JP6010195B2 - Portable information terminal and method for controlling portable information terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal that can be activated by sensing a change in atmospheric pressure and a method for controlling the portable information terminal.

  When a battery is loaded, a portable information terminal such as a camera normally starts operating in a low current consumption mode. In this state, only a power switch operation is accepted, and an operation is performed for other operation member operations. Never do. When the power switch is turned on, the current consumption increases and the power supply battery is prevented from being consumed. Therefore, the photographer often turns on the power switch immediately before photographing.

  However, shutter chances often appear suddenly. Therefore, various cameras that can be switched from the power-off state to the power-on state according to the operation of the camera have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a camera that determines a posture in which the camera is held based on a detection output from an acceleration sensor and puts the camera into an activated state.

JP 2010-171892 A

In this way, various cameras have been proposed that detect the movement of the camera, switch from the power-off state to the power-on state, and activate the camera. However, the camera described in Patent Document 1 does not start up unless it is in a posture for holding the camera. In addition, the camera described in Patent Document 1 does not describe switching of image display contents.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a portable information terminal and a portable information terminal control method capable of changing display by a change in atmospheric pressure regardless of the attitude of holding the portable information terminal. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the portable information terminal according to the first aspect of the present invention converts the luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system into a video signal to display a live view image, or reproduces and displays the captured image as a reproduced image. In the portable information terminal, the monitor for displaying the live view image or the reproduced image , the atmospheric pressure is detected and the atmospheric pressure signal is output, and the interruption signal is output when the atmospheric pressure changes more than a predetermined value. a pressure sensor unit, based on the interrupt signal which is output when there is a change of the predetermined value or more pressure anda display switching means for switching the display content of the image displayed on the monitor the display switching means, in a state where the live view image is displayed on the monitor, if the interrupt signal is outputted, to the interrupt signal Zui by changing the focal length of the photographing optical system.

A portable information terminal according to a second invention is the portable information terminal according to the first invention, wherein the portable information terminal has an electronic zoom function, and the display switching means is in a state where the live view image is displayed on the monitor. When there is at least one of breath blowing and breath breathing, the angle of view of the live view image is changed .

The portable information terminal according to a third aspect of the present invention is the portable information terminal according to the first aspect, wherein the barometric pressure sensor unit is in a state where the reproduced image is displayed on the monitor, When at least one of the suction of the air pressure detects that the atmospheric pressure has changed more than the predetermined value and outputs an interrupt signal, the display switching means displays the reproduced image in either enlarged display, reduced display, or index display. Change the display .

A portable information terminal according to a fourth invention is the information terminal according to the first invention, wherein the portable information terminal is switchable between a low current consumption mode when the power is turned off and an operation mode when the power is turned on. In a state where the portable information terminal is set in the low current consumption mode, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit detects a change in atmospheric pressure exceeding the predetermined value by at least one of artificial breath blowing and artificial breath inhalation. When the interrupt signal is output, control means for canceling the low current consumption mode and shifting to the operation mode based on the interrupt signal is provided .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a portable information terminal, comprising: a monitor for displaying a live view image by converting a light beam transmitted through a photographing optical system into a video signal or reproducing and displaying a captured image as a reproduced image ; a method for controlling a portable information terminal chromatic outputs a pressure signal by detecting the atmospheric pressure, outputs an interrupt signal when there is a change of a predetermined value or more pressure change of the predetermined value or more atmospheric pressure based on the interrupt signal is output when there switches the display contents of the image displayed on the monitor, further, in a state in which the live view image is displayed on the monitor, the interruption signal is output If so, the focal length of the photographing optical system is changed based on the interrupt signal .

According to the present invention, when the atmospheric pressure sensor unit changes the atmospheric pressure more than a predetermined value during live view display or image reproduction, the angle of view of the photographing optical system is set regardless of the posture of holding the portable information terminal. A changeable portable information terminal and a method for controlling the portable information terminal can be provided.

It is the external appearance perspective view seen from the back side about the camera concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure mainly having the electrical system of the camera in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit around the atmospheric | air pressure sensor unit of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main flow of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the setting of an atmospheric pressure change flag in the camera concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the modification of the setting of an atmospheric | air pressure change flag in the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit around the atmospheric | air pressure sensor unit of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main flow of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the detection signal of an atmospheric pressure sensor, and an interruption signal in the camera concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a modification of the opening for the atmospheric pressure sensor unit in the cameras according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment using a camera to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. A camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a digital camera, includes an imaging unit, converts a subject image into image data by the imaging unit, and converts the subject image into a main body based on the converted image data. Live view is displayed on the display unit placed on the back of the camera. The photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. During the release operation, image data is recorded on the recording medium. The image data recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected. Further, the camera according to the present embodiment has an atmospheric pressure sensor unit for detecting ambient atmospheric pressure, and the camera can be activated in accordance with the detection output of the atmospheric pressure sensor unit.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back side. The camera according to the present embodiment includes an interchangeable lens 100 and a camera body 200, and both can be connected by a mount.

  On the upper surface of the camera body 200, a release button 11 for instructing photographing is arranged. The release button 11 is provided with a 1st release switch that is turned on when half-pressed, and a 2nd release switch that is turned on when fully depressed.

  A power switch 257 is disposed on the right side of the release button 11. When the power switch is turned on, power is supplied to the entire camera and operation starts. On the other hand, when the power switch is off, the camera operates in a low current consumption mode (also referred to as a sleep mode). At this time, a later-described CPU 229 (see FIG. 2) is driven with a low current consumption, and no operation member other than the power switch 257 detects the operation. In the low current consumption mode, power is not supplied except for circuits such as an atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 and a switch detection circuit 253 described later (see FIG. 2).

  On the rear surface of the camera body 200, a rear liquid crystal monitor 26, a cross button 13, a determination button 15, and the like are arranged. As will be described in detail later, the liquid crystal back monitor 26 displays various images and screens such as live view display, reproduction display of recorded captured images, and menu screen display. The cross button 13 is an operation member for moving a cursor or the like back and forth. The determination button 15 is an operation member for determining an item selected by the cross button 13 or the like.

  An opening 21 is arranged in the vicinity of the power switch 257 on the upper surface of the camera body 200. The opening 21 is composed of a large number of holes, and an atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is disposed in the back of the opening 21. The atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 can detect atmospheric pressure through the opening 21. Also, openings 22 and 23 are arranged above the cross button 13 of the camera body 200, and an opening 24 is also provided around the rear liquid crystal monitor 26.

  An atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is arranged in the back of the openings 21 to 24 and can detect atmospheric pressure. Further, the openings 22 and 23 are in positions where the photographer can easily breathe when holding the camera. Therefore, whether or not the photographer has blown in can be detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215. In the present embodiment, four openings 21 to 24 are provided, but only one or a plurality of openings among these are required.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration mainly including the electric system of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, in the camera according to the present embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 are configured separately, and the interchangeable lens 100 is detachable from a mount opening (not shown) on the front surface of the camera body 200. Yes.

  A subject luminous flux formed by the photographing lenses 101a and 101b in the interchangeable lens 100 (the photographing lenses 101a and 101b are collectively referred to as the photographing optical system 101) is guided into the camera body 100 through the mount opening. When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, it is electrically connected at the communication contact 300. Also, an attachment / detachment detection switch 259 is provided in the camera main body 200 and in the vicinity of the mount opening, so that the mounting state of the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera main body 200 can be detected.

  Inside the interchangeable lens 100, a photographing optical system 101 for focus adjustment and focal length adjustment, and a diaphragm 103 for adjusting the aperture amount are arranged. The photographing optical system is driven by an optical system driving mechanism 107, and the diaphragm 103 is driven by an aperture driving mechanism 109. The position of the photographing optical system 101 driven by the optical drive mechanism 107 is detected by the optical position detection mechanism 105, and the focus adjustment lens position (focus position) and focal length (zoom position) of the photographing optical system 101 can be detected. it can. A rotatable distance ring 112 is provided around the interchangeable lens 100, and the rotation direction (operation direction) and the rotation amount (operation amount) of the distance ring 112 are detected by the encoder 110.

  The optical position detection mechanism 105, the optical system drive mechanism 107, the aperture drive mechanism 109, and the encoder 110 are each connected to a lens CPU 111, and the lens CPU 111 is connected to the camera body 200 via a communication contact 300. The lens CPU 111 controls the interchangeable lens 100. The lens CPU 111 controls the optical system driving mechanism 107 to perform focusing and zoom driving, and controls the diaphragm driving mechanism 109 to perform aperture value control.

  In addition, the lens CPU 111 transmits lens information regarding the focus adjustment lens position (focus position) and the focal length detected by the optical position detection mechanism 105 to the camera body 200. In addition, the electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory in the lens CPU 111 or in the interchangeable lens 100 (not shown) includes focal length information, an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, and an imageable distance range (including the closest distance) of the interchangeable lens 100. ), Lens information such as lens type is stored. Information regarding the state of the interchangeable lens 100 such as the aperture state of the aperture (whether the aperture is in the open aperture state or the aperture state) and the operation state (operation direction, operation amount) of the distance ring 112 is also lens information. The lens information is transmitted from the lens CPU 111 to the camera body 200 via the communication contact 300.

  Further, the lens CPU 111 also transmits information to the camera body 200 indicating completion of aperture stop completion or aperture opening completion by the aperture drive mechanism 109 and lens drive completion by the optical system drive mechanism 107.

  A focal plane type shutter 203 for controlling exposure time and shielding the image sensor 221 is disposed in the camera body 200 on the optical axis of the imaging optical system 101 and on the imaging optical path. The shutter 203 is driven and controlled by a shutter driving mechanism 213.

  An image sensor unit 290 is disposed behind the shutter 203. The image pickup device unit 290 is a unit in which the dustproof filter 205, the infrared cut filter 209, the optical low-pass filter 210, and the image pickup device 221 are integrally formed. The image pickup device unit 290 is integrally stored in a sealed package, and dust is contained in the package. It is configured not to invade. The image sensor unit 290 is displaced two-dimensionally in the XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system 101 by the blur correction mechanism 260.

  The blur correction mechanism 260 includes an actuator composed of a piezoelectric element drive motor or the like as a drive source, and two-dimensionally displaces the image sensor unit 290 within an XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing optical system 101. An angular velocity sensor 297a using a gyro is disposed in the camera body 200, and an output of the angular velocity sensor 297a is connected to an angular velocity detection circuit 297b. The angular velocity sensor 297a outputs a shake signal corresponding to the shake generated in the camera body 200, and the angle side detection circuit 297b amplifies the shake signal and performs AD conversion.

  The angular velocity sensor 297a and the angular velocity detection circuit 297b constitute blur detection means 297, and the output of the angular velocity detection circuit 297b is connected to a sequence controller (hereinafter referred to as “body CPU”) 229. The body CPU 229 outputs a shake control signal that cancels out the shake of the camera body 200 based on the shake signal detected by the shake detection unit 297, and the actuator drive circuit 296 outputs to the actuator in the shake correction drive mechanism 260. A drive signal is output. As a result, the image sensor 221 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 101, the blur applied to the camera body 200 is canceled, and an image sensor shift type camera shake correction operation for preventing image degradation is executed. .

  A dustproof filter 205 constituting the image sensor unit 290 is disposed behind the shutter 203. The dust-proof filter 205 prevents dust generated in the mount opening of the camera main body 200 and inside the main body from adhering to the image sensor 221 and the optical element, and shadows of the dust appear in the subject image, resulting in an unsightly image.

  A piezoelectric element 207 is fixed to the entire circumference or a part of the peripheral edge of the dust filter 205. The piezoelectric element 207 is connected to a dustproof filter drive circuit 211. The piezoelectric element 207 vibrates the dust filter 205 with ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency based on the drive signal of the dust filter drive circuit 211. As the dust filter 205 vibrates with ultrasonic waves, dust attached to the front surface of the dust filter 205 is removed.

  An infrared cut filter 209 for cutting an infrared light component from the subject light beam is disposed behind the dust-proof filter 205, and an optical low-pass filter 210 for removing a high frequency component from the subject light beam is disposed behind the dust filter 205. ing. An imaging element 221 is disposed behind the optical low-pass filter 210 and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the photographing optical system 101 into an analog image signal. In the present embodiment, it goes without saying that a two-dimensional solid-state image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) can be used as the image sensor 211.

  The image sensor 221 is connected to the image sensor drive circuit 223, and the image sensor drive circuit 223 is driven and controlled by a control signal from the input / output circuit 239. The image sensor driving circuit 223 reads an analog image signal from the image sensor 221, amplifies this signal, and performs analog-digital conversion (AD conversion) or the like. An output of the image sensor driving circuit 223 is connected to a preprocessing circuit 225, and the preprocessing circuit 225 performs various preprocessing such as pixel thinning processing for live view display.

  The output of the preprocessing circuit 225 is connected to the contrast AF circuit 226, and the contrast AF circuit 226 extracts a high frequency component (contrast signal) of the image signal output from the preprocessing circuit 225. The range of the image from which the contrast signal is extracted receives an instruction from the sequence controller, and performs extraction for an area such as the AF target, the entire imaging screen, or the enlarged display area. The extracted contrast signal is output to the body CPU 229.

  The output of the preprocessing circuit 225 is connected to a data bus 261 in an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 262. The data bus 261 includes an image processing circuit 227, a body CPU 229, a compression / decompression circuit 231, a video signal output circuit 233, an SDRAM control circuit 237, an input / output circuit 239, a communication circuit 241, a recording medium control circuit 243, and a flash memory control circuit. 247 and a switch detection circuit 253 are connected. In the present embodiment, the above-described contrast AF circuit 226 is disposed outside the ASIC 262. However, the contrast AF circuit 226 may be disposed within the ASIC 262.

  An image processing circuit 227 connected to the data bus 261 performs digital amplification (digital gain adjustment processing), color correction, gamma (γ) correction, contrast correction, black and white / color of digital image data output from the preprocessing circuit 225. Various image processing such as mode processing and live view display processing are performed.

  The body CPU 229 connected to the data bus 261 controls the operation of this digital camera according to the program stored in the flash memory 249. Further, as described above, the body CPU 229 receives the contrast signal from the contrast AF circuit 226 and controls the automatic focus adjustment of the photographing optical system including the photographing optical system 101 via the lens CPU 111.

  The compression / decompression circuit 231 connected to the data bus 261 compresses the image data stored in the SDRAM 238 using JPEG or TIFF. Note that image compression is not limited to JPEG or TIFF, and other compression methods can be applied.

  The video signal output circuit 233 connected to the data bus 261 is connected to the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 and the finder liquid crystal monitor (abbreviated as “F liquid crystal monitor” in the figure) 29 via the liquid crystal monitor drive circuit 235. The video signal output circuit 233 converts the image data stored in the SDRAM 238 or the recording medium 245 into a video signal to be displayed on the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 and / or the finder liquid crystal monitor 29.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 is disposed on the rear surface of the camera body 200. Other display devices may be used. The in-viewfinder liquid crystal monitor 29 is disposed at a position that can be observed by the photographer through the viewfinder eyepiece, and, like the rear liquid crystal monitor 26, is not limited to the liquid crystal and may be another display device. It is possible to use only the liquid crystal monitor 26 for observing the subject image, and omit the viewfinder eyepiece and the viewfinder liquid crystal 29.

  The SDRAM 238 is connected to the data bus 261 via the SDRAM control circuit 237, and the SDRAM 238 temporarily stores the image data processed by the image processing circuit 227 or the image data compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 231. This is a buffer memory.

  The input / output circuit 239 is connected to the above-described dustproof filter drive circuit 211, shutter drive mechanism 213, and image sensor drive circuit 223, and controls input / output of data with each circuit such as the body CPU 229 via the data bus 261. The communication circuit 241 is connected to the lens CPU 111 via the communication contact 300 and is also connected to the data bus 261. The communication circuit 241 exchanges data and communicates control commands between the lens CPU 111 and the body CPU. It is also connected to the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 to perform serial communication.

  The atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 connected to the communication circuit 24 is disposed behind the openings 21 to 24 described above. The atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 transmits an atmospheric pressure signal corresponding to the atmospheric pressure to the communication circuit 239 by serial communication, and information on the threshold value (return condition) corresponding to the height is transmitted via serial communication via the communication circuit 239. Is done. The atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is also connected to the switch detection circuit 253, and outputs an interrupt signal when the atmospheric pressure changes according to the above threshold value. A detailed circuit of the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A recording medium control circuit 243 connected to the data bus 261 is connected to the storage medium 245 and controls recording and reproduction of image data and the like on the recording medium 245. The recording medium 245 is configured so that any one of rewritable recording media such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), SD memory card (registered trademark), and Memory Stick (registered trademark) can be loaded. It is removable with respect to. In addition, a hard disk unit such as a microdrive (registered trademark) or a wireless communication unit may be connectable.

  A flash memory control circuit 247 connected to the data bus 261 is connected to a flash memory 249. The flash memory 249 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory and controls the operation of the camera. Programs for control, adjustment values for control, and the like are stored. The body CPU 229 controls the digital camera in accordance with programs, adjustment values, and the like stored in the flash memory 249.

  The switch detection circuit 253 connected to the data bus 261 is connected to the power switch 257, other various switches 255, the aforementioned attachment / detachment detection switch 259, and the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 21. The power switch 257 is disposed on the upper surface of the camera body 200 (see FIG. 1), and is turned on / off in conjunction with a power switch lever for controlling the power supply of the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

  Various other switches 255 include a switch linked to the release button 11, a switch linked to a playback button for instructing a playback mode, and a cross button for instructing movement of a cursor displayed on the screen of the rear liquid crystal monitor 26. There are a switch linked to 13, a switch linked to the decision button 15 for deciding each selected mode and the like, and a switch linked to a mode dial for instructing a photographing mode.

  As described above, the release button 11 has a first release switch that is turned on when the photographer is half-pressed and a second release switch that is turned on when the photographer is fully pressed. When the first release switch (hereinafter referred to as 1R) is turned on, the camera performs photographing preparation operations such as focus detection, focusing of the photographing lens, and photometry of the subject brightness, and the second release switch (hereinafter referred to as 2R). When turned on, a shooting operation for capturing image data of the subject image is executed based on the output of the image sensor 221.

  Next, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 will be described with reference to FIG. In the atmospheric pressure sensor unit, a pressure detection unit 215a and a serial communication control unit 215b are provided. The pressure detection unit 215a detects a signal corresponding to the pressure using MEMS or quartz and outputs an interrupt signal. The serial communication control unit 215b performs serial communication with the serial communication control unit 241a in the communication circuit 241.

  By serial communication, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 transmits information on the current height detected by the pressure detection unit 215a to the CPU 229 in the ASIC 262. Although atmospheric pressure is not absolute height information, it is relative height information, and when changes in atmospheric pressure can be ignored, it becomes height change information.

  In the present embodiment, when the camera body 200 has a predetermined height change, an interrupt signal is output from the pressure detection unit 215a to the activation monitoring unit 253a in the switch detection circuit 253, and the camera Is activated and turned on. Therefore, the CPU 229 transmits information related to a change in atmospheric pressure corresponding to a predetermined height to the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 via the serial communication control unit 241a in the communication circuit 241.

  Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. These flowcharts are executed by the CPU 229 according to a program stored in the flash memory 249. FIG. 4 is a main flow showing the operation after the power-on reset by the body CPU 229 on the camera body 200 side.

  When a battery is loaded in the camera body 200 or an external power source is connected, this flow starts. First, it is determined whether or not the power switch 257 of the camera body 200 is on (S1). If the result of determination is that the power switch 257 is off, atmospheric pressure data is stored (S3). Here, the atmospheric pressure is detected by the pressure detector 215a in the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215, atmospheric pressure data based on this atmospheric pressure signal is sent to the CPU 229 by serial communication, and the atmospheric pressure data is stored in the flash memory 247.

  Once the atmospheric pressure data is stored, the return condition is set (S5). When the return condition is set, the sleep state is entered. In this step, the return condition sets a condition for returning from the sleep state to the power-on state. The return condition is that the camera body 200 has a predetermined height difference. The predetermined height difference is between 10 cm and 100 cm, but in this embodiment it is 30 cm. Based on the atmospheric pressure data stored in step S3, the CPU 229 calculates an atmospheric pressure difference corresponding to a predetermined elevation difference, and transmits the calculated atmospheric pressure difference to the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 via the communication circuit 243. The atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 sets the atmospheric pressure difference as a return condition.

  When the return condition is set in step S5, a sleep mode, which is a state of low power consumption, is entered (S11). In the sleep mode, as described above, the CPU 229 is driven with a low current consumption, and no operation member other than the power switch 257 detects the operation. In the sleep mode, power is not supplied except for the circuits such as the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 and the switch detection circuit 253.

  The sleep mode is canceled when the power switch 257 is turned on. Alternatively, it is canceled when a predetermined height difference occurs in the camera. That is, when the atmospheric pressure difference set in step S5 occurs, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 outputs an interrupt signal to the activation monitoring unit 253a of the switch detection circuit 253, exits the sleep state, and enters a power-on state. In addition, although the case where it becomes higher or lower than a predetermined height difference due to the pressure difference is detected, either one (only when it becomes high or only when it becomes low) may be detected.

  If the result of determination in step S1 is that the power switch 257 is on, or if the sleep mode in step S11 is canceled by an interrupt signal, power supply is started (S13). Thereby, power is supplied to each mechanism and each circuit in the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

  When the power supply is started, the atmospheric pressure data is then read (S15). Here, the atmospheric pressure signal is detected by the pressure detector 215a in the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215, and the atmospheric pressure data is transmitted to the CPU 229 by serial communication.

  Once the atmospheric pressure data has been read, it is next determined whether or not there is a predetermined difference between the previous and current atmospheric pressures (S17). Here, the difference between the previous and current atmospheric pressures is determined using a predetermined atmospheric pressure difference as a determination value. That is, it is determined whether or not the difference between the atmospheric pressure data stored in step S3 and the atmospheric pressure data read in step S15 is an atmospheric pressure difference (determination value) corresponding to 30 cm. This determination value may be a pressure difference different from the return condition in step S5.

  If the result of determination in step S17 is that there is no predetermined atmospheric pressure difference with respect to the previous time, the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset to 0 (S19). On the other hand, if the result of determination is that there is a predetermined pressure difference, 1 is set in the pressure change flag (S21). When the atmospheric pressure change flag is set to 1, when a predetermined height difference occurs in the camera body 200, the flag is used to enter the shooting operation as in the case where the release button is pressed halfway. Yes, in step S43 to be described later.

  Once the atmospheric pressure change flag is set in step S19 or S21, it is next determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure difference from the previous time is large (S22). Here, it is determined based on the atmospheric pressure difference whether or not the atmospheric pressure has changed abruptly compared to the previous atmospheric pressure. This is because, in step S51, which will be described later, when the photographer blows on the camera, the “breath blowing flag” is determined in order to continue the operation even when the power switch is off. The determination value in step S22 is, for example, that the atmospheric pressure difference from the previous time is 100 to 500 Pa, and if the atmospheric pressure difference is greater than or equal to this atmospheric pressure difference, it is determined that the photographer has started the operation by breathing. If the result of determination in step S22 is that the pressure difference from the previous time is large, 1 is set in the breath blowing presence flag (S23).

  In step S23, if the breath blowing flag is set to 1 or if the result of determination in step S22 is that the atmospheric pressure difference is not large compared to the previous time, lens information is acquired (S24). In this step, the focal position information and focal length information of the photographing optical system 101 detected by the optical position detection mechanism 105 is acquired from the lens CPU 111 via the communication circuit 241, and the closest focal length and long focal length focal length are acquired. Lens information such as unique information of various interchangeable lenses 100 such as an aperture value and an exposure correction value for each focal length is acquired.

  Once the lens information is acquired, the operation mode and parameter setting are performed (S25). In this step, if there is information such as the shooting mode set by the mode dial or the like, ISO sensitivity, manually set shutter speed or aperture value, those shooting conditions are read.

  Subsequently, the live view operation is started (S27). Here, based on the image signal from the image sensor 221, the subject image is displayed as a moving image on the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 for observing the subject image. When the live view operation is started, the photometry / exposure amount is calculated (S29). In this step, the subject brightness is obtained based on the output of the image sensor 221, and exposure control values such as a shutter speed and an aperture value for appropriate exposure are calculated according to the shooting mode and shooting conditions using the subject brightness.

  Once the photometry / exposure amount is calculated, a live view operation is performed (S31). As will be described later, when the power switch is on in step S49, the process returns to step S29, and after the imaging operation / image processing of the image sensor 221 is performed in step S29 in this processing loop, the rear surface The display on the liquid crystal monitor 26 is updated, and live view display is performed by moving image display. During live view display, the focal length of the interchangeable lens 100 is driven to the telephoto side, the wide-angle side is driven by blowing air toward the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215, or by inhaling the breath by hitting the mouth. When there is a zoom function, the angle of view can be changed.

  Once the live view operation has been performed, it is next determined whether or not the playback switch is on (S33). Here, it is determined whether or not the playback switch linked to the playback button is on. If the result of this determination is that the regeneration switch is on, regeneration operation is performed (S35). In this reproduction operation, the captured image recorded on the recording medium 245 is reproduced and displayed on the rear liquid crystal monitor 26. It is possible to switch the reproduced image to an enlarged display, a reduced display, an index display, or the like by blowing on the air pressure sensor unit 215 during the reproduction display or by inhaling with the mouth.

  If the playback operation is performed or if the result of determination in step S33 is that the playback switch is not on, it is next determined whether or not the menu switch is on (S37). Here, it is determined whether or not the menu switch linked to the menu button 13 is on.

  If the result of determination in step S37 is that the menu switch is on, menu setting operation is performed (S39). In this menu setting operation, a menu screen is displayed on the rear liquid crystal monitor 26, and the photographer sets various modes and parameters by operating the cross button 13 and the decision button 15. Executes the menu set mode. For example, when the image stabilization mode is set, the image stabilization operation is executed during the live view operation and the shooting operation. While the menu screen is displayed, it is possible to perform parameter increase / decrease settings by blowing or inhaling air toward the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215.

  If the menu setting operation is performed, or if the result of determination in step S41 is that the menu switch is not on, it is next determined whether or not the 1R switch is on (S41). Here, it is determined whether or not the 1R switch that is turned on when the release button is half-pressed is not turned on.

  If the result of determination in step S41 is that the 1R switch is not on, it is next determined whether the atmospheric pressure sensor flag is 1 or 0 (S43). Here, the determination is made based on the atmospheric pressure change flag set or reset in step S19 or S21.

  If the result of determination in step S41 is that the 1R switch is on, or if the result of determination in step S43 is that the barometric sensor flag is 1, then a shooting operation is performed (S45). Here, in the AF mode, the photographing optical system 101 is focused by contrast AF, and an exposure control value for appropriate exposure is calculated by photometry / exposure calculation. When the 2R switch that is turned on when the release button is fully pressed is turned on, an exposure operation is performed, and image data of a still image is recorded on the recording medium 245. A detailed flow of this photographing operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the photographing operation is executed, the breath blowing flag is reset to 0 (S46). The reason for starting the power supply by breathing is to quickly perform photographing. However, since shooting is completed in step S45, it is not necessary to start shooting by breath blowing, so the breath blowing flag is reset.

  If the breath blowing flag is reset to 0, or if the pressure sensor flag is 0 as a result of the determination in step S43, it is next determined whether or not the lens is detached (S47). Here, it is determined by the attachment / detachment detection switch 259 whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has been removed from the camera body 200. If the result of this determination is that the interchangeable lens 100 has been removed, the live view operation is stopped (S57), and the power supply is stopped (S59). Since the interchangeable lens 100 is removed and no subject image is formed on the image sensor 221, the live view display is stopped and the power supply is stopped to prevent waste of power.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 is attached (S61). Here, it is determined whether or not the removed interchangeable lens 100 is mounted again. This determination is detected by interrupt processing when the attachment / detachment detection switch 259 is turned on. If the lens attachment is detected by this determination, the process returns to step S13 to execute the above-described operation.

  If the result of determination in step S47 is that the lens has not been removed, it is next determined whether or not the power switch 257 is on (S49). In the present embodiment, when the power switch 257 is turned on, the power on mode is set and the camera is in an operating state. Thereafter, when the power switch 257 is turned off, the camera enters a power-off mode, and the camera is deactivated.

  If the result of determination in step S49 is that the power switch 257 is on, it is in power-on mode, so processing returns to step S29 and the above-described operation is executed. That is, when the power is on, steps S29 to S49 are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S49 is that the power switch 257 is not on, that is, if the power switch 257 is off, it is next determined whether or not there is a breath blowing (S51). Here, if the photographer is blowing toward one of the openings 21 to 24 based on the time change of the atmospheric pressure data detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 in step S22, the breathing is performed in step S23. Since 1 is set in the blowing presence flag, the determination is made based on the breath blowing presence flag.

  If the result of determination in step S51 is that there is a breath blowing and the flag is 1, 1 is set in the atmospheric pressure change flag (S55). When this flag is set, the process returns to step S29, and after the determination in step S43, the photographing operation is started in step S45. That is, there is an effect equivalent to turning on the power switch 257 when the photographer blows toward the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215. This is effective when the photographer cannot turn on the power switch 257 well by hand.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S51 is that the breath blowing flag is 0, the power-off mode is entered and power supply is stopped (S53). When the power supply is stopped, the process returns to step S3 to enter the sleep state described above. Note that the power supply stop in steps S53 and S59 is a power supply stop for entering the sleep mode, such as detection of the power switch 257 and the attachment / detachment detection switch 259, and processing in steps S3 and S5. Is supplied.

  Next, the photographing operation in step S55 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. If the shooting operation flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the AF mode is set (S71). Since the AF mode is set on the menu screen, the determination is made here based on the mode setting on the menu screen.

  If the result of determination in step S71 is AF mode, contrast AF is executed (S73). Here, based on the contrast signal extracted by the contrast AF circuit 226, the driving direction of the photographing optical system 101 is determined, the peak position of the contrast is searched while driving in this direction, and the detected peak position is determined as the photographing optical system 101. Stop as the focal point. When the MF mode is set, the lens CPU 111 performs manual adjustment of the photographing optical system 101 according to the operation of the distance ring 112.

  If contrast AF is executed, or if the result of determination in step S71 is not AF mode, that is, if it is MF mode, then photometry / exposure amount calculation is performed (S75). Here, similarly to step S13, subject brightness is measured based on the output from the image sensor 221, and an exposure control value for appropriate exposure is calculated based on this photometric value.

  Once photometry / exposure calculation has been carried out, it is next determined whether or not the 2R switch is on (S77). Here, it is determined whether or not the release button is fully pressed and the 2R switch is turned on. If the result of determination in step S77 is that the 2R switch is not on, it is next determined whether or not the 1R switch is on (S79).

  If the result of determination in step S79 is that the 1R switch is not on, it is next determined whether the atmospheric pressure change flag is 1 or 0 (S81). Even if the release button is not half-pressed in step S43, if there is a predetermined height difference in the camera body 200, or if there is a breath blowing by the photographer, the shooting operation of FIG. 5 is executed. I have to. In this case, since the 1R switch remains off, when the atmospheric pressure change flag is 1, the determination in step S81 is performed to continue the photographing operation.

  If the result of determination in step S81 is that the atmospheric pressure change flag is 0, the atmospheric pressure change flag has not been set and the photographer's finger has been removed from the release button. And return to the original flow.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S79 is that the 1R switch is on, or if the atmospheric pressure change flag is 1, processing returns to step S77. When the photographer maintains the release button half-pressed, the camera enters a standby state in which steps S77 and S79 are alternately detected, and when the atmospheric pressure change flag is set, steps S77, S79 and S81. Are in a standby state for sequentially detecting.

  As a result of the determination in step S77, when the 2R switch is turned on, the shooting preparation operation shifts to the exposure operation. First, a narrowing execution instruction is issued (S83). Here, the aperture value calculated in step S75 is transmitted to the lens CPU 111, the aperture of the aperture 103 is instructed, and the aperture operation is performed up to the aperture value transmitted by the aperture drive mechanism 109. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the narrowing is completed (S85). When the narrowing is completed, a completion signal is transmitted from the lens CPU 111, and it waits for this signal to be transmitted.

  If narrowing is completed as a result of the determination in step S85, an exposure operation is then performed (S87). In this exposure operation, first, the front curtain of the shutter 203 is caused to travel, and charge accumulation of pixel signals of the image sensor 221 is started. When the shutter time determined by the exposure calculation or the manually set shutter time elapses, the rear curtain of the shutter 203 is caused to travel, and charge accumulation in the image sensor 221 is stopped.

  When the exposure operation is finished, next, an instruction to open the aperture is given (S89). Here, the lens CPU 111 is instructed to open the aperture 103, and the aperture driving mechanism 109 performs the opening operation up to the open aperture value. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the aperture has been fully opened (S91). When the opening of the aperture is completed, an opening completion signal is transmitted from the lens CPU 111, and it is awaited that this signal is transmitted.

  If the result of determination in step S91 is that aperture opening is complete, image processing is next carried out (S93). Here, the image signal of the image sensor 221 read by the image sensor drive circuit 223 is subjected to image processing by the pre-processing circuit 225, the image processing circuit 227, the compression / decompression circuit 231, and the like. Once image processing has been carried out, next image recording is carried out (S95). Here, the image data subjected to the compression processing or the like is recorded on the recording medium 245.

  When the image recording is completed, the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset to 0 (S97). In steps S21 and S55, the atmospheric pressure change flag may be set to 1. In this case, after the photographing is completed, the release button 11 is half-pressed and the process proceeds to the photographing operation in step S45. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset in this step. When the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset, the flow of the photographing operation is terminated and the original flow is restored.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a change in atmospheric pressure is detected and a predetermined height difference occurs in the camera body 200, the atmospheric pressure change flag is set to 1, and the same processing as in the half-press state of the release button is performed. Like to do. FIG. 6 shows how the atmospheric pressure change flag is set and reset in this embodiment. This figure is a flow in which steps related to the set / reset of the atmospheric pressure change flag are extracted from the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, in the present embodiment, before entering the sleep mode (S11), the atmospheric pressure data is stored (S3), and the return condition for returning from the sleep mode to the normal power supply mode using the atmospheric pressure data is set. It is set (S5). When the camera moves at a predetermined height difference that satisfies the return condition during the sleep mode, power supply is started (S13), and atmospheric pressure data is read (S15). At this time, it is determined whether there is a predetermined atmospheric pressure difference from the atmospheric pressure before sleeping in step S3 and the atmospheric pressure after sleeping in step S15 (S17). If there is an atmospheric pressure difference, 1 is set in the atmospheric pressure change flag. (S21) If there is no atmospheric pressure difference, the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset to 0 (S19).

  In the present embodiment, the photographer's breath blowing is detected in step S51, and if there is a breath blowing, the atmospheric pressure change flag is set to 1 in step S55.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 detects this when the camera moves at a predetermined height difference, or when there is a breath blowing even when the camera is stationary. The photographing operation in step S45 can be executed.

  Note that, in setting the return condition from sleep, in the present embodiment, an atmospheric pressure difference similar to a predetermined height difference is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a pressure difference smaller than a predetermined height difference may be set. A modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a part extracted from the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the atmospheric pressure data is stored (S3), the return condition is set (S4). In the first embodiment, the predetermined height difference as the return condition is substantially the same as the height difference at the time of the determination in step 17, and in this embodiment, the height difference is 30 cm. However, in the present modification, a pressure difference corresponding to a height difference of about the resolution of the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 or slightly higher than the resolution, for example, a height difference of about 1 to 10 cm is set as the return condition.

  When the return condition is set, the sleep mode is entered (S11). When a pressure difference corresponding to the height difference set in step S4 occurs during the sleep mode or when the power switch 257 is turned on, the sleep mode is exited and power supply is started (S13). In this modified example, compared with the case of the first embodiment, the sleep mode is exited even with a slight difference in height, so that the power supply start tends to increase.

  When the power supply is started, next, the cause of the interruption is determined (S18). The sleep mode is canceled when the power switch 257 is turned on or when a predetermined height difference occurs. In this step, it is determined for which reason interrupt processing is performed.

  If the result of determination in step S18 is that interrupt processing has been performed from the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215, 1 is set in the atmospheric pressure change flag (S21). On the other hand, when the interrupt process is performed by the power switch 257, the atmospheric pressure change flag is reset to 0 (S19).

  As described above, in this modification, even a slight movement of the camera temporarily leaves the sleep mode, and the atmospheric pressure change flag is set / reset according to the cause of the interrupt process. For this reason, the current consumption is slightly increased, but the camera can be activated without missing a slight movement.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the return condition is transmitted to the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 and set in the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the return condition is set in the input / output circuit 239 in the ASIC 262, and an analog voltage corresponding to the set return condition is output to the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215. .

  The schematic configuration in the second embodiment is the same as the external view shown in FIG. 1 and the block diagram shown in FIG. However, since the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 shown in FIG. 3 and peripheral circuits connected thereto are different, the differences will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 includes an atmospheric pressure sensor 215c, a comparator 215d, a comparator 215f, a level shift circuit 215e, and an AND circuit 215g. The pressure detection unit 215a according to the first embodiment has various circuits for setting a return condition in addition to the atmospheric pressure sensor and outputting an interrupt signal when the return condition matches, and the serial communication control unit 215b. Had various circuits for performing serial communication with the communication circuit 241. In contrast, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 according to the second embodiment has a simple configuration.

  The atmospheric pressure sensor 215c is connected to the A / D port 239a in the input / output circuit 239, and outputs an analog signal (atmospheric pressure signal) corresponding to the atmospheric pressure. The output of the atmospheric pressure sensor 215c is also connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 215d. The output of the D / A port 239b in the input / output circuit 239 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 215d. As will be described later, the CPU 229 calculates a reference value, and the D / A port 239b outputs an analog signal (reference value signal 1) of the converted reference value (see S6 and S8 in FIG. 9).

  The output of the D / A port 239d is connected to a level shift circuit 215e, and the level shift circuit 215e generates a reference value signal 2 obtained by reducing the reference value signal 1 by a predetermined voltage value. The output of the level shift circuit 215e is connected to the non-inverting input of the comparator 215f, and the inverting input of the comparator 215f is connected to the output of the atmospheric pressure sensor 215c.

  The comparator 215d compares the reference value signal 1 applied to the non-inverting input terminal with the atmospheric pressure signal applied to the inverting input terminal, and outputs an H level signal or an L level signal depending on the magnitude relationship. On the other hand, the comparator 215f compares the reference value signal 2 applied to the inverting input terminal with the atmospheric pressure signal applied to the non-inverting input terminal, and outputs an H level signal or an L level signal depending on the magnitude relationship. To do.

  The output of the comparator 215d and the output of the comparator 215f are connected to the input of the AND circuit 215g. The AND circuit 215g performs an AND operation, and when either the comparator 215d or the comparator 215f outputs an L level signal, the AND circuit 215g outputs the L level signal to the interrupt processing unit 253b.

  Since the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is configured in this way, when the atmospheric pressure signal corresponding to the atmospheric pressure input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 215d becomes higher than the reference value signal 1 input to the non-inverting input terminal, The comparator 215d outputs an inverted signal (interrupt signal 1) from the H level to the L level to the AND circuit 215g. On the other hand, when the atmospheric pressure signal corresponding to the atmospheric pressure applied to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 215f becomes lower than the reference value signal 2 applied to the inverting input terminal, the comparator 215f changes from the H level signal to the L level signal. The inverted signal (interrupt signal 2) is output to the AND circuit 215g.

  The AND circuit 215g receives an inverted signal (interrupt signal 3) in which either the interrupt signal 1 output from the comparator 215d or the interrupt signal 2 output from the comparator 215f changes from an H level signal to an L level signal. When generated, this interrupt signal 3 is output to the interrupt processing unit 253b. For this reason, when the atmospheric pressure applied to the camera is detected to be lower than a predetermined atmospheric pressure corresponding to the reference value signal 1, in other words, when the atmospheric pressure is increased by a predetermined height difference, an interrupt signal is output. When the interrupt processing unit 253b receives the interrupt signal 3 from the AND circuit 215g while in the sleep mode, the sleep mode is terminated, the camera is activated, and power supply is started.

  Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is also executed by the CPU 229 according to the program stored in the flash memory 249. The flow shown in FIG. 9 will be described mainly with respect to this difference since steps S3 and S5 are simply replaced with steps S4 to S8 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment.

  When a battery is loaded in the camera body 200 or an external power source is connected, this flow starts. First, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the power switch 257 of the camera body 200 is on (S1). If the result of determination is that the power switch 257 is off, atmospheric pressure data is read (S4). Here, the atmospheric pressure signal output from the atmospheric pressure sensor 215c in the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is AD-converted by the A / D port 239a (see FIG. 8), and the CPU 229 takes in the AD-converted atmospheric pressure data.

  Once the atmospheric pressure data has been read, a reference value is then calculated (S6). The reference value is a value corresponding to a pressure difference corresponding to a position higher than the current camera height by a predetermined height difference. The predetermined height difference is set to 30 cm as in the first embodiment, but may be as long as the camera moves within a range of about 10 cm to 100 cm.

  Once the reference value is calculated, the reference value is output to the D / A port 239b (S8). When the reference value calculated in step S6 is output to the D / A port 239b, the D / A port 239b performs DA conversion and applies the reference value signal converted into an analog signal to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator 215d.

  When the reference value is output to the D / A port, the camera enters a sleep mode (S13). The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of a startup operation for starting power supply from the sleep mode by the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis indicates the flow of time, t1 to t8 indicate time, and the inverted triangle mark indicates the power-off timing. Changes in the reference value signal, the atmospheric pressure signal, and the interrupt signal are shown along this time axis.

  At time t1, the power switch 257 is turned off and the power is turned off. In this power-off state, the sleep mode is entered (see S11 in FIG. 9). At this time, the reference value signal 1 and the reference value corresponding to the atmospheric pressure at a predetermined height difference and a higher position than the current height according to the atmospheric pressure. Signal 2 is set (see S4 to S8). Thereafter, when the atmospheric pressure is lowered by lifting the camera or the like and the reference value signal 1 is exceeded at time t2, the interrupt signal 1 is output from the comparator 215d.

  When the interrupt signal 1 is output at time t2, the interrupt signal 3 is output from the AND circuit 215g, the interrupt signal processing unit 253b executes the interrupt process, exits the sleep mode, and starts power supply (see S13). ). After that, it moves to a low place, the atmospheric pressure rises, and the atmospheric pressure signal starts to decrease. At time t3, the output of the comparator 215d changes from the L level to the H level, but no interrupt signal is generated at this time, so the camera It remains powered. Therefore, if the release button is fully pressed after time t2, shooting can be performed immediately.

  When the photographer turns off the power switch 257 of the camera at time t4, the power supply of the camera is stopped and the sleep mode is entered. Similarly to the time t1, the reference value signal 1 and the reference corresponding to the atmospheric pressure are used. The value signal 2 is set (see S4 to S8). After time t3, since the atmospheric pressure is greatly increased by moving to a lower position, the atmospheric pressure signal is lowered, and the reference value signal 1 and the reference value signal 2 set accordingly are also lowered. Thereafter, when the position of the camera is moved and the atmospheric pressure signal exceeds the reference value signal 1 at time t5, the interrupt signal 1 is output and the power supply is started again (see S13).

  At time t6, the camera moves to a high place, but since it exceeds the reference value signal 1, no interrupt signal 1 is generated. Since power remains supplied after time t5, shooting can be performed immediately if the release button is fully pressed.

  When the photographer turns off the power switch 257 of the camera at time t7, the power supply of the camera is stopped and the sleep mode is entered. Similarly to the time t1, the reference value signal 1 and the reference value corresponding to the atmospheric pressure are used. The value signal 2 is set (see S4 to S8). At the time of power-off (time t7), the reference value signal 1 and the reference value signal 2 are also raised because the atmospheric pressure has increased because of moving to a higher position. Thereafter, the position of the camera moves, and when the atmospheric pressure signal exceeds the reference value signal 1 at time t8, the interrupt signal 1 is output and the power supply is started again (see S13).

  At the time of power-off (time t9), the camera is in a state of moving to a high position, and the reference value signal 1 and the reference value signal 2 are set. After that, when the air pressure sensor unit 215 of the camera is blown and the air pressure signal of the air pressure sensor 215c falls below the reference value signal 2, the interrupt signal 2 is output, and the power supply is started again.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the analog atmospheric pressure signal output from the atmospheric pressure sensor 215c and the analog reference value signal output from the D / A port 239b are compared in the comparator 215d, and the camera has a predetermined level. When a movement corresponding to the difference is performed, an interrupt signal is output, and power supply to the camera is started and started. Therefore, the camera can be activated when the camera moves while simplifying the configuration of the atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215.

  In the present embodiment, an interrupt signal is output when the comparator 215d becomes higher than a predetermined height difference corresponding to the reference value signal. However, two comparators may be provided, and interrupt signals may be output for both the case where the predetermined height difference is high and the case where the predetermined height difference is low.

  Next, a modification of the openings 21 to 24 in the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the power switch 257 is disposed in the vicinity of the cross button 13 and the determination button 15. Further, in the first and second embodiments, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is fixed to the back surface of the camera body 200. However, in the present modification, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is movable.

  The liquid crystal monitor 26 can be rotated around the vertical axis of the camera body 200 by a hinge 26b. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 11, the hinge can be rotated by the hinge 26 b even along the longitudinal axis of the rear liquid crystal monitor 26. In the state shown in FIG. 11, the monitor surface of the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 faces the interchangeable lens 100 side, and the protective surface 26a faces the rear surface side of the rear liquid crystal monitor 26.

  An opening 31 is disposed at the upper left of the protective surface 26 a, and an atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215 is provided at the back of the opening 31. When the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 is housed in the camera body 200 and the protective surface 26a comes into contact with the monitor facing surface 200a, the opening 31 is close to the power switch 257. For this reason, in a state where the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 is housed in the camera body 200, if the air is blown toward the vicinity of the power switch 257, the camera can be activated as in the first embodiment. Even when the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 is rotated, the camera can be activated by blowing on the opening 31.

  As described above, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the atmospheric pressure applied to the camera is detected, and an interrupt signal is output when a change in atmospheric pressure exceeding a predetermined value occurs. It has an atmospheric pressure sensor unit 215, and when the interrupt signal is output from the atmospheric pressure sensor unit during the low current consumption mode, the camera is in an operating state. Therefore, even when the camera is not in a posture for holding, it can be activated when the camera is moving.

  In the first and second embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, since the interrupt signal is output by the atmospheric pressure sensor unit, even if the camera is not moved, The camera can be activated simply by inhaling (see S51).

  Note that the return condition in the first embodiment of the present invention, the reference value in the second embodiment, and the like are determined according to the atmospheric pressure difference corresponding to a predetermined height difference. This predetermined height difference was previously written in the program as a design value at the factory shipment stage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user may rewrite as appropriate, or the camera may be automatically rewritten with a learning function. Moreover, it is good also as a uniform atmospheric pressure difference instead of the atmospheric pressure difference corresponding to a predetermined elevation difference. Also in this case, the user may rewrite as appropriate, or the camera may be automatically rewritten with a learning function.

  In the first and second embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof, 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. A camera for moving images such as a video camera or a movie camera may be used, and a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game device, or the like may 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. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Release button, 13 ... Cross button, 15 ... Decision button, 21-24 ... Opening, 26 ... Rear liquid crystal monitor, 26a ... Protective surface, 26b ... Hinge , 29... Finder liquid crystal monitor, 31... Aperture, 100... Interchangeable lens, 101... Photographic optical system, 101 a. Diaphragm, 105 ... Optical position detection mechanism, 107 ... Optical system drive mechanism, 109 ... Diaphragm drive mechanism, 110 ... Encoder, 111 ... Lens CPU, 112 ... Distance ring, 200 ..Camera body, 200a ... monitor facing surface, 203 ... shutter, 205 ... dustproof filter, 207 ... piezoelectric element, 209 ... infrared cut filter, 210 ... optical low-pass filter , 21 ... Dustproof filter drive circuit, 213 ... Shutter drive mechanism, 215 ... Atmospheric pressure sensor unit, 215a ... Pressure detection unit, 215b ... Serial communication unit, 215c ... Atmospheric pressure sensor, 215d ...・ Comparator, 221... Image sensor, 223... Image sensor drive circuit, 225... Pre-processing circuit, 226... Contrast AF circuit, 227. 231 ... Compression / decompression circuit, 233 ... Video signal output circuit, 235 ... Liquid crystal monitor drive circuit, 237 ... SDRAM control circuit, 238 ... SDRAM, 239 ... Input / output circuit, 239a ..A / D port, 239b ... D / A port, 241 ... communication circuit, 241a ... serial communication control unit, 243 ... recording medium Control circuit, 245... Recording medium, 247... Flash memory control circuit, 249... Flash memory, 253... Switch detection circuit, 253a. 255 ... Other switches, 257 ... Power switch, 259 ... Attachment / detachment detection switch, 260 ... Shake correction drive mechanism, 296 ... Actuator drive circuit, 297 ... Shake detection means, 297a ..Angular velocity sensor, 297b ... Angular velocity detection circuit, 290 ... Image sensor unit, 300 ... Communication contact

Claims (5)

In a portable information terminal that displays a live view image by converting a light beam transmitted through a photographing optical system into a video signal, or reproduces and displays a captured image as a reproduced image .
A monitor that displays the live view image or the playback image ;
It outputs a pressure signal by detecting the atmospheric pressure, the air pressure sensor unit for outputting an interrupt signal when there is a change of a predetermined value or more pressure,
Based on the interrupt signal which is output when there is a change of the predetermined value or more pressure and display switching means for switching the display content of the image displayed on the monitor,
Comprising
The display switching unit is configured to change a focal length of the photographing optical system based on the interrupt signal when the interrupt signal is output in a state where the live view image is displayed on the monitor. A portable information terminal. The portable information terminal has an electronic zoom function,
The display switching means changes the angle of view of the live view image when there is at least one of breath blowing and breath breathing while the live view image is displayed on the monitor. The portable information terminal according to claim 1. While the reproduced image is displayed on the monitor, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit has changed in atmospheric pressure by more than the predetermined value due to at least one of artificial breath blowing and artificial breath inhalation. 2. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the display switching unit changes the display of the reproduced image to one of an enlarged display, a reduced display, and an index display when an interrupt signal is output. Information terminal. The portable information terminal is an information terminal that can be switched between a low current consumption mode when the power is turned off and an operation mode when the power is turned on,
In a state where the portable information terminal is set in the low current consumption mode, the atmospheric pressure sensor unit detects a change in atmospheric pressure exceeding the predetermined value by at least one of artificial breath blowing and artificial breath inhalation. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that cancels the low current consumption mode based on the interrupt signal and shifts to the operation mode when the interrupt signal is output. A method for controlling a portable information terminal to have a monitor for reproducing and displaying a live view or image to display a light beam having passed through the photographing optical system is converted into a video signal, or captured image as a reproduced image,
Detects atmospheric pressure and outputs an atmospheric pressure signal, and outputs an interrupt signal when there is a change in atmospheric pressure above a specified value .
Based on the interrupt signal to be outputted when there is a change of the predetermined value or more pressure switches the display contents of the image displayed on the monitor,
Further, when the interrupt signal is output in a state where the live view image is displayed on the monitor, the focal length of the photographing optical system is changed based on the interrupt signal.
A control method for a portable information terminal.