JP5809891B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging equipment, and more particularly, those so-called an improvement of the imaging apparatus such as a digital camera.

  In recent years, photographing apparatuses such as digital cameras are not only capable of photographing conventional still images, but also capable of photographing images obtained by performing special image processing on still images and moving images. In this case, in addition to the subject's facial expression, posture and composition, it is necessary to check the adjustment result and at the same time perform an operation that does not miss a photo opportunity. Has been.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, it is determined by the voice recognition means whether the meaning of the voice input to the microphone matches a command registered in advance, and the meaning of the voice matches the command. If it is determined, a technique for outputting the command to the operation means is disclosed.

JP 2007-121579 A

  However, it has been difficult to perform voice operations accurately and quickly at a shooting site where various voices fly. Even in the above-described Patent Document 1 or the like, it is difficult to perform fine adjustment of fine shooting parameters by voice without malfunction.

  Also, operating the camera with a loud voice at the time of shooting is embarrassing because it causes inconvenience to the surroundings.

  On the other hand, at the time of shooting, the user does not want to break the holding state at the time of shooting as much as possible so as not to miss a photo opportunity or camera shake, but in recent cameras, various shooting effects have been added, There are many things that can be enjoyed by switching the settings, and switching the shooting parameters requires a complicated operation. There was a need to switch easily without camera shake so as not to miss a photo opportunity.

  The present invention makes it possible to provide a photographing apparatus that can perform voice determination without malfunction even with a low voice operation that does not bother the surroundings. Especially when using the eyepiece display, you can check the composition without the influence of external light, prevent camera shake, and do not miss a photo opportunity. While making changes, you can enjoy shooting as you wish.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is obtained by an imaging unit that images a subject, an eyepiece-type display unit that displays an imaging result obtained by the imaging unit, and the imaging unit. A recording unit for recording an image, a microphone for collecting sound, and a microphone disposed in a position near the mouth of the photographer in a state where the photographer looks into the eyepiece-type display unit; A display control unit that synthesizes and displays a display informing whether or not voice operation with the microphone is possible in the eyepiece display unit, and shooting determined by the voice operation when voice operation with the microphone is possible An operation ring member for operating the parameter .

In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the photographing apparatus, the microphone picks up sound for voice operation or recording in the recording unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to another aspect detects a photographer's eyepiece state on the eyepiece-type display unit, and uses the voice collected from the microphone for voice operation or voice recording. A voice control unit for switching to is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to another aspect includes a second display unit and a second display unit at a position below the eyepiece display unit in a state where the imaging result is a horizontally long screen. A touch panel is provided on the display unit, and the voice control unit performs the voice control based on a signal from the touch panel.

In order to achieve the above object, in another aspect of the imaging apparatus, the microphone is provided below the eyepiece-type display unit, and the audio control unit is configured to perform the above operation based on an audio pattern detected by the microphone. Perform voice control.

According to the present invention, accurately can be operated with the words emitted by the photographer, and quickly change the imaging parameters, while confirming the effect in the image, it is possible to provide an imaging equipment that he wanted photographing can enjoy Become.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. An example in which the present invention is applied to a single-lens camera is shown as a first embodiment in the form of a block diagram in FIG.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing device, for example, a camera, and 20 denotes a photographing lens (interchangeable lens), a communication unit 5 that communicates an operation signal and the like from the camera body to the lens, and a camera body (body) provided on the lens side. The control unit 21 and the drive units 24a and b control the position of each lens group for zoom control and the position of the lens group for focus control of the photographing lens 26, and various compositions, Shooting is possible according to the subject.

  The position of each lens group constituting the lens 26 is determined by position determination units 25a and 25b composed of various encoders. These lenses are driven and controlled at the positions determined by the in-lens control unit 21 through the driving units 24a and 24b while determining the position determination result. Further, the 20 lenses can change not only the focus but also the zoom position and the aperture by operating the operation member 23. When the operation unit 23 is a ring-shaped member provided so as to be rotatable around the lens barrel, the control using the rotation direction is also possible. It can be operated in the counterclockwise direction, and intuitive operation is possible with the lens (the entire apparatus) supported.

  As with the focus and zoom, the aperture is determined by the position determination unit based on the control result of the drive unit, but the illustration is omitted. These results can also be determined by the main body side control unit 1 via the communication unit 22. This camera may be mountable with an interchangeable lens other than 20 shown in the figure, and the user can enjoy various shootings by replacing an interchangeable lens having a different zoom lens magnification, focal length, brightness FNo, and the like. An interchangeable lens that is not a zoom lens may be assumed. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a lens-integrated camera other than an interchangeable lens camera.

  In this way, changing the imaging parameters includes switching the control of the parts such as zoom, aperture, and focus according to the situation and according to the operation of the photographer. Further, when the exposure amount is changed from the standard exposure amount, and exposure is performed with, for example, the aperture being opened or closed, exposure correction can be performed, and an image that is brighter or darker than usual can be obtained.

  On the other hand, on the camera body side, there is an operation unit 6 such as a switch that allows the user to perform various operations. Since an operation at the time of photographing is important in the photographing apparatus, a release button for photographing a still image and a release button for photographing a moving image are preferentially arranged at positions where the right index finger and thumb can be operated.

  Using these, shooting operations can be performed, and using other switches, dials, and the like, it is also possible to change shooting parameters such as exposure correction, shutter speed and sensitivity setting, and focus position change. A touch panel can also be used by assisting such operations.

  The camera 10 further displays an image on the imaging unit 2 that converts an image input from the interchangeable lens into an electrical signal, and a part that displays the imaging result (such as the eyepiece display unit 30 and the display unit 8 on the rear panel). Then, an image is recorded in the recording unit 4. Such a series of control is performed by the control unit 1 composed of a microcomputer or the like, and this integrated circuit is also provided with a signal processing circuit capable of image processing necessary for the display and recording.

  In addition, there is a face detection unit 3 that detects a face portion of a subject using an image signal from the imaging unit 2, and detects a shift in focus from the contrast and phase difference signal of such an important image part, and an exposure amount. Control the shooting by switching the adjustment amount.

  The eyepiece display unit enlarges the display image of a small liquid crystal panel, organic EL panel, etc. with a dedicated optical system so that it can be seen and can be observed by looking into the viewfinder, so it is not affected by external light In addition, an image can be confirmed, and by adjusting the diopter of the optical system, it is possible to perform good observation according to the diopter of the user.

  Now, these adjustment amounts can be switched by the parameter control unit 1b. The signal processing unit 1 incorporated in the control unit can display the imaging result on the display unit 8 including a liquid crystal display or an EL panel so that the user can take a picture while viewing the display unit 8 using the eyepiece display unit 30 or the rear panel. To process. A touch panel 8b is formed on the display unit 8, and image information corresponding to the position can be acquired by touching the displayed subject image on the display unit.

  This is to analyze the features of the image corresponding to the touched portion or to detect distance information.

  Further, the control unit 1 determines the user's shooting instruction operation with the operation determination unit 6 (the above-described still image release button or moving image release button) or the touch panel 8b, and compresses the shot image with the signal processing unit to record the image. Record in 4. At this time, there is a clock 9 so that shooting date and time information can be recorded and organized together. Needless to say, how the image is changed by the parameter changing operation can be confirmed by the eyepiece display unit 30 or the display unit 8 of the rear panel.

  During the operation, an auxiliary display may be displayed on the display unit 8 or the eyepiece display unit 30, but this is combined and displayed on the subject image by the display control unit 1d.

  Furthermore, there is a microphone 8 for picking up the voice at the time of shooting or picking up the voice instructed by the photographer, and the voice determination unit 1e uses a voice database that does not show the voice instruction of the photographer. Switch the camera operation.

  The voice instruction of the photographer is to change the effect of the photographed image. If you say these words or words with similar meanings in “background blur” or “brightness change”, the effect is the image. Can be granted. In other words, a database for retrieving camera shooting parameters from instruction voices is prepared in the recording unit 4 such as a flash ROM, and shooting parameters to be changed by the parameter control unit 1b are determined in accordance with words spoken by the user. It has come to be. In this invention, the photographer's voice instruction is particularly effective when the eyepiece display unit is used. This is because, since the photographer's mouth approaches the microphone, it is possible to perform voice determination without malfunction even with a quiet operation that does not disturb the surroundings. In particular, when shooting using the eyepiece display unit, you can check the composition without the influence of external light, prevent camera shake and avoid missing a photo opportunity, without having to change the extra camera, You can enjoy shooting as you like while making quick settings changes.

  In order to photograph the subject as desired by the photographer with the desired effect with the camera having such a configuration, the present invention employs an operation method as shown in FIG. In a situation where the subject moves around as in the scene shown in FIG. 2A, when the photographer 11 holds the screen of the photographing device (camera) 10 only, the subject 12 moves away from the angle of view. In this case, it is difficult to know which direction the camera should be pointed. Therefore, in many cases, shooting is performed in such a way that both the rear display unit 8 and the subject are viewed instead of the eyepiece display unit 30. In this case, since it is desired to record movement, it is preferable to shoot a moving image. In such a scene, it is busy to keep the subject within the shooting angle of view, and frequent shooting parameter changes may not be required.

  On the other hand, when the photographer 11 shoots the subject 12 while looking at the eyepiece display unit 30 as shown in FIG. 2B, the change of the photographic image when the photographic parameters are changed without being affected by external light. Since it is a case where it is desired to confirm, it is preferable that the photographing parameters are easily and intuitively switched.

  At this time, the distance of the lower Yen of the eyepiece display section 30 (about 4 cm for adults, although there are individual differences), as shown in FIG. 2C, the nose is located at the side Xen of the eye (similarly about 3 cm). In the case where a touch panel is provided on the rear display unit 8, it is possible to determine whether the user is looking into the eyepiece display unit based on whether or not the nose hits the position. Since there are individual differences, this Xen and Yen may be switchable. Here, the description has been made assuming that the user peeks with the right eye, but the touch position may be determined on the assumption that the user peeks with the left eye.

  When photographing using the eyepiece display unit as shown in FIG. 2B, when the right eye is placed on the eyepiece display unit 30 of the camera 10 having the rear layout as shown in FIG. 3A, the 8n portion of the rear panel 8 (FIG. 2). The nose hits the horizontal Xen and vertical Yen portions of the eyepiece 30 described above. Even if you don't hit it, you can determine the approach of the nose to the vicinity of a capacitive or optical touch panel. This 8n region may include individual differences in the positions of eyes and nose, not points, and may have an area equivalent to the area of the head of the nose, with an extent of about 2 cm. The camera (photographing device) 10 is provided with a ring-shaped operation unit 23 in the lens unit, and the camera can be supported by holding it with the left hand, and numerical values in the plus and minus directions can be rotated left and right. Change can be done intuitively.

  In addition, for shooting a still image at a position where the photographer can operate with the index finger of the right hand at the upper part of the main body of the camera 10 (in this case, expressed as up and down with reference to the case where landscape screen photography is possible as shown in FIG. 3B). The release switch 6a is provided, and a moving image shooting switch 6b is provided at a position where it can be operated with the thumb of the right hand on the back.

  Furthermore, the microphone 13 is disposed at a portion where the mouth approaches when the right eye is applied to the eyepiece 30. This makes it possible to clearly collect sound close to the mouth. By allowing the voice recognition function when the microphone is in a position where the sound of the wind or the sound of operating the camera is less likely to be noise, malfunction can be eliminated and quick switching can be performed. With such a device, it is possible to operate with a low voice, the operator (user) is not embarrassed, and the surroundings are not disturbed even in a quiet place.

  Therefore, when the eyepiece state is detected, as shown in FIG. 3B, a superimposition display is made on the image of the eyepiece display unit to indicate that speech recognition is possible. From this, the user recognizes that the voice operation is possible. At this time, for example, when the user wants to shoot an image with a blurred background, if the command “background blur” is pronounced, the voice determination unit 1e of the camera detects this and changes the shooting parameters in accordance with the user's intention. To be able to In accordance with the detection result, the shooting parameter control unit 1b executes a program for changing parameters such as the aperture, shutter speed, and focus.

  Here, since an instruction “background blur” is issued and the depth of focus changes due to aperture control, FIG. 3C shows an example in which the background is changed by the aperture effect. When the user rotates the ring member 23 of the photographic lens unit, the photographic parameter control unit 1b executes aperture control according to the direction and amount of rotation, and the photographer can shoot while viewing the effect. The eyepiece display unit has an optical system and mechanism for diopter tonality, and can confirm an image to be photographed firmly without being influenced by external light. A bar-shaped indicator may be displayed in the display unit as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the user can determine how much the ring can be turned to which one can be restored and the relationship between the limit value and the current value. Since various shooting parameters can be operated without releasing the hand or finger from the taking lens or the release operation unit, it is possible to shoot without taking a photo opportunity and without shaking.

  In addition, in the moving image shooting scene as shown in FIG. 2A, this microphone may be used as a microphone for recording a voice uttered by the user. Further, what voice instructions can be recognized and determined may be displayed on the eyepiece display unit 8 as shown in FIG. As a result, an audio pattern that can be determined by the camera is clearly indicated, so that more reliable function selection can be performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that can be easily operated by voice without malfunctioning while holding the camera firmly and taking measures against shutter chances and blurring.

  In this way, the voice uttered by the user is determined, and as a result, the parameters (aperture, shutter speed, focus, etc.) selected by the voice determination unit 1e can be changed. As shown in FIG.

  This is a flowchart representing the control executed by the control unit 1 of the camera according to a predetermined program. This is an example of the main flow of the camera in which the parameter control unit 1b enables the numerical value of the photographing parameter by operating the ring unit of the photographing lens when the parameter to be controlled is determined by the sound determination result. For example, in step S101, an operation of a power source performed by a power switch or the like is determined. If this is turned on, a determination is made in S102 and S111 as to whether the shooting mode or the reproduction mode.

  When the power switch is turned off, only the circuit for detecting the power switch is operated, and the other electronic circuits are turned off to enter the energy saving mode (standby mode).

  If the shooting mode is set by switching the touch panel or the switch, a through image is displayed in S103. In this case, the subject image signal obtained by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit in real time, and the user can check the shooting timing, composition, and effect of changing the shooting parameter while watching this.

  S104 is a subroutine for determining the eyepiece of the user (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and S105 is a subroutine for changing parameter values (see FIG. 6). By these subroutines, the parameter switching (item and numerical value) control before photographing as described in FIG. 3 can be performed. If the still image release switch 6a or the moving image shooting switch 6b is operated while confirming the effect on the display unit, S106 is branched to Y, and in S107, shooting according to the result of the switching can be performed.

  Here, detailed description of the operation for ending the moving image at the time of moving image shooting is omitted. If the shooting is started in step S106 and the operation of the switch 6b is determined again at the timing of S106, the shooting may be ended and the moving image (including sound) recording may be ended. When shooting is not performed, the display is repeated from the through image display, and therefore, in the shooting mode, parameter change and shooting can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

  When switching to the playback mode is performed, S102 is branched to S111, and the captured image is played back (S112). If the user wants to view another image, when the user again operates the touch panel or switch, it is determined in S113, and the image is switched in S115. If neither the shooting mode nor the playback mode is selected, the image communication mode is set such that the process branches to S114 to transmit the shot image to the outside.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow example for explaining in detail the flow of eyepiece determination shown in S104 of FIG. This is to determine whether the user is taking a picture in either of FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 3A, when any part of the touch panel 8b provided on the rear display unit 8 is touched, in S202, the touch position is determined, and it is determined that the touch is on the portion 8n. Then, eyepiece determination is performed in S204. At this time, the eyepiece display unit 30 may be turned on for display. This can also be expected to save energy.

  At the time of this eyepiece determination, it is considered that the user's face is as close as possible to the camera, and since the position of the mouth that speaks the voice and the position of the microphone of the camera are close, an indication that voice recognition is possible in S204 May be performed on the eyepiece display unit as shown in FIG. If such a display appears, the user can also determine that the voice operation is possible, and can enjoy the voice operation without anxiety. In this state, it is considered that the instruction voice for operation can be accurately captured by the microphone 13, and the voice determination is possible even when the voice operation is large and the voice signal is large and the noise is relatively small. As a result, the present invention has made it possible to provide an imaging device that can perform voice determination without malfunction even with a quiet operation that does not bother the surroundings. By using the eyepiece display as shown in Fig. 2, you can check the composition without the influence of external light, prevent camera shake, and do not miss a photo opportunity. You can enjoy shooting as you want.

  Even when the tip of the nose hits other than the 8n part of FIG. 3A, the operation part of the camera body (such as half-pressing the still image release button) or the operation of the lens operation part 23 is detected at that time. If so, this may be detected in S203 to enable voice determination.

  This determines that the user wants to operate something and allows voice determination. When such a condition is not satisfied, the voice determination circuit may be prevented from consuming current, and the power of the voice determination unit 1e may not be turned on.

  In addition, if this part is activated, it is inevitable that a malfunction occurs with the same sound as the imaging instruction. In the present invention, such a malfunction is minimized and a highly reliable voice operation is possible.

  Further, even if no touch is detected in S201, the sound from the microphone 13 is determined, and if it is a human breathing pattern, the face is in close contact with the body of the photographing apparatus (camera) 10 Therefore, it is possible to branch to S204 and perform eyepiece determination.

  Also in this case, it is considered that the voice at the time of the voice operation of the user can obtain a relatively good S / N ratio, and the voice judgment is permitted. In other cases, here, no eyepiece determination is made in S212, and voice recognition and voice determination are not performed, thereby preventing malfunction. With such a device, it is possible to provide a camera that makes use of highly reliable voice determination, makes it possible to shoot effectively by various operations without missing a photo opportunity, and can concentrate on shooting.

  Of course, eyepiece determinations other than those described here may be performed. In this embodiment, the eyepiece state detects that the face is approaching and the mouth that speaks the voice and the microphone (camera) are approaching, so that the detection accuracy is ensured. May be.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart example of parameter value change executed in step S105 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (b), a state where a voice determination enabled display is displayed, or as shown in FIG. 3 (d), parameter candidates that can be selected by voice are displayed on the eyepiece display unit with icons and characters. When they are selected by voice in the state, the process branches to Y in steps S231, S233, S235, and S237.

  In accordance with this selection item, the selected shooting parameters are displayed on the eyepiece display unit as shown in FIG. 3C, so that the focus position (S232), exposure correction amount (S234), aperture, etc. The value (S236), zoom (S238), and the like can be switched.

  At this time, it is preferable that the voice judged at the time of voice judgment is a word that is easy for the user to understand. However, since it is associated with the function in the database, the camera microcomputer determines which function is controlled. Is possible.

  Therefore, when it is desired to change the brightness of the screen, exposure correction can be performed by saying “brightness”. Of course, some users understand the effect of the function, so that the function itself may be capable of voice determination. There are many other shooting parameters, but the description is omitted here. Moreover, although the example which adjusts a numerical value was shown, the application which switches a mode is also possible.

  FIG. 7 shows the appearance of a digital camera 10 to which such an invention is applied.

  A ring-shaped operation member 23 is provided around the interchangeable lens 20, and if this is rotated to switch the parameters, the operation can be quickly performed while stably holding the camera.

  A still image release switch 6a is provided in the upper part of the main body, and still image shooting is possible if pushed down during still image shooting. In many cases, this switch has a two-stage configuration, and another switch is turned on during the push-in to perform autofocus or the like.

  If this other switch, the ring operation unit 23, or the like is used, the determination in S203 of FIG. 5 can be performed. A display unit 8 and a moving image shooting switch 6b are provided on the back side.

  When holding the camera firmly, the right hand puts the index finger on the switch 6a, and holding the ring 23 provided on the lens unit 20 is stable and does not miss a photo opportunity. It is preferable that the mode and photographing parameters can be changed without operating 6e, 6f, and the like.

  In the present invention, since the parameters can be changed by voice instructions issued by the user without these switch operations, it is possible to shoot as intended by the user without missing a photo opportunity and without shaking.

  Reference numeral 6c denotes a power switch, which is determined in S101 of FIG. Further, the microphone that receives the voice of the voice instruction, which is a feature of the present invention, is a position where the user can easily pick up the voice uttered from the mouth when the user looks into the eyepiece display unit 30, that is, the back side 13a and 13b. What is necessary is just to arrange | position in the position like this. The position 13 in FIG. This microphone may also be used to capture and record the photographer's narrative when shooting a moving image. Such audio is played back by 14 speakers when played back. If you play the movie while playing back the sound, the atmosphere at the time of shooting can be reproduced more vividly.

    Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. A camera for moving images may be used, and a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like may of course be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It should be noted that even if the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings is described using “first,” “next,” etc. for convenience, it is essential to carry out in this order. It doesn't mean. In addition, it goes without saying that the steps constituting these operation flows can be omitted as appropriate for portions that do not affect the essence of the invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device concerning this invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which photographing is performed using a photographing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the place which is adjusting the imaging | photography parameter using an eyepiece display part and a ring operation part at the time of imaging | photography of the imaging device concerning this invention. It is an example of the flowchart of imaging device control of this invention. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the subroutine of the flow performed at the time of eyepiece determination of the imaging device of this invention. It is the example of the flowchart which showed the subroutine of the parameter change of the imaging device of this invention. It is an example of the external view of the imaging device of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Signal processing, control part, 1b ... Parameter control part, 1c ... Eyepiece detection part, 1d ... Display control part, 1e ... Voice determination part, 2 ... Imaging part, 3 ... face detection unit, 4 ... recording unit, 5 ... communication unit with lens, 6 ... operation unit, 8 ... display unit, 8b ... touch panel unit, 9 ... clock DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera body (body), 11 ... Photographer, 12 ... Subject, 13 ... Microphone, 20 ... Imaging lens, 21 ... Lens control part, 22 ... Body Communication part, 23 ... operation member (ring member)

Claims (5)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
An eyepiece type display unit for displaying an imaging result obtained by the imaging unit;
A recording unit for recording an image obtained by the imaging unit;
A microphone for picking up sound, the microphone disposed at a position close to the mouth of the photographer in a state where the photographer looks into the eyepiece type display unit;
A display control unit for synthesizing and displaying a display informing whether voice operation by the microphone is possible in the eyepiece display unit;
When the voice operation by the microphone is possible, an operation ring member for operating the shooting parameter determined by the voice operation;
A photographing apparatus comprising: The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microphone picks up sound for voice operation or recording in the recording unit. An audio control unit that detects a photographer's eyepiece state on the eyepiece type display unit and switches the voice collected from the microphone to the voice operation or voice recording is provided. Item 3. The photographing apparatus according to Item 2 . In a state where the imaging result is a horizontally long screen, the second display unit and a touch panel on the second display unit are provided at a position below the eyepiece display unit, and a signal from the touch panel The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sound control unit performs the sound control based on the above . The said microphone is provided in the lower part of the said eyepiece-type display part, The said audio | voice control part performs the said audio | voice control based on the audio | voice pattern detected with the said microphone. of the image capturing device.

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