JPH09149307A - Electronic camera providing pen input function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain inputting data by means of a pen-type indicating device by picking-up a subject image by means of an imaging device, displaying a picked-up image by means of a display device, storing the picked-up image in a memory and indicating an optional position on a display screen by means of a indicating device. SOLUTION: An image pickup means 1 converts an optical image transmitted through a photographing lens 11 into a digital image by the on-operation of a release switch. The pen-type indicating device 3 indicates the optional position on the display screen of the display device 4. A pen position detecting means 2 detects the indication position by the pen-type indicating device and a pen locus displaying means 5 displays the movement locus of the detected indication position in the display device 4. Then, while the image pickup means 1 is continuing the on-operation of the release switch even after the image-pickup for the portion of one frame, the image-pickup of the succeeding frame by the image pickup means 1 is prohibited. A pen detection control means making the image pickup of the succeeding frame possible by the image pickup means 1 when the release switch is turned off is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among electronic cameras for converting a photographed image into a digital image and recording it on a recording medium such as a memory card, a camera capable of recording photographing-related information such as a date for each frame is widely known. .

[0003]

However, in the conventional electronic camera, it is general to input the photographing-related information by using a switch or a command dial, and it cannot be said that the operability is necessarily good. Further, it is necessary to provide these switches or dials separately or share them with a switch having another function.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera having a data input function by a pen type pointing device.

[0005]

The present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, an optical image passing through a taking lens 11 is digitally imaged by turning on a release switch. Image pickup means 1 for converting into a display, a display device 4 capable of displaying a digital image, and a pen type pointing device 3 capable of designating an arbitrary position on the display screen of the display device 4.
A pen position detection means 2 for detecting a position pointed by the pen type pointing device 3, a pen locus display control means 5 for displaying a movement locus of the detected pointing position on the display device 4, and an image pickup means 1 for one frame. While the release switch continues to be turned on after the end of the image pickup, the image pickup unit 1 prohibits the image pickup of the next frame, and the pen position detection unit 2 detects the pointed position and the pen locus display control unit 5 moves. The above object is achieved by including a pen detection control unit that allows the image pickup unit 1 to pick up an image of the next frame when the display control of the locus is permitted and then the release switch is turned off. According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the image pickup for one frame is completed, the pointing position is detected by the pen position detecting means 2 and the movement is made by the pen locus display controlling means 5 while the release switch is continuously turned on. Since the display of the locus is permitted, pen input is possible without switching the mode by impulse. When the release switch is turned off after pen input is completed, the next frame can be imaged. The invention described in claim 2 is the electronic camera according to claim 1,
When the pen detection control means permits, the pen trajectory display control means 5 is configured to display the movement trajectory on the display device 4 by superimposing the movement trajectory on the digital image. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the movement locus of the position pointed by the pen-type pointing device 3 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the digital image captured immediately before and displayed on the display device 4, so that the movement locus can be confirmed in real time. To According to a third aspect of the invention, in the electronic camera according to the second aspect,
The recording device 6 capable of recording each data corresponding to the digital image and the movement locus is provided, and it is shown that the digital image displayed on the display device 4 and each data corresponding to the movement locus are related to each other. The additional information is added and recorded in the recording device 6. According to the third aspect of the invention, when the digital image displayed on the display device 4 and the movement track of the pen-type pointing device 3 are recorded in the recording device 6, additional information indicating that they are related to each other. Is added (for example, with a related file name) to record, so that it can be overlaid and displayed when being reproduced later. The following invention will be described with reference to FIG. The invention according to claim 4 is applied to an electronic camera,
An image sensor 1 that captures a subject image, a display device 4 that displays the captured image, a memory 6 that stores the image captured by the image sensor 1, and an arbitrary position on the display screen of the display device 4 is designated. It has a pointing device 2 for operating. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the pointing device 2 is a touch sensor 2 that is arranged on the display screen of the display device 4 so as to be seen through the display screen. . According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the display device 4 displays the position designated by the pointing device 2 on the corresponding display screen of the display device 4. . According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the electronic camera according to the sixth aspect, the pointing device 2 is provided.
When the designated position is continuously designated by, the designated position display is a locus display of the designated position. Claim 8
The invention according to claim 6 is the electronic camera according to claim 6,
When the image is displayed on the display screen, the display device 4 can display the designated pointed position display overlaid on the image. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the eighth aspect, the memory 6 further stores a pointing position display and information that associates the pointing position display with an image. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fifth aspect, the touch sensor 2 has a region wider than the display screen. The invention according to claim 11 is the electronic camera according to claim 10, wherein a control operation display indicating a predetermined control operation of the camera is displayed in an area where the touch sensor 2 is widened, and the control operation display is performed by the touch sensor 2. The control device 5 is further provided for controlling the camera so as to perform a predetermined control operation when the position is designated. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the eleventh aspect, the control operation display is a display arranged on the lower surface side of the touch sensor 2, and the expanded area can be seen through the control operation display. Claim 1
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the display device 4 displays a control operation display indicating a predetermined control operation of the camera on the display screen, and the position of the control operation display is indicated by the instruction device 2. It further comprises a control device 5 for controlling the camera to perform a control operation when instructed. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the ninth aspect, the electronic camera stores a recording mode in which the image, the indication position display, and the association information are stored in the memory 6.
A control device which defines a reproduction mode for reproducing the image and the indication position display from the memory 6 on the display device 4, and enables switching between the recording mode and the reproduction mode by a combination of the display by the display device 4 and the instruction by the instruction device 2. 5 is further provided. According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourteenth aspect, the control device 5 initializes the recording mode when the power of the electronic camera is turned on. The invention described in claim 16 is claim 4
The electronic camera described above further includes a shutter release button 12 that can be pressed halfway and fully, and when the shutter release button 12 is pressed halfway, the display device 4 displays an image of a subject captured by the image sensor 1. Is what starts. According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the electronic camera according to the sixteenth aspect, when the shutter release button 12 is fully pressed, a control device 5 for fixing the image captured by the image sensor 1 at that time is further provided. The display device 4 includes a shutter release button 1
After the button 2 is fully pressed, the fixed image is displayed until the shutter release button 12 is released. The invention according to claim 18 is the electronic camera according to claim 9, wherein the electronic camera enables a pointing position display by the pointing device 2 and stores a pointing position display in the memory 6, and an image capturing operation. When a photographing / recording mode is defined that enables the image pickup by the element 1 and the pointing position display by the pointing device 2 and stores both the image, the pointing position display, and the association information, and when the pointing device 2 points a predetermined position, The control device 5 is further provided for switching to the designated position display recording mode.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

-First Embodiment- Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera having a pen input function. FIG. 1A is a rear side of the camera, and FIG.
(B) is a perspective view of the camera as seen from the front side. In FIG. 1, the pen input detection unit 2 is configured by a touch panel (touch tablet) or the like. The touch panel is composed of two layers of transparent electrodes and detects the position of a pressed point by point contact, or detects the position by detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance of the pressed point. And is publicly known. A display unit 4 is arranged inside the pen input detection unit 2 (on the front side of the camera). The display unit 4 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and a photographer can visually recognize the display screen of the display unit 4 from the back side of the camera through the pen input detection unit 2.

The changeover switch 7 has a photographing mode for photographing a subject, a pen input mode for enabling pen input, and photographed image data recorded in a memory unit 6 or a removable PC card memory unit 6 described later. Display unit 4
It is possible to switch and select one of the playback modes displayed on the screen. When the changeover switch 7 is switched to the pen input mode, the locus of the pen-shaped pointer 3 is superimposed on the captured image and is output to the display unit 4 in real time. For this reason, it is possible to perform input with the pen-shaped pointer 3 as if drawing with ink. When the changeover switch 7 is switched to the photographing mode, the subject image obtained through the photographing lens 11 is displayed on the display unit 4. When the release button 12 is pressed in this state, the image displayed at that time is recorded in the memory section 6. When the background is dark, the electronic flash device (strobe) 13 emits light.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the electronic camera of FIG. When the changeover switch 7 is switched to the photographing mode, the image pickup unit 1 starts image pickup by pressing the release button 12 halfway, and an image captured by the photographing lens 11 is converted into an electric signal by a CCD (photoelectric conversion device) (not shown). To a sampling and holding circuit (not shown) and A
It is input to the control unit 5 that executes image processing and the like via the / D converter. The control unit 5 has a buffer (not shown) inside and temporarily stores the image just captured and displays it on the display unit 4. Further, the image at the time when the release button 12 is fully pressed is subjected to image processing such as JPEG compression by the control unit 5 and recorded in the memory unit 6. The control unit 5 is composed of a microprocessor and peripheral circuits, and performs other control of the electronic camera in addition to the above image processing.

On the other hand, when the changeover switch 7 is switched to the reproduction mode, the control section 5 reads the image recorded in the memory section 6 and displays it on the display section 4. When the changeover switch 7 is switched to the pen input mode, regardless of whether or not the captured image is displayed on the display unit 4,
The movement path of the pen detected by the pen input detection unit 2 is displayed on the display unit 4
To be displayed. Therefore, when the photographed image is displayed on the display unit 4, the movement trajectory of the pen-shaped pointer 3 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the photographed image.

In the electronic camera according to the present embodiment described above, the shooting related information of one frame is often input with the pen-shaped pointer 3 after the shooting of one frame is completed. It is troublesome to switch the changeover switch 7 every time the → pen input → shooting ... Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing the process of FIG. 3, the time and effort of the changeover operation of the changeover switch 7 is saved.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the electronic camera when the selector switch 7 is switched to the photographing mode.
The operation of the embodiment will be described. In step S1 of FIG. 3, when the power switch of the electronic camera is turned on, the display unit 4
The initial screen is displayed at and the operation of the release button 12 is waited for. In step S1A, it is determined whether or not the release button 12 has been half-pushed. If half-pushed, the process proceeds to step S1B. If not half-pushed, this step remains. That is, this step S1A shows the state of waiting for the operation of the photographer. Here, even if the release button 12 is fully pressed all at once, these steps are executed because the half-pressed state is always passed.

In step S1B, image pickup of the subject is started by the image pickup unit 1, and the picked-up image is converted into a digital image and then displayed on the display unit 4. At this time, the display unit 4 functions as a viewfinder. In step S2,
It is determined whether or not the release button 12 is fully pressed (the release switch is ON, that is, the release is ON). If the release button 12 is OFF, the process stays in step S2, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the release flag is set to ON. This release flag is a flag for judging whether or not a pen input is accepted, and is ON.
In the case of, it indicates that pen input is possible.
Further, the release flag maintains the ON state while the release button 12 is continuously pressed, and turns OFF when the release button 12 is released even once.

In step S4, the release switch is turned off.
The digital image of the subject image at the time when it becomes N is captured and fixed by the control unit 5, and the fixed digital image is displayed on the display unit 4 in step S5. In step S6, the digital image that has been captured and fixed is subjected to image compression processing by the control unit 5, and the result is recorded in the memory unit 6 in step S7.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned release flag is ON, and if it is OFF, step S8.
If it is ON, the process returns to step S9. When the release flag is ON, it indicates that the release button 12 is continuously pressed even after the release is turned on. In this case, the pen input process is performed by the processes of steps S9 to S14 described below.

First, in step S9, the pen input function is turned on.
Set to N. Specifically, a signal is sent to the pen input detection unit 2 to start the process of detecting the coordinate position input by the user with the pen. In step S10, the characters and the like input by the pen are converted into image data based on the coordinate position detected by the pen input detection unit 2, and the image data is displayed so as to be superimposed on the currently displayed captured image data. In step S11, it is determined again whether the release flag is ON. The reason for providing this determination is to determine whether or not pen input has been completed. That is, when the user releases the release button 12 after the end of the pen input, the release flag is turned off at that time, so the pen input is ended by detecting whether or not the release flag is turned on. You can know whether you have done it.

If the release flag is determined to be ON in step S11, the process returns to step S10 to continue detecting the trajectory of the pen-shaped pointer 3, and if it is determined to be OFF, the process proceeds to step S12 to perform the pen input function. Turn off. As a result, the pen input detection unit 2 stops detecting the pen coordinate position. In step S13, the image data input by the pen-shaped pointer 3 is compressed by the control unit 5, and the compressed data is stored in the memory unit 6 in step S14.

When the pen input data is stored in the memory unit 6 in step S14, it is associated with the photographed image data previously stored in the memory unit 6. For example, if the captured image data is named "950831000010", the file name of the pen-input image data is "95".
0831000011 ”. With the above association, both the data can be displayed again in a superimposed manner when the data is reproduced later or when the data is transferred to an external computer for processing. When the process of step S14 ends, the process returns to step S1 and then proceeds to step S1A to enter the state of waiting for the operation of the photographer. That is, the initial screen is displayed on the display device 4, and the operation waits until the release button 12 is half-pressed.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the release button 12 is continuously pressed after the release button 12 is fully pressed, the pen input operation is automatically switched. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the changeover switch 7 for changing the mode before performing the pen input, and the operability is improved. Further, when the user finishes the pen input and releases the release button 12, the pen input function is automatically turned off, so that the next shooting preparation can be quickly performed after the pen input, and there is no risk of missing a shutter opportunity. That is, according to the first embodiment, whether or not the pen input function is turned ON is switched depending on whether or not the release button 12 which is always operated at the time of shooting is continuously operated. Therefore, the operator is confused about the operation. There is no fear and the operability can be improved. In addition, although the pen was mentioned as the input means,
It is also possible to replace it with an input means such as a trackball or a mouse.

Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the pen input function is automatically turned ON when the photographed image data once photographed and stored in the memory or the memory card is reproduced. It is something to set. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration is omitted, and in the following, FIG.
The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the power of the electronic camera is turned on with the changeover switch 7 being switched to the reproduction mode.

In step S51 of FIG. 4, when the power switch of the electronic camera is turned on, among the photographed image data stored in the memory section 6, the photographed image data for a plurality of frames are displayed in order from the newest photographed image data. It is displayed on the section 4 at the same time and waits for the release button 12 to be operated. That is, this step S51 shows a state of waiting for a reproduction instruction. In this step S51, the photographed image data for each frame is displayed in a reduced size (so-called thumbnail display) so that the photographed image data for a plurality of frames can be displayed simultaneously.
I do.

In step S52, the release button 12
It is determined whether or not has been fully pressed (the release switch has been turned ON). If it is OFF, the process stays in step S52, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S53. Step S5
In 3, the release flag is set to ON. Step S
At 54, the latest (immediately before) frame is determined as the reproduction frame, and the captured image data corresponding to this frame is read from the memory unit 6. In step S55, the latest captured image data is enlarged and displayed on the entire display screen of the display unit 4.

In step S56, it is detected whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) has elapsed since the reproduction display in step S54 was started, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S57 and the release flag is set. It is determined whether it is ON. When the release flag is ON, it indicates that the release button 12 is continuously pressed. In this case, the process proceeds to step S58 to operate the pen input function, and thereafter, in steps S58 to S63, the steps of FIG. 3 are performed. S9 ~
The same process as S14 is performed.

As a result, the image data input by the pen-shaped pointer 3 is displayed in superimposition on the captured image data currently being reproduced, and the captured image data being reproduced and the pen input image data are associated with each other in the memory section 6. Is stored. Note that when the captured image data and the pen-input image data are displayed in a superimposed manner, they are treated as independent data, so that even if they are displayed in a superimposed manner, the independence of the data is not lost.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
It is possible to input various image information related to the captured image data being reproduced with the pen-shaped pointer 3 and store the input pen-input image data in the memory unit 6 or the like in association with the captured image data. Further, since the pen input function can be operated by simply pressing and holding the release button 12, the operator can save the labor of operating the changeover switch 7.

-Third Embodiment- In the third embodiment, it is possible to switch between pen input mode, photographing mode and reproduction mode without providing the changeover switch 7 shown in FIG. . 5 to 9 are rear views of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic camera according to the third embodiment does not have the changeover switch 7 shown in FIG. 1, but instead has a touch switch for performing various mode changes as the pen input detection unit 2 and its lower part. It is configured by a combination with the display section 4 provided in the above or a display sheet showing the function of the switch. As for the release button 12, the recording switch 13, and a power switch (not shown), mechanical switches are provided instead of the touch switches as in the first embodiment. Also,
The electronic camera of the third embodiment includes an optical finder 14 beside the display unit 4. The block diagram of the configuration of the main part of the electronic camera is the same as that of FIG. 2 except that the changeover switch 7 is not provided and the recording switch 13 is added.

As shown in FIG. 5, at the bottom of the pen input detection unit 2, a display unit 4 and a picture showing a "scroll bar",
A sheet on which the characters "menu", "fixed", and "clear" are printed is provided. The display unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LC) as in the first embodiment.
D). In addition, a combination of the printed sheet and each part of the pen input detection unit 2 corresponding to the item of the printed sheet includes scroll bars 21 to 24, a menu button 25, a confirm button 26, and a clear button 27. Configure the touch switch. For example, when the scroll bar 22 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the image data in the display unit 4 scrolls upward. Conversely, when the scroll bar 23 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, the image data in the display unit 4 scrolls downward. On the other hand, when the scroll bar 21 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the first image data is displayed in the display unit 4, and when the scroll bar 24 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the last image data is displayed in the display unit 4. Is displayed. Here, the pen input detection unit 2 detects the position by the pressure pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3. Therefore, the menu button 25, the confirm button 26, the clear button 27, and the like, which have a certain area, can be operated even if pressure is applied by pushing them with an area having a finger-like area. It should be noted that although the scroll bars 21 to 24, the menu button 25, the confirm button 26, and the clear button 27 are configured by a combination of the printed sheet and the pen input detection unit 2, the display unit 4 includes the pen input detection unit. The size corresponding to the entire surface of 2,
The touch switch can be configured by displaying the printed contents on the display unit 4.

When the menu button 25 is pressed, a screen for selecting a mode is displayed in the display section 4 as shown in FIG. In this display, the displays 28 to 30 are touch switches 28 for selecting each mode configured by a combination of this display and a portion of the pen input detection unit 2 corresponding to this display.
~ 30. In this state, when one of the touch switches 28 to 30 in the display section 4 is selected by the pen-shaped pointer 3 and the confirm button 26 is pressed, the selected mode is stored in the memory section 6 or the like and the mode is switched. On the contrary, when the clear button 27 is pressed, the selection is canceled.

The modes displayed when the menu button 25 is pressed include those shown in FIG. In FIG.
The selectable modes are displayed with characters such as “record”, “play”, and “setting”, but instead of the characters, you can display the mode contents with a pattern that allows you to intuitively understand the contents of the mode. Good. (1) Recording mode (icon display of camera or video camera and microphone and pen) (2) Playback mode (icon display of television, speaker and pen) (3) Setting mode (switch icon display) In addition to the selection on the menu screen described above, it is set to unconditionally switch to the recording mode when the power is turned on, and to switch to the captured image recording mode described later when the release button is pressed halfway in any mode. be able to. Alternatively, other than the release button, a menu icon for switching from any mode to the captured image recording mode can be displayed on the screen.

Next, each mode will be described. FIG.
It is a figure explaining the whole structure of each mode. (1) Recording mode When the power switch of the electronic camera is pressed, the recording mode is unconditionally entered. The recording mode is further divided into three lower hierarchical modes: (A1) captured image recording mode, (B1) memo input mode, and (C1) recording mode.

(A1) Photographed image recording mode This mode is entered by operating the release button 12. First, the release button 12 is half-pressed to start displaying the image captured on the display unit 4 (note that the display unit 4 can be started at a different timing, as will be described later). Then, when the release button 12 is fully pressed,
The captured image data is recorded in the memory unit 6. Thereafter, while the release button 12 is continuously pressed (including both full-pressed state and half-pressed state), the captured image data is continuously displayed on the display unit 4, and during that period, the pen-shaped pointer 3 is used. Various information can be entered. Once the release button 12 is released, the pen-input image data and the captured image data are recorded in the memory section 6 in association with each other. If the clear button 27 is pressed while the release button 12 is being pressed, a screen requesting selection of erasing only the captured image data, erasing only the pen input data, or erasing both data is displayed. The selected data is displayed on the display unit 4, and when any one is selected, the selected data is erased from the display unit 4. Further, it is possible to change the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode in the setting mode described later. When the continuous shooting mode is selected, the release button 12
Continuous shooting is continued during the full press period of. However, pen input is not possible during the continuous shooting period. Also, in the setting mode, in the single shooting mode, even if the release button 12 is released after the release button is fully pressed to record the captured image data, the release button is released for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). You can also choose to set the pen input mode until the key is pressed. When the photographed image recording mode is set, by pressing the enter button 26 in FIG. 5 with a pen, an image can be recorded as if the release button was fully pressed.

(B1) Memo input mode After turning on the power switch of the electronic camera, when the portion corresponding to a certain area of the display unit 4 of the pen input detection unit 2 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the memo input mode is set. After shifting, a palette (black, white, red) showing the pen display color is displayed in the corner of the screen. When the operator selects any one of the palettes, it becomes possible to input a memo in the selected color. Clear button 2
When 7 is pressed, a screen for confirming whether to delete the memo (pen input image data) is displayed again, and the memo is deleted after confirmation. On the other hand, the input memo is stored in the memory unit 6 when the confirm button 26 is pressed. In the memo input mode described above, the photographed image and the reproduced image are not displayed, and the memo is input on the plain background. It is also possible to automatically display the latest reproduced image on the background at the time of shifting to the memo input mode in the setting mode described later. In this case, when the input memo is stored in the memory unit 6, it is stored in association with the reproduced image displayed on the background.

(C1) Recording Mode When the recording button 13 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the recording mode is entered. It is possible to take a picture during recording, or to take a picture after recording for a certain period of time. On the contrary, it is also possible to record after shooting. The recorded voice or the like is recorded in the memory unit 6 in association with the image taken at the same time. However, it is not possible to record voice between the frames that have been photographed (regardless of the frames).

The recording mode is further divided into four lower hierarchical modes as follows, and these modes are selected by the setting mode described later. A mode for recording while the record button 13 is pressed. A mode in which recording starts when the recording button 13 is pressed once, and stops when the recording button 13 is pressed again. Pressing the record button 13 for a moment starts recording, pressing it again for a moment stops recording, and continues recording while the record button 13 is pressed. A mode in which shooting is performed when the release button is pressed, and recording continues while the release button is pressed.

(2) Reproduction Mode When the pen-shaped pointer 3 presses the switch 29 for the reproduction mode displayed when the menu button 25 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the reproduction mode is entered. The reproduction mode is further divided into three modes: (A2) image reproduction mode, (B2) memo reproduction and recording mode, and (C2) recording reproduction mode. When the playback mode is entered, a display as shown in FIG. 6 or 7 is displayed. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the pen input detection unit 2 and the display unit 4 of FIG. 7.

(A2) Image Reproduction Mode First, the photographed image data photographed so far and recorded in the memory section 6 is displayed as thumbnails (reduced display) (reference numeral 31 in FIG. 9). If the thumbnail display takes a long time, a predetermined symbol (for example, “*” mark) is displayed for the time being (reference numeral 32 in FIG. 9), and the corresponding “*” mark is displayed in order from the thumbnail ready. Delete and display thumbnails instead.

When one frame of photographed image data is reproduced and displayed on the entire display unit 4, one of the thumbnail-displayed regions or any "*" mark is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3. As a result, the thumbnail image is positively displayed to let the operator recognize that the thumbnail image has been selected. After that, when the operator presses the confirm button 26 with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the captured image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is displayed on the entire display unit 4.

On the other hand, 4 frames (FIG. 8) or 9 are displayed in the display unit 4.
When reproducing and displaying the photographed image data for the frames, by tracing the thumbnail image or the “*” mark with the pen-shaped pointer 3 for 4 frames or 9 frames, and pressing the confirm button 26,
The captured images of 4 frames (FIG. 8) or 9 frames are divided and displayed in the entire display area of the display unit 4. In this state, if one of the split-displayed shot images is touched with the pen-shaped pointer 3 and the confirm button 26 is pressed, the shot image is displayed in the entire display area of the display unit 4.

When the photographed image of a frame is displayed on the display unit 4, if a portion corresponding to a certain area of the display unit of the pen input detection unit 2 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, it becomes possible to input a memo with the pen. , A memo can be drawn on the displayed captured image. Next, when the confirmation button 26 is pressed, the memo is attached to the captured image and recorded.

If the scroll bar 22 in the pen input detection unit 2 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3 while the photographed image of a frame is displayed on the display unit 4, the previous photographed frame image is displayed. . On the other hand, when the scroll bar 23 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the next shot frame image is displayed.
When the scroll bar 21 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the oldest shooting frame image recorded in the memory section 6 is displayed. When the scroll bar 24 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the latest photographed frame image is displayed.

When erasing the photographed image data recorded in the memory section 6, the following procedure is performed. First, a part (one frame or a plurality of frames) of a plurality of photographed frame images displayed as thumbnails is selected by the pen-shaped pointer 3. This allows
The selected one frame or a plurality of frames of captured frame images are displayed in negative (not limited to negative display as long as they can be distinguished from other images). When the operator presses the clear button 27 in this state, the photographed image data of the selected photographing frame is erased. When deleting the image data in the memory unit 6,
It is possible to set whether to delete only the captured image data, only the memo (pen input image data), or both data.

(B2) Memo reproduction and recording mode. The memo input by the pen is reproduced by superimposing the captured image data related to the memo. Even in this state, memo input can be further performed. On the other hand, when the clear button 27 is pressed, a screen for confirming whether to delete the memo is displayed, and the memo is deleted after confirmation. The entered memo is stored in the memory unit 6 when the confirm button 26 is pressed. It should be noted that even if the release button 12 is fully pressed in the state where the memo has been input, shooting is not performed.

(C2) Voice reproduction mode. When the reproduction mode is entered, a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 4. A captured image is displayed as a thumbnail beside the time when the image was captured, and a bar graph representing audio is displayed beside the captured image. When the enter button 26 is pushed after pushing the bar graph representing the voice with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the voice is reproduced. The range pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3 remains reversed (it does not necessarily need to be reversed, but it can be distinguished from other bar graphs), and the reversed state is maintained unless another button or bar graph is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3 again. Therefore, by pressing the confirm button 26, the sound of the same portion can be reproduced any number of times.

When the record button 13 is pressed in the reproduction mode, the next bar graph sound is reproduced. Furthermore, press the bar graph that represents multiple voices with the pen-shaped pointer 3
It is also possible to continuously reproduce those sounds. When the voice and the image are reproduced at the same time, the confirmation button 26 may be pushed after the thumbnail image and the bar graph for the voice are pushed by the pen-shaped pointer 3. If the clear button 27 is pressed while the bar graph is highlighted, the voice corresponding to the highlighted bar graph is erased. In order to grasp the recording time of the recorded voice at a glance,
Then, the length of the bar graph is changed according to the recording time.

(3) Setting mode When the menu button 25 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the switch 30 for the setting mode is displayed as shown in FIG. 5, and when the switch 30 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the setting mode is set. Move to. The setting modes are (A3) continuous shooting setting mode, (B3) strobe setting mode, (C3) image quality setting mode, (D3) LCD display mode, (E3) time setting mode, (F3) information display mode, (G3). The recording operation setting mode and the (H3) volume adjusting mode are divided into eight lower hierarchical modes. When the setting mode is selected, these modes are displayed in the display section 4. Each setting mode can be set by pressing the toggle switch icon displayed in the display unit 4 with a pen. Although this toggle switch is displayed as an icon, it may be displayed by simply displaying a circle. Each item described below may be selected by displaying a switch corresponding to each item and pressing the switch with the pen-shaped pointer 3, or the character portion representing each item may be selected as the pen-shaped pointer 3. It is also possible to select by pressing.
When the menu button 25 is pressed after setting any one of the modes (A3) to (H3), the setting mode of the previous layer is returned. The individual modes will be described below.

(A3) Continuous shooting setting mode When the continuous shooting setting mode of the display unit 4 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, "1 single shooting mode" and "2 continuous shooting mode" are displayed.
Will be displayed. Point one of these to the pen-shaped pointer 3
Press with to select single shooting mode or continuous shooting mode.

(B3) Strobe setting mode The strobe setting mode of the display unit 4 is set to the pen-shaped pointer 3
When is pressed with, “1 auto”, “2 flash off”, and “3 forced flash” are displayed on the display unit 4. When any one of these is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, the mode is switched to auto, light emission inhibition, or forced light emission. Note that Auto is a mode in which the flash fires automatically according to the brightness of the subject, and Flash Off is a mode in which the flash does not fire regardless of the brightness of the subject. , It is a mode that fires the flash regardless of the brightness of the subject.

(C3) Regarding image quality setting mode When the image quality setting mode of the display section 4 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, "1 high resolution""2normal"
Is displayed on the display unit 4. When any one of these is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, it switches to high resolution or normal. When high resolution is selected, when playing one frame using the entire display unit 4, or
It is displayed in high resolution when the frames or 9 frames are reproduced simultaneously.

(D3) LCD display mode When the LCD display mode of the display unit 4 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, "1. Half press the LCD starts", "2.
"LCD starts in recording mode" and "3 LCD does not start in recording mode" are displayed. When any one of these is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, the mode is switched. In the above-mentioned (A1) photographed image recording mode, the explanation that the display unit 4 is powered on by half-pressing the release button 12 is made when “1 half-press starts the LCD”.

(E3) Time setting mode When the time setting mode of the display unit 4 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, the panel of "0" to "9" and the panel of ":" and "/" are displayed. By selecting these panels with the pen-shaped pointer 3, the date and time in the electronic camera can be initialized (or set).

(F3) Information display mode When the information display mode of the display unit 4 is pressed by the pen-shaped pointer 3, various information displays such as the remaining battery level, the number of shots, and the like.
You can list the date and time.

(G3) Recording operation setting mode The recording operation setting mode of the display unit 4 is set to the pen-shaped pointer 3
By pressing with, four types of modes can be selected as described in (C1) Recording mode. Recording starts when the record button 13 is pressed and stops when released. Recording starts when the record button 13 is pressed and stops when the record button 13 is pressed again. Recording mode is started by pressing the record button 13 for a moment, recording is stopped by pressing the button again for a while, recording is continued during the time when the button is pressed continuously, and recording is stopped when the button is released. A mode in which shooting is performed when the release button is pressed, and recording continues while the release button is pressed.

(H3) Volume adjustment mode When the volume adjustment mode of the display section 4 is pressed with the pen-shaped pointer 3, "1 volume is high", "2 volume is medium", "3 volume is low" and "4 is low".
“Mute” is displayed on the display unit 4. Alternatively, a volume bar and a volume switch may be displayed, and the position of the volume switch may be moved on the bar to set the volume from mute (right) to loud (left).

In the embodiment configured as described above, the image pickup section 1 is an image pickup means and an image pickup element, the display section 4 is a display device, the pen-shaped pointer 3 is a pen type pointing device, and the pen input detection section 2 is The pen position detection means, the pointing device, and the touch sensor, the control unit 5 corresponds to the pen trajectory display control means and the control device, step S8 of FIG. 3 corresponds to the pen detection control means, and the memory unit 6 corresponds to the storage device and the memory. To do.

[0054]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, while the release switch is continuously turned on after the image pickup for one frame is completed, the pen can be switched without manual mode switching. Since the pen can be input by the die pointing device, the operation procedure for recording the shooting related information of the digital image captured immediately before is simplified. Also, after the pen input is completed, the next frame can be photographed by simply turning off the release switch, so that it is not necessary for the photographer to perform mode switching by himself, and a photo opportunity is not missed. Further, since the release switch that is always operated at the time of shooting switches whether or not the pen input is performed, the operation does not feel uncomfortable and the operator can prevent an erroneous operation. That is, since it is easy for the photographer to intuitively understand that the release switch is continuously turned on, troubles such as time-consuming switching of the modes and mistakes in the operation procedure do not occur, and the shutter chance and the pen There is no risk of missing the input timing. According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the movement locus by the pen-type pointing device is displayed so as to be superimposed on the digital image captured immediately before, the pen input can be performed while viewing the captured image, and the information input by the pen can be real-time. You can check and prevent input mistakes. According to the third aspect of the present invention, as for the data displayed in a superimposed manner, additional information indicating that they are related is added and recorded in the recording device, so that the data recorded in the recording device is reproduced. When
Even if you do not specify it, related data can be overlaid and displayed. According to the invention described in claim 4,
Since the display device for displaying the captured image and the pointing device for pointing an arbitrary position on the display screen of the display device are provided, the photographer can perform any position pointing using the pointing device, By grasping an arbitrary position indication as a locus, it is possible to input arbitrary handwritten characters and figures, and it is possible to input information that is diversified into an electronic camera. In addition, by combining the display device and the pointing device, it is possible to give various types of instructions to the electronic camera without providing a separate switch or dial, which leads to improved operability, cost reduction of the camera, and reduction of man-hours. According to the invention described in claim 5, since the pointing device is a touch sensor which is arranged on the display screen of the display device and can see through the display screen, the position input can be performed by lightly touching it with an attached pen or finger. You can
You can also enter information as if you were writing a letter or picture on paper with a pen. Moreover, since the display screen can be seen through, it is possible to input while viewing the displayed content. According to the invention described in claim 6, since the display device displays the position designated by the pointing device on the corresponding display screen of the display device, the designated position becomes clear. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when the pointing device continuously points the pointing position, the pointing position display becomes a locus display of the pointing position, so that the input is performed as if writing with ink. can do. According to the invention of claim 8, when the image is displayed on the display screen, the display device is capable of displaying the instructed designated position on the image so that the captured image is displayed. It is possible to input while looking, and it is possible to input as if writing characters or pictures directly on the captured image. According to the invention of claim 9, the memory further stores the pointing position display and the information associating the pointing position display with the image. Therefore, when the playback is performed, the captured image and the input information are separately played back. It can be played back even if it is correctly associated. According to the invention as set forth in claim 10, since the touch sensor has a region wider than the display screen, it is possible to configure a touch switch or the like in combination with something other than the display screen. Can be made smaller, and the camera can be made compact and the cost can be reduced. According to the invention described in claim 11,
For example, it suffices to print a control operation display on the surface of the touch sensor, and the size of the display device can be reduced to perform a predetermined control operation of the camera. Claim 12
According to the invention described in (1), a sheet or the like on which a control operation display is printed is provided on the lower surface of the touch sensor, and the size of the display device can be reduced to perform a predetermined control operation of the camera. According to the invention described in claim 13, it is possible to realize an instruction switch for various control operations only by combining the display device and the instruction device, it is not necessary to separately provide various switches, and the contents of the switch function are easy to understand. It is possible to display. According to the invention of claim 14, of course, it is possible to photograph a subject and input information,
The contents can be easily reproduced and confirmed by the camera. According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, since the recording mode is initialized when the power of the electronic camera is turned on, the photographing operation can be started immediately. According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the display device starts displaying the image of the subject captured by the image sensor by half-pressing the shutter release button. The image display function can be turned off, reducing power consumption and extending battery life. Furthermore, since those functions are automatically turned on by the operation of the normal shutter release button,
There is no burden on the photographer to turn on those functions. According to the invention of claim 17, when the shutter release button is fully pressed, the image captured by the image sensor at that time is fixed, and the fixed image is displayed until the shutter release button is released. Since it is displayed, you can check the captured image just by pressing and holding the shutter release button, and you can also input information related to the captured image immediately after shooting. is there. Claim 18
According to the invention described in (1), for example, when there is a shooting recording mode and a memo input mode, memo input can be performed by a simple pen operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment having a pen input function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the electronic camera of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed when a menu button is pressed in the electronic camera of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a thumbnail display example displayed in a reproduction mode in the electronic camera of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a thumbnail display example displayed in a reproduction mode in the electronic camera of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which captured images of four frames are divided and displayed in a reproduction mode in the electronic camera of the third embodiment.

9 is an enlarged view of the pen input detection unit 2 (including the display unit 4) of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of each mode in the electronic camera according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Imaging Section 2 Pen Input Detection Section 3 Pen Shape Pointer 4 Display Section 5 Control Section 6 Memory Section 7 Changeover Switch 12 Release Button

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An imaging means for converting an optical image passing through a taking lens into a digital image by turning on a release switch, a display device capable of displaying the digital image, and an arbitrary position on a display screen of the display device. A pen type pointing device capable of pointing, a pen position detecting means for detecting a pointing position by the pen type pointing device, a pen locus display control means for displaying a movement locus of the detected pointing position on the display device, While the release switch is continuously turned on after the image pickup means finishes image pickup for one frame, the image pickup means prohibits the next frame from being picked up and the pen position detection means detects the indicated position. When the display control of the movement locus by the pen locus display control means is permitted, and then the release switch is turned off, the image pickup means is displayed. That electronic camera, characterized in that it comprises a pen detection control means for enabling the imaging of the next frame. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the pen locus display control unit displays the movement locus by superimposing the movement locus on the digital image when the pen detection control unit gives permission. An electronic camera characterized by being displayed on a device. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising a recording device capable of recording each data corresponding to the digital image and the movement trajectory, and the digital image displayed on the display device in an overlapping manner. An electronic camera, wherein each piece of data corresponding to the movement track is recorded in the recording device with additional information indicating that they are related to each other. 4. An image sensor for capturing a subject image, a display device for displaying the captured image, a memory for storing the image captured by the image sensor, and an arbitrary display screen on the display device. An electronic camera having a pointing device for pointing a position. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the pointing device is a touch sensor that is arranged on the display screen of the display device in an overlapping manner and allows the display screen to be seen through. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the display device displays a position designated by the pointing device on a corresponding display screen of the display device. . 7. The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein when the pointing device continuously points the pointing position, the pointing position display is a locus display of the pointing position. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein the display device is capable of superimposing the designated position indication on the image when the image is displayed on the display screen. An electronic camera characterized by: 9. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein the memory further stores the pointing position display and information associating the pointing position display with the image. 10. The electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein the touch sensor includes a region wider than the display screen. 11. The electronic camera according to claim 10, wherein a control operation display indicating a predetermined control operation of the camera is displayed in an area where the touch sensor is widened, and the position of the control operation display is displayed by the touch sensor. The electronic camera further comprises a control device for controlling the camera so as to perform the predetermined control operation when is instructed. 12. The electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein the control operation display is a display arranged on a lower surface side of the touch sensor, and the expanded area can see through the control operation display. camera. 13. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the display device displays a control operation display indicating a predetermined control operation of the camera on the display screen, and the position of the control operation display is displayed by the instruction device. The electronic camera further comprises a control device that controls the camera to perform the control operation when is instructed. 14. The electronic camera according to claim 9, wherein the electronic camera has a recording mode in which the image, the designated position display, and the association information are stored in the memory.
A reproduction mode for reproducing the image and the indication position display from the memory on the display device is defined, and it is possible to switch between the recording mode and the reproduction mode by a combination of the display by the display device and the instruction by the indication device. An electronic camera, further comprising: 15. The electronic camera according to claim 14, wherein the control device initializes the recording mode when the power of the electronic camera is turned on. 16. The electronic camera according to claim 4, further comprising a shutter release button that can be pressed halfway and fully, and when the shutter release button is pressed halfway, the display device captures an image with the image sensor. An electronic camera, characterized in that the display of the image of the captured subject is started. 17. The electronic camera according to claim 16, further comprising a control device that fixes an image captured by the image sensor at that time when the shutter release button is fully pressed, The electronic camera displays the fixed image until the shutter release button is released after the shutter release button is fully pressed. 18. The electronic camera according to claim 9, wherein the electronic camera enables a pointed position display by the pointing device and stores the pointed position display in the memory, and the image pickup device. When a shooting and recording mode that enables image pickup by the display device and display of the designated position by the pointing device and stores both the image, the designated position display, and the association information is specified, and the predetermined position is designated by the pointing device. The electronic camera further comprising a controller for switching to the pointing position display recording mode.