10U of the digital camera, and the acceleration sensor (operation detection means) 28 detects the acceleration, and the detection result is output to the central processing circuit 14 and switched to the screen of the liquid crystal display 16. The candidate mode is displayed overlappingly with the live view image (mode display). The central processing circuit 14 determines the strength of the tap from the amplitude of the acceleration, and the stronger the tap, the greater the number of correction values (correction values are also considered as modes) displayed on the liquid crystal display 16, and a smaller correction value. To a large correction value is controlled (mode display).

  When a desired mode is selected from the displayed mode menu and the touch panel 17 is touched at a corresponding position (see FIG. 2C), the mode is switched. In FIG. 2C, the digital 10 is held with the right hand and the touch panel 17 is touched with the left hand, but the touch panel may be touched with the right hand holding the digital camera. In other words, if the digital camera is gripped with the right hand, the thumb of the right hand is positioned so as to cover the liquid crystal display 16, that is, the touch panel 17, so that the mode can be selected and switched by touching the touch panel with the thumb. Can be done with one hand. If mode selection and switching are performed by touch, an error caused by the strength of the tap can be eliminated and the mode to be set can be selected reliably.

  3A to 3C, the exposure correction mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display so as to be superimposed on the live view image. For example, when the top surface 10U of the digital camera is lightly tapped, the two smallest correction values of plus and minus of -0.3 and +0.3 are displayed separately on the upper part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 (FIG. 3 ( A)). If you tap at a medium strength (stronger than a light tap, weaker than a strong tap), there are two more correction values, -0.3, +0.3, -0.6, and +0.6. Displayed (see FIG. 3 (B)), if tapped hard, two more correction values are displayed: -0.3, +0.3, -0.6, +0.6, -1, +1 (See FIG. 3C).

  The tap is made from the top to the bottom, and the mode to be selected appears from the top to the bottom on the screen of the liquid crystal display 10 corresponding to the tap direction (from top to bottom). By matching the tap direction (operation direction; top to bottom) and the mode appearance direction (top to bottom) in this way, the stronger the tapping, the more the mode is like “launching gavel”. The mode can be displayed with visual effects that appear.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of correction values are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 as candidates for switching (candidates) when tapped lightly, tapped at intermediate strength, or tapped strongly. If one of the correction values displayed and displayed in the mode is selected and the touch panel 17 is touched at the corresponding position, the exposure is corrected to the touched correction value, and shooting with the exposure correction becomes possible. That is, the mode can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by tapping, and the mode can be selected and switched by touching the touch panel provided on the screen surface of the liquid crystal display. Various modes can be displayed by changing the mode to be switched (candidate) according to the strength of the tap, and a wide range of modes can be switched quickly by selecting from a number of displayed modes. Although it is difficult to adjust the strength of the tap, the touch can be surely performed only by touching the position corresponding to the predetermined mode, and the mode setting without failure is possible. In addition, since the live view display is not hidden as much as possible and only mode display can be made as much as necessary, there is no obstacle during shooting.

  Since the upper surface 10U of the digital camera can be tapped with the index finger of the right hand holding the digital camera 10 and the touch panel 17 can be touched with the thumb of the right hand, the mode can be switched by one-hand operation of only the right hand holding the digital camera 10.

  Since mode display, mode selection, and switching are performed with different types of operations such as tapping and touching, mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be distinguished sensuously, and mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be performed without error. Yes.

  In such a light tap, the number of correction values displayed in the mode is small and only a small correction value is displayed, and the number of correction values displayed by strongly tapping increases to display a large correction value. And if you want to make a small correction, tap lightly, and if you want a big correction, tap it hard. Since the magnitude of the correction value and the strength of the tap correspond, you can switch modes under intuitive operation. It becomes. In order to display a mode menu as a selection candidate on the display unit according to the strength of the first operation applied to the photographing apparatus and to determine the specific position of the display unit, and to switch to a small correction value The number of correction values that are mode-displayed as candidates for switching is small, and there is only a small range overlapping with the live view image on the liquid crystal display 16, thereby avoiding unnecessary overlapping display with the live view image. The captured image can be confirmed without being disturbed by the display of the correction value. When switching to a large correction value, the photographer tends to focus on selecting from a large number of candidates rather than confirming the captured image. Yes. Therefore, the photographer can switch the mode and shoot without being aware of the number of modes that are displayed in duplicate in the live view image.

  When tapped strongly, a large number of correction values from a small correction value to a large correction value are displayed in FIG. However, when strongly tapped, the display of small correction values −0.3 and +0.3 may be omitted as shown in FIG. 4A, and the live view image is displayed by stopping the display of small correction values. Can be prevented as much as possible. If the user taps strongly, as shown in FIG. 4B, the difference between the displayed correction values may be enlarged and displayed coarsely. That is, when the user taps strongly, it is considered that the photographer is demanding a large correction. Therefore, if the image is displayed roughly, the mode can be switched to a large correction value reflecting the photographer's intention.

  If the touch operation is not performed within a predetermined time after the correction value is displayed in the mode, the mode display is reset (menu is turned off). Here, “reset” refers to canceling (erasing) the currently displayed mode display, and the setting mode is continued. On the other hand, “initialization” to be described later refers to canceling the setting mode as well as the currently displayed mode and returning to the initial mode or the fully automatic mode.

  Without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time, the menu may be turned off by adding an operation other than tapping to the digital camera. For example, the menu may be turned off by shaking counterclockwise as viewed from the photographer. The counterclockwise shake is detected by the acceleration sensor 28 as described later.

  “Shake” in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in the embodiment means that the digital camera 10 is vigorously shaken in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the photographer about the photographing optical axis direction. In the shake, acceleration (vibration) having a frequency of about 5 Hz is generated. The frequency of the acceleration generated by the tap is about 50 Hz, and the frequency of the acceleration generated by the shake is an order of magnitude smaller than that generated by the tap, so if the generated frequency is detected, whether the applied action is a tap or a shake Is easily determined (differentiated) in the central processing circuit 14. In addition, since the amplitude of the generated waveform of taps and shakes varies greatly, it can be distinguished from the amplitude.

  Further, the menu may be turned off by a tap different from the tap for mode display regardless of the shake. For example, mode display (menu on) is performed by tapping the upper surface 10U of the digital camera, and taps on the surface other than the upper surface, for example, the left surface (left surface) 10L of the digital camera as viewed from the photographer (see FIG. 2C). The menu may be turned off (reset) by tapping. This tap on the left surface 10L is detected by an acceleration sensor 28X in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 5B) described later.

  The mode display may be changed depending on the number of taps instead of the strength of the tap.For example, as the number of taps increases regardless of the strength of the tap, the number of correction values that are candidates for switching is increased accordingly. Also good. For example, regardless of the strength of the tap, when tapped once, two correction values of −0.3 and +0.3 are displayed separately on the upper part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 and further tapped once. Then (when tapped twice in total), two correction values of -0.6 and +0.6 are added, and four correction values of -0.3, +0.3, -0.6, and +0.6 are added. Displayed, and if you tap once (three taps in total), two additional correction values of -1, +1 are added, and -0.3, +0.3, -0.6, +0.6, Six correction values of −1 and +1 may be displayed (see FIGS. 3A to 3C). In a configuration where the number of modes appearing in the same direction (from top to bottom on the LCD screen) as the tap direction (from top to bottom) corresponding to the number of taps increases, The production becomes more prominent. The mode display may be changed by combining the strength of the tap and the number of taps.

  Since mode switching can be performed without using a mechanical switch for mode switching, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. And since there is no mechanical switch protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions becomes possible. In addition, since a mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, a large-sized liquid crystal display 16 can be adopted, and the digital camera 10 having a good appearance can be provided at the time of photographing and reproduction viewing by increasing the size of the liquid crystal display.

  In the embodiment, the operation surface (tap surface) on which the operation detection means 28 detects the tap and displays the mode is the upper surface 10U on which the release switch 30a is located, among the six surfaces on the top, bottom, left, and right of the digital camera 10. No, the operation surface is not limited to the upper surface. However, if the upper surface 10U with the release switch 30a is used as an operation surface, the index finger tapping the upper surface does not contribute to holding the digital camera compared to other fingers and is free. Tap without losing. Further, the index finger is a finger for operating the release switch 30a, and the tap and the release switch can be operated under a series of operations with the same finger, and the mode can be displayed immediately after the mode is displayed by the tap and the mode is switched by the touch. , You can shoot in the desired mode without missing a photo opportunity.

  5A to 5D show examples of acceleration (vibration) detection by the operation detection means. For example, the operation detecting means 28 is composed of, for example, a MEMS element using a semiconductor manufacturing process, and a movable upper electrode 28U and a fixed lower electrode 28L are combined as shown in FIG. The movable electrode 28U having the arm portion 28Uc formed in a bridging structure changes relative to the pair of fixed lower electrodes formed on the chip surface by the acceleration.

  In the operation detection means (acceleration sensor) 28 having such a configuration, the movable upper electrode 28U is deformed in the direction of acceleration in the plane where the movable upper electrode 28U is located, and the relative position with respect to the fixed lower electrode 28L is changed by shaking. Since the output waveforms from the upper and lower electrodes change corresponding to the change (vibration) of the relative position, the direction of acceleration can be detected from the output waveform.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the X axis is in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the optical axis (imaging optical axis) of the imaging lens 12a, the Y axis is in the vertical direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis, and the horizontal direction is parallel to the imaging optical axis. The digital camera 10 includes three operation detection means (acceleration sensors) 28 so that the acceleration can be detected in three dimensions of XYZ, taking the Z axis. The acceleration sensor 28X that detects the acceleration in the X-axis direction has its connecting electrode 28Ub parallel to the X-axis, and the acceleration sensor 28Y that detects the acceleration in the Y-axis direction has its connecting electrode parallel to the Y-axis and the Z-axis direction. The acceleration sensor 28Z that detects acceleration is arranged so that the connecting electrode is parallel to the Z axis.

  Assume that the acceleration sensor of FIG. 5A is the Y-axis direction acceleration sensor 28Y, and when a tap in the arrow direction Y is applied to the digital camera 10, the Y-axis direction acceleration sensor 28Y detects it. For example, a waveform of acceleration (vibration) in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 6C is output, and the direction of the first generated waveform corresponds to the direction in which the tap is added. In addition, when the tap of the arrow Y ′ in the reverse direction is added, an acceleration (vibration) waveform that is inverted up and down with respect to the waveform of FIG. 6C is output (see FIG. 6D).

  As described above, if the acceleration sensor 28Y that detects the acceleration and outputs the waveform and the direction of the waveform that occurs first in the output waveform of the acceleration sensor are detected, the tap is determined from the detection result on the Y axis. Whether it was added in the plus Y (+ Y) direction or minus Y (−Y) direction, in other words, whether it was added to the upper surface or the lower surface of the digital camera is determined.

  Similarly, an acceleration sensor in which the directions of taps (X (+ X), X ′ (− X) or Z (+ Z), Z ′ (− Z)) applied on the X axis and the Z axis output waveforms, It is determined from the output waveform (the direction of the waveform that occurred first). Then, by arranging the three acceleration sensors 28 (28X, 28Y, 28Z), taps in six directions (+ X, −X; + X, −X; + Z, −Z) composed of three combinations of two opposite directions are arranged. The direction can be determined. Since the outer shape of the digital camera 10 is generally a hexahedron, if three acceleration sensors 28 (28X, 28X, 28Z) are arranged, the digital camera 10 has six surfaces (upper and lower surfaces, left and right surfaces, and front and rear surfaces). The added taps can be judged without exception.

  For example, in FIG. 2C, a tap on the surface (upper surface of the digital camera) 10U on which the release switch 30a is located is considered, and the tap applied to this surface (operation surface) is Y ′ (− Y) detected as an acceleration in the direction, and determined by the central processing circuit 14.

  In addition, since the frequency and amplitude of acceleration (vibration) generated by an operation applied to the digital camera are different, the type of operation can be determined. For example, if a tap, acceleration (vibration) with a frequency of about 50 Hz is generated, if it is a shake, acceleration (vibration) with a frequency of about 5 Hz is generated, and the magnitude of the acceleration generated by the tap and shake differs by about an order of magnitude. The central processing circuit 14 can easily determine which operation of tapping or shaking is applied to the digital camera 10. In addition, since the tap taps the digital 10 and the shake shakes the digital camera strongly, the amplitude of the waveform is also greatly different (the tap amplitude is small and the shake amplitude is large). Can also distinguish between tap and shake.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, if acceleration sensors 28Y for detecting acceleration in the Y-axis direction are arranged on the left and right sides of the digital camera 10, the frequency of the waveform detected by the left and right acceleration sensors 28Y, From the magnitude of the amplitude and the direction of the waveform generated first, it can be determined whether the lens is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the optical axis of the photographing lens (imaging optical axis direction; Y-axis direction). That is, if the digital camera 10 is shaken vigorously on the XY plane in FIG. 5B about the photographing optical axis direction (if shaken), the acceleration is detected by the acceleration sensor 28Y in the Y-axis direction. If the acceleration sensor 28Y for detecting the acceleration in the axial direction is provided on the left and right sides, it can be detected and determined whether it is shaken clockwise or counterclockwise around the photographing optical axis.

  If the digital camera 10 is shaken strongly back and forth, it is detected by the acceleration sensor 28Z in the Z-axis direction as a shake in the front-rear direction centered about the X-axis direction.

  In addition, three types of acceleration sensors 28 (28X, 28Y, 28Z) for detecting accelerations in the respective XYZ axial directions are arranged, and two acceleration sensors 28Y are provided so as to be separated from each other in the left and right directions. Motion (including tilt) can be detected, and the tilt detecting means may be omitted. When the left surface 10L of the digital camera is tapped, the generated acceleration is detected by the acceleration sensor 28X, and the tap is the left surface tap from the detected waveform frequency, amplitude magnitude, and direction of the first generated waveform. It is determined that there is.

  6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal display, and FIG. 6C shows a state where the digital camera is held. As shown in FIG. 6A, the liquid crystal display 16 includes a liquid crystal display element 16a and a backlight 16b, whereas the touch panel 17 includes an optical sensor 17a provided for each pixel of the liquid crystal display element. And the light from the backlight 16b is irradiated upward. For example, if the photographer holds the digital camera 10 with the right hand (see FIG. 6C) and touches the mode display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 with the index finger F of the left hand, the touched finger covers the screen of the liquid crystal display. Then, the light of the backlight is reflected by the finger and the reflected light is input to the optical sensor 17a (see FIGS. 6B and 6C). Therefore, the touch panel 17 detects which mode display is touched by the sensor 17a that receives the light of the backlight 16b reflected by the photographer's finger F.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of photographing control by the digital camera of the present invention. First, the operation state of the power switch (power switch) is determined (determined) in S101. If the power switch is not operated (if it is off), the process ends. If the power switch is on, the process proceeds to S102 and the shooting mode is set. If it is determined that the shooting mode is not set, the process branches to S131.

  In S131, the playback mode is determined. If the playback mode is not selected, the process returns to S101. If the playback mode is selected, the photographed image recorded in the memory 18 is selected and displayed (played back) on the liquid crystal display 16 in S132. When it is played back, it is determined whether or not the playback is to end in S133. If another image is played back, the process returns to S132 and the playback is repeated. If the playback is finished, the process returns to S101.

  If the shooting mode is determined in S102, an image of the subject is captured in the image pickup means 12 in S103, a live view image (through moving image) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in S104, and the composition is determined by checking the subject. Is done. In step S105, the vibration and tilt of the digital camera 10 are detected by the acceleration sensor 28. In step S106, it is determined whether the digital camera 10 is in a posture for photographing. If there is vibration or tilt (with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane), it is not considered to be properly held.

  FIG. 8 shows the subroutine of S106 in FIG. 7. First, it is determined whether or not the horizontal composition is in S201, and if it is not the horizontal composition, it is determined whether or not the vertical composition is in S202. If it is neither a horizontal composition nor a vertical composition, it is judged as a malfunction (NG). If it is a horizontal composition or a vertical composition, a vibration for a predetermined time, for example, 1 second is determined in S203. If vibration with a small amplitude and large frequency (gravity fluctuation) is detected in the Y-axis direction or X-axis direction under the horizontal composition or vertical composition, it is considered as a camera shake when shooting and is ignored. If a vibration that does not seem to be a camera shake is detected, it is determined that the camera is not ready for photographing, and a malfunction (NG) is determined.

  If the vibration is a camera shake, a touch at a predetermined position is determined in S204. The digital camera 10 is gripped if it is held for shooting, and a part of the gripping hand (usually the thumb) touches the touch panel. If a touch is detected, it is determined that the correct operation (OK) for photographing is performed. If no touch is detected in S204, it is determined that a malfunction (NG) has occurred due to accidental overlap and a horizontal composition or a vertical composition. The subroutine in FIG. 8 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, S203 and S204 may be omitted. However, in order to eliminate malfunction as much as possible, it is preferable not to omit the processes of S203 and S204.

  If it is determined that the camera is properly held in S106, the mode is switched after S111. If the camera is not properly held, the process proceeds to S121 and the image is shot without switching the mode.

  During movie shooting, it is not necessary to suddenly become a still image due to vibration during movie shooting.Therefore, it is not necessary to detect tilt during movie shooting. Therefore, it may not be performed for preventing malfunction.

  In S111, it is determined whether there is a tap. The direction of the tap is determined by the central processing circuit by detecting the acceleration (vibration) generated in the digital camera 10 by the operation detecting means (acceleration sensor) 28 and outputting the detection result to the central processing circuit 14. When it is determined in S111 that a tap has been applied to a predetermined surface (in the embodiment, the upper surface of the digital camera 10U) from a predetermined direction, the mode menu is subjected to central processing according to the strength or the number thereof. It is controlled by the circuit 14 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 so as to overlap the live view image.

  In S113, it is determined whether or not the mode displayed on the liquid crystal display 15 is touched. If there is a touch on the touch panel 17, the mode is switched according to the display position on the liquid crystal display and the touch position on the touch panel. That is, when the touch panel is touched at a position corresponding to the mode selected from the mode display on the liquid crystal display 16, the selected mode is set, the mode is switched, and the process proceeds to S121.

  If there is no touch on the touch panel in S113, it is determined in S115 whether or not there is an operation for resetting the mode display (menu off). The menu-off operation is an operation other than a tap that is an operation for displaying a mode, for example, a shake. The acceleration generated by the shake is detected by the acceleration sensor 28, and the detection result is output to the central processing circuit 14 to determine whether the shake is a predetermined shake. For example, if the counterclockwise shake is a menu-off operation and it is determined to be a predetermined shake, the menu mode displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in S116 is reset (mode off) and the process proceeds to S121.

  In S121, the presence / absence of photographing is determined. In S122, if the release switch 30a is operated (if there is a release operation or shutter operation), the selected image is photographed in the selected mode. To be recorded. If shooting is not performed in S121, the process returns to S101, and the subsequent flow is repeated again.

  If it is determined in S106 that vibration or tilt is detected and the camera is not properly set, the process proceeds to S121, and shooting is performed without mode switching and is recorded together with date and time information (S121 to S123). If the mode has already been switched in the previous process, the picture is taken in the switched mode.

  In S <b> 106 for determining whether or not the vehicle is correctly held, the inclination detection unit 26 may detect whether the vehicle is held in a horizontal posture for horizontal composition or a vertical posture for vertical composition. 9A and 9B show an example of a tilt detection method by the tilt detection means. The tilt detection means 26 is configured such that the Hall element 26a and the magnet 26b are combined, and the Hall element detects a magnetic field change of the magnet corresponding to the tilt (change in posture) of the digital camera 10. In other words, a substantially U-shaped support arm portion 26c is rotatably supported by a horizontally disposed shaft 26d, a partial annular permanent magnet 26b is held at the tip of the support arm portion, and the Hall element 26a is one of the magnets. It is placed in a position that overlaps the part.

  If the digital camera 10 is held horizontally without being tilted, the magnet 26b rotates and hangs around the horizontal shaft 26d due to its weight, and as shown in FIG. Are aligned with the Hall element 26a. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the digital camera 10 is tilted about the photographing optical axis direction, the magnet 26b rotates to change the magnetic field, and this change is detected by the Hall element 26a. Then, the detection signal of the hall element 26a is output to the central processing circuit 14, and the tilt (change in posture) of the digital camera is determined.

  The tilt detection means combining the Hall element and the magnet is an example, and a shake detection gyro or a mercury switch may be used as the tilt detection means. In addition, the tilt of the digital camera 10 may be determined from a change in the image on the image sensor. In this case, the image sensor functions as a tilt detection unit. Furthermore, an acceleration sensor or an angular acceleration sensor may be used as the inclination detection means. If the operation detection means 28 is an acceleration sensor, the inclination can also be detected, and the acceleration sensor (operation detection means) also serves as the inclination detection means 26, so the inclination detection means may be omitted. However, if the inclination detection means 26 is provided separately from the acceleration sensor (operation detection means) 28, it is possible to quickly detect whether the digital camera 10 is held in a horizontal posture or a vertical posture.

  As described above, the mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by the tap (first operation), and the mode is switched by selecting the mode by the touch (second operation) different from the operation for displaying the mode. .

  An imaging apparatus according to another embodiment (embodiment 2) of the present invention embodied as a digital camera in the same manner as the above embodiment (embodiment 1) will be described below. Here, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding structural members of the second embodiment having the same functions as the structural members of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by tapping the upper surface 10U of the digital camera (menu on), whereas in the second embodiment, the mode is displayed by shaking (shaking strongly) the digital camera. Is different.

  10A to 10C show modes of counterclockwise, touch, and shake in the clockwise direction, and FIG. 11 shows a screen of the liquid crystal display when shaken.

  If the operation applied to the digital camera 10 is not a tap but a shake, it can be roughly divided into a clockwise shake and a counterclockwise shake, and the shake in each direction is the same as in the case of a tap. It can be classified by strength, and can be used by subdividing operations. For example, the mode menu is displayed (mode on) with a counterclockwise shake (see FIG. 10A), and the mode display is reset (mode off) with a clockwise shake (see FIG. 10C). Different functions (on / off function) can be given to the direction component of the shake, and the mode display can be controlled by the shake.

  In addition, in the shake for displaying the mode (counterclockwise shake), the number of modes to be displayed can be increased by shaking strongly. For example, when shaken lightly counterclockwise (lightly shaken), there are two exposure correction modes (correction values; -0.3, +0.3) and one image size mode (mobile size). It appears on the screen from the right end of the liquid crystal display 16 and is displayed (see FIG. 11A). On the other hand, if the shake is strongly applied in the same counterclockwise direction, the number of modes displayed in both the exposure correction mode and the image size mode increases, and the exposure correction has four modes (−0.3, +0.3). , -0.6, +0.6), and two modes (portable size and TV size) are displayed in the image size. For example, the image size is 640 × 480 with a small number of pixels in the portable size of the image size, and the image size of 1920 × 1080 with a large number of pixels for the high-definition TV in the TV.

  The mode appears on the screen from the right end of the liquid crystal display 16 by the counterclockwise shake, and the direction of the shake (counterclockwise direction) corresponds to the direction in which the mode appears (from the right end to the left end). By associating the shake direction (operation direction) with the mode appearance direction in this manner, the mode can be displayed with a visual effect in which the mode appears more like a “launching gavel” as the shake is increased.

  The mode can be switched by selecting a mode from the mode menu displayed by the mode display by the shake and touching the touch panel as shown in FIG. 10B at the position corresponding to the mode. When the mode is switched and the mode display becomes unnecessary, the mode menu displayed in the reverse direction (clockwise) is reset.

  In FIGS. 11A and 11B, not only exposure correction but also an image size is displayed, and two mode menus (items) are displayed on the same screen. In this way, if multiple items, for example, exposure correction and image size are displayed on the same screen, mode conversion for exposure correction and mode conversion for image size can be performed simultaneously from the same screen display, and a wide range of mode switching can be performed quickly. Yes. In addition, since a plurality of items are displayed by touching from the displayed items at the same time, the photographer can save time and effort to select an item, and a reliable setting can be performed with few operations.

  A plurality of correction values are displayed in mode on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 as objects (candidates) to be switched by shaking, and if one of the correction values displayed in the mode is selected and the touch panel 17 is touched at the corresponding position, it is touched. The exposure is corrected to the corrected value, and shooting with the exposure correction becomes possible.

  Since the digital camera 10 is gripped and shaken, and the touch panel 17 can be touched with the thumb of the right hand, the mode can be switched by one-handed operation of only the right hand holding the digital camera 10. Since mode display, mode selection, and switching are performed by different types of operations such as shake and touch, mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be distinguished sensuously, and mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be performed without error. Yes.

  In addition, if the image is shaken lightly, the number of correction values displayed in the mode is small and only a small correction value is displayed, and the number of correction values displayed is increased and the large correction value is displayed. And if you want to make a small correction, shake lightly, and if you want a big correction, you need to shake strongly. Since the magnitude of the correction value corresponds to the strength of the shake, you can switch modes under intuitive operation. It becomes.

  In addition, when switching to a small correction value, the number of correction values that are mode-displayed as candidates for switching is small, and there is only a small range overlapping with the live view image on the liquid crystal display 16, which is unnecessary with the live view image. Duplicate display can be avoided. The captured image can be confirmed without being disturbed by the display of the correction value. When switching to a large correction value, the photographer tends to focus on selecting from a large number of candidates rather than confirming the captured image. Yes. Therefore, the photographer can switch the mode and shoot without being aware of the number of modes that are displayed in duplicate in the live view image. Needless to say, the correction value may be selected from a large value or a rough value in a narrow area that does not block the subject image.

  Since mode switching can be performed without using a mechanical switch for mode switching, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Also, since there is no mechanical switch protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible. Since the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, the liquid crystal display 16 can be enlarged, and the digital camera 10 having a good appearance can be obtained at the time of shooting and reproduction viewing.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of photographing control by the digital camera according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The difference between the flowchart of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is that the presence or absence of the tap in S111 in the first embodiment is the presence or absence of the shake in the second embodiment (S111b). The menu display based on the number of times is the menu display based on the direction and strength (S112b), and the rest is common.

  The flow chart of FIG. 12 will be briefly described. First, the operation state of the power switch is determined in S101. If the power switch is not operated, the process ends. If the power switch is on, the process proceeds to S102 and the shooting mode is determined. If the shooting mode is not set, the process branches to S131 to enter the playback mode, but steps S131 to S133 related to the playback mode are omitted.

  When the shooting mode is determined in S102, an image of the subject is captured in S103, a live view image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in S104, the subject is confirmed, and the composition is determined. In step S105, the vibration and tilt of the digital camera 10 are detected, and in step S106, it is determined whether the digital camera 10 is held in a shooting posture. Description of FIG. 8 showing the subroutine of S106 is omitted. If it is determined that the camera is properly held in S106, the process proceeds to S111b, and the mode can be switched. If the camera is not properly held, the process proceeds to S121 to determine the presence or absence of shooting, and without mode switching (the mode has been switched in the previous process) If so, the photograph is taken, and the photographed image is recorded in the memory 18 together with the date and time information (S121 to 123). If shooting is not performed in S121, the process returns to S101, and the subsequent flow is repeated again.

  In S111b, the presence / absence of shake is determined. Since the frequency generated by the shake is one digit different from that generated by the tap, whether the applied operation is a tap or a shake is detected by the acceleration sensor 28, and the detection result is output to the central processing circuit 14 to be output to the center. It is determined by the processing circuit. If the shake is determined in S111b, the direction and strength of the shake are detected by the acceleration sensor 28 and determined by the central processing circuit 14. If the shake is in a predetermined direction, for example, counterclockwise, the mode menu is controlled by the central processing circuit 14 according to the strength, and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in S112b. For example, if the shake is strong in the counterclockwise direction, the mode menu shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. If the shake is weak, the mode menu shown in FIG.

  In S113, it is determined whether or not the mode displayed on the liquid crystal display 15 is touched. If there is a touch, the mode is switched according to the touch position on the touch panel 17 and the display position on the liquid crystal display in S114. Photographed and recorded in the mode (S121 to S123). If there is no shake in S111b, or if there is no touch in S113, the image is taken without mode switching and recorded together with the date (S121 to S123), as in the case where it is determined in S106 that it cannot be properly held.

  In the second embodiment, a plurality of candidate modes are displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by a shake (first operation), and the mode is alternatively set by a touch (second operation) different from the operation for displaying the mode. The mode is switched by selecting.

  An imaging apparatus according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention embodied as a digital camera as in the first and second embodiments will be described below. Here, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding constituent members of the third embodiment having the same functions as the constituent members of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Mainly explained.

  The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the mode is displayed by shaking the digital camera, and the displayed mode is selected (determined) by the release operation (shutter operation) and the mode is switched. In the third embodiment, since the mode is switched by a shutter operation, the mode display position is associated with the release switch.

  13A to 13D show a counterclockwise shake, shutter operation, and a clockwise shake mode, and FIGS. 14A to 14D show a liquid crystal display screen when shaken. In the third embodiment, the mode is switched from the initial mode by the shake and displayed at a specific position, and can be switched to the initial mode by the reverse shake, and different modes are displayed depending on the strength of the shake. .

  That is, when shaken in the counterclockwise direction, the mode is switched from the initial mode to the liquid crystal display 16, and for example, when shaken slightly counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 13A, the still image mode in the initial mode is changed to the continuous shooting mode. Switched and displayed (see FIG. 14A), and switched to the moving image mode and displayed when the image is shaken strongly counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 13B (from the still image mode of the initial mode) (see FIG. 14). (See (B)). Here, the position of the mode display is specified immediately below the release switch 30a on the upper surface 10U of the digital camera. Along with the mode 16a, a mark indicating a release operation direction (release switch operation direction), for example, a triangular mark (arrow) 16b. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 immediately above the release switch and above the mode.

  Thus, the direction indicated by the triangle mark 16b coincides with the operation direction (push-in direction) of the release switch 30a and is switched to the indicated direction (continuous shooting mode when lightly shaken, moving image when strongly shaken). Mode) is displayed. If the release switch is operated in the downward direction indicated by the triangle mark (if pushed, see FIG. 13C), the mode indicated by the triangle mark (continuous shooting, moving image mode) is switched from the still image mode. Shooting is done. Since the mode switched to the operation direction of the release switch 30a is displayed, the mode executed by operating the release switch is visually recognized at a glance. Therefore, shooting in an unintended mode can be avoided. The switch operation and the mode coincide with each other sensuously, and photographing can be performed without hesitation.

  If the release operation (shutter operation) is performed in the moving image mode of FIG. 14B, the current mode (switched mode) 16c “moving image recording” is displayed, and the (next) release operation is performed. “End” which is the mode 16a (switched) is displayed, and it can be recognized at a glance that the release switch is a moving image end switch. As described above, the mode 16c being executed and the mode 16a executed (switched) by the release operation (shutter operation) are simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal display 16, so that the mode to be switched can be visually recognized at a glance. Usability is improved.

  If it is configured to switch from the still image mode to the continuous shooting mode when it is shaken lightly and from the still image mode when it is shaken strongly, the shooting time and the required recording capacity will increase in the moving image compared to continuous shooting. (Strength of shake) corresponds to the magnitude of the result (magnitude, such as shooting time), and the operation and the effect due to this match sensuously. Therefore, the operation for mode switching (strong operation or weak operation) is naturally recognized, and the operation corresponding to the mode can be performed accurately.

  If the image is shaken in the reverse direction, the mode display can be returned to the initial mode. If the image is shaken in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 13D, the mode is initialized, and the still image mode 16a in the initial mode includes the mark 16b. Then, it is displayed directly below the release switch 30a (see FIG. 14D).

  Set the order of the modes, and each time you shake gently, you switch to the next mode one by one, and if you shake too much, you switch to the next mode two by two. It may be configured to return to the previous mode two by two when shaken strongly in the direction. For example, between the three modes of still image, continuous shooting, and moving image, the order is still image (initial setting) → continuous shooting → moving image, and either clockwise or counterclockwise, for example, counterclockwise Shake lightly to switch from still image mode to continuous shooting mode, lightly shake counterclockwise again to switch from continuous shooting mode to movie mode, or lightly shake in the reverse clockwise direction to move from movie mode to continuous shooting mode clockwise. If the image is shaken lightly again, the mode may be changed from the continuous shooting mode to the still image mode. In addition, when moving forward and backward by two, for example, if the image is shaken strongly counterclockwise, the mode is switched from the still image mode (by skipping the continuous shooting mode) to the moving image mode, and if shaken strongly in the clockwise direction, Return to the still image mode (by skipping the continuous shooting mode).

  This mode switching which advances or returns modes one by one or two by two is particularly effective in a mode menu having a large number of modes to be switched. For example, program auto (shoots under the condition that the central processing circuit is determined to be optimal just by pressing the shutter button), portrait shooting (suitable for taking pictures of people), night view (suitable for taking pictures of night scenes such as illuminated buildings) , Snap shots (suitable for taking pictures of people with scenery), landscapes (suitable for taking pictures of distant scenery), beach snow (suitable for taking pictures of beaches and snowy mountains, etc.), party shots (strobe light reaching far away, In the menu mode with shooting modes such as self-portrait (suitable for taking pictures of yourself using the self-timer) and the self-portrait mode, you can switch from the default program auto to each shooting mode. Mode switching can be performed quickly.

  In the case of advancing and retreating in the middle, the number of modes that advance and retreat at a time is not limited to two, and for example, the modes may be advanced and returned three by three. Moreover, it is not necessary to make the number of the time of advance and return equal, for example, it is good also as a structure which advances one by one and returns two. When returning further, it may be configured to skip all the way in one shake and return directly to the initial setting.

  Although a shake that is vibrated clockwise and counterclockwise about the photographing optical axis direction as a center is considered as a shake, different types of shakes, for example, a horizontal Z-axis parallel to the photographing optical axis (see FIG. 5 (B)) may be used separately from another type of shake (shaking in the front-rear direction) that is vigorously shaken in the front-rear direction around the direction. For example, the mode may be advanced with a shake about the photographing optical axis and returned one by one with the shake in the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction), or may be directly returned to the default mode. Conversely, the mode may be displayed with a shake in the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction), and the mode may be returned with a shake about the photographing optical axis.

  The third embodiment can be applied to a configuration without any touch and touch and without a touch panel. However, for example, the mode display may be initialized by tapping or touching, or the menu mode may be returned one by one and displayed.

  Needless to say, the technical idea of switching the modes one by one or two at a time can be adopted in the first and second embodiments. Moreover, it is employable also in Example 4 mentioned later.

  Thus, the mode can be selected and switched by displaying the mode on the liquid crystal display 16 by the shake and operating the release switch (release operation, shutter operation). Various modes can be displayed by changing the mode to be switched (candidate) according to the strength of the tap, and a wide range of modes can be switched quickly by selecting from a number of displayed modes. In addition, since the release switch operation doubles as confirmation (selection) and switching of the mode, there is no need for independent operation for confirmation (selection) and switching of the mode, just by operating the release switch (shutter You can shoot in the desired mode.

  Since the upper surface 10U of the digital camera can be tapped with the index finger of the right hand holding the digital camera 10 and the touch panel 17 can be touched with the thumb of the right hand, the mode can be switched by one-hand operation of only the right hand holding the digital camera 10. Since mode display, mode selection, and switching are performed with different types of operations such as tapping and touching, mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be distinguished sensuously, and mode display, mode selection, and switching operations can be performed without error. Yes.

  In this way, if you shake strongly, you can skip the mode menu on the way and display the mode, if you want to display one by one in order, shake lightly, if you want to skip and display it, you should shake strongly. Since the progress of the mode display corresponds to the strength of the shake, the mode can be switched under an intuitive operation. By skipping the display on the way, the mode can be switched quickly.

  Since mode switching can be performed without using a mechanical switch for mode switching, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Also, since there is no mechanical switch protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible. Since a mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, a large-sized liquid crystal display 16 can be adopted, and a large-sized liquid crystal display 10 can provide a digital camera 10 that has a good appearance during shooting and playback viewing.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of photographing control by the digital camera according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In S101, the operation state of the power switch (power switch) is determined. If the power switch is not operated, the process ends. If the power switch is on, the shooting mode is determined in S102. If not, the process branches to S131.

  In S131, the playback mode is determined. If the playback mode is not selected, the process returns to S101. If the playback mode is selected, the photographed image recorded in the memory 18 is selected and displayed (played back) on the liquid crystal display 16 in S132. When it is played back, it is determined in S133 whether or not to end the playback. If another image is played back without finishing the playback, the process returns to S132 and the playback is repeated. If the playback is finished, the process returns to S101.

  If the shooting mode is determined in S102, an image of the subject is captured in S103, a live view image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in S104, the subject is confirmed, and the composition is determined. Then, in S105, the vibration and tilt of the digital camera 10 are detected by the acceleration sensor 28, and it is determined in S161 whether the vibration is strong in the front-rear direction. If the vibration is strong in the front-rear direction, the previous mode is initialized and initialized. Switch to setting mode. If the vibration is not strong back and forth, it is determined in S163 whether or not the digital camera 10 is held in a posture for photographing. Here, when the acceleration sensor 26Z (see FIG. 5B) detects a vibration (shaking in the front-rear direction) that is vibrated strongly in the front-rear direction and the central processing circuit 14 determines that the shake is in the front-rear direction, the current mode display is displayed. It is supposed to reset and initialize.

  As shown in the subroutine of FIG. 8, whether or not the camera is ready for shooting is determined in S201 as to whether it is a horizontal composition. If it is not a horizontal composition, it is determined whether it is a vertical composition in S202. It is determined as (NG). If it is a horizontal composition or a vertical composition, a vibration for a predetermined time, for example, 1 second is determined in S203. If vibration with a small amplitude and a large frequency (gravity fluctuation) is detected in the Y-axis direction or X-axis direction under the horizontal composition or vertical composition, it is judged as camera shake when shooting and is ignored. Then, it is determined that the correct operation (OK) for photographing is performed, and if there is no camera shake, it is determined that the camera is not properly held and a malfunction (NG) is determined.

  If it is determined that the camera shake occurs when the vibration is set in the horizontal composition or the vertical composition, a touch at a predetermined position is determined in S204. It is considered that the digital camera 10 is gripped if it is held for shooting, and if it is touched on the touch panel, it is determined that the digital camera 10 is gripped. It is determined that the operation is correct (OK). If no touch is detected in S204, it is determined that a malfunction (NG) has occurred due to accidental overlap and a horizontal composition or a vertical composition.

  If it is determined in S163 that the camera is ready for shooting, the presence or absence of the shake is determined in S164. If there is a shake, its direction and strength are determined from the acceleration (gravity acceleration) generated by the shake, and a predetermined direction ( For example, if the shake is counterclockwise, the mode menu is displayed at a specific position on the liquid crystal display 16 (for example, directly below the release switch 30a) in S165 according to the strength. For example, if the shake is weak in the counterclockwise direction, the continuous shooting mode is set. If the shake is strong in the counterclockwise direction, the moving image mode is set, and the liquid crystal display 16 is directly below the release switch 30a via the release operation direction (pressing direction). (See FIGS. 14A and 14B).

  If the mode is initialized in S162, the camera is not ready for shooting in S163, or if there is no shake in S164, the process proceeds to S141, and the presence / absence of shooting is determined. If the release switch 30a is pressed and the switch is operated, it is determined in S143 whether or not the mode display immediately below the release switch is continuous shooting. If it is a continuous shooting mode, the image is taken in the continuous shooting mode in S143. Is recorded in the memory 18 together with date and time information in S147. If shooting is not performed in S141, the process returns to S101, and the subsequent flow is repeated again.

  If there is no continuous shooting display in S142, it is determined in S144 whether a moving image is displayed immediately below the release switch. If there is a moving image mode display, a moving image is captured in S145, and the captured image is date / time information in S147. And the like are recorded in the memory 18. If no moving image is displayed in S144, a still image is captured in S143, and the captured image is recorded in the memory 18 together with date and time information in S147. When continuous shooting, moving images, and still images are shot and recorded in S147, the flow returns to S101 and the flow is repeated. If there are previous and subsequent shakes in S161, the continuous shooting and moving image modes are initialized.

  In the third embodiment, the mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by the shake (first operation), and the mode is selected by the shutter operation (release operation; second operation) different from the operation for displaying the mode. Mode switching.

  Combining the tap, touch, and shake described in the first to third embodiments enables complicated mode switching. A combination of the tap, touch, shake, and shutter operation (release operation) is described as a fourth embodiment below. explain. Also in the fourth embodiment, the image pickup apparatus is embodied as a digital camera in the same manner as the first embodiment (first to third embodiments), and corresponds to the fourth embodiment having the same functions as the constituent members of the basic first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the constituent members to be omitted, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  16A to 16D are modes of operations applied to the digital camera, such as tap, touch, counterclockwise direction, and clockwise shake, and FIGS. 17A and 17B and FIGS. ) Shows the LCD screen when tapped or shaken.

  For example, when the digital camera upper surface 10U is tapped as shown in FIG. 16A, the mode menu is displayed on the upper part of the liquid crystal display 16 overlapping the live view image, and the displayed mode menu depends on the strength of the tap. In contrast, the more you tap the harder, the more mode menus appear. For example, one mode menu is displayed when lightly touched, and two mode menus are displayed when tapped hard (see FIGS. 17A and 17B). It is good also as a structure which increases the number of mode menus displayed according to the number of taps instead of the strength of a tap.

  The displayed mode menu is a high-level concept mode menu. As shown in FIG. 16B, the mode is selected by touching (touch panel) and then switched to a low-level concept mode. Since the shake can be clockwise or counterclockwise, it can be used not only in strength but also in that direction. For example, the exposure correction mode is selected by touching exposure correction among the two modes (shooting switching and exposure correction) displayed by tapping strongly. Then, if you shake, a subordinate mode menu is displayed as appropriate according to the direction and strength of the shake. For example, depending on the direction of the shake, a positive mode (correction value) 16a in the counterclockwise shake and a negative mode (correction value) in the clockwise direction indicate a release operation direction, for example, a triangle mark (arrow ) It is displayed at the top of the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 together with 16b, and a larger value is displayed as it shakes strongly. Since it is difficult to understand at a glance which mode is a numerical value only mode, “correction exposure” which is the higher-order concept mode 16a ′ is displayed together with the lower-order concept mode 16a.

  That is, as shown by a thin arrow S11 in FIG. 16C, if a slight shake is made in the counterclockwise direction, a small negative correction value (−) between the exposure correction 16a ′ of the superordinate concept and the correction value of the subordinate concept with a mark. 0.3) and 16a are displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 so as to overlap the live view image (see FIG. 18A). Further, if the image is shaken strongly in the same counterclockwise direction as indicated by the thick arrow S12 in FIG. 16C, a large negative correction value (−1.0) 16a is displayed together with the superordinate exposure correction 16a ′ with a mark. (See FIG. 18B). The tap is made from the top to the bottom, and the mode to be selected appears from the top to the bottom on the screen of the liquid crystal display 10 corresponding to the tap direction (from top to bottom). By matching the direction (from top to bottom) with the mode appearance direction (from top to bottom), the visual appearance that the mode appears like a “launching gavel” from the tapped position as you tap more strongly. The mode can be displayed.

  If shake is performed in the clockwise direction opposite to the counterclockwise direction in which the negative correction value is switched, a positive correction value corresponding to the strength of the shake is displayed as in FIGS. In other words, if the image is shaken lightly in the clockwise direction as indicated by the thin arrow S21 in FIG. 16C, a small positive correction value (+0.3) 16a is displayed with a superordinate exposure correction 16a ′ with a mark (FIG. 16). 18 (C)), if it is shaken strongly clockwise as indicated by the thin arrow S22, a large positive correction value (+1.0) 16a ′ is displayed, although not shown.

  In the fourth embodiment, a mode menu of a higher concept is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by a tap (first operation), and a mode (from the mode menu is displayed by a touch (second operation) different from the operation for displaying the mode). The mode of the lower concept is selected, the mode menu of the lower concept is displayed by shaking (third operation), and the mode is switched by selecting the mode by release operation (shutter operation; fourth operation). By combining four types of operations, tap, touch, shake, and shutter operation (release operation), it is possible to quickly switch from a large number of higher-level concept mode menus to their lower-level concepts, and to select a wide range of modes. It can be done quickly and effectively.

  Instead of mode-displaying the superordinate concept by tapping and displaying the subordinate concept by shaking, the superordinate concept may be mode-displayed by tapping, and the subordinate concept may be mode-displayed by tapping.

  Tap and shutter operation can be performed with the index finger of the right hand holding the digital camera 10, and the touch panel 17 can be touched with the thumb of the right hand and shaken while being held, and tap, touch, shake, and shutter operation (release operation). Since all the operations can be performed while holding the digital camera 10, a wide range of modes can be switched by one-hand operation.

  Tap the mode display of the upper concept, select the mode, touch the switch, touch the lower mode display with the shake, select the mode, switch the mode with different types of operations, shutter operation, mode display, mode with the lower concept Since selection and switching are performed, mode display in the higher concept, mode selection, switching, mode display in the lower concept, mode selection, and switching operation can be distinguished sensuously, and mode display in the higher concept and lower concept , Mode selection and switching operations can be performed without error.

  Since the mode is displayed by tapping, the mode menu displayed can be switched depending on the strength and number of taps. Therefore, if you tap strongly or increase the number of taps, you can increase the number of modes displayed as switching candidates, and the number of displayed modes corresponds to the strength and number of taps. Therefore, the mode can be displayed under intuitive operation. If mode display is performed with shake, the mode menu displayed according to the strength of the shake can be switched. Therefore, if you shake strongly, the number of modes displayed as candidates for switching can be increased, and the number of modes displayed corresponds to the strength of the shake. The mode can be displayed.

  Further, if the number of displayed modes is reduced to reduce the overlapping range with the live view image of the liquid crystal display 16, unnecessary overlapping display with the live view image can be avoided, and the captured image is not disturbed by the mode display. Can be confirmed.

  Since mode switching can be performed without using a mechanical switch for mode switching, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Also, since there is no mechanical switch protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible. Since the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, the liquid crystal display 16 can be enlarged, and the digital camera 10 having a good appearance can be obtained at the time of shooting and reproduction viewing.

  FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of shooting control by the digital camera according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. First, the presence or absence of a tap is determined in S501, and if there is no predetermined tap, for example, a tap on the upper surface 10U of the digital camera, the process branches to S507. If there is a tap, the upper concept mode is live on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 in S502. It is displayed at the top of the screen overlapping the view image. The number of modes displayed according to the strength of the tap is different. One mode is displayed when tapping is strong, and a plurality of, for example, two modes are displayed when tapping is performed strongly (see FIGS. 17A and 17B). . Whether or not the touch panel is touched at the position of the displayed mode is determined in S503. If there is a touch, the mode is selected in S504. If there is no touch and no mode is selected, the process branches to S507.

  If there is a touch, the presence / absence of a shake in the up / down direction (clockwise or counterclockwise shake about the center of the photographing optical axis) is determined in S505. If there is a shake in the up / down direction, in S506, depending on the direction and strength of the shake. It is switched to the mode display of the subordinate concept of the mode of the superordinate concept (selected). For example, if a mode related to a numerical value (correction value) such as exposure correction is selected as a higher concept mode, either plus or minus correction value is displayed and displayed as a lower concept depending on the direction of the shake. The number of correction values also varies depending on the strength of the shake. If the shake is strong, the number of correction values displayed increases. If the sub concept is not a mode of contradictory concepts such as plus and minus, the mode of the same sub concept is displayed regardless of the direction of the shake, and the number of displayed modes increases according to the strength of the shake.

  The presence or absence of strong vibrations in the front and rear is determined in S507. For example, if strong vibrations are detected and determined by shaking forward or backward (shaking back and forth), the mode is initialized and terminated in S508. If there is no strong vibration in the front and rear, the process ends without being reset.

  In the middle of setting various modes, it may be necessary to change the previously set mode. In such a case, a configuration that can easily change the mode is described below as a modified example. FIG. 20 shows the order of the set modes. For example, (1) a moving image is set in the shooting mode, (2) a correction value of −0.3 is set in the exposure correction, and (3) the portable size is set in the image size. If you do, you may want to change the already set video mode to still image mode. In such a case, it is preferable that the moving image mode can be switched to the mode without resetting the already set exposure correction and image size modes.

  FIGS. 21A to 21C show the display of the liquid crystal display for reset, and the screen display of the digital camera 10 may be switched to the reset mode by tapping. For example, the menu is first turned off by tapping the left side surface 10L of the digital camera, not the tap on the upper surface 10U of the digital camera for displaying the mode for switching. When the left side is further tapped after the menu is turned off, a different reset mode is displayed depending on the strength of the tap. For example, when the left side is tapped lightly, a mode for resetting the last setting is displayed. In addition, if you tap with an intermediate force that is neither strong nor weak after turning off the menu, you will see “Reset last setting” mode in addition to “Reset last setting” mode. Three modes of “setting reset”, “previous setting reset”, and “previous setting reset” are displayed. If the displayed mode is touched, the mode is reset.

  In this way, if different reset modes are displayed depending on the strength of the tap, it is possible to switch directly to the target mode and reset only that mode without resetting the intermediate mode, and to switch modes of subordinate concepts of that mode. . In addition, the stronger the tap is, the more the tap set previously is displayed and can be reset, and the strength of the tap is related to the reset setting, so the strength of the tap from before and after the setting to be reset Can be guessed and quickly get to the mode of setting to be reset. In this modification, the reset is clearly distinguished from the initialization, and refers to canceling (erasing) the currently displayed mode.

  22A and 22B show the shake in the front-rear direction and the screen of the liquid crystal display at that time. In the second to fourth embodiments, the mode is displayed with a shake that is substantially centered on the photographing optical axis. However, the mode may be displayed by a shake in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 22A instead of the shake centered around the photographing optical axis. The shake in the front-rear direction is strongly shaken back and forth around the X axis (see FIG. 5B) orthogonal to the photographing optical axis (Z-axis) in the horizontal direction, and the shake in the front-rear direction is detected by the acceleration sensor 28Z. The

  In the shake in the front-rear direction, corresponding to the direction of the shake (front-rear direction), as shown in FIG. 22B, it appears so as to spring up from the top and bottom on the screen of the liquid crystal display 16, and shakes strongly. The number of modes that appear increases as the number of modes increases. In particular, an effect that appears from the back of the screen of the liquid crystal display 16 is scattered, and the mode is displayed with a visual effect, so that it can be displayed more effectively.

  Usually, since the digital camera 10 is set so that the subject is positioned at the center and the subject is not positioned above and below the live view image, if the mode is displayed separately on the top and bottom, the captured image is not disturbed by the mode display. Can be confirmed. Therefore, instead of the mode display in which the operation direction and the mode appearance direction correspond to each other and appear continuously like a “launching gavel”, the mode is changed to a tap or a shake with the imaging optical axis as the center. Even when displaying, the mode may be displayed separately in the vertical direction so that the captured image can be easily confirmed. Further, a mode display in which the operation direction and the mode appearance direction are displayed in correspondence with each other and a mode display in the vertical direction may be selected.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the mode menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display (display means) in response to the first operation such as tap or shake applied to the digital camera (imaging device), and touch, shutter operation, etc. In response to the second operation, the mode is selected from the displayed mode menu and the mode is switched. According to this configuration, a wide range of modes can be changed, and shake, tap, touch, and shutter operations can be performed. Since both can be operated with the hand holding the digital camera, mode switching can be performed quickly and easily with one hand. The mode can be switched quickly and easily, so you can shoot without missing a photo opportunity under the optimal conditions.

  Since mode switching can be performed without using a mechanical switch for mode switching, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Also, since there is no mechanical switch protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible. Since the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, the display means can be increased in size, and an imaging device with good appearance can be obtained at the time of shooting and playback viewing.

  The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. All modifications, alterations, etc. within the technical scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the upper surface 10U of the digital camera having the release switch 30a is used as the operation surface, and the mode is switched when the operation detection means 28 detects a tap on the upper surface 10U. However, the surface (operation surface) for detecting an effective tap is not limited to the upper surface of the digital camera 10, and may be the right surface, the left surface, the lower surface, the front surface, and the back surface (of the digital camera when positioned horizontally). Furthermore, the operation surface is not limited to one surface, and a plurality of surfaces may be used as the operation surface.

  Combinations and arrangements of modes in the mode menu displayed on the liquid crystal display are examples, and are not limited to those illustrated in the embodiments. 7, 8, 12, 15, and 19 show flowcharts and subroutines in photographing according to the present invention, but these are only examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  A liquid crystal display (display means) 16 is provided so as to be able to swing on the side instead of the back of the imaging device 10, and the live view image can be displayed not only from the side but also from the back and front (subject side) by swinging the liquid crystal display back and forth. It may be observable. You may combine suitably the structure, technical idea, etc. which were illustrated in Examples 1-4 and the modification. In the embodiment, the image pickup apparatus is embodied as a digital camera. However, the image pickup apparatus targeted by the present invention is not limited to a digital camera. For example, a digital video camera, a mobile phone having a digital camera function, and a digital camera are used. An attached portable terminal and the like are also included in the imaging apparatus referred to in the present invention.

[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention, an invention having the following configuration can be obtained.
(1) A method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus provided with a display means for displaying a photographed image,
A mode menu as a selection candidate is displayed on the display means according to the strength of the first operation applied to the photographing apparatus,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus, wherein a mode is selected from a displayed mode menu and the mode is switched in accordance with a second operation applied to the imaging apparatus to determine a specific position of the display means.
(2) A method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus provided with display means for displaying a photographed image,
A mode menu as a selection candidate is displayed on the display means according to the strength of the first operation applied to the photographing apparatus,
In response to a second operation applied to the photographing device to determine the specific position of the display means, the mode is selected from the displayed mode menu, and the mode is switched.
A mode switching method for an image pickup apparatus that resets or initializes a displayed mode menu in accordance with a 3-1 operation applied to the image pickup apparatus.
(3) The mode switching method of the imaging apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the second operation is a different type of operation from the first operation.
(4) A method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus provided with display means for displaying a photographed image,
Display the mode menu on the display means by tapping a predetermined surface of the photographing device,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus in which a mode is selected by selecting a mode from a displayed mode menu by touching a touch panel provided on a screen surface of a display unit.
(5) A method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus provided with display means for displaying a photographed image,
Display the mode menu on the display means by shaking the photographing device,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus in which a mode is selected by selecting a mode from a displayed mode menu by touching a touch panel provided on a screen surface of a display unit.
(6) The shake for displaying the mode menu is a shake in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction around the substantially photographing optical axis of the imaging device,
The mode switching method of the imaging apparatus according to (5), wherein the displayed mode menu is reset or initialized by a reverse shake.
(7) A method for switching modes of an imaging apparatus provided with display means for displaying a photographed image,
By shaking the photographing device, one mode is displayed in a predetermined order on the display means,
A mode switching method for an image pickup apparatus in which a displayed mode is determined and a mode is switched by operating a release switch.
(8) The shake for displaying the mode menu is a shake in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction around the substantially photographing optical axis of the imaging device,
The mode switching method of the imaging apparatus according to (7), wherein the mode display is initialized by a reverse shake.
(9) A method for switching modes of an image pickup apparatus provided with display means for displaying a photographed image,
In response to the first operation applied to the photographing apparatus, a high-level concept mode menu is displayed on the display means,
In accordance with the second operation applied to the photographing apparatus, the mode is selected from the displayed higher-level concept mode menu to switch to the lower-level concept mode menu,
In accordance with the operation 3-2 applied to the photographing apparatus, a mode is selected from the subordinate mode menu displayed,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus in which a displayed mode is determined and a mode is switched by a fourth operation.
(10) The second operation is a touch, the fourth operation is an operation of a release switch, the first operation is one of a tap and a shake, and the third operation is the other (9 The method for switching the mode of the image pickup apparatus described above.
(11) The mode switching method of the imaging apparatus according to (4) or (10), wherein a different mode menu is displayed according to the strength of the tap or the number of taps.
(12) The mode switching method of the imaging device according to any one of (5), (7), and (10), wherein a different mode menu is displayed depending on a direction or strength of a shake.
(13) display means for displaying a photographed image;
Switch means for performing an operation according to a position corresponding to the display content of the display means;
Operation determining means for detecting an operation applied to the imaging apparatus;
Means for detecting a state in which the imaging apparatus is held;
Control means for determining the detection result of the operation detection means in a state of holding the imaging apparatus, displaying the mode on the display means, and controlling photographing of the imaging apparatus in accordance with the operation of the switch means corresponding to the mode display When,
An imaging apparatus comprising:
(14) The imaging apparatus according to (13), wherein the operation determination unit includes an acceleration sensor, and detects an acceleration generated by an operation applied to the imaging apparatus.
(15) The imaging apparatus according to (13), wherein the operation determination unit includes an acceleration sensor and serves also as a unit that detects a state in which the imaging apparatus is held.
(16) The imaging device according to (14) or (15), wherein the control unit controls the mode display of the display unit according to the intensity of the acceleration detected by the operation determination unit.
(17) Any of the above (13), (14), and (16), wherein the means for detecting the state in which the image pickup apparatus is held is an inclination detection means for detecting the inclination of the image pickup apparatus about the photographing optical axis direction. Or an imaging apparatus.
(18) The imaging device according to any one of (13) to (17), wherein the switch unit is a release switch or a touch panel provided on a surface of the display unit.
(19) display means for displaying a photographed image;
Acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration caused by a tap or shake applied to the surface of the imaging device;
Means for detecting a state in which the imaging apparatus is held;
The detection result of the operation detection means in the state of holding the imaging device is determined, the mode is displayed on the display means, and the shooting corresponding to the selected mode is controlled according to the operation of selecting the displayed mode Control means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:
(20) When the control unit determines that the tap is on the surface of the imaging device, the control unit controls to increase the number of modes displayed according to the strength or the number of the tap. apparatus.
(21) The imaging device according to (19), wherein when the control unit determines that the shake is in a predetermined direction, the control unit controls to increase the number of modes displayed according to the strength of the shake.
(22) The touch panel provided on the screen surface of the display means is further provided, and the mode is selected by touching the touch panel at a position corresponding to the mode displayed on the display means. Any one of the imaging devices.
(23) The imaging apparatus according to (19), wherein the number of displayed modes is one, and shooting is performed under a mode displayed by operating a release switch.
(24) The control means first displays a menu of the superordinate concept mode on the display means,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of (19) to (23), wherein control is performed so as to display a mode of a subordinate concept in response to the next operation.
(25) When the operation detection means has an X axis in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis, a Y axis in the vertical direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis, and a Z axis in the horizontal direction parallel to the photographing optical axis, the X axis direction The imaging device according to (13) or (20), further comprising: an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration in a Y-axis direction; an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration in a Y-axis direction; and an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration in a Z-axis direction.
And according to the invention of the said structure obtained by the embodiment of this invention, the following effects are acquired.
That is, in the present invention described in the above (1), the mode menu is displayed by the first operation, and the mode can be switched by selecting the mode from the mode menu displayed by the second operation. By displaying, a wide range of modes can be quickly switched. If the first and second operations can be performed with a hand holding the imaging apparatus, the mode can be switched with a one-hand operation.
Note that the conventional switch operation (for mode switching) by the mechanical mode switch is not an operation applied to the image pickup apparatus itself, and thus clearly does not correspond to the “switch operation” in the present invention.
In the present invention described in (2) above, the mode menu is displayed by the first operation, the mode can be switched by selecting the mode from the mode menu displayed by the second operation, and a large number of mode menus are displayed. Therefore, a wide range of mode switching can be performed quickly. Further, the mode menu can be reset or initialized by the operation of 3-1, so that a wide range of modes can be quickly switched from this point. Furthermore, if the first, second, and 3-1 operations can all be performed by a hand that holds the imaging apparatus, the mode can be switched by a one-handed operation.
In the present invention described in (3) above, since the first and second operations are different types of operations, the mode display, mode selection, and switching operation can be distinguished sensuously, and the mode display, mode selection, Switching can be done without error.
In the present invention described in (4) above, a mode menu is displayed by tapping, a mode can be switched by selecting a mode from the mode menu displayed by touch, and a wide variety of modes can be displayed by displaying a large number of mode menus. Switching can be done quickly. The mode display operation (tap) and the mode selection / switching operation (touch) are different types of operations, so the mode selection / switching operation can be distinguished sensuously. Can be selected and switched without error.
In the present invention described in the above (5), the mode menu is displayed by the shake, the mode can be switched by selecting the mode from the mode menu displayed by the touch, and a wide variety of modes are displayed by displaying a large number of mode menus. Switching can be done quickly. The operation for mode display (shaking) and the operation for mode selection and switching (touch) are different types of operations, so the mode selection and switching operations can be distinguished sensuously. Can be selected and switched without error.
In the present invention described in (6) above, if the operation for mode display is set as shake, it can be used properly from that direction, so mode display is performed in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, The mode display can be reset by resetting the mode display with a reverse shake.
In the present invention described in (7) above, since the operation of the release switch also serves as the operation for determining (selecting) and switching the mode, independent operation for determining (selecting) and switching the mode is not required. You can shoot in the desired mode just by operating the switch (just by shutter operation).
In the present invention described in (8) above, since the direction of the shake can be properly used, the mode display is performed in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction, and the mode display is reset in the reverse direction. Thus, the mode display can be initialized.
In the present invention described in (9) above, by combining the first to fourth operations, not only the mode menu of the higher concept can be switched and displayed, but also the mode menu of the lower concept can be switched and displayed. Can be done quickly and effectively. If all the first to fourth operations can be performed by a hand holding the imaging apparatus, the mode can be switched by a one-hand operation.
In the present invention described in (10) above, complicated modes can be switched by properly using four different types of operations such as tap, touch, release switch operation, and shake.
In the present invention described in (11) above, different mode menus can be displayed by properly using the strength and number of taps, and a wide variety of mode menus can be displayed.
In the present invention described in (12) above, different mode menus can be displayed by properly using the direction and strength of the shake, and a wide variety of mode menus can be displayed.
In the present invention described in the above (13), the detection result of the operation detecting means in the state where the image pickup apparatus is held is determined, the mode is displayed on the display means, and photographing is performed according to the operation of the switch means corresponding to the mode display. A wide range of modes can be switched under the control of the control means by operating the switch means. Further, a mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Since there are no mechanical switches protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible.
In the present invention described in (14) above, the mode display can be controlled according to the detected acceleration.
In the present invention described in (15) above, means for detecting the state in which the imaging apparatus is held can be omitted.
In the present invention described in (16) above, mode display can be controlled according to the strength of acceleration, and a wide range of modes can be switched by changing the mode display displayed according to the strength of acceleration.
In the present invention described in (17) above, the state in which the image pickup apparatus is held can be directly detected by the inclination detecting means.
In the present invention described in the above (18), the photographing can be controlled by an operation indispensable for photographing such as an operation of a release switch or a reliable operation such as touching a touch panel.
In the present invention described in (19) above, the detection result of the operation detection means in the state of holding the imaging device is determined, the mode is displayed on the display means, and the mode is selected according to the operation for selecting the displayed mode. The shooting corresponding to the selected mode is controlled, and a wide range of modes can be switched under the control of the control means. Further, a mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. Since there are no mechanical switches protruding outside, an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions is possible.
In the present invention described in (20) above, since the number of displayed modes is increased in accordance with the strength and number of taps, a mode can be selected from a large number of displayed modes, and a wide range of modes can be selected. In addition, since the number of displayed modes can be adjusted according to the strength and number of taps, unnecessary overlapping display with the live view image can be avoided.
In the present invention described in (21) above, since the number of modes to be displayed is increased according to the strength of the shake, a mode can be selected from a large number of displayed modes, and a wide range of modes can be selected. Since the number of modes to be displayed can be adjusted according to the strength of the shake, unnecessary overlapping display with the live view image can be avoided.
In the present invention described in (22) above, since the mode is selected by touch, an unnecessary impact is not given to the imaging apparatus.
In the present invention described in (23) above, the mode can be selected and switched by operating the release switch, and the operation for selecting and switching the mode can be omitted.
In the present invention described in (24) above, the mode menu of the higher concept is displayed in order from the mode menu of the lower concept and can be selected, so that the mode can be switched smoothly.
In the present invention described in (25) above, the direction in which the acceleration occurs can be detected three-dimensionally, and the acceleration can be accurately determined.

  The present invention can be widely applied to imaging devices such as a digital camera having a display means such as a liquid crystal display, a digital video camera, a mobile phone having a digital camera function, and a mobile terminal with a digital camera.

10 Digital camera (imaging device)
10U operation surface (top surface of digital camera)
10L Another operation surface (left side of digital camera)
12 Imaging means 12a Shooting lens (zoom lens)
14 Central processing circuit (control means)
16 Liquid crystal display (display means)
17 Touch panel (switch means)
18 Memory (Recording means)
24 switch operation determination means 26 tilt detection means 28 operation determination means (acceleration sensor)
30 switch group 30a release switch (switch means)

Claims (6)

A method for switching a mode of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a first shake operation applied to the imaging device and based on the output of said acceleration detecting means, and displays the first mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When the second shake operation is detected after displaying the first mode menu, the second mode menu is additionally displayed as a selection candidate in addition to the first mode menu,
A mode corresponding to the position of the touch operation when a touch operation on any of the selection candidates configured from the first mode menu and the second mode menu displayed on the display means is detected. A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus, wherein A method for switching a mode of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a shake operation applied to based imaging device to an output of said acceleration detecting means, to display the mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When a touch operation applied to the display means is detected based on the output of the touch panel, a mode is selected from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus in which the appearance direction of the mode menu as a selection candidate matches the direction of a shake operation. A method for switching a mode of an imaging apparatus including a display unit having a touch panel and an acceleration detection unit,
Upon detecting a shake operation applied to based imaging device to an output of said acceleration detecting means, to display the mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
When a touch operation applied to the display means is detected based on the output of the touch panel, a mode is selected from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation,
The above mode menu as a selection candidate changes according to the strength of the shake operation,
A mode switching method for an imaging apparatus in which the appearance direction of the mode menu as a selection candidate matches the direction of a shake operation. Display means having a touch panel;
Acceleration detection means;
Upon detecting a first shake operation applied to an imaging apparatus based on the output of said acceleration detecting means, and displays the first mode menu which is a selection candidate on the display means,
Control means for additionally displaying the second mode menu as a selection candidate in addition to the first mode menu when a second shake operation is detected after displaying the first mode menu;
Equipped with
A mode corresponding to the position of the touch operation when a touch operation on any of the selection candidates configured from the first mode menu and the second mode menu displayed on the display means is detected. An imaging device characterized by being switched to Display means having a touch panel;
Acceleration detection means;
And control means for performing mode switching based on the touch operation applied to the display means is detected from the output of the shake operation and the touch panel applied to the imaging device detected from the output of said acceleration detecting means,
Comprising
When detecting the shake operation, the control means displays a mode menu as a selection candidate on the display means. When detecting the touch operation, the control means selects a mode from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation.
An imaging apparatus in which the appearance direction of the mode menu as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation. Display means having a touch panel;
Acceleration detection means;
And control means for performing mode switching based on the touch operation applied to the display means is detected from the output of the shake operation and the touch panel applied to the imaging device detected from the output of said acceleration detecting means,
Comprising
When detecting the shake operation, the control means displays a mode menu as a selection candidate on the display means. When detecting the touch operation, the control means selects a mode from the mode menu according to the position of the touch operation.
The above mode menu as a selection candidate changes according to the strength of the shake operation,
An imaging apparatus in which the appearance direction of the mode menu as a selection candidate matches the direction of the shake operation.