JP5750702B2 - Photography equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing device configured to detachably attach an accessory device and photograph an image.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is sequentially converted into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element or the like, and the image signal thus obtained can be recorded on a recording medium as digitized image data. Image data recorded on the camera, such as a digital camera or a video camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera, video camera, etc.). These are collectively referred to as cameras) and are generally put into practical use. In addition, by mounting such a camera function, various small portable devices that are configured by adding a photographing function to an original function and are suitable for carrying are widely used.

  Since the image data acquired by such a camera or the like is digital data, it has a feature that the data can be handled very easily.

  For example, by properly controlling the output and internal processing circuits from various sensors provided in the camera during shooting operations, it is possible to automatically acquire shooting results (captured images) that always fail even in special shooting environments. The obtained shooting control is executed.

  Further, for example, the image data acquired by the photographing operation is automatically performed on the image data obtained by the normal photographing by using the internal image processing circuit of the camera to automatically perform the image processing designated by the user in advance. An imaging device having an imaging function that can easily acquire an image that has been subjected to various types of processing has been put into practical use.

  On the other hand, in a conventional camera, for example, in the vicinity of an accessory shoe for attaching a flash light emitting device in a conventional camera so that an accessory device for expanding functions that can be originally performed by the camera alone can be electrically connected. Some have a connection.

  For example, the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-271369 relates to a camera accessory device configured to be able to be assembled to the camera in an expanded manner as needed in order to support the continuous shooting function. .

  In recent years, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) device as an accessory device is placed on the accessory shoe of the camera, and the EVF device and the camera body are electrically connected via the connection portion, thereby providing a camera. An image based on image data continuously acquired by the imaging unit on the main body side is displayed on the display unit of the EVF device, thereby functioning as a finder for setting a composition including a subject image during shooting operation. There is what I did.

JP-A-10-271369

  However, the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-271369 specializes only for extending the continuous shooting function among the shooting functions that can be performed by the camera alone by attaching the expansion device to the camera. Only the disclosed technology is disclosed.

  In the EVF device as the accessory device described above, the main function is to confirm the composition during the photographing operation and to display the confirmation of the recorded image. In this case, as a usage pattern when the EVF device is mounted on a camera or the like, a general usage pattern is to selectively use only one of the display unit of the EVF device and the display unit on the camera side. It has become.

  Therefore, in the related art, the component members provided in the accessory device are in a situation where they are effectively and functionally used, for example, only one of them is used while having a plurality of display units. The current situation is not to say.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory when a photographing operation for photographing an image is performed with the accessory device attached to the photographing device. By displaying an image that has been subjected to special image processing with the display unit of the device, it is possible to always visually check the image processing result, thereby contributing to assisting the photographing operation and providing a photographing device that can realize comfortable photographing. Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a first display unit that displays an image based on an image signal acquired by an image sensor, and an image process that processes the image signal acquired by the image sensor. A lens unit that forms an image of a subject on the imaging device, an operation unit using an operation member in the lens unit, an operation determination unit that determines an instruction signal generated based on the operation unit, and an accessory mounting unit In the photographing apparatus in which the accessory device having the second display unit can be attached to and detached from the accessory mounting unit, the image processing unit is configured to operate the operation unit when the accessory device is mounted on the accessory mounting unit. When the instruction signal is confirmed from the operation determination unit based on the content of the operation on the image, the contrast with respect to the image signal acquired by the image sensor Information is determined, an image area in which the image signal is in focus is determined based on the contrast information, and other image areas are determined with respect to the image area in focus based on the determination. A contrast-enhanced image signal that has been subjected to image processing for enhancing contrast in comparison is generated, and the image signal after the contrast-enhancement process is output to the second display unit of the accessory device and the first display The unit generates and displays an image in which an image that recommends the use of the second display unit is superimposed on an image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging element.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing device including a first display unit that displays an image based on an image signal acquired by an image sensor, an image processing unit that processes the image signal acquired by the image sensor, and a subject image. A lens unit that forms an image on the imaging device, an operation unit using an operation member in the lens unit, an operation determination unit that determines an instruction signal generated based on the operation unit, and an accessory mounting unit, In an imaging device in which an accessory device having a second display unit can be attached to and detached from the accessory mounting unit, the image processing unit operates when the accessory device is mounted on the accessory mounting unit. Based on the above, the operation determination unit determines the content of special image processing to be performed on the image signal acquired by the image sensor, and the operation determination unit The selected image signal after the special image processing subjected to the image processing content is generated, and the image signal after the special image processing is output to the second display unit of the accessory device, and the first display unit In this case, an image is generated by superimposing an image that recommends the use of the second display unit on an image based on an image signal acquired by the imaging element, and is displayed.

  According to the present invention, in a photographing device for photographing an image, when performing a photographing operation with the accessory device mounted on the photographing device, by displaying an image subjected to special image processing with the display unit of the accessory device, It is possible to provide a photographing device that can always visually check the image processing result, thereby contributing to assisting the photographing operation and realizing comfortable photographing.

The schematic perspective view which shows the external appearance of the imaging device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the accessory apparatus which can be attached or detached with respect to this imaging device, The principal part expansion perspective view which shows schematic structure of each connection part which connects the imaging device and accessory apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the imaging device and accessory device of FIG. The expanded block block diagram which mainly shows the structure of the signal wire inside the accessory apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of an action performed in a state where the accessory device of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a special image processing result EVF control processing sequence (control processing in step S104 in FIG. 5) in the processing sequence shown in FIG. The block block diagram which shows the state of a signal line when the accessory apparatus side camera image acquisition process (process of step S201 of FIG. 6) is performed among the processing sequences shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing the state of signal lines when image data transmission processing from the camera body side to the accessory device side (step S203 in FIG. 6) is being executed in the processing sequence shown in FIG. The figure which shows the holding | maintenance form by the user of the imaging device with which the accessory apparatus of FIG. 1 was mounted | worn, and shows an example when a user looks at an image display using an accessory apparatus, The figure which shows the holding | maintenance form by the user of the imaging device with which the accessory apparatus of FIG. 1 was mounted | worn, and shows an example when it looks at an image display using the 1st display part of a camera, 2A and 2B are diagrams showing display forms on each display unit when using a photographing device equipped with the accessory device of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a display example of a second display unit, and FIG. Figure showing a display example, It is a figure which shows the other display form at the time of using the imaging device equipped with the accessory apparatus of FIG. 1, Comprising: (a) is a display example of a 2nd display part, (b) is a display example of the 1st display part 8. FIG. Figure showing FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram in the case of shooting using a shooting device equipped with the accessory device of FIG. 1 and performing background removal image processing in special image processing; It is a figure which shows the display form in each display part when the image process for background removal of FIG. 13 is performed, Comprising: (a) is a display example displayed on a 2nd display part, (b) is a 1st display part. A display example, (c) is a conceptual diagram when it is assumed that the display of (a) and the display of (b) are superimposed, The figure of the example of a display of the display image displayed on a display part, when performing photography operation using the photography device and accessory equipment of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention, 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of “special image processing / result EVF display” in the photographing apparatus and accessory apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the display form in each display part when the image processing of FIG. 16 is performed, Comprising: (a) is a display example displayed on a 2nd display part, (b) is a display example of a 1st display part. Figure showing 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of “special image processing / result EVF display” in the photographing apparatus and accessory apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the display form in each display part when the image processing of FIG. 18 is performed, Comprising: (a) is a display example displayed on a 2nd display part, (b) is a display example of a 1st display part. FIG.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
[First Embodiment]

  FIGS. 1-14 is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Among these, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of an imaging device of the present embodiment and an accessory device that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which an accessory device is not attached to the photographing device. FIG. 2 is an essential part enlarged perspective view showing a schematic configuration of each connection part for connecting the photographing apparatus and the accessory apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, only a part of the photographing apparatus on the back side is illustrated. In FIG. 2, the photographing device and the accessory device mainly show the back side. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of the internal configuration of the imaging device and the accessory device of the present embodiment. 4 is an enlarged block configuration diagram mainly showing the configuration of signal lines inside the accessory device of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation performed in a state where the accessory device of the present embodiment is mounted on the photographing device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the special image processing result EVF control processing sequence (control processing in step S104 in FIG. 5) in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram showing the state of the signal lines when the accessory device-side camera image acquisition process (the process of step S201 in FIG. 6) is executed in the process sequence shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram showing the state of signal lines when image data transmission processing (processing in step S203 in FIG. 6) from the camera body side to the accessory device side in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 6 is executed. It is.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the holding form by the user of the photographing device to which the accessory device of this embodiment is attached. FIG. 9 shows an example of how the user looks at the image display using the accessory device. FIG. 10 shows an example of viewing the image display using the first display unit of the camera.

  FIG. 11 shows a display form on each display unit when using a photographing device equipped with the accessory device of the present embodiment. Among these, (a) shows a display example of the second display unit, and (b) shows a display example of the first display unit 8.

  FIG. 12 shows another display form when using a photographing device equipped with the accessory device of the present embodiment, (a) shows a display example of the second display unit, and (b) shows the first display unit 8. A display example is shown.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram in the case of photographing using a photographing device equipped with the accessory device of the present embodiment, and performing background removal image processing in special image processing. FIG. 14 shows a display form on each display unit when the background removal image processing of FIG. 13 is performed. Among these, (a) shows the example of a display displayed on a 2nd display part, (b) has shown the example of a display of a 1st display part. (C) is a conceptual diagram when it is assumed that the display of (a) and the display of (b) are superimposed.

  The imaging device in each embodiment of the present invention photoelectrically converts, for example, an optical image formed by an optical lens using a solid-state imaging device, and converts an image signal obtained thereby into digital image data representing a still image or a moving image. The digital data thus generated can be recorded on a recording medium, and a still image or a moving image can be reproduced and displayed on a display device based on the digital image data recorded on the recording medium, and the digital data has been acquired by a solid-state imaging device. A digital camera having a signal input / output port through which an image signal or the like can be output to an external device or various control signals can be input / output is shown as an example.

  Further, the accessory device in each embodiment of the present invention shows an electronic viewfinder (EVF) device that has a small display unit and the like and is configured to be detachable from the photographing device as an example.

  Usually, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), an organic EL display device, or the like is applied to a display device included in a normal photographing apparatus (camera). These display devices have a structure to which a display element that emits light is applied, so that there is a limit in color reproducibility when used in bright outdoor environments such as under sunlight, etc., and good visibility when used outdoors May not be able to secure the sex.

  In general, when a photographing operation or the like is performed using a photographing device, a photographing composition, exposure, and the like are set by visually observing an image displayed on a display device. Also, during playback operation, the photographed image is viewed using a display device. In such a case, the visibility of the display device needs to be sufficiently ensured.

  Therefore, an EVF apparatus, which is a kind of an eyepiece type finder apparatus, is used as means for interpolating the display function of this type of display apparatus and sufficiently ensuring visibility when used outdoors.

  In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of components described in the figure, the detailed shape of the components, the ratio of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationship of the components.

  A schematic configuration of the camera 1 that is the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment and a plurality of types of accessory devices 30 that can be attached to and detached from the camera 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the camera 1 of the present embodiment includes a camera body 10 and a photographing lens unit 20.

  On the upper surface of the camera body 10, as shown in FIG. 1, an accessory mounting portion 10d that can mount an accessory device 30 (detailed configuration will be described later) is provided. Further, on the back side of the camera body 10, in the vicinity of the accessory mounting portion 10d, as shown in FIG. 2, a connection portion 30b (described later) that is a signal input / output portion of the accessory device 30 is fitted. 10 and the accessory device 30 are provided with a terminal portion 10b (also see FIG. 3) which is a signal input / output port for inputting and outputting various signals.

  For example, in the conventional camera, the accessory mounting portion 10d has a configuration substantially similar to a mounting portion (also referred to as an accessory shoe or a hot shoe) for mounting an accessory device such as a flash light emitting device that is generally applied. . The accessory mounting portion 10d in this embodiment is also used as an accessory shoe for mounting the flash light emitting device. For this purpose, the accessory mounting portion 10d is also provided with a contact 10c for mounting the flash light emitting device.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a photographic lens unit 20 is integrally provided on the front surface of the camera body 10. In this state, that is, when the camera body 10 and the photographing lens unit 20 are integrally connected, an electrical connection is secured between the camera body 10 and the photographing lens unit 20. . For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 3, the camera body 10 is provided with a contact terminal 10a, while the photographing lens unit 20 is provided with a contact terminal 20a. When the camera body 10 and the photographic lens unit 20 are integrally connected, the contact terminal 10a and the contact terminal 20a come into contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the camera body 10 includes an imaging unit 2, an image recording unit 4, an acceleration detection unit 5, an operation determination unit 6, an audio recording unit 7, and a first display unit 8. A timepiece 9, a signal processing / control unit 11, an accessory communication unit 12 as a first communication unit, a lens unit communication unit 14, and the like are provided.

  The signal processing / control unit 11 is a control circuit that performs overall control of the entire camera 1 and is a control circuit that receives various signals and performs various signal processing. The signal processing / control unit 11 includes a compression / expansion unit 11a, a designation signal generation unit 11b, an image processing unit 11c, a point of interest instruction unit 11d, and the like.

  Among these, the compression / decompression unit 11a receives the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 and performs data compression processing to obtain image data in an optimum form for recording on the recording medium, or has already been recorded on the recording medium. This is a processing circuit that reads compressed image data and executes signal processing such as data expansion processing to obtain an image signal in an optimal form for reproduction and display using, for example, the first display unit 8 or the like.

  The designation signal generation unit 11b reliably determines various signals exchanged between the camera body 10 and the accessory device 30 via the communication units (12, 32) without interfering on a plurality of signal lines. It is a circuit part which produces | generates the designation | designated signal for controlling so that it may be transmitted to this part.

  Signals communicated between the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 of this embodiment via the communication units (12, 32) include a designation signal, a video signal (image signal), a control signal, and the like.

  The signal line of the video signal is assumed to be a differential transmission signal line based on TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling), which is adopted in the HDMI (registered trademark) standard. Note that the video signal is an image signal that includes a plurality of still images continuously acquired in time series and forms a moving image.

  The control signal line is assumed to be a control signal line of a 3-wire serial communication system, IIC bus (bidirectional serial bus for inter-IC), and an IC for video communication, an imaging system or a display system IC This is a control signal for setting a signal line between them.

  The designation signal generated by the designation signal generation unit 11b is a control signal for preventing the video signal and the control signal from interfering between the two devices of the camera body 10 and the accessory device 30. This designation signal is transmitted to a designation signal control unit 30g (described later) of the accessory device 30.

  The image processing unit 11c performs special processing such as image processing processing and image composition processing based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera body 10 and the image signal acquired by the camera unit 35 of the accessory device 30. A circuit unit that performs image processing (details will be described later).

  The point-of-interest instruction unit 11d generates an instruction signal for displaying a predetermined point of interest (details will be described later) in the image displayed on the first display unit 8 based on the processing result of the image processing unit 11c. It is a circuit part to do.

  The imaging unit 2 includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and receives an optical image formed by the lens 21. In addition, a photoelectric conversion element that converts the electric signal corresponding to the optical image, a signal processing circuit that performs preprocessing of an image signal generated by the photoelectric conversion element, and the like are configured. The image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 is output to the signal processing / control unit 11.

  The image recording unit 4 is a recording medium for recording and accumulating, as image data, an image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 and subjected to predetermined signal processing suitable for recording by the signal processing / control unit 11 And a drive circuit for driving the recording medium, such as a process for recording image data on the recording medium and a process for reading recorded image data.

  The acceleration detection unit 5 includes a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) that detects a state such as the posture of the camera body 10 and a circuit that receives a signal from the detection sensor and generates a predetermined instruction signal.

  The operation determination unit 6 receives an instruction signal generated by operating various operation members (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the camera body 10 and transmits the instruction signal to the signal processing / control unit 11. Consists of.

  The audio recording unit 7 includes a microphone that collects audio, a drive circuit that drives the microphone, a recording medium that records audio signals collected by the microphone as audio data, a recording circuit that drives the recording medium, and the like. The

  The first display unit 8 is a display image signal that is signal-processed by the signal processing / control unit 11 based on the image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 or based on the image data recorded in the image recording unit 4. In response to this, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display, or the like that performs image reproduction display is configured.

  In addition, the first display unit 8 includes an audio output device such as a speaker for generating sound based on audio data, for example. In normal cases, the audio data is usually recorded simultaneously with the moving image data recording operation. As another form, there is an operation mode for recording audio data alone.

  The timepiece 9 includes a timing circuit that contributes to a timing operation and the like necessary for controlling the internal electric circuit.

  The accessory communication unit 12 includes a circuit that performs communication with the accessory device 30 attached to the camera body 10.

  The lens unit communication unit 14 includes a circuit that performs communication with the photographing lens unit 20 connected to the camera body 10.

  In addition, the camera body 10 is provided with various other electrical components. However, in order to avoid complication of the drawings, members other than the above-described components that are not related to the present invention are illustrated and illustrated. Description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic lens unit 20 includes a lens 21 composed of a plurality of optical lenses and a unit main body 20 b that holds the lenses 21. The unit main body 20b includes a diaphragm mechanism and its driving unit, a lens driving mechanism and its driving unit, and the like. About these structures, the illustration and description in detail are abbreviate | omitted as the thing substantially the same as the imaging | photography lens unit applied in the camera which is generally prevailing and utilized conventionally is applied.

  The taking lens unit 20 is mounted on the front side of the camera body 10 and is disposed so as to protrude toward the front of the camera body 10. The photographic lens unit 20 may be configured integrally with the camera body 10 or may be configured to be detachable from the camera body 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographing lens unit 20 includes a contact terminal 20 a for ensuring electrical connection with the camera body 10, and a communication unit 22 that performs communication with the camera body 10. The lens information storage unit 23 stores data such as unique information of the photographing lens unit 20 in advance.

  As described above, the camera 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be mountable in a form in which the accessory device 30 is placed on the upper surface of the camera body 10.

  That is, the accessory device 30 is configured to be detachable from the accessory mounting portion 10d of the camera body 10. And when the accessory apparatus 30 is mounted | worn with the camera main body 10, both are electrically connected.

  The accessory device 30 includes a housing unit 30a having a recording unit 34 and a camera unit 35 (see FIG. 3) inside, and a finder unit 30e having a second display unit 31 (see FIG. 3) which is a small display unit inside. It is mainly composed by.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing portion 30 a is formed with groove portions 30 c on both side surfaces near the bottom surface. The groove-shaped portion 30 c has a shape corresponding to the accessory mounting portion 10 d of the camera body 10. Accordingly, the accessory device 30 can be mounted by sliding it along the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to the accessory mounting portion 10d. In addition, when removing the accessory apparatus 30 from the accessory mounting part 10d of the camera main body 10, it can remove by sliding along the reverse direction to the arrow A direction of FIG. 1, FIG.

  The accessory device 30 is formed in a wall shape so as to face the back surface of the camera body 10 and protrude toward the lower surface of the accessory device 30 when the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera body 10. It has a portion 30d. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2, the wall-shaped portion 30 d protrudes forward, and when the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera body 10, the terminal portion 10 b of the camera body 10. And a connecting portion 30b for electrically connecting the camera body 10 and the accessory device 30.

  2 and 3, the shape of the terminal portion 10 b is shown as a female shape (hole shape), and the shape of the connection portion 30 b is shown as a male shape (convex shape), but is limited to the shape shown in the figure. Each of the female shapes may be formed into a male shape, and the male shape may be formed into a female shape.

  The terminal portion 10b of the camera body 10 conforms to, for example, the HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multitimedia Interface) standard and the like, and is widely used in so-called digital home appliances such as a high-definition television apparatus. Lines etc. are applied.

  A lens 35a constituting a part of the camera unit 35 is disposed on the front side of the housing unit 30a. In addition, a medium insertion portion 30f in which a recording medium 34a constituting a part of the recording portion 34 is detachably disposed is opened on one side surface of the housing portion 30a. 1 and 2 show a state in which a small card-shaped recording medium 34a is attached to the medium insertion portion 30f.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the accessory device 30 has an internal configuration including a second display unit 31, a camera communication unit 32 as a second communication unit, a device information storage unit 33, a recording unit 34, a camera unit 35, and the like. It is comprised.

  The second display unit 31 includes a small display panel that constitutes the EVF device, a driver 31b that is a drive circuit thereof, and the like. As a small display panel applied to the second display unit 31, for example, a small and high-definition liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like can be considered.

  The camera communication unit 32 communicates with the accessory communication unit 12 via the terminal unit 10b on the camera body 10 side via the connection unit 30b, the image signal acquired by the camera unit 35, and the connection unit 30b. For example, a signal processing circuit or the like that appropriately performs predetermined signal processing on image signals and various control signals input from the camera body 10 side via the.

  The recording unit 34 receives and stores image data acquired by the camera unit 35, image data input from the camera body 10 via the camera communication unit 32, and the like (see FIGS. 1 and 2). ) And a drive circuit for performing a drive process on the recording medium 34a such as a recording process of image data on the recording medium 34a and a read process of recorded image data.

  The device information storage unit 33 includes elements, circuits, and the like in which various types of information unique to the accessory device 30 (for example, device ID information, various shooting condition information corresponding to the camera unit 35, etc.) are stored in advance.

  The camera unit 35 includes a lens 35a (see FIG. 1), an imaging / processing unit 35b (see FIG. 4), and the like. Among these, the imaging / processing unit 35b includes an imaging unit including a solid-state imaging device and a drive circuit that drives and controls the signal, a signal processing circuit that performs control processing on output signals and various control signals of the solid-state imaging device, and the like. It is comprised by the process part which consists of. That is, the camera unit 35 basically has substantially the same configuration as a general small camera or the like, and is generally configured to have substantially the same function as a general small camera or the like. The image signal generated by the camera unit 35 is output to the second display unit 31 or the connection unit 30b via the camera communication unit 32.

  In a normal case, the field of view of an image acquired by the camera is determined by the angle of view (viewing angle) of a lens applied to the camera, the size of the light receiving surface of the image sensor, and the like. Therefore, the image pickup element size and the lens angle of view applied in the camera 1 and the image pickup element size and the lens angle of view applied in the accessory device 30 are set so that images that can be acquired by both of them are at least approximately in the same range. Preferably, the field of view range of the image acquired by the camera unit 35 of the accessory device 30 is set to be wider than the field of view range of the image acquired by the camera 1.

  Furthermore, the accessory device 30 includes a designation signal control unit 30g, a switch unit 36 for switching signal lines, and the like (see FIG. 4).

  The designation signal control unit 30 g is a circuit unit that controls the switch unit 36 based on a signal generated by the designation signal generation unit 11 b of the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the switch unit 36 includes a plurality of switches (SW1 to SW5) provided in various signal lines (video signal line, control signal line, etc.) in the accessory device 30. The plurality of switches (SW1 to SW5) are on / off controlled by the designation signal control unit 30g so that a predetermined signal is reliably transmitted to a predetermined component.

  The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, it is assumed that the camera 1 is in a state where the camera body 10 and the photographing lens unit 20 are connected.

  In this state, when the camera 1 is operable, that is, in a power-on state, in step S101 in FIG. 5, the signal processing / control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 2, the first display unit 8 and the like, The imaging lens unit 20 is controlled via the lens unit communication unit 14 to execute image display processing for displaying an image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 on the display screen of the first display unit 8. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S <b> 102, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signal from the accessory communication unit 12 and confirms the input signal to the terminal unit 10 b, thereby determining whether the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1. Confirm. Here, if the attachment of the accessory device 30 is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S103. If the attachment of the accessory device 30 is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S108. In this case, a normal photographing operation performed using only the camera 1 is executed in the subsequent processing.

  Note that when the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1, the accessory device 30 is also operable. That is, in this state, the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 are electrically connected, and the camera 1 is in the power-on state as described above. Power is supplied from 10 through the terminal portion 10b and the connection portion 30b. Thereby, when the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1, the accessory device 30 is interlocked with the operation state of the camera 1.

  Also, when the accessory device 30 becomes movable, for example, an image acquisition operation (no recording is performed) by the camera unit 35 is executed.

  In step S <b> 103, the signal processing / control unit 11 communicates with the accessory device 30 to execute processing for acquiring special image processing information. Here, the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera 1 controls the accessory communication unit 12, for example, and communicates with the camera communication unit 32 of the accessory device 30 via the terminal unit 10b and the connection unit 30b. Among various information recorded in advance in the device information storage unit 33, various information such as device information unique to the accessory device 30 and setting conditions related to the special image processing to be performed this time are acquired and temporarily stored. To the internal memory. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the signal processing / control unit 11 abbreviates as special image processing and display control processing of the processing result on the display unit (EVF) ("special image processing / result EVF display" in FIGS. 5 and 6). (Hereinafter referred to as this abbreviation). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  Details of the “special image processing / result EVF display” are as shown in FIG. That is, in step S201 in FIG. 6, the signal processing / control unit 11 communicates with the accessory device 30 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32, and the image ( Video signal). The video signal from the camera unit 35 is a video signal composed of a plurality of still images that are continuously received in time series.

  At this time, the video signal from the imaging unit 2 on the camera body 10 side is also input to the signal processing / control unit 11. Therefore, the video signal from the imaging unit 2 is output to the first display unit 8 and displayed after predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit 11c.

  Note that the state of the switch unit 36 when the process of step S201 described above is executed is as shown in FIG.

  First, when the process of step S201 is executed, the signal processing / control unit 11 communicates with the accessory device 30 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32, and transmits to the camera communication unit 32. On the other hand, a control instruction signal for requesting to transfer an image (video signal) acquired by the camera unit 35 is transmitted. The control instruction signal includes a predetermined instruction signal generated in the designation signal generation unit 11b based on the special image processing information acquired in step S103 (FIG. 6) described above.

  This instruction signal is transmitted to the designation signal control unit 30g through the camera communication unit 32 through the instruction signal line. In response to this, the designation signal generation unit 11b controls the switch unit 36 to perform on / off control of a plurality of switches. Here, the on / off state of each switch is as shown in FIG. 7 (SW1 and SW2 are in the on state. The others are in the off state). Thereby, the video signal is output using the signal line extended from the camera unit 35, and the control signal is input and output. Therefore, in the process of step S201, the video signal output from the camera unit 35 is transferred to the camera body 10 side.

  Next, in step S202, the image processing unit 11c of the signal processing / control unit 11 performs the above-described processing of step S103 (FIG. 5) on the video signal from the camera unit 35 and the video signal from the imaging unit 2. Predetermined special image processing is executed on the basis of the special image processing information acquired in this way.

  Subsequently, in step S203, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs communication with the accessory device 30 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32, and is obtained as a result of the process of step S202 described above. A process of transferring an image (video signal) to the accessory device 30 (EVF) side is executed. Thereafter, the series of processes is terminated, and the process sequence returns to FIG. 5 (return).

  Note that the state of the switch unit 36 when the process of step S203 described above is executed is as shown in FIG.

  First, when the process of step S203 is executed, the signal processing / control unit 11 communicates with the accessory device 30 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32, and then communicates with the camera communication unit 32. On the other hand, a control instruction signal for declaring that an image (video signal) that has undergone special image processing is transferred is sent. The control instruction signal includes a predetermined instruction signal generated in the designation signal generation unit 11b based on the special image processing information acquired in step S103 (FIG. 6) described above.

  This instruction signal is transmitted to the designation signal control unit 30g through the camera communication unit 32 through the instruction signal line. In response to this, the designation signal generation unit 11b controls the switch unit 36 to perform on / off control of a plurality of switches. Here, the on / off state of each switch is as shown in FIG. 8 (SW3 and SW4 are in the on state. Others are in the off state). Thus, the video signal is input using the signal line extended from the second display unit 31, and the control signal is input / output. Therefore, in step S <b> 203, the video signal that has been subjected to the special image processing is transmitted to the accessory device 30 and displayed using the second display unit 31.

  By the way, in the camera 1 of this embodiment, the user can display the first display unit 8 of the camera body 10 (normal image) and the second display unit 31 of the accessory device 30 (special image processed image). Are not visible at the same time (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  That is, when the user 100 visually observes the display (special image processed image) on the second display unit 31 of the accessory device 30, it is as shown in FIG. Further, when the user 100 visually observes the display (normal image) on the first display unit 8 of the camera body 10, the state is as shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S <b> 105, the signal processing / control unit 11 displays the “EVF use recommendation message” or the “target point index” superimposed on the image being displayed on the first display unit 8. Execute. This image processing is performed using the image processing unit 11c.

  Here, FIG. 11A and FIG. 12A show two examples of display examples of the display (special image processed image) of the second display unit 31 of the accessory device 30. Further, two examples of display (normal image) display examples of the first display unit 8 of the camera body 10 are shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B.

  In the display examples of FIGS. 11A and 11B, image processing for removing the background image is performed on the normal image of FIG. 11B in the special image processing in step S104. This is an example when the background removal processing for generating the processed image of FIG.

  In addition, the display examples of FIGS. 12A and 12B remove images considered to be unnecessary in the foreground portion from the normal image of FIG. 12B in the special image processing in step S104. This is an example of performing the foreground removal processing for performing the image processing to generate the processed image of FIG.

  Details of “partial image removal processing” such as background removal processing and foreground removal processing in the special image processing for generating processed images as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A will be described later (FIG. 13, FIG. 13). (See FIG. 14).

  The “EVF use recommendation message” superimposed on the display image of the first display unit 8 in the process of step S105 is a display as indicated by reference numeral B in FIGS. 11 (b) and 12 (b). . In the display examples of FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B, an example is shown in which characters such as “confirm with EVF” are lit or blinked. In addition to this, pictograms, symbols, and the like that can be understood by the user by visual observation may be used. This “EVF use recommendation message” is displayed to notify the user that the display on the second display unit 31 has been subjected to special image processing when it is displayed on the first display unit 8. It is what is said.

  Further, the “target point index” is an index that is displayed in addition to the display of the “EVF use recommendation message” and indicated by the symbol C in FIG. This “target point index” is in the vicinity of the difference between the display on the first display unit 8 (normal image) and the display on the second display unit 31 (image that has undergone special image processing) caused by performing special image processing. Is displayed. In the display example of FIG. 12B, an example is shown in which an arrow symbol indicating a predetermined part is lit or blinked. In addition to this, pictograms, symbols, and the like whose meaning can be grasped by visual observation by the user may be used. The user pays attention to the display in the vicinity of the “target point index” superimposed on the display image of the first display unit 8, and the display image of the first display unit 8 and the display image of the second display unit 31. By comparing the two, it becomes possible to know the condition of the image processing result.

  As described above, since the manner in which the user 100 looks at the display units 8 and 32 is different, in order to compare the images displayed on the display units 8 and 32, the display units 8 and 31 are compared. It is convenient to temporarily stop the displayed moving images and display still images at the same timing for a predetermined time. For this purpose, the following steps S106 and S107 are provided.

  That is, as a result of the processing in steps S104 and S105 described above, for example, when the user wants to see the “EVF use recommendation message” on the first display unit 8 and compare the display images on both display units 8 and 31. The user performs a temporary freeze operation for temporarily freezing each display image using a predetermined operation member.

  In step S106 of FIG. 5, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signal from the operation determination unit 6 and confirms whether or not an instruction signal generated by the temporary freeze operation is generated. If it is confirmed that the temporary freeze operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S107. If it is not confirmed that the temporary freeze operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S <b> 107, the signal processing / control unit 11 controls the first display unit 8 and the second display unit 31 to execute a temporary freeze process for displaying the display units 8 and 32. This display temporary freeze process is a process in which the moving images being displayed on both the display units 8 and 31 are temporarily stopped and still images at the same timing are displayed for a predetermined time. Here, the signal processing / control unit 11 directly controls the first display unit 8. When the second display unit 31 is controlled, the signal processing / control unit 11 sends a predetermined control signal (image freeze signal) to the second display unit 31 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32. ).

  In this way, the display images of both the display units 8 and 31 are temporarily frozen, so that the user can easily compare the display images. After a predetermined time, the freeze state is released. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  The display temporary freeze state is canceled after a predetermined time, and after the cancellation, the operation signal standby state may be set. In this case, if the temporary freeze operation is performed again, the same freeze process is repeated, and the user can examine the special process result until the user is satisfied.

  In step S <b> 108, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signal from the operation determination unit 6 and confirms whether or not an operation for instructing the start of shooting, for example, a shooting instruction signal generated by a shutter release operation is generated. . If the shooting instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S109. If the photographing instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to step S102 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step S109, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signal from the accessory communication unit 12 and confirms the input signal to the terminal unit 10b, thereby determining whether the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1. Confirm. Here, if the attachment of the accessory device 30 is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S110. If the attachment of the accessory device 30 is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S <b> 110, the signal processing / control unit 11 transmits the image signal that has been processed as a result of the special image processing in step S <b> 104 described above to the accessory device 30 via the accessory communication unit 12 and the camera communication unit 32. Transfer to the recording unit 34. In response to this, the recording unit 34 performs predetermined signal processing and records it as image data on a recording medium. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S <b> 111, the signal processing / control unit 11 transmits to the image recording unit 4 an image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera body 10, i.e., an image signal obtained by normal shooting that has not been subjected to special image processing. In response to this, the image recording unit 4 performs predetermined signal processing and records it as image data on a recording medium. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 shift to a standby state in which an operation instruction such as the next photographing operation is awaited.

  Here, the details of the “partial image removal process” such as the background removal process and the foreground removal process among the special image processes performed when the photographing operation is executed using the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 in this embodiment will be described. This will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 conceptually illustrates a state in which shooting including the foreground subject 101 and the background subject 102 is performed with the accessory device 30 attached to the camera 1 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, the field of view taken by the camera 1 is a range indicated by the angle of view D <b> 1 of the lens 21. At this time, an image represented based on the image signal acquired by the camera 1 is as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the field of view for photographing by the camera unit 35 of the accessory device 30 is a range indicated by the angle of view D2 of the lens 35a. At this time, an image represented based on the image signal acquired by the camera unit 35 is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14C shows a composite image when it is assumed that the images of FIGS. 14A and 14B are overlapped with the reference line S being coincident.

  Here, when the image of FIG. 14A is compared with the image of FIG. 14B, a reference arbitrarily set on the image 101 (a, b) of the foreground subject 101 located at a substantially central portion in the screen. It can be seen that the position of the image 102 (a, b) of the background subject 102 with respect to the line S is shifted in the vertical direction as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, the distance from the reference line S to the background subject image 102a in the image by the camera 1 (FIG. 14B) is F1, and the background from the reference line S in the image by the camera unit 35 (FIG. 14A). When the distance from the subject image 102b is F2, F1 ≠ F2 (F1 <F2).

  This is because the optical axis of the lens 21 of the camera 1 and the optical axis of the lens 35a of the camera unit 35 do not coincide with each other and are shifted in the vertical direction, that is, there is a parallax between the two lenses. . That is, when there is a parallax between the two cameras (1, 35), each image acquired by each camera at the same timing is an image in which the positional relationship between a specific subject and a different subject in the screen is different. .

  In the present embodiment, using the fact that parallax occurs between the two cameras (1, 35), the images respectively acquired by the two cameras (1, 35) are compared, and a deviation occurs between the two images. The background removal processing is realized by performing image processing that removes the remaining portion and leaves the matching portion.

  In addition, when the removal process of the non-matching part is performed, for the surrounding part (removal process part) of the remaining image, for example, the color dominant in the removal process part (the color of the part having a large area. In the display example, for example, You may perform the process etc. which are filled in with a sky blue etc.

  On the other hand, the foreground removal process shown in the display examples of FIGS. 12A and 12B is as follows. For example, assume that a normal image shown in FIG. 12B is acquired by the camera 1, and a process of deleting a partial image indicated by an unnecessary portion G in the foreground portion is considered.

  When the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1 and a photographing operation is performed, the image acquired by the camera unit 35 of the accessory device 30 is an image in a state where the unnecessary portion G is in focus.

  At this time, the user operates the focus adjustment focus ring provided on the photographing lens unit 20 of the camera 1 so that the unnecessary portion G is brought out of focus. For example, if the foreground subject is sufficiently close to the camera 1 and the separation distance between the foreground subject and the background subject is sufficient, the background subject remains in focus even if the foreground subject is out of focus. Will be maintained. Therefore, a difference can be generated between the image acquired by the camera 1 and the image acquired by the camera unit 35.

  If each image acquired by both cameras (1, 35) by performing the operation as described above is compared in the same manner as the background removal process (FIG. 14), it is shown in FIG. As described above, the result of removing the unnecessary foreground subject can be obtained.

  In addition to the above-described operation example, if an operation for bringing the background subject into an out-of-focus state is performed, the background subject can be removed while leaving the foreground subject.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 attached to the camera 1, the accessory device 30 can acquire an image substantially similar to the image obtained on the camera 1 side. A camera unit 35, a device information storage unit 33 having various information related to special image processing, a camera communication unit 32 that communicates with the attached camera 1, and a second display unit 31 that displays an image. On the other hand, on the camera 1 side, an accessory communication unit 12 that performs communication with the accessory device 30, an image processing unit 11 c that performs various image processing, and a first display unit 8 that displays images are provided. Is configured.

  When the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1 and a photographing operation is performed, special image processing or the like is performed based on the image signal acquired by the camera 1 and the image signal acquired by the camera unit 35 of the accessory device 30. In addition, a normal captured image is displayed on one display unit of the camera 1 and the accessory device 30, and a processed image is displayed on the other display unit.

  With such a configuration, in the camera 1 and the accessory device 30 of the present embodiment, when a shooting operation is performed with the accessory device 30 mounted on the camera 1, a normal captured image and a special image processed image are simultaneously displayed. The two display units (8, 31) can be used for display. Therefore, the user can visually observe these two display parts (8, 31) alternately.

That is, when the accessory device 30 is attached to the camera 1 and used, the captured image based on the image data acquired by the capturing operation and the processed image after the special image processing is performed on the captured image, By displaying the images individually using the two display units (8, 31) and comparing the images of the two display units (8, 31), the user can perform special image processing on the normal image. It is possible to easily determine the effect of the result.
[Second Embodiment]

  The imaging device and accessory device of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The configurations of the imaging device and the accessory device of the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, but the camera unit of the accessory device in the present embodiment is an image sensor that corresponds to light having a frequency in the far infrared region. The difference is that it is configured to include. Other configurations are exactly the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and in this embodiment, illustration of the configurations of the photographing device and the accessory device is omitted, and the drawings used in the first embodiment described above. Shall be referred to.

  In this way, when the accessory device of this embodiment having a camera unit equipped with a far-infrared imaging device is mounted on a photographing device (camera) and a photographing operation is performed, for example, a display as shown in FIG. The image is displayed on the first display unit of the camera body or the second display unit of the accessory device.

  FIG. 15 is a display example of a display image displayed on the display unit when a photographing operation is performed using the photographing device and the accessory device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, in a situation where shooting is performed using birds and animals in a forest or the like as a subject in a forest or the like using a photographing device equipped with the accessory device of the present embodiment, a small display screen of a small display device provided in the camera is far away. It may be difficult to find a small subject or the like by relying only on the visual observation of the user.

  In such a case, if the accessory device of the present embodiment is used, since it has a far-infrared compatible camera unit, it has a heat source such as birds and beasts in the image based on the image signal acquired by the accessory device side. If a subject exists, it can be easily detected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image acquired by the imaging unit on the camera body side is compared with the far-infrared image acquired by the accessory device, and a symbol D in FIG. A display image signal with an index as shown is generated and displayed on the display unit of either the camera or the accessory device. As a result, the user can easily find a desired subject. Note that the same processing sequence as in FIG. 6 can be applied to the operation in this case.

As described above, the accessory device of this embodiment serves to assist the photographing operation by the photographing device.
[Third Embodiment]

  A photographing apparatus and an accessory apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The configurations of the imaging device and the accessory device of the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, except that the accessory device in the present embodiment is configured by omitting the camera unit. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, also in this embodiment, illustration about the structure of an imaging device and an accessory device is abbreviate | omitted, and shall refer to drawing used in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment.

  The accessory device of the present embodiment is an EVF device configured by eliminating the camera unit in the accessory device of the first embodiment described above.

  The accessory device according to the present embodiment performs a focus emphasis process on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit of the camera as an auxiliary function that assists a photographing operation that involves a manual focus adjustment operation, and the processed image is used as an accessory device. It is comprised so that it may display on the 2nd display part.

  That is, in this embodiment, when an accessory device is attached to a camera that is a photographing device and a photographing operation is performed, the accessory device is used as an EVF device. In this case, the user operates the focus ring, which is a focus adjustment operation member in the photographing lens unit of the camera, while visually observing the second display unit of the accessory device, and performs focus adjustment on a desired subject in the screen. Realize.

  In this case, the flowchart of the special image processing of FIG. 16 and the display control processing (“Special image processing / result EVF display”) subroutine on the display unit (EVF) of the processing result and the display example of FIG. This will be described below.

  First, in a state where the accessory device is mounted on the camera of the present embodiment, the camera is in a power-on state, and a state where the photographing operation can be performed, that is, the operation mode is the photographing operation mode. To do. In this state, the camera sequentially processes the image signals acquired by the imaging unit and sequentially displays them as videos (moving images) on the first display unit.

  In step S211 of FIG. 16, the signal processing / control unit of the camera monitors the signal from the operation determination unit and checks whether or not an instruction signal generated by the focus ring operation of the photographing lens unit is generated. If the focus ring operation instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S212. If the focus ring operation instruction signal is not confirmed, the processing sequence is terminated and the original processing sequence is restored.

  Next, in step S212, the signal processing / control unit of the camera monitors the video signal acquired from the imaging unit 2, and performs high-contrast in the image based on the video signal by the focusing operation by the processing in step S212 described above. The process which determines the position in which it became, ie, the position which became the focus state, is performed. This determination process is performed by, for example, the image processing unit 11c.

  Subsequently, in step S213, the image processing unit 11c of the signal processing / control unit of the camera performs normal image processing on the partial image of the region including the focus determination position determined in the processing of step S212 described above. Image processing is performed to increase the contrast. As a result, the partial image of the region is in a state where the black area is enlarged.

  In step S214, the signal processing / control unit of the camera transmits the image signal of the processing result obtained in the process of step S213 described above to the accessory device side via the accessory communication unit and the camera communication unit. In response, an image based on the image signal that has been subjected to the focus emphasis process is displayed on the second display unit of the accessory device. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the original processing sequence is restored.

  In this case, a normal image generated based on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit is displayed on the first display unit of the camera. After the focus emphasis processing is executed, a character string such as “confirm with EVF” (symbol B), a “point of interest index” (symbol C), and the like, as shown in FIG. Illuminated or blinked in a form superimposed on the normal image.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17A, the second display unit of the accessory device emphasizes the contrast of an image based on the processed image signal subjected to the above-described focus emphasis process, for example, the contour line of the subject person. The displayed image is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, since the focus emphasis process is performed as the photographing assist function, it is not necessary to record the image data based on the focus emphasis processed image signal. Therefore, in the accessory device in the present embodiment, the camera unit 35 and the recording unit 34 in the accessory device 30 of the first embodiment described above can be omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to assist the manual focus adjustment operation during the photographing operation.
[Fourth Embodiment]

  Next, a photographing apparatus and an accessory apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The configurations of the imaging device and accessory device of the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The accessory device according to the present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment described above in that the camera unit is omitted. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Also in the present embodiment, illustration of the configurations of the photographing device and the accessory device is omitted, and the drawings used in the first embodiment described above are referred to.

  The accessory device of the present embodiment is an EVF device configured by eliminating the camera unit in the accessory device of the first embodiment described above.

  The accessory device of the present embodiment performs various types of image processing on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit of the camera, displays the processed image on the second display unit of the accessory device, and displays the processed image. It is configured to record in the image recording unit of the camera. Therefore, the recording unit of the accessory device is also omitted.

  In the information storage unit of the accessory device of the present embodiment, setting values such as programs and variables corresponding to various special image processes are recorded in advance.

Here, as a specific example of the special image processing, for example, the image processing focus state is adjusted so as to make the image processing monochrome image in which the image processing saturation is emphasized or reduced to enhance or reduce the color tone, so-called software Image processing with focus tone Increases or decreases the contrast of the image processing Reduces the amount of light around the image processing or reduces the resolution Blurring the focus around the image processing Image processing that renders the actual scene in a diorama style Unrealistic Various image processing such as image processing for converting to a different color tone can be considered. For example, when the accessory device is mounted on the camera, a list of processes that can be executed by the accessory device is displayed, and the user can arbitrarily select a desired process. Good. In addition, each accessory device may be configured to perform specific special image processing. In this case, if an accessory device is attached to the camera, processing corresponding to the selected device can be automatically executed.

  In the present embodiment, when an accessory device is attached to a camera that is a photographing device and a photographing operation is performed, an image that has undergone predetermined special image processing is displayed on the second display unit of the accessory device. Yes. Further, the user can adjust the degree of image processing by performing a predetermined operation while viewing the processed image.

  Then, the image data of the processed image is recorded in the image recording unit on the camera body side by the photographing operation (shutter release operation).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special image processing of FIG. 18 and the display control processing (EVF display) of the processing result (“special image processing / result EVF display”) in FIG. 18 and the display example of FIG. This will be described below.

  First, in a state where the accessory device is mounted on the camera of the present embodiment, the camera is in a power-on state, and a state where the photographing operation can be performed, that is, the operation mode is the photographing operation mode. To do. In this state, the camera sequentially processes the image signals acquired by the imaging unit and sequentially displays them as videos (moving images) on the first display unit.

  When the accessory device is attached to the camera, the signal processing / control unit of the camera communicates with the camera communication unit of the accessory device via the accessory communication unit, and special image processing recorded in the information storage unit Get various information about.

  In step S231 in FIG. 18, the signal processing / control unit of the camera performs processing for determining the type of special image processing to be executed. This determination may be performed by receiving a selection instruction signal from the processing list display as described above, or may be determined based on information acquired by communication with the device depending on the attached accessory device. You may make it do.

  Here, it is confirmed whether or not the special image processing to be executed (selected) is, for example, soft focus processing. If the determination result is a soft focus process, the process proceeds to the next step S232. If the determination result is not soft focus processing, the processing sequence is terminated and the original processing sequence is restored.

  Next, in step S232, the signal processing / control unit of the camera monitors the signal from the operation determination unit, and performs effect setting according to the instruction signal generated by the focus ring operation of the photographing lens unit.

  The focus ring operation performed here is, for example, an operation for setting the degree of the soft focus effect. The setting operation is not limited to the focus ring operation, and may be performed by operating other operation members.

  Subsequently, in step S233, the signal processing / control unit of the camera monitors a signal from the operation determination unit, and performs enhancement setting according to an instruction signal generated by operating the operation member.

  The operation of the operation member performed here is, for example, an operation for setting the enhancement degree of the soft focus effect.

  Based on the setting value thus set and the information acquired from the information storage unit of the accessory device, the image processing unit of the signal processing / control unit of the camera performs predetermined special processing on the image signal output from the imaging unit. Image processing (here, soft focus processing) is executed.

  In the next step S234, the signal processing / control unit of the camera transmits the image processing result to the accessory device via the accessory communication unit. In response to this, the camera communication unit of the accessory device transmits the received processed image signal to the second display unit. As a result, the processed image is displayed on the second display unit. At this time, the normal image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit is continuously displayed as a video on the first display unit of the camera. Therefore, the user can compare each display on the first display unit of the camera and the second display unit of the accessory device.

  As described above, the normal image generated based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit is displayed on the first display unit of the camera in this case. In addition to this, the first display section is lit or blinked in such a manner that a character string such as “confirm with EVF” (reference symbol B) is superimposed on the normal image as shown in FIG. It is displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, an image based on the processed image signal subjected to the soft focus process is displayed on the second display unit of the accessory device. In FIG. 19A, the line type is changed for convenience in order to express the soft focus effect.

  In this state, by performing a photographing operation (shutter release operation), the image data of the processed image is recorded in the image recording unit on the camera body side.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the recording unit of the accessory device is omitted, only the processed image is recorded in the image recording unit on the camera side, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, if the accessory device includes the recording unit as in the first embodiment, the image data of the processed image is recorded at the same time as the image data of the normal image is recorded in the image recording unit on the camera body side. Can be configured to be recorded in the recording unit of the accessory device.

  According to the present embodiment, depending on various types of image processing, when the processing result is observed on a display unit that is easily affected by external light, it may be difficult to confirm.

  However, in the present embodiment, since the processed image is displayed using the second display unit of the accessory device as the EVF device which is not easily affected by external light, the user confirms the processing result. It becomes easier to do. Therefore, the user can easily experience the effects obtained by various image processing, and thus the enjoyment of photographing itself can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera 2 ... Imaging part 4 ... Image recording part 6 ... Operation determination part 8 ... 1st display part 10 ... Camera body 10a, 20a ... Contact terminal 10b ... Terminal part 10d ... Accessory attachment Unit 11... Signal processing / control unit 11 a... Compression / decompression unit 11 b... Specified signal generation unit 11 c... Image processing unit 11 d .. point-of-interest instruction unit 12. ... Shooting lens unit 20b ... Unit body 21 ... Lens 22 ... Communication part 23 ... Lens information storage part 30 ... Accessory device 30a ... Housing part 30b ... Connection part 30c ... Groove part 30d ... Wall-shaped part 30e …… Finder part 30f …… Medium insertion part 30g …… Specified signal control part 31 …… Second display part 31b …… Driver 32 …… Camera communication part 33 …… Device information storage part 34 …… Recording part 3 a ...... recording medium 35 ...... camera unit 35a ...... lens 35b ...... imaging / processing section 36 ...... switch unit

Claims (4)

A first display unit that displays an image based on an image signal acquired by the image sensor;
An image processing unit for processing an image signal acquired by the imaging device;
A lens unit that forms an image of the subject on the image sensor;
An operation unit by an operation member in the lens unit;
An operation determination unit for determining an instruction signal generated based on the operation unit;
An accessory mounting part,
In an imaging device in which an accessory device having a second display unit can be attached to and detached from the accessory mounting unit,
The image processing unit
When the accessory device is mounted on the accessory mounting unit, when the instruction signal is confirmed from the operation determination unit based on the operation content to the operation unit, the image signal acquired by the imaging element is Get contrast information,
Based on the contrast information, the image area in which the image signal is in focus is determined, and the image area in the focus state is compared with other image areas based on the determination. Generate a post-contrast enhancement image signal that has undergone image processing to enhance,
While outputting the image signal after the contrast enhancement processing to the second display unit of the accessory device,
The first display unit generates and displays an image in which an image that recommends the use of the second display unit is superimposed on an image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging element. An imaging device characterized by that . A first display unit that displays an image based on an image signal acquired by the image sensor;
An image processing unit for processing an image signal acquired by the imaging device;
A lens unit that forms an image of the subject on the image sensor;
An operation unit by an operation member in the lens unit;
An operation determination unit for determining an instruction signal generated based on the operation unit;
An accessory mounting part,
In an imaging device in which an accessory device having a second display unit can be attached to and detached from the accessory mounting unit,
The image processing unit
When the accessory device is mounted on the accessory mounting unit, the special image processing content to be applied to the image signal acquired by the image sensor from the operation determination unit based on the operation content to the operation unit. Discriminating and generating an image signal after special image processing subjected to image processing content selected by the operation determination unit,
While outputting the image signal after the special image processing to the second display unit of the accessory device,
The first display unit generates and displays an image in which an image that recommends the use of the second display unit is superimposed on an image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging element. An imaging apparatus characterized by that . The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member of the lens unit is a focus ring . The second display unit of the accessory device to be mounted on the accessory mounting unit of the photographing device is an eyepiece type electronic viewfinder. Shooting equipment.

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