JP6645485B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus equipped with a general-purpose OS (operating system) such as Android (registered trademark) has been known. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a digital camera equipped with an Android OS sold by the applicant. This OS provides various APIs (application programming interfaces) for using the camera function.

Nikon Corporation, “Coolpix S800c Instruction Manual”, September 27, 2012, p.79-94

  The digital camera described in Non-Patent Document 1 has an OS equipped with an API for using a so-called electronic zoom. Therefore, the optical zoom function cannot be used when a program created for various electronic devices on which the OS operates is not specially created for the digital camera.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus captures a subject image formed by an imaging optical system including a zoom lens and outputs an image signal, and drives the zoom lens in an optical axis direction. A zoom drive unit, a first operation unit that instructs an optical zoom operation by the zoom drive unit, a first processing unit that operates in a predetermined operation system, and that can execute an electronic zoom instructed by a user, depending on the operation of the electronic zoom is made to the first operating unit a viable state by 1 unit, a second processing unit that controls the zoom drive unit to drive the zoom lens the user by an operable a zoom ratio of the imaging optical system, and a different second operating unit and the first operating unit, an acquisition unit for acquiring a zoom position of the zoom lens at a predetermined period, the For example, the optical zoom operation is possible by the first operation unit, the operation of the electronic zoom is possible with the first operating portion and the second operating unit, the first processing unit, the acquisition When the zoom position of the zoom lens acquired by the unit represents a focal length equal to or shorter than the telephoto end of the optical zoom range, the operation performed on the first operation unit is ignored and acquired by the acquisition unit. when the zoom position of the zoom lens represents a larger focal length than the telephoto end of the optical zoom range, characterized that you execute the electronic zoom in response to the operation performed with respect to the first operating unit.

  According to the present invention, an easy-to-use imaging device can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing an example of an execution screen of the 2nd kind application. It is a figure showing an example of an execution screen of the 3rd kind application. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the connection mode of the zoom button 24.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 1 includes a control device 11 that controls each unit of the digital camera 1. The control device 11 has a camera processing unit 12 and an application processing unit 13. The camera processing unit 12 corresponds to a back end regarding a camera function of the digital camera 1, and the application processing unit 13 corresponds to a front end.

  The camera processing unit 12 and the application processing unit 13 are processing units that operate independently. For example, the camera processing unit 12 and the application processing unit 13 have different microprocessors and memories, respectively, and the two microprocessors can independently execute two different programs. Note that the camera processing unit 12 and the application processing unit 13 may be configured by a single processor and a single memory. In this case, the two different programs described above may be executed in a time-division manner.

  The digital camera 1 includes a photographing optical system 14 that forms a subject image, and an imaging device 15 that captures a subject image formed by the photographing optical system 14. The photographing optical system 14 includes a plurality of lenses including a focus lens 16 for adjusting a focus position and a zoom lens 17 for changing a focal length.

  A plurality of lenses constituting the photographing optical system 14 are stored in a lens barrel (not shown). The lens barrel is configured to be switchable between a compactly housed, non-photographable cylinder state and an extended cylinder state that is extended toward an object and can be photographed.

  The focus lens 16 and the zoom lens 17 are each driven by a lens drive unit 18 in a direction along the optical axis O. The lens driving unit 18 drives the focus lens 16 and the zoom lens 17 in the optical axis O direction by an actuator (not shown) such as a stepping motor.

  A drive mechanism (not shown) for the focus lens 16 and the zoom lens 17 is provided with a lens position detection unit 19. The lens position detector 19 detects the current positions of the focus lens 16 and the zoom lens 17 using, for example, an encoder or the like, and outputs a lens position signal.

  The imaging device 15 is a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, a CMOS, a photoelectric conversion film, or the like, and captures a subject image and outputs an imaging signal. The imaging signal output by the imaging element 15 is input to the image processing unit 20. The image processing unit 20 performs various image processing on the input imaging signal and outputs an image signal (image data).

  The lens position signal output by the lens position detection unit 19 and the image signal (image data) output by the image processing unit 20 are input to the camera processing unit 12. The camera processing unit 12 is a processing unit that controls members related to imaging of the digital camera 1, and controls the lens driving unit 18, the imaging device 15, the image processing unit 20, and the lens position detection unit 19. The camera processing unit 12 is configured to be able to exchange control signals (various data such as control instructions) with the application processing unit 13 inside the control device 11.

  The application processing unit 13 is a processing unit that controls members that are not controlled by the camera processing unit 12. A liquid crystal display 21, a touch sensor 22, and a memory card 23 are connected to the application processing unit 13.

  The liquid crystal display 21 is, for example, a display device provided on the back of the digital camera 1. The touch sensor 22 is an operation member provided to overlap the display screen of the liquid crystal display 21. When the user touches the display screen of the liquid crystal display 21 with a finger or the like, the touch sensor 22 outputs an operation signal including information on a position where the finger or the like has touched (for example, coordinates of the touched position) to the application processing unit 13. The memory card 23 is a portable storage medium. The application processing unit 13 writes various data such as image data into the memory card 23 and reads various data such as image data from the memory card 23.

  The digital camera 1 has a zoom button 24 and a release button 25. The zoom button 24 is an operation member configured to perform a predetermined optical zoom operation. The optical zoom operation includes at least a zoom-in operation and a zoom-out operation. For example, when the zoom button 24 is configured by a so-called seesaw switch, the zoom-in operation may be an operation of pressing one end of the seesaw switch, and the zoom-out operation may be an operation of pressing the other end of the seesaw switch. The zoom button 24 is connected to the camera processing unit 12. When the user performs an optical zoom operation using the zoom button 24, an operation signal corresponding to the optical zoom operation is output from the zoom button 24 to the camera processing unit 12.

  The release button 25 is an operation member configured to perform a predetermined half-press operation and a predetermined full-press operation. The release button 25 is connected to the application processing unit 13. When the user performs a half-press operation or a full-press operation using the release button 25, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output from the release button 25 to the application processing unit 13.

  Although the digital camera 1 has operation members such as a power switch in addition to the zoom button 24 and the release button 25, description thereof will be omitted below.

(Description of API provided in application processing unit 13)
The application processing unit 13 reads and executes an OS such as Android from a storage medium (not shown), and reads and executes an application (program) operating on the OS from a storage medium (not shown). The user can input an arbitrary application operating on the OS into the storage medium. The OS provides various APIs for applications running on the OS. Hereinafter, among these APIs, seven APIs related to the camera function will be described. In the description below, the actual API is partially simplified (for example, arguments are omitted).

(1) open
The application calls this API when starting use of the camera function. That is, this API is a command to start using the camera function from the application to the application processing unit 13. All APIs described below can be called only after calling this API. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to bring the lens barrel into the expanded state. In response to this instruction, the camera processing unit 12 sets the lens barrel in the expanded state and drives the zoom lens 17 to a predetermined position (for example, at the wide-angle end). Further, the camera processing unit 12 starts receiving an operation signal from the zoom button 24. Thereafter, when the zoom button 24 is operated, the camera processing unit 12 drives the lens driving unit 18 to drive the zoom lens 17 according to the operation.

(2) release
The application calls this API when ending the use of the camera function. That is, this API is a command to terminate the use of the camera function from the application to the application processing unit 13. After calling this API, all APIs described below cannot be called. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to bring the lens barrel into a contracted state. In response to the instruction, the camera processing unit 12 sets the lens barrel in the contracted state, and ends the reception of the operation signal from the zoom button 24. Thereafter, even if the zoom button 24 is operated, the camera processing unit 12 does not drive the zoom lens 17.

(3) setZoom
When the application wants to set the electronic zoom, the application calls this API with the zoom value to be set as an argument. That is, this API is an electronic zoom command from the application to the application processing unit 13. The zoom value is, for example, an integer in the range of 0 to 10, where 0 represents the wide-angle end, that is, a state where electronic zoom is not performed, and 10 represents the telephoto end. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 outputs to the camera processing unit 12 an electronic zoom control signal that instructs the camera processing unit 12 to update the electronic zoom setting value to a value corresponding to the integer of the argument. . The camera processing unit 12 updates the set value of the electronic zoom in response to the input of the electronic zoom control signal. After the call of this API, the image data (through image and captured image) transferred from the camera processing unit 12 to the application processing unit 13 reflects new electronic zoom setting values. The camera processing unit 12 enlarges the image data output by the image processing unit 20 based on the set value of the electronic zoom, performs trimming as necessary, and outputs the result to the application processing unit 13.

  Note that this API is an API on the premise of electronic zoom. Therefore, it is difficult to adapt the optical zoom by the zoom lens 17 to this API. If this API functions as an API for operating the optical zoom in the digital camera 1, the API immediately returns to the application after being called without waiting for the completion of driving the zoom lens 17. That is, a period occurs in which the current zoom state recognized by the application is different from the actual zoom state. If the control is not returned to the application until the driving of the zoom lens 17 is completed, the application cannot perform any processing until the driving of the zoom lens 17 is completed, and the application freezes during that time. .

(4) autoFocus
The application calls this API when it wants to perform automatic focus adjustment. That is, this API is a focus adjustment command from the application to the application processing unit 13. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 outputs to the camera processing unit 12 a focus adjustment control signal that instructs the camera processing unit 12 to perform automatic focus adjustment. The camera processing unit 12 executes an automatic focus adjustment process in response to the input of the focus adjustment control signal. For example, while the focus lens 16 is driven by the lens driving unit 18, imaging is performed by the imaging element 15 at predetermined intervals, and focusing is performed at a position where the contrast is maximized based on the contrast of each image data obtained by the imaging. A so-called contrast detection type automatic focus adjustment process for stopping the lens 16 is executed.

(5) startPreview
The application calls this API when the user wants to display a through image on the liquid crystal display 21. That is, this API is a through image display start command from the application to the application processing unit 13. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to output a through image. In response to this instruction, the camera processing unit 12 causes the image sensor 15 to capture a subject image every predetermined period (for example, 1/60 second), and causes the image processing unit 20 to output image data. Then, the image data is transferred to the application processing unit 13. The application processing unit 13 displays the image data transferred every predetermined period at a predetermined position on a display screen of the liquid crystal display 21 in a predetermined size.

(6) stopPreview
The application calls this API when the display of the through image on the liquid crystal display 21 is to be stopped. That is, this API is a through image display end command from the application to the application processing unit 13. When this API is called, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to stop outputting the through image. In response to the instruction, the camera processing unit 12 stops the imaging for a predetermined period started by calling the above-described startPreview. That is, thereafter, the image sensor 15 does not capture the subject image every predetermined period. The application processing unit 13 does not display the through image on the liquid crystal display 21 after calling the API.

(7) takePicture
The application calls this API when photographing is desired. That is, this API is a shooting command from the application to the application processing unit 13. When the API is called, the application processing unit 13 outputs to the camera processing unit 12 a shooting control signal instructing the camera processing unit 12 to perform shooting. The camera processing unit 12 causes the image sensor 15 to capture a subject image in response to the input of the shooting control signal, and causes the image processing unit 20 to output image data. Then, the image data is transferred to the application processing unit 13. The application processing unit 13 writes the transferred image data to the memory card 23.

(Description of application operating on application processing unit 13)
On the OS executed by the application processing unit 13, (1) a first type application not using the camera function, (2) a second type application using only the general-purpose camera function, and (3) a camera specific to the digital camera 1. It can be executed by switching between three types of applications, ie, third type applications that use functions. Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 1 when each application is executed will be described.

(1) First-type application that does not use the camera function The first-type application that does not use the camera function is an application that does not call the API related to the camera function described above. For example, the first type application does not cause the imaging element 15 to perform imaging. When the first type application is executed, the lens barrel is in a contracted state. When the first type application is executed by the application processing unit 13, the camera processing unit 12 does not cause the imaging element 15 to perform imaging and does not cause the lens driving unit 18 to perform lens driving. Further, even if the zoom button 24 is operated by the user, the camera processing unit 12 does not drive the zoom lens 17 according to the operation.

(2) A second type application that uses only a general-purpose camera function A second type application that uses only a general-purpose camera function is an application that uses a camera function using the API described above. Since the second type application uses the camera function using the above-mentioned API prepared in advance by the OS, the second type application can be executed by another electronic device (for example, a mobile phone with a camera or the like) that operates and has the camera function. It is a highly portable (portable) app that can do it. When the execution of the second type application is started, the lens barrel is in a contracted state. When the second type application calls open described above, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to start using the camera function in response to the call. The camera processing unit 12 sets the lens barrel in the expanded state according to this instruction. After that, the second type application appropriately calls each of the above-described APIs and uses the camera function. For example, takePicture is called to cause the image sensor 15 to perform imaging.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the execution screen of the second type application. Note that the execution screen illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example, and not all the second type applications perform such a screen display.

  On the screen 100, a through image display area 110, a first zoom bar 120, a shooting button 130, a zoom out button 140, and a zoom in button 150 are displayed. In the through image display area 110, the application processing unit 13 displays a through image. The second type application calls startPreview after calling open, and causes the application processing unit 13 to start displaying a through image in the through image display area 110. The first zoom bar 120 is a display member for displaying the state of the electronic zoom, and a cursor 121 is displayed so as to overlap the first zoom bar 120. The display position of the cursor 121 corresponds to the set value of the electronic zoom. For example, the upper end 125 of the first zoom bar 120 corresponds to the telephoto end, and the lower end 124 corresponds to the wide-angle end. When the user touches the zoom-out button 140 or the zoom-in button 150, the second type application moves the position of the cursor 121 in the vertical direction and calls setZoom to set the electronic zoom to a zoom value corresponding to the position of the cursor 121. . In response to this call, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to set the electronic zoom, and as a result, the display magnification of the through image in the through image display area 110 and the magnification of the captured image change.

  When the user touches the through image display area 110 with a finger or the like, the second type application calls the autoFocus described above. The application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to perform automatic focus adjustment in response to the call. As a result, the focus lens 16 is driven, and the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system 14 changes. When the user touches the shooting button 130 with a finger or the like, the second type application calls the above-described takePicture. In response to this call, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to shoot, and receives an image signal (image data) from the camera processing unit 12. Then, the captured image data is written to the memory card 23.

  When the use of the camera function ends, the second type application calls release described above. In response to this call, the application processing unit 13 instructs the camera processing unit 12 to end using the camera function. The camera processing unit 12 returns the lens barrel to the contracted state according to this instruction. The camera processing unit 12 drives the lens driving unit 18 to drive the zoom lens 17 according to the operation each time the zoom button 24 is operated during a period from when open is called by the second type application to when release is called. . That is, when using the camera function by the second type application, the user can use the optical zoom function by the zoom button 24. When the zoom-out operation is performed by the zoom button 24 with the zoom lens 17 at the wide-angle end, or when the zoom-in operation is performed by the zoom button 24 with the zoom lens 17 at the telephoto end, The camera processing unit 12 does not cause the lens driving unit 18 to drive the zoom lens 17.

  When the zoom button 24 is operated, the camera processing unit 12 further transmits a predetermined key code (operation signal) to the application processing unit 13. In other words, a key code (operation signal) indicating that the zoom button 24 has been operated is transmitted to the application processing unit 13. This key code is a key code that is not defined by the OS operating in the application processing unit 13, and is a key code that is not normally used. That is, the correspondence between the key code and the zoom button 24 is unique to the digital camera 1, and is merely determined by the digital camera 1 as such. Since the portable type 2 app designed to operate on other electronic devices does not know that the key code corresponds to the zoom button 24, the portable type 2 app may use this key code (undefined key code). ignore.

  Further, since the camera processing unit 12 does not transmit the state of the optical zoom or the like to the application processing unit 13, the second type application does not know the state of the optical zoom. That is, the optical zoom functions independently of the second type application. For example, the display content of the through image display area 110 changes according to the state of the optical zoom, but the second type application changes the state of the optical zoom and the view angle of the through image changes due to the change of the state of the optical zoom. You will not be notified.

  The camera processing unit 12 ignores the automatic focus adjustment instruction from the application processing unit 13 while the lens driving unit 18 drives the zoom lens 17 by operating the zoom button 24. That is, even if the second type application calls the above-described autoFocus while the zoom lens 17 is being driven, the camera processing unit 12 does not perform the automatic focus adjustment. This is because a desired focus adjustment result cannot be obtained even if the automatic focus adjustment is performed while the zoom lens 17 is moving.

  Similarly, the camera processing unit 12 ignores a shooting instruction from the application processing unit 13 while the lens driving unit 18 drives the zoom lens 17 by operating the zoom button 24. That is, even if the second type application calls the above-described takePicture while the zoom lens 17 is being driven, the camera processing unit 12 does not shoot. This is because if a photograph is taken while the zoom lens 17 is being moved, a desired photographing result for the user cannot be obtained.

(3) Third-Type Application Using Camera Function Specific to Digital Camera 1 The OS running in the application processing unit 13 is provided with a special interface for using the function specific to the digital camera 1. I have. For example, in the case of Android or Linux (registered trademark), a device driver specific to the digital camera 1 and a device file corresponding to the device driver are provided, and a predetermined control code is read / written from / to the device file, or an ioctl system is used. By calling the call, a function unique to the digital camera 1 can be used.

  The application processing unit 13 includes, as the special interfaces described above, an interface for acquiring the current zoom position of the zoom lens 17, an interface for driving the zoom lens 17 in a specified direction (wide-angle direction and telephoto direction), and a camera processing unit 12. An interface for setting whether or not the zoom lens 17 can be driven is provided. The third-type application uses the above-described interfaces in addition to the above-described APIs to display, for example, information on an optical zoom state on a screen, or to perform optical zoom by an operation other than the zoom button 24 (for example, a touch operation). You can do.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen of the third type application. Note that the execution screen illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example, and the third type application may perform screen display different from that in FIG. 3.

  The screen 200 displays a through-image display area 110, a shooting button 130, a zoom-out button 140, and a zoom-in button 150 similar to the execution screen of the second type application, but the first zoom bar 120 shown in FIG. Instead, a second zoom bar 220 is displayed.

  The second zoom bar 220 is a display member that indicates the state of the optical zoom and the electronic zoom, and includes a first area 222 corresponding to the optical zoom and a second area 223 corresponding to the electronic zoom. The upper end 226 of the first area 222 (the end in contact with the second area 223) corresponds to the telephoto end of the optical zoom, and the lower end 225 corresponds to the wide-angle end of the optical zoom. Similarly, the upper end 227 of the second area 223 corresponds to the telephoto end of the electronic zoom, and the lower end 226 (the end in contact with the first area 222) corresponds to the wide-angle end of the electronic zoom. A cursor 121 indicating the current zoom position is displayed on the second zoom bar 220.

  The third type application acquires the current zoom position of the zoom lens 17 via the above-described special interface at predetermined intervals (for example, 1/30 second). Then, the cursor 121 is moved to a position in the first area 222 corresponding to the current optical zoom state.

  When the user operates the zoom button 24, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the camera processing unit 12. As described above, the camera processing unit 12 controls the lens driving unit 18 so that the zoom lens 17 is driven according to the operation signal, and transmits a predetermined key code (operation signal) to the application processing unit 13.

  Since the third type application is an application created for the digital camera 1, the third type application knows that this key code is a key code corresponding to the operation of the zoom button 24. The third type application usually ignores this key code. When the zoom lens 17 is positioned at the telephoto end of the optical zoom range (that is, when the cursor 121 is positioned at the upper end 226 of the first area 222), the third type application performs zooming by the camera processing unit 12 using the above-described special interface. The driving of the lens 17 is prohibited. Then, if the zoom-in operation is further performed by the zoom button 24 from that state, the third type application changes the electronic zoom state to a more zoomed-in state while the zoom lens 17 is placed at the telephoto end. At this time, the cursor 121 is moved to a position in the second area 223 corresponding to the current electronic zoom state.

  When the electronic zoom is set to the wide-angle end again (that is, when the cursor 121 is positioned at the lower end 226 of the second area 223), the third type application uses the special interface described above to control the zoom lens 17 by the camera processing unit 12. Allow driving. In other words, the third type of application uses the electronic zoom to perform zooming beyond the amount possible with the optical zoom.

  The user can operate the optical zoom and the electronic zoom by touching not only the zoom button 24 but also the zoom-out button 140 and the zoom-in button 150 displayed on the screen. For example, when the zoom-in button 150 is touched by a finger or the like, the third type application drives the optical zoom by the above-described special interface so that the same function as the zoom-in operation of the zoom button 24 is realized according to the operation. Control and electronic zoom control are performed.

According to the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The digital camera 1 includes a photographing optical system 14 including a zoom lens 17 that varies the focal length, an image sensor 15 that captures a subject image formed by the photographing optical system 14 and outputs an image signal, and a zoom. A lens drive unit 18 for driving the lens 17 in the direction of the optical axis O, a zoom button 24 capable of performing an optical zoom operation, a predetermined operating system operating, and a program operating in the operating system input by the user can be executed The application processing unit 13 includes: a camera processing unit 12 that outputs image data obtained by enlarging an image signal output from the imaging element 15 based on a setting value of the electronic zoom to the application processing unit 13; An electronic zoom that causes the camera processing unit 12 to update the electronic zoom setting value in response to an electronic zoom command from the program. The camera processing unit 12 outputs a control signal, and the lens processing unit 18 drives the zoom lens 17 according to the optical zoom operation performed on the zoom button 24 during execution of the program by the application processing unit 13. Control. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use imaging device that can use not only the electronic zoom function supported by the OS but also the optical zoom function.

(2) The application processing unit 13 can receive a call of takePicture from the program, and the application processing unit 13 causes the camera processing unit 12 to perform imaging by the imaging element 15 in response to the call of takePicture from the program. The camera processing unit 12 outputs a control signal, and causes the imaging device 15 to perform imaging in response to the input of the imaging control signal when the zoom lens 17 is not driven. With this configuration, an easy-to-use imaging device can be provided.

(3) When the zoom lens 17 is driven, the camera processing unit 12 does not cause the image sensor 15 to perform imaging even when a photographing control signal is input. With this configuration, it is possible to always obtain a high quality photographing result.

(4) The photographing optical system 14 includes a focus lens 16 for adjusting a focus position, and includes a lens driving unit 18 for driving the focus lens 16 in the optical axis O direction. The application processing unit 13 calls autoFocus from a program. Acceptable, the application processing unit 13 outputs a focus adjustment control signal for causing the camera processing unit 12 to perform focus adjustment in response to the call of autoFocus from the program, and the camera processing unit 12 drives the zoom lens 17. If not, the lens drive unit 18 drives the focus lens 16 in response to the input of the focus adjustment control signal. With this configuration, an easy-to-use imaging device can be provided.

(5) When the zoom lens 17 is driven, the camera processing unit 12 does not cause the lens driving unit 18 to drive the focus lens 16 even if a focus adjustment control signal is input. With this configuration, an optimum focus adjustment result can always be obtained.

(6) The application processing unit 13 executes, as a program, a first type application that does not cause the imaging device 15 to perform imaging, and a second type application and a third type application that causes the imaging device 15 to perform imaging. When the application processing unit 13 is executing the first type application, the camera processing unit 12 does not drive the zoom lens 17 even if the zoom button 24 is operated. With this configuration, the optical zoom does not operate when an application unrelated to the camera function is executed, so that the user does not feel troublesome.

(7) The zoom button 24 outputs an operation signal (first operation signal) corresponding to the optical zoom operation to the camera processing unit 12, and the camera processing unit 12 responds to the input of the operation signal (first operation signal). The key code (second operation signal) is output to the application processing unit 13. With this configuration, the first type application running in the application processing unit 13 can use the optical zoom operation for a function other than the optical zoom. Further, the third type application being executed by the application processing unit 13 can detect the operation of the optical zoom.

  The following modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, and one or more of the modifications can be combined with the above-described embodiment.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, when a shooting control signal or a focus adjustment control signal is input to the camera processing unit 12 while the zoom lens 17 is being driven, the camera processing unit 12 ignores those signals. In other words, even if those signals are input, if the zoom lens 17 is being driven, the camera processing unit 12 does not perform photographing or focus adjustment. This may be queued rather than simply ignored. That is, the fact that the photographing control signal and the focus adjustment control signal have been input is stored, and when the driving of the zoom lens 17 is completed (or when the time sufficient for driving the zoom lens 17 is completed elapses). The camera processing unit 12 may be configured to execute processing according to the input signals.

  When a shooting control signal is input while the zoom lens 17 is driven, the camera processing unit 12 configured as described above causes the image sensor 15 to perform imaging after the drive of the zoom lens 17 is completed. When the focus adjustment control signal is input while the zoom lens 17 is being driven, the lens driving unit 18 drives the focus lens 16 after the driving of the zoom lens 17 is completed. By doing so, the operability of the digital camera 1 can be further improved.

(Modification 2)
The key code (operation signal) output from the camera processing unit 12 to the application processing unit 13 in response to the optical zoom operation need not be a key code that is not defined in the OS executed by the application processing unit 13. For example, if a well-known key code is output to the application processing unit 13 in response to the optical zoom operation, the first type application can use the zoom button 24 as a general-purpose operation member. That is, when the first type application is being executed, the application processing unit 13 notifies the first type application that the optical zoom operation has been performed by the zoom button 24 to the first type application that is being executed. A process corresponding to the optical zoom operation is executed. By doing so, the operability of the digital camera 1 can be further improved.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the zoom button 24 is connected only to the camera processing unit 12, and an operation signal corresponding to the optical zoom operation is first sent to the camera processing unit 12, and then output from the camera processing unit 12 to the application processing unit 13. It had been. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Hereinafter, a connection mode of the zoom button 24 different from that of the first embodiment will be exemplified.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the connection mode of the zoom button 24. In FIG. 4A, the zoom button 24 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the optical zoom operation to both the camera processing unit 12 and the application processing unit 13. 4B, the zoom button 24 is provided with a switch 26 for selectively connecting one of the camera processing unit 12 and the application processing unit 13, and the application processing unit 13 executes the first type application. When the application processing unit 13 is executing the second type application and the third type application, the operation signal is transmitted to the camera processing unit 12. The zoom button 24 is configured to output each. Even in this case, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiments, the zoom button 24 is described as a mechanical button (so-called seesaw switch). However, the zoom button 24 may be an operation member having a different form. For example, a so-called touch-type operation member that displays a specific symbol (image of an icon or a button) on the liquid crystal display 21 and operates when a touch on the symbol is detected by the touch sensor 22 may be used.

(Modification 4)
The OS executed by the application processing unit 13 is not limited to the OS described in the above embodiment. For example, iOS (registered trademark) or Windows (registered trademark) may be used as the OS. Further, the name, type, function, and the like of the API are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and may be different from those described above.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as the features of the present invention are not impaired, and other forms conceivable within the technical idea of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Control device, 12 ... Camera processing part, 13 ... Application processing part, 14 ... Shooting optical system, 15 ... Image sensor, 16 ... Focus lens, 17 ... Zoom lens, 18 ... Lens drive part, 19 ... Lens position detection unit, 20 ... Image processing unit, 21 ... Liquid crystal display, 22 ... Touch sensor, 23 ... Memory card, 24 ... Zoom button, 25 ... Release button

Claims (14)

An imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by a shooting optical system including a zoom lens and outputs an image signal;
A zoom drive unit that drives the zoom lens in the optical axis direction;
A first operation unit for instructing an optical zoom operation by the zoom driving unit;
A first processing unit that operates in a predetermined operation system and can execute an electronic zoom specified by a user;
Second process of controlling the zoom driving unit so that the electronic zoom by the first processing unit in response to operation made to the first operating unit a viable state, and drives the zoom lens Department and
A second operation unit different from the first operation unit, wherein a zoom ratio of the imaging optical system can be operated by a user;
An acquisition unit that acquires a zoom position of the zoom lens at a predetermined cycle ,
The optical zoom operation can be performed by the first operation unit,
The operation of the electronic zoom is possible with the first operation unit and the second operation unit,
The first processing unit ignores the operation performed on the first operation unit when the zoom position of the zoom lens acquired by the acquisition unit indicates a focal length equal to or less than a telephoto end of an optical zoom range. And, when the zoom position of the zoom lens acquired by the acquisition unit represents a focal length larger than the telephoto end of the optical zoom range, the electronic zoom is performed in accordance with the operation performed on the first operation unit. run to the imaging apparatus according to claim Rukoto. The imaging device according to claim 1 ,
The second processing unit outputs, to the first processing unit, image data based on the image signal output from the imaging unit after driving the zoom lens according to the optical zoom operation. Imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 2 ,
The second processing unit outputs, to the first processing unit, image data obtained by enlarging or reducing the image signal output by the imaging unit based on the electronic zoom,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit outputs an electronic zoom control signal for updating the set value of the electronic zoom to the second processing unit in response to the instruction of the electronic zoom. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The first processing unit can receive a shooting command,
The first processing unit outputs a shooting control signal for causing the second processing unit to perform imaging by the imaging unit in response to the imaging command,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the second processing unit causes the imaging unit to perform imaging in response to input of the imaging control signal when the zoom lens is not driven. The imaging device according to claim 4 ,
The imaging apparatus, wherein the second processing unit does not cause the imaging unit to perform imaging even when the imaging control signal is input when the zoom lens is driven. The imaging device according to claim 4 ,
The second processing unit, when the photographing control signal is input while the zoom lens is being driven, causes the imaging unit to perform imaging after the driving of the zoom lens is completed. apparatus. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The imaging optical system includes a focus lens,
A focus drive unit that drives the focus lens in an optical axis direction;
The first processing unit is capable of receiving a focus adjustment command,
The first processing unit outputs a focus adjustment control signal for causing the second processing unit to perform focus adjustment according to the focus adjustment command,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second processing unit causes the focus driving unit to drive the focus lens in response to the input of the focus adjustment control signal when the zoom lens is not driven. The imaging device according to claim 7 ,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second processing unit does not cause the focus driving unit to drive the focus lens even when the focus adjustment control signal is input when the zoom lens is driven. The imaging device according to claim 7 ,
The second processing unit, when the focus adjustment control signal is input while the zoom lens is being driven, causes the focus driving unit to drive the focus lens after the driving of the zoom lens is completed. Characteristic imaging device. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The first processing unit is capable of switching between a first program that does not cause the imaging unit to perform imaging and a second program that causes the imaging unit to perform imaging, and is executable.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit does not drive the zoom lens even when the first operation unit is operated, when the first processing unit is executing the first program. The imaging device according to claim 10 ,
The first processing unit, when executing the first program, notifies the first program that is executing that the optical zoom operation has been performed by the first operation unit to thereby execute the first program. An imaging apparatus, wherein the program causes a program to execute a process corresponding to the optical zoom operation. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit outputs an operation signal according to the optical zoom operation to the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
The first operation unit outputs a first operation signal according to the optical zoom operation to the second processing unit,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit outputs a second operation signal according to the input of the first operation signal to the first processing unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,
The first operation unit outputs an operation signal according to the optical zoom operation to the first processing unit when the first processing unit is executing the first program, and the first processing unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation signal is output to the second processing unit when the second program is being executed.

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