JP5830564B2 - Imaging apparatus and mode switching method in imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera that has a display means such as a liquid crystal display and is photographed while looking through a finder, and a mode switching method in the imaging apparatus.

  Imaging devices such as digital cameras and video cameras are widely known, and by digitizing image signals, digital images are continuously shot and converted into frames if frame-to-frame compression is performed. It becomes a still image, and still images and moving images can be easily taken by switching modes. Prior to shooting, in order to confirm the composition of the image and the shooting timing, the digital image is displayed as a live view image (through moving image) on display means such as a liquid crystal display.

  For example, a liquid crystal display for displaying a live view image is provided on the back surface of the imaging apparatus, and if the screen is large, the image can be confirmed accurately and easily. Therefore, the liquid crystal display tends to be enlarged. In addition, there is a trend to reduce the size and weight, and if the liquid crystal display is increased in size, the space occupied by the liquid crystal display increases, and it is difficult to secure a space for providing a switch (mainly a mode switch). The mode switch is a push-type or slide-type mechanical switch. For this reason, a configuration is known in which a touch panel is provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display, a mode icon is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and the mode can be switched by touching the touch panel at a position corresponding to the icon. The icon functions as a touch-type electronic switch that replaces the push-type or slide-type mechanical switch.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-164175, a liquid crystal display provided with a touch panel on the screen surface is disposed on almost the entire rear surface of the imaging device, and the zoom-up switch and zoom-down switch icons are superimposed on the live view image. it's shown. A release switch icon is also displayed on the liquid crystal display, and zoom shooting can be performed by touching a mode switch (zoom up switch, zoom down switch) or shutter switch icon via the touch panel.

JP-A-11-164175

  In single-lens digital cameras, digital video cameras, and the like, a finder (eyepiece) is provided to check the composition of the image and the timing of shooting, and there are many photographers (users) who take pictures while looking through the finder. Especially when the surroundings are bright and the reflection from the liquid crystal display on the back is so strong that it is difficult to see the liquid crystal display, the picture is taken through the viewfinder. Also, in a single-lens digital camera, when a large lens is attached, the image is taken while looking through the viewfinder.

However, when looking through the viewfinder, the liquid crystal display on the back cannot be seen, the mode icons (switches) displayed on the liquid crystal display cannot be confirmed, and the mode cannot be switched by touching the touch panel. Therefore, when shooting while looking through the viewfinder, you may stop looking into the viewfinder, touch the touch panel to switch modes, then press the release switch while looking through the viewfinder again, and you may miss a photo opportunity. There is.
Further, when the mode is to be numerically adjusted, the camera is not configured to shoot while reflecting the effect by adjusting the numerical value while looking through the viewfinder.

An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of switching modes even by a blind touch while looking through a viewfinder.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mode switching method in an imaging apparatus that can be performed by blind touch while looking through the viewfinder.
In the configuration in which the touch panel is provided on the back of the digital camera, the right hand operation is highly flexible in the operation while looking through the viewfinder, and it is necessary to devise it so that it can be performed without malfunction due to the touch of the nose. Also, regarding the right hand operation, the nose in the vicinity of the panel obstructs the thumb so that the thumb cannot touch the area other than the right area of the touch panel.
Therefore, in the present invention, various operations can be performed only on the right side of the panel while preventing problems caused by touching the nose. In addition, a great deal of switching is possible in this vertical movement, with an emphasis on the vertical sliding operation along the nose.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a photographed image is displayed, the first display means provided with a touch panel on the screen surface, the photographed image is displayed, and the screen is viewed by looking through the viewfinder. A mode switching method in an imaging apparatus including a second display means that can be seen, wherein a plurality of icons are displayed side by side on the first display means, and by touching the touch panel while looking through the viewfinder, The icon mode corresponding to the touched height on the touch panel is selected, and the pointed scroll bar is displayed on the second display means together with the image of the selected mode , corresponding to the sliding direction of the touch on the touch panel. , The scroll bar point is scrolled and the numerical value for the selected mode increases or decreases according to the slide direction Is adjusted, the image corresponding to the adjusted value is displayed on the second display means.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the mode is reselected by re-touching the touch panel, and the reselected image is displayed on the second display means.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the scroll bar extends in the vertical direction and is displayed on the second display means, and the point of the scroll bar corresponds to the vertical slide of the touch on the touch panel. The numerical value related to the selected mode is adjusted so as to increase when the point is scrolled upward and decreased when the point is scrolled downward, and the numerical value is increased or decreased corresponding to the upper and lower points.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the imaging means for photographing the subject, the first display means for displaying the photographed image, the photographed image is displayed, and the screen is viewed by looking through the viewfinder. Second display means that can be seen, a touch panel provided on the first display means, and a plurality of icons arranged in a column on the first display means, and corresponding to the touched height on the touch panel When the mode is selected, the selected mode and the scroll bar with point are displayed on the second display means, and the point of the scroll bar is scrolled in accordance with the sliding direction of the touch. numerical is corresponding to the slide of the touch increases and decreases adjusted on the touch panel, and displays an image corresponding to the adjusted number in the second display means the control hand It is equipped with a door.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mode is reselected and displayed on the second display unit by re-touching the touch panel under the control of the control unit.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, under the control of the control means, the scroll bar extends in the vertical direction and is displayed on the second display means, and the scroll bar corresponds to the sliding of the touch in the vertical direction. The point is scrolled up and down, and the numerical value for the selected mode is adjusted to increase when the point is scrolled upward and decreased when the point is scrolled downward, and the numerical value increases or decreases corresponding to the point up and down. Has been.

In the first aspect of the present invention, since the mode is switched by touching the touch panel, the mode can be switched even by a blind touch while looking through the viewfinder. In addition, since the image of the selected mode is displayed on the second display means, the image can be confirmed and photographed while looking through the viewfinder.
In addition, since the relationship between the slide direction and the set mode is displayed in conjunction, the numerical value adjustment according to the slide direction can be directly confirmed, and the numerical value setting is not hindered despite the blind touch in the viewfinder. Yes.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the mode is switched by a touch operation on the touch panel, the mode can be switched even by a blind touch while looking through the viewfinder. In addition, since the image of the selected mode is displayed on the second display means, the image can be confirmed and photographed while looking through the viewfinder. Further, the mechanical switch for mode switching can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified.

In addition, under the control of the control means, the relationship between the direction of the slide and the mode to be set is displayed in conjunction with each other, so the numerical adjustment according to the slide direction can be confirmed directly, and blind touch looking through the viewfinder Nevertheless, numerical settings can be made without any problem.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention embodied as a digital camera. The schematic block diagram regarding a mode display is shown. (A) and (B) are a front perspective view and a rear view of the digital camera during photographing. (A) and (B) show the mode of the photographer at the time of shooting. (A) and (B) show the screen of the rear display in the reproduction mode and the photographing mode. (A)-(C) show the screens of the rear display and the F display at the time of shooting. (A)-(C) show the screen of a rear display at the time of imaging | photography in a modification. (A) and (B) show the screen of the rear display during reproduction. 3 shows a flowchart of imaging control according to the present invention. (A) (B) shows the screen of the back display of the digital camera which concerns on another Example (Example 2) of this invention. (A) (B) shows the screen of the back display of the digital camera which concerns on another Example (Example 2) of this invention. The screen of the back display of the digital camera which concerns on another Example (Example 2) of this invention is shown. (A) (B) shows the screen of the back display in the modification of Example 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating shooting control according to the second embodiment.

  The liquid crystal display on the back of the imaging device and the touch panel are divided into the left, center, and right areas in the horizontal direction to make the center area of the touch panel a dead zone, and the menu bar for modes related to shooting is displayed on the back LCD. Yes. And while looking through the viewfinder, touch your finger on the touch panel in the right area of the touch panel, or slide your finger in a vertical or horizontal direction or with a finger in the right area of the touch panel, Select the mode on the menu bar and display it on the finder's LCD. If the mode is to be adjusted, display the pull-down menu on the finder's LCD and set the lower mode to change the mode. Yes.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a main part of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention embodied as a digital camera, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram related to mode display.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera (imaging device) 10 includes an imaging means 12, a control means (central processing circuit) 14, a display means (first display means) 16, a touch panel 17, a recording means (memory) 18, It comprises a time measuring means (clock) 20, an operation determining means 22, a finder (eyepiece) 24, and the like.

  The image pickup means 12 includes a photographic lens 12a formed of a zoom lens, an image pickup device 12b such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, and an image from a subject is formed on the image pickup device via the photographic lens, photoelectrically converted and digitized. It is output to the control means (central processing circuit) 14. Then, in order to confirm the composition and timing of shooting prior to shooting, the image of the subject obtained by the imaging means 12 is processed by the central processing circuit 14 and displayed as a live view image (through moving image) on the display means. Is displayed.

  In the present invention, as the display means, there are provided display means 16 exposed to the exterior of the imaging apparatus, and a finder display means 24a built in the finder 24 and visually observed by looking through the finder. The view image is simultaneously displayed on the display means 16 and the finder display means 24a.

For example, the display unit 16 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), and is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 10 (opposite side to the subject; photographer side). An organic EL display or the like may be used as the display unit 16 instead of the liquid crystal display.
A liquid crystal display (display means) 16 is provided so as to be able to swing on the side instead of the back of the imaging device 10, and the live view image can be displayed not only from the side but also from the back and front (subject side) by swinging the liquid crystal display back and forth. It may be observable. Further, a liquid crystal display provided on the back surface of the imaging device 10 may be provided so as to be able to swing back and forth so that a live view image can be observed from the front surface (subject side).

The finder display means 24 a built in the finder 24 is also formed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., like the display means 16.
The liquid crystal display 16 is a large display that occupies almost the entire back surface of the digital camera 10 (see FIG. 3B). On the other hand, since the finder liquid crystal display 24a is built in the finder 24 (eyepiece), it must be small. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the finder 24 has an eyepiece lens 24b in addition to the finder liquid crystal display 24a, and the image displayed on the finder liquid crystal display is magnified by the eyepiece lens. The observed image can be visually checked, and there is no problem in the recognition of the image.

  In the following, a liquid crystal display (display means, first display means) 16 provided on the back surface of the image pickup apparatus 10 and directly viewed is used as a rear display, and a finder liquid crystal display (finder display means) built in the finder 24 is used. , Second display means) 24a is distinguished as an F display.

  The subject image that has undergone necessary image processing such as color and gradation correction and compression processing by the central processing circuit 14 is, for example, JPEG format for still images and H.264 for moving images. It is converted into an image file compressed in the H.264 format or the like and recorded in a recording means (memory) 18 such as a flash memory. The time measuring means (clock) 20 measures the shooting date and time, and the date and time information is recorded in the memory 18 together with the shot image, so that the shot images are recorded in order and can be easily searched. The clock (time measuring means) 20 also has a stopwatch function for measuring each timing.

  On the rear display 16, not only the live view image before photographing but also the image signal in the memory 18 are expanded and displayed for reproduction by the central processing circuit 14. Since the rear display 16 is a large screen, the reproduced image is normally displayed only on the rear display 16, but the reproduced image may be displayed on the F display 24a.

  A central processing circuit (control means) 14 that performs image processing on a photographed image from the imaging means 12 includes, for example, a CPU, an MPU, and the like, and controls all processing related to photographing. Although not shown, the central processing circuit 14 determines whether the still image processing unit for processing a still image, the moving image processing unit for processing a moving image, the still image processing or the moving image processing, and switches the shooting mode. A captured image is selectively processed by the still image processing unit and the moving image processing unit and recorded in the memory 18.

  Switches for modes related to shooting such as exposure compensation, lens aperture, shutter speed, shooting mode (still image, movie, continuous shooting), playback, zoom, strobe, portrait, snap, etc. are displayed on the rear display 16 as menu bar icons. The display on the rear display is controlled by the central processing circuit 14. In addition, modes such as exposure correction and lens aperture are displayed as icons on the F display 24a, and the display on the F display is also controlled by the central processing circuit 14. As will be described later, the F display 24a displays not only the menu bar but also the pull-down menu of the mode selected from the menu bar as icons.

The touch panel 17 is overlapped on the screen surface of the rear display 16, and when the touch panel is touched, the corresponding mode is selected and set, and the mode is switched.
For example, icons for still image mode and moving image mode are displayed on the rear display 16, and the icons function as touch switches. When the icons are touched, the mode is switched by the mode switching unit, and the still image is processed by the still image processing unit. The moving images are processed and recorded by the moving image processing unit. If the touch panel 17 is touched to switch to the playback mode, the captured image is displayed as an index on the rear display 16, and a desired captured image is reproduced and displayed by touching and selecting the touch panel. The mode switching unit controls not only the mode switching for still images and movies, but also mode switching to playback, adjustment of numerical values such as exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed, etc., and mode switching with changes. .

  The central processing circuit 14 includes a display control unit 14a, a photographing control unit 14b, and a touch position determination unit 14c. The display control unit controls mode display on the rear display 16 and the F display 24a. Further, the touch panel position determination unit 14c is selected and set by touching the touch panel 17, and determines the switched mode from the detection result of the operation determination unit 22, and the shooting control unit controls shooting that reflects the switched mode. doing.

The operation determination unit 22 detects a touch on the touch panel and outputs the detection result to the central processing circuit 14 to determine (determine) which mode the touch panel is touched at.
The switch group 26 includes a release switch 26a (see FIG. 2B), a power switch (power switch), and the like, and processing corresponding to the switch operation is performed under the control of the central processing circuit 14.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view and a rear view of the digital camera during photographing.
In the present invention, the mode is switched by blind touch of the touch panel 17 while looking through the finder 24 when checking the composition before shooting and the timing of shooting. The screen of the rear display 16 and the touch panel 17 overlapping with the rear display are divided into a left region, a central region (central region), and a right region with substantially the same width in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) (see FIG. 3B). ). Then, the menu bar of the selection candidate mode is displayed in the left area of the rear display 16, the center area 17C of the touch panel is set as a dead band, and the left area and right area of the touch panel excluding the vicinity of the touch area are detected bands (effective area of touch, operation In particular, the right region 17R is a blind touch zone used during a blind touch.
Note that the ranges of the left region, the center region, and the right region are indicated by broken-line ellipses, but are merely indicative of the range, and are not limited to the illustrated oval ranges.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the photographer 30 normally supports the photographing lens 12a with his left hand 30L, and gently holds the digital camera 10 with the right hand 30R while lightly touching the index finger 30a with the release switch 26a on the top surface of the digital camera. And ready for shooting. When viewed from the back in this prepared state, as shown in FIG. 3B, a live view image is displayed on the back 16 of the digital camera, and the photographer's right hand 30R has its index finger 30a on the release switch on the top of the digital camera. The thumb 30b is located in the right region 16R (viewed by the photographer) of the rear display. Therefore, the photographer can naturally touch the right region 17R of the touch panel on the screen surface of the rear display with the thumb 30b of the right hand, and the mode can be switched under a touch operation including touch and slide.

  4A and 4B show a photographer's mode at the time of photographing. As shown in FIG. 4A, if the user looks through the finder 24 in order to confirm the composition of the finder image and the shooting timing, there is no room for viewing the rear display 16. In addition, when focusing on shooting, the viewer 30 looks into the finder 24 as close as possible, and thus the nose of the photographer 30 may touch the central area 16C of the rear display, and the central area of the rear display 16, that is, the central area 17R of the touch panel (Touch invalid area). In addition, the thumb of the right hand cannot touch the touch panel 17 in the area left from the nose because of being disturbed by the nose. Therefore, at the time of shooting for checking the composition of the viewfinder image and the shooting timing, the center area and the left area of the touch panel 17 are not set as the touch operation range (effective range), and only the right area 17R is set as the touch operation range. The

  Before confirming the composition and shooting timing, the mode can be switched by touching the touch panel 17 while looking at the rear display 16 as shown in FIG. However, the mode is switched while viewing the rear display 16 and does not result in a blind touch.

  In this case, since the digital camera 10 is separated from the photographer 30, the reproduced image can be viewed on the rear display 16, and a person other than the photographer can enjoy the reproduced image together with the photographer. In the playback mode, since the digital camera 10 is sufficiently separated from the photographer and there is no possibility that the photographer's nose touches the center vicinity 17C of the touch panel, the center area 17C of the touch panel does not need to be a dead zone. Here, whether or not the center area 17C of the touch panel is set as a dead zone is controlled by the central processing circuit 14, and the non-reproduction mode has a dead zone near the center of the touch panel, and when the playback mode is selected and set, Near the center is not a dead zone, but the entire touch panel is a sensing zone.

5A and 5B show the screens of the rear display in the playback mode and the shooting mode.
As shown in FIG. 5A, in the playback mode, the icons “Previous” and “Next” on the previous screen and the next screen are displayed surrounded by triangle arrows. In a mode that does not look through the viewfinder, such as the playback mode, the icon functions as a touch switch. Touching the icons “Previous” and “Next” switches the current playback screen to the previous screen and the next screen. Playback is displayed. Since the icons “Previous” and “Next” are displayed with triangular arrows that imply the previous screen and the next screen, the playback operation can be performed smoothly and continuously.

  Note that the icons are displayed on the rear display 16, and the touch panel is overlapped on the screen surface of the rear display. Therefore, strictly speaking, the icons are touched via the touch panel, and the icons are not touched directly. However, in order to avoid complication of expression, it is described as if the icon is directly touched like “touch icon”.

  In the playback mode, a shooting icon 26d is displayed in the left area 16L of the rear display (see FIG. 5A), and when this icon is touched, a shooting mode pull-down menu is displayed (FIG. 5B). reference). As a pull-down menu for the shooting mode, a still image icon 26e1 and a moving image icon 26e2 are displayed in the left area 16L of the rear display. If the still image icon is touched, the still image mode is displayed. If the moving image icon is touched, the moving image mode is displayed. The mode is switched to and still images and moving images can be taken.

  It can be said that the still image and moving image modes should normally be set before looking through the finder 24 and confirming the composition before shooting and the timing of shooting. Since there is a possibility of looking through the finder 24 at the time of shooting, icons of these modes to be set in advance are displayed in the right area 16R of the rear display corresponding to the right area 17R of the touch panel used for blind touch. Not.

In the pull-down menu of the shooting mode shown in FIG. 5B, a continuous shooting icon may be displayed in addition to the still image icon 26e1 and the moving image icon 26e2.
In addition, the still image mode is set as the initial setting, and in the shooting mode pull-down menu, a moving image icon and a continuous shooting icon are displayed, and the mode is switched from the default still image mode to the moving image mode and the continuous shooting mode. You may go on.

6A to 6C show screens of the rear display and the F display at the time of shooting. A touch panel operation (touch operation) while looking through the finder 24 during shooting will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6A, during shooting, a mode (item) menu bar is displayed in the left region 16L of the rear display.

For example, a menu bar including icons 26f1 to 26f3 related to exposure correction, aperture, and shutter speed (S / S) modes (items) is displayed in a column in the left region 16L of the rear display.
When the photographer touches the right area (blind touch zone) 17R of the touch panel with the thumb 30b of the right hand while looking through the viewfinder 24, the mode of the menu bar of the rear display corresponding to the touched height is selected, and the screen of the F display Is displayed.

  For example, when the vicinity of the upper end of the blind touch zone (right area of the touch panel) 17R is touched at a height corresponding to the exposure correction icon 26f1 on the menu bar, the exposure correction mode is selected as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, for example, it is displayed as an icon on the upper left of the F display 24a. Since the mode selected in response to the touch is displayed on the F display 24a, if a mode that is not scheduled to be selected is displayed due to an incorrect touch position, it is sufficient to notice the mistake and perform the touch again, while looking through the viewfinder 24. The mode can be selected appropriately despite the blind touch.

  For example, a scroll bar 32a with a point is displayed at the right end of the F display 24a, and when the mode is selected and the finger (thumb) 30 is slid up and down in the blind touch zone 17R, the screen shown in FIG. As shown, the point 32b scrolls in the vertical direction corresponding to the slide of the thumb on the scroll bar 32a extending in the vertical direction, and the correction value corresponding to the position (height) of the point is directly below the icon “exposure correction”. In addition, a live view image whose exposure is corrected by the value is displayed on the F display 24a.

  FIG. 6B shows the upper side and FIG. 6C shows the lower side when the finger 30b is slid in the blind touch zone 17R. In the embodiment, when the point 32b scrolls upward, the correction value increases (increases). When scrolled downward, it becomes smaller (decreases), and the increase / decrease of the numerical value corresponds to the up / down of the slide, so that the adjustment can be easily performed. Further, since the numerical value setting is performed corresponding to the height position of the slide in the vertical direction, the numerical value can be easily adjusted corresponding to the adjustment of the height position of the slide.

Since the adjustment status can be confirmed from the position of the point 32b on the scroll bar 32a, the mode can be set while checking the adjustment status.
Also, a mark 32c indicating the relationship between the direction of the slide and the increase / decrease of the correction value is displayed in parallel with the scroll bar 32a, and arrows “+” and “−” are attached above and below this mark. The relationship between the direction of the slide and the change (mode) of the correction value to be set is displayed (illustrated), and numerical adjustment according to the slide direction can be directly confirmed. Regardless of this, numerical setting (mode setting) can be performed without any problem.

  As described above, when the finger 30b is slid up and down on the blind touch zone 17R, the exposure is corrected and set to the correction value corresponding to the slide, and the live view image reflecting the set correction is displayed on the F display 24a. Is displayed. The live view image corresponding to the correction value that changes every moment can be confirmed on the F display 24a, and the exposure correction can be set and photographed while confirming the effect of the exposure correction.

  In mode settings that change numerical values such as exposure compensation, aperture, and shutter speed (S / S), slide operations are easier to use than mechanical switch operations such as push buttons, and numerical settings (mode changes) are possible. It can be done quickly and accurately.

  The mode change during shooting while checking the effect is made while looking through the viewfinder, and the touch operation on the touch panel (operation including not only the touch but also the slide) must be a blind touch, and the rear display 16 is visually checked. do not do. Therefore, it is not necessary to display live view images or detailed information on the mode set by blind touch on the rear display.

  The mode may be switched by sliding the finger in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) on the blind touch zone 17R instead of up and down. 7A to 7C show screens of the rear display at the time of shooting in the modification. In this modification, the menu bar mode displayed on the F display 24a can be switched by sliding the finger 30b sideways (sliding left) with the finger 30b facing the center from the end.

  When the finger 30b is slid left as shown in FIG. 7A, the display on the F display 24a is switched from exposure correction to aperture mode (see FIG. 7B). In the aperture mode, when the thumb 30b is vertically slid in the vertical direction, the point 32b moves up and down along the scroll bar 32a, the aperture value changes corresponding to the vertical position of the point, and the aperture value (for example, F2.8) ) Is displayed directly below the “aperture” icon. As the aperture value changes, the depth of field changes, and a live view image reflecting the change in the depth of field is displayed on the F display 24a, and shooting can be performed while recognizing the degree of blur of the image.

  By repeating the left slide, the mode displayed on the F display 24a is sequentially switched. That is, when the blind touch zone 17R is returned from the center to the end without touching, and the height is changed and the finger is slid to the left from the end, the next mode is displayed. For example, it is possible to change from the default still image mode to the moving image mode as well as to change the mode while changing the numerical value and confirming the shooting effect. Since there is no numerical value to be changed in the moving image mode, scroll bars and points are not displayed, and no numerical value is displayed under the “moving image” icon (see FIG. 7B).

By incorporating a horizontal slide in this way, switching to a numerical adjustment mode such as exposure correction, aperture, shutter speed, or switching to a moving image (from a still image) can be performed by blind touch while looking through the finder 24.
Since the center area 17C of the touch panel is set as a dead zone (invalid area), even if the nose touches the center area while shooting through the finder 24, the mode change is not adversely affected.

  Here, the mode display may be raised so that the mode icon displayed on the F display 24a is positioned at the top of the menu bar in the left region 16L of the rear display. If the mode display on the rear display 16 is set as a carry-up display, when the rear display is viewed with the time lapsed from the F display 24a at any time, the mode that is displayed on the F display and thereafter is the target to be switched. You can check from the menu bar on the rear display.

  Considering the case where the finger 30b touches the blind touch zone 17R unintentionally and returns from the center to the end (unintentionally slides back), the center slide so that the side slide (right slide) from the center to the end becomes invalid. It may be controlled by the processing circuit 14.

  Although the mode change is performed by changing the numerical value while confirming the shooting effect with the vertical slide, the method of changing the numerical value is not limited to the vertical slide. For example, it may be slid so as to draw a circle on the blind touch zone 17R. In this circular slide, the scroll bar has a circular shape, the direction of rotation of the finger to be slid, the length of the arc to be drawn (the length of the slide) The mode value is adjusted according to the length.

Another example of use of the touch panel during reproduction will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B showing the screen of the rear display during reproduction.
When a part of the playback screen, that is, a part of the touch panel is touched during playback, the screen may be enlarged and displayed. For example, if it is enlarged at a predetermined magnification each time it is touched and is enlarged 1.5 times by one touch, it is enlarged 2.25 times by the second touch and 3.375 times by the third touch. Played images are displayed. When the playback is enlarged and displayed, the icon “return” 26f for stopping the enlarged playback and returning to the standard display (initial display of playback) is displayed on the playback screen. Is canceled and the standard display is restored.

  In FIG. 8A, the face of the subject is touched, and a reproduced image magnified 2.25 times by touching twice is displayed in FIG. 8B.

As described above, according to the present invention, the mode can be switched by touching or sliding on the right area 17R of the touch panel, so that the mode can be switched even by a blind touch while looking through the finder 24.
Since the center area 17C of the touch panel is set as a dead zone, even when the nose touches the center area of the touch panel in photographing while looking through the finder 24, the mode change is not adversely affected.

The mode in which the numerical value is adjusted is displayed on the F display 24 to adjust and set the numerical value, and an image reflecting the numerically adjusted mode is displayed on the display means (F display) on the finder side. You can shoot while checking the effect.
The mode can be switched by blind touch with the thumb 30b, and the shooting can be performed with only one hand operation with the right hand. The index finger 30a on the right hand is lightly placed on the release switch 26a. You can shoot without missing a photo opportunity.

  Since the mode can be changed by blind touch on the touch panel, mechanical switches for mode switching such as a cross key, an enter key (OK key), a menu key, and a zoom key can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, since there is no switch projecting to the outside, an imaging device having an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions can be obtained.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of photographing control of the present invention. This flowchart is an example of the shooting control of the present invention, and the shooting control of the present invention is not limited to this.
The flowchart of the present invention includes a step of horizontal sliding of S111 and a vertical sliding step of S113, and the mode is changed by combining the touch panel 17 provided on the screen surface of the rear display 16 and the F display 24a built in the finder 24. It is possible to shoot while looking through the viewfinder while checking the effect of the touch screen with a blind touch on the touch panel.

  First, in S101, the operation state of the power switch (power switch) is determined. If the power switch has not been operated (if it is off), the process ends. If the power switch is on, the process proceeds to S102 to determine the shooting mode. If the shooting mode is not selected, the process branches to S131.

In S131, the playback mode is determined. If the playback mode is not selected, the process returns to S101. If the playback mode is selected, the captured image recorded in the memory 18 is selected and displayed (reproduced) on the rear display 16 in S132. As described in FIG. 8, when the touch panel 17 is touched at a position corresponding to a part of the reproduced image, the touched part is enlarged and displayed (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), and the icon “return” is displayed. If 26f is touched, it will return to the reproduction | regeneration image of the original size. Whether or not to end the reproduction is determined in S133. If another image is to be reproduced, the process returns to S132 to repeat the reproduction, and if the reproduction is completed, the process returns to S101.
The reproduction modes S131 to S133 are performed while looking at the rear display 16 without looking through the viewfinder 24.

  When the shooting mode is determined in S102, a menu bar is displayed on the left area 16L of the rear display (S103), and a live view image is displayed on the F display 24a (S104). Then, the touch panel is activated in a part on the right side of the touch panel 17, for example, the right area of the touch panel divided into three horizontally to become a blind touch zone (S105), and the right area of the activated touch panel (blind touch zone) The presence / absence of a touch at 17R is determined at S106.

  When the blind touch zone 17R is touched with the finger 30b while looking through the viewfinder 24 (blind touch), the process branches to S111 and a horizontal slide (lateral slide; left slide) from the end toward the center is determined, and the side slide is made. For example, the mode (item) to be adjusted is changed in S112. For example, the mode to be adjusted is displayed as an icon in the upper left part of the F display 24a, and a vertical slide (vertical slide) is determined in S113.

  When the finger 30b is slid up and down (vertical slide) on the blind touch zone 17R, for example, the point 32b moves in a corresponding direction along the scroll bar 32a, and the display in the F display fluctuates. Is adjusted (S113; see FIGS. 7A and 7B). For example, if the selected mode is exposure correction by the vertical slide, the shooting-controlled live view image reflecting the correction value adjusted in S115 is displayed on the F display 24a, thereby effecting the mode change (mode adjustment). Is confirmed on the F display.

  When the shooting control reflecting the adjustment is performed in S115, the process proceeds to S121, where the release operation (shutter operation) is determined, and if the release switch 30a is operated, the image is shot in the mode reflecting the numerical adjustment of the mode change. The photographed image is recorded in the memory 18 together with the date / time information.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, and 12 show screens of a rear display of a digital camera according to another embodiment (embodiment 2) of the present invention.
Constituent members corresponding to those in the second embodiment having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Mainly differences from the first embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, a home position is provided, a mode menu bar is displayed on the F display 24a by touching the home position, a mode is selected by a vertical slide, and a lower mode is set by a horizontal slide (left slide) in the left direction. This is different from the first embodiment.

When the power switch is turned on by turning on the power switch, the menu bar is displayed on the rear display 16 as shown in FIG. 10A, and the mode is switched while looking at the rear display 16 or while looking through the viewfinder. Mode switching is performed.
Mode switching while viewing the back display 16 is performed by repeatedly touching the icon of the menu bar 26g on the screen of the back display.

In other words, when a mode bar (higher concept mode) icon on the menu bar 26g displayed on the rear display 16 is touched, a pull-down menu 26g ′ for that mode is connected to the menu bar and displayed on the rear display. Touching (lower mode, lower item) sets the mode.
By selecting the mode of the menu bar 26g, displaying the pull-down menu 26g ', and repeating the mode setting of the pull-down menu (setting of the lower mode), the shooting conditions for each mode displayed on the menu bar can be arbitrarily set. Is set.

For example, when the bottom strobe mode (item) is selected from the column menu bar 26g and the icon (mode icon) 26g1 is touched, the auto flash, forced flash, red-eye reduction, and flash prohibition icons (mode icons) are displayed. The pull-down menu 26g 'is displayed in a vertical column. For example, if the bottom icon "prohibit light emission" is touched, the light emission prohibition is set.
Similarly, if program auto is selected from the menu bar 26g and the icon (P icon) is touched, a pull-down menu including shutter speed priority and aperture priority icons is displayed (not shown), and shutter speed priority and aperture priority are displayed. Either of these can be set.

The mode switching while looking through the finder 24 is performed by displaying the menu bar on the screen display of the F display and using the home position 17a of the touch panel.
That is, when the home position 17a is touched while looking through the finder 24, the menu bar 26g displayed on the rear display 16 disappears from the rear display and is displayed on the F display 24a instead (see FIG. 10B). For example, the menu bar 26g is arranged in a column at the right end of the F display 24a.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the menu bar 26g is deleted from the rear display 16 and the menu bar is displayed only on the F display 24a so that the user can concentrate on the operation looking through the viewfinder 24. ing. However, the menu bar 26g may be displayed on the F display 24a while remaining on the rear display 16.

The home position 17a of the touch panel is provided at a position where the position of the finger 30b can be easily recognized even in a blind touch, for example, at the upper right corner of the touch panel 17. Usually, a space is provided in the back of the housing of the digital camera 10, and the back display 16 and the touch panel 17 are fitted in this space. Therefore, a step is formed between the touch panel and the housing, and in the upper right corner of the touch panel, the step in the vertical direction intersects the step in the horizontal direction, and the touch of the finger is clearly different from others, so it is easy even with a blind touch The position of the home position 17a can be recognized and the home position can be accurately touched.
When the home position 17a is touched, a menu bar is displayed on the F display 24a, and shooting while looking through the viewfinder 24 can be started immediately.

  When the home position 17a is touched and the icon of the menu bar 26g is displayed on the screen of the F display, the finger 30b is slid up and down on the blind touch zone 17R as indicated by an arrow in FIG. (When sliding vertically), the mode (item) of the menu bar 26g can be selected. That is, when the finger (thumb) 30b is slid up and down to stop, a mode corresponding to the stopped height is selected, and a pull-down menu 26g ′ for that mode appears and is displayed (see FIG. 11B). . For example, if the finger 30b slid up and down is stopped at a height corresponding to the bottom strobe of the menu bar 26g, the strobe mode corresponding to the position (height) of the finger is selected.

As indicated by an arrow in FIG. 11B, when the finger 30b is slid from the end toward the center in the blind touch zone 17R on the blind touch zone 17R (lateral slide; left slide), it corresponds to the height position of the horizontal slide. The pull-down menu mode is set.
For example, when the finger 30b is slid horizontally (slid left) at the position of the arrow in FIG. 11B, the position of the arrow corresponds to the top icon (emission prohibition icon) of the pull-down menu 26g ′. Therefore, light emission prohibition is set. Since both the menu bar 26g and the pull-down menu 26g 'are displayed on the F display 24a, the mode can be switched while confirming the mode.

  When the lower mode is set by sliding sideways (sliding left) from the end to the center, and the finger 30b is released from the blind touch zone 17R, the pull-down menu 26g 'disappears, and the set lower mode icon (strobe mode emission prohibited) Is displayed in the strobe mode of the menu bar 26g, and the icon (flash prohibited icon) flashes (see FIG. 12).

  The mode icon on the menu bar (strobe mode icon) is replaced with its lower mode icon (flash off icon), and the lower mode icon flashes to indicate that the mode has been switched and switched. It can be confirmed that the lower mode is the mode of the blinking icon.

Thus, in mode switching while looking through the finder 24a,
1. First, touch the home position 17a to display the menu bar 26g on the F display 24a.
2. Select the mode from the menu bar with the vertical slide to display the pull-down menu,
3. The lower mode is set from the pull-down menu in the horizontal slide (left slide) (the mode is set in detail).

  For example, six modes of Program Auto, Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO Sensitivity, Continuous Shooting, and Strobe are displayed on the menu bar 26g, and Program Auto etc. are also required, such as “Strobe” → “Flash Off” above. Accordingly, the upper mode is selected by the vertical slide shown in FIG. 11A, and the lower mode is set by the horizontal slide shown in FIG. 11B.

  In the mode switching performed while looking through the finder 24, the center vicinity 17C of the touch panel 17 becomes a dead zone, so that even if the photographer's nose is pressed near the center of the touch panel and touched unconsciously, the mode switching does not become an obstacle.

  As described above, by combining the vertical slide and the horizontal slide in the blind touch zone 17R, the mode can be selected and set while looking through the finder, and the mode can be switched under the blind touch.

  For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the slide is performed from the center to the end direction (lateral slide to the right, right slide), or when a fixed time elapses while being touched. The mode selection is selected by sliding up and down, but if you stop sliding in the vertical direction and select a mode, and then slide sideways (slide right) without releasing your finger from the touch panel, the selected mode is canceled. Alternatively, the mode once selected may be canceled when a predetermined time elapses without sliding the finger vertically and stopping the finger from releasing the touch panel.

  The lower slide mode is set for the horizontal slide (left slide), but if the lower slide mode can be set by combining the horizontal slide and the vertical slide and then the lower slide mode is set continuously, the lower mode setting is changed. An effective configuration may be used.

As described above, also in the present invention according to the second embodiment, since the mode is switched by sliding the right region 17R of the touch panel, the mode can be switched even by a blind touch while looking through the finder 24.
Since the center area 17C of the touch panel is set as a dead zone, even when the nose touches the center area of the touch panel in photographing while looking through the finder 24, the mode change is not adversely affected.

  The mode can be switched by blind touch with the thumb 30b, and the shooting can be performed with only one hand operation with the right hand. The index finger 30a on the right hand is lightly placed on the release switch 26a. You can shoot without missing a photo opportunity.

  Since the mode can be changed by blind touch on the touch panel, mechanical switches for mode switching such as a cross key, an enter key (OK key), a menu key, and a zoom key can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, since there is no switch projecting to the outside, an imaging device having an aesthetic and simplified design without protrusions can be obtained.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the screen of the rear display in the modification of the second embodiment. Instead of selecting the mode (item) with the vertical slide and setting the (lower) mode (lower item) with the horizontal slide from the pull-down menu that appears, select the mode with a click and set the mode with another click Yes.
That is, when the blind touch zone 17R is clicked with the finger 30b instead of the vertical slide (lightly touched with the finger and released immediately), the pull-down menu of the clicked mode on the menu bar is displayed on the F display 24a (FIG. 13). (See (A)). Then, when a mode (lower mode) in the pull-down menu is clicked, the mode is set and reflected in shooting (see FIG. 13B).

  For example, in FIG. 13A, a strobe icon is selected by clicking from the menu bar and a strobe mode pull-down menu appears and is displayed, and a flash-prohibited icon is clicked from the pull-down menu to set a flash-prohibited mode. The picture is taken reflecting the setting mode of the flash prohibition. That is, even if the natural light exposure is insufficient, the image is taken without causing the flash to emit light.

  In this way, the mode can be switched even by a blind touch by clicking while looking through the finder 24. In addition, since a click is also a touch in a broad sense, it may be called a touch rather than a click.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of photographing control in the second embodiment. This flowchart is an example of the imaging control of the second embodiment, and the imaging control is not limited to this.
In S201, it is determined whether the touch panel home position 17a has been touched, and the determination is repeated until the home position is touched. When the home position is touched, the normal function of the touch panel is disabled in S202, and only the right area (blind touch zone) 17R of the touch panel is enabled, and the menu bar 26g is displayed on the F display 24a. The mode (item) selection is enabled.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not the finger has been slid up and down in the blind touch zone 17R. When the finger is slid up and down, a mode (item) corresponding to the height position of the finger is selected from the menu bar 26g. Return. When the mode is selected, a pull-down menu 26g 'of the selected mode is displayed on the F display 24a in parallel with the menu bar.

  When the mode is selected and there is no need for the vertical slide (vertical slide) in S204, the process proceeds to S211 to determine the horizontal slide (left slide) from the end of the right area 17R of the touch panel toward the center. If there is no left slide, the process proceeds to S231, and it is determined whether or not the finger has left the blind touch zone 17R. If the finger is away from the blind touch zone 17R, the mode selected in S232 is canceled and reset, and if the finger is not away, the process returns to S204.

  If there is a left slide (horizontal slide in the center direction) in S211, a pull-down menu of the selected mode is displayed in S212, an icon appears, and an upper and lower slide (vertical slide) is determined in S213. If there is no vertical slide, the process proceeds to S221, in which it is determined whether the finger is released from the blind touch zone 17R. If the finger is released, the selected mode is canceled and reset in S232. If the finger is not released in S221, it is determined in S222 whether there is a lateral slide (right slide) in the end direction or whether a certain time has passed without releasing.

  If there is a right slide or if a certain amount of time has passed without releasing your finger from the touch panel, the set mode will be canceled and reset, and if there is no right slide or if you release your finger before the certain amount of time has passed, It returns to S213.

  If there is a vertical slide in S213, the lower mode displayed in the pull-down menu can be set. If it is determined that the finger is released from the touch panel in S215, the setting becomes valid in S217, and the set mode is reflected. Will be taken.

If the finger is not released from the touch panel in S215, it is determined in S216 whether the vertically slid finger is slid in the end direction (whether it is slid right) or whether a certain time has passed without releasing.
If it is slid right or a certain time elapses without releasing, the process returns to S216 and the mode selection from the menu bar is performed again. If there is no right slide or the finger is released from the touch panel before the certain time elapses, the process returns to S213. Go back and redo the mode setting from the pull-down menu.
Many movements can be switched by this movement with an emphasis on the longitudinal slide operation along the nose, and since this operation is performed while checking with the finder, the mode switching can be performed smoothly without failure.

The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. All modifications, alterations, etc. within the technical scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.
For example, in the present invention, the mode is selected and set by touching the touch panel from the menu bar or pull-down menu displayed on the rear display or F display by touching the touch panel, etc., and the mode switching is a mechanical switch. This is possible without any switch operation. However, the digital camera includes mechanical switches such as a cross key, an enter key (OK key), a menu key, and a zoom key, and selects between mode switching by touching the touch panel and mode switching by a mechanical switch. It is good.

  In the embodiments, the imaging device is embodied as a digital camera. However, the imaging device that is the subject of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, for example, a digital video camera, a mobile phone having a digital camera function, and a notebook computer Such a mobile tool with a digital camera is also included in the imaging apparatus referred to in the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the mode is switched by touching the touch panel, the mode can be switched even by a blind touch while looking through the viewfinder. In addition, since the image of the selected mode is displayed on the second display means, the image can be confirmed and photographed while looking through the viewfinder.

  The present invention has a display means such as a liquid crystal display and can be applied to a wide range of imaging devices that are photographed while looking through a viewfinder. The present invention is not limited to imaging devices such as digital cameras and digital video cameras. It can also be applied to imaging devices such as mobile tools with digital cameras such as mobile phones and laptop computers.

10 Digital camera (imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Image pickup means 12a Shooting lens 12b Image sensor 14 Central processing circuit (control means)
14a Display control unit 14b Shooting control unit 14c Touch position determination unit 16 Liquid crystal display (rear display, first display means)
16L Left area 17 Touch panel 17C Central area (dead zone; invalid area)
17R Right area (blind touch zone)
18 Memory (Recording means)
20 clock (clocking means)
24 Finder 24a Liquid crystal display (F display, second display means)
24b Eyepiece 26 Switch group 26a Release switch

Claims (6)

First display means for displaying a photographed image and having a touch panel on the screen surface, and second display means for displaying the photographed image and viewing the screen by looking through the viewfinder A mode switching method in an imaging device provided,
A plurality of icons are displayed in a column on the first display means,
By touching the touch panel while looking through the viewfinder, the icon mode corresponding to the touched height on the touch panel is selected,
A scroll bar with points is displayed on the second display means together with the image of the selected mode ,
The point of the scroll bar is scrolled according to the sliding direction of the touch on the touch panel, and the numerical value related to the selected mode is increased or decreased according to the sliding direction,
A mode switching method in an imaging apparatus in which an image corresponding to an adjusted numerical value is displayed on a second display means.   The mode switching method in the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode is reselected by re-touching the touch panel, and the reselected image is displayed on the second display unit. The scroll bar extends vertically and is displayed on the second display means.
Corresponding to the vertical sliding of the touch on the touch panel, the scroll bar point is scrolled up and down,
The numerical value related to the selected mode is adjusted so that the numerical value increases when the point is scrolled upward and decreases when the point is scrolled downward, and the numerical value is increased or decreased corresponding to the upper and lower points . Mode switching method in imaging apparatus. Imaging means for photographing a subject;
First display means for displaying a photographed image;
A second display means for displaying an image to be photographed and viewing the screen by looking through the viewfinder;
A touch panel provided on the first display means;
A plurality of icons are displayed side by side on the first display means, and when the icon mode corresponding to the touched height on the touch panel is selected, the selected mode and the pointed scroll bar are displayed in the second display. The scroll bar point is scrolled according to the slide direction of the touch, and the numerical value related to the selected mode is increased or decreased according to the touch slide on the touch panel, and corresponds to the adjusted numerical value. An image pickup apparatus comprising: control means for displaying the processed image on the second display means . 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the mode is reselected and displayed on the second display means by re-touching the touch panel under the control of the control means. Under the control of the control means, the scroll bar extends in the vertical direction and is displayed on the second display means, and the point of the scroll bar is scrolled in the vertical direction and selected in response to the sliding of the touch in the vertical direction. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the numerical value relating to the mode is adjusted so that the numerical value increases when the point is scrolled upward and decreases when the point is scrolled downward, and the numerical value is increased or decreased corresponding to the upper and lower points. .

Images