JPH0918773A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To facilitate various operations and adjustment of the image pickup operation in the image pickup device. CONSTITUTION: The image pickup device is provided with an input device 112, which is mounted on a display screen of a display section 111 displaying a video signal picked up and designating an optional area on the screen with a pen, a finger or the like. Based on a video signal of the area pointed out by the input device 112, AF, AE and white balancing or the like are conducted, and characters and images inputted by the input device are composited in the display screen.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image pickup device, and
The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a display section, in which an image pickup condition or the like is set by directly operating the display section with a pen or a finger.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an image is picked up by a camera-integrated VTR or the like, the focus position is fixed near the center of the screen.

As a method of inputting the focus position according to the photographer's intention, a method of detecting the photographer's line of sight has been proposed.

Further, with respect to adjustment of shooting conditions other than focus, most conventional image pickup apparatuses perform adjustment work by combining operation buttons or dials.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned conventional camera-integrated VTR, it is difficult to input an area or the like for setting the imaging condition such as the focus position. For example, in the method of detecting the line of sight of the photographer, the photographer There was a problem in terms of operability, such as the need to initialize each time.

Further, even in the case where it can be set, an arbitrary position or area is not set, but a method of selecting from a preset area is used.

Therefore, a first object of the present application is to have a display section for displaying a subject image, and to have an input means attached to the display section for designating an arbitrary position or area on the display screen with a pen or a finger. However, it is another object of the present invention to provide an image pickup apparatus which has a unit for cutting out a part of a video signal based on the signal from the input unit and which sets an imaging condition based on the cut out video signal.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup device for cutting out a video signal by tracking the movement of the video corresponding to the position or area input by the input means.

A third object of the present invention is to have a display section for displaying a subject image, and an input means attached to the display section for designating an arbitrary area on the display screen with a pen or a finger. An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus that has a unit that cuts out a part of a video signal based on a signal from the input unit and that has a unit that combines the cut-out video signal and the video signal input at an arbitrary time.

A fourth object of the present application is to have a display unit for displaying a subject image, mount the display unit on the display unit, input an arbitrary character or shape on the display screen with a pen or a finger, and input the input character. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus having means for synthesizing a shape signal and a video signal input at an arbitrary time.

A fifth object of the present application is to have a display section for picking up an image of a subject by two image pickup systems and displaying the image of the subject. The display section is attached to the display section and an arbitrary position or position can be displayed on the display screen by a pen or a finger. An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus that sets an image pickup condition by an input unit that specifies an area.

A sixth object of the present invention is to cut out a part of a video signal from one of the video signals picked up by two imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and to cut out the other video signal. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that cuts out the same region and sets imaging conditions based on the video signals cut out.

A seventh object of the present application is to cut out a part of a video signal from one of the video signals picked up by two imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and to cut out the other video signal. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that clips the same region and tracks the movement of each clipped video signal to clip the video signal.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application has a display section for displaying a subject image, and is attached to the display section,
A part of the video signal is specified by the input means for specifying an arbitrary position or area on the display screen with a pen or a finger, a part of the video signal is cut out based on the signal of the input means, and based on the cut out video signal It is in an imaging device that sets imaging conditions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the image corresponding to the position or area input by the input means moves, the position of the moved video signal is detected and the moved video signal is detected. It is in an imaging device that tracks and clips a video signal.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present application has a display section for displaying a subject image, and an input means attached to the display section for designating an arbitrary area on the display screen with a pen or a finger. The image pickup apparatus has a unit for cutting out a part of the video signal based on the signal from the input unit, and a unit for combining the cut out video signal and the video signal input at an arbitrary time.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present application has a display unit for displaying a subject image, is attached to the display unit, and inputs arbitrary characters or shapes on the display screen with a pen or a finger, An image pickup apparatus has means for synthesizing an input character or shape signal and an image signal input at an arbitrary time.

The invention according to claim 5 of the present application has a display section for picking up an image of a subject by two image pickup systems and displaying the image of the subject, and is mounted on the display section and is arbitrarily displayed on the display screen by a pen or a finger. The image pickup apparatus sets the image pickup condition by the input unit that specifies the position or area.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a part of a video signal is cut out from one of the video signals picked up by two imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and the other is cut out. An image pickup apparatus is provided that cuts out the same region from a video signal and sets an imaging condition based on each of the cut video signals.

In the invention according to claim 7 of the present application, a part of the video signal is cut out from one of the video signals picked up by two imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and the other video signal is cut out. An image pickup device cuts out the same area from a video signal and tracks the movement of each cut-out video signal to cut out the video signal.

[0021]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows an outline of the image pickup device according to the present invention. In the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, it is desirable to have a relatively large display section as shown in FIG.

The configuration and function of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, 101 is a taking lens and 102
Is an aperture, and these are controlled by the zoom control unit 120, the focus control unit 121, and the aperture control unit 122 to be in appropriate states. Reference numeral 103 denotes an image sensor, which is composed of a CCD (charge coupled device) or the like. A preamplifier 104 amplifies an electric signal output from the image pickup device.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an AGC (automatic gain control) which amplifies or attenuates the electric signal from the preamplifier 104,
Control is performed so that the output signal has a level width suitable for processing in the signal processing unit in the subsequent stage.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an A / D converter, which is the AGC 10
It converts the analog electric signal output from 5 into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a video signal processing unit, which performs a predetermined process on the input digital signal to generate a standardized video signal.

A D / A converter 108 converts the digital video signal output from the video signal processing unit 107 into an analog signal.

Reference numeral 109 is a synchronizing signal generator, and 110
Is a timing signal generator that generates a timing signal for controlling the operation timing of each circuit in the image pickup apparatus. Then, operation timing signals for the image sensor 103, the A / D converter 106, the video signal processing unit 107, the D / A converter 108, and the like are supplied.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a display unit for displaying a subject image input to the image pickup apparatus during photographing, and is composed of, for example, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and an externally connected monitor.

Reference numeral 112 denotes an input device, which is the display unit 11.
It is mounted on the display screen of No. 1 and detects an input operation performed with respect to various indexes displayed on the display screen.

Reference numeral 113 denotes a first area setting means, which cuts out a part of the video signal in response to a control signal from the controller 119 and outputs the video signal to a subsequent processing section. Reference numeral 114 denotes a second area setting means, which cuts out a part of the video signal in accordance with a control signal from the controller 119 and outputs the video signal to the processing unit in the subsequent stage. Reference numeral 115 denotes a third area setting means, which cuts out a part of the video signal according to a control signal from the controller 119 and outputs the video signal to the processing unit in the subsequent stage.

Reference numeral 116 is a white balance processing unit, which generates a signal for adjusting the white balance at the time of shooting based on the video signal in the range cut out by the second area setting means 114.

An AF processing unit 117 generates a signal for appropriately adjusting the focus at the time of shooting based on the video signal in the range cut out by the first area setting means 113.

Reference numeral 118 denotes an AE processing unit, which generates a signal for appropriately adjusting the exposure amount at the time of image pickup based on the video signal in the range cut out by the third area setting unit 115.

Reference numeral 119 is a controller composed of a microcomputer or the like and controls the entire image pickup apparatus.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a zoom control unit, which is the photographing lens 1
The variable power lens of 01 is driven to control the zoom position. A focus control unit 121 drives the focus lens in the taking lens 101 to control the focus position. Further, 122 is an aperture control unit, and the aperture 1
The aperture amount of 02 is controlled.

Reference numeral 123 denotes a recording section which is a video tape recorder, a video disk recorder, a semiconductor memory device or the like for recording the picked-up image.

Next, the operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

When the subject image is input to the image pickup apparatus by the taking lens 101, it passes through the diaphragm 102, the amount of light is limited, and it is projected on the light receiving surface of the image pickup element 103.

At this time, the zoom and focus of the taking lens 101 are controlled by the zoom control unit 120 and the focus control unit 121, which are connected to the controller 119, respectively. Further, with respect to the diaphragm 102, the diaphragm control unit 122
Is controlled by

The image pickup device 102 converts the received subject image into an electric signal and sequentially reads it out. The preamplifier 104 amplifies the electric signal output from the image sensor 103 to generate an AG signal.
Give to C.

The AGC amplifies or attenuates the electric signal from the preamplifier 104 and controls it so that the signal level becomes suitable for the signal processing in the subsequent stage. That is, when the output level of the AGC is lower than the predetermined signal level, the gain of the AGC is increased, while when the output level of the AGC is higher than the predetermined signal level, the gain of the AGC is decreased. It is a thing.

The electric signal A / D converter 106 controlled to a predetermined signal level by the AGC 105 converts it into a digital signal. The digitized signal is provided to the video signal processing unit 107.

The video signal processing unit 107 has the AGC 105.
The input digital signal is processed to generate a video signal.

The video signal generated by the video signal processing unit 107 is output to the D / A conversion unit 108, and at the same time, the first area setting unit 113, the second area setting unit 114 and the third area. It is given to the setting unit 115.

The video signal output to the D / A conversion unit 108 is converted into an analog video signal, and the synchronizing signal output from the timing generator 110 is added by the adder ADD to add the recording unit 123 and the display unit. Sent to 111.

The video signal sent to the recording unit 123 is converted into an appropriate format and recorded on the recording medium.

The input device 112 is composed of a touch panel, a digitizer or the like, and is mounted on the screen of the display unit 111 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, when the photographer presses the input device mounted on the screen with his / her finger, a signal indicating the information on the position corresponding to the selection area 200 is given to the controller 119.

The photographer uses the setting switch 3 as shown in FIG.
A setting item such as AF or AE is selected by 02, and then the screen is pressed through the input device to determine the selection area. As a result, the setting switch 30 for AF, AE, etc.
The area in which the function set by 2 is executed can be selected on the screen.

The controller 119 uses the setting switch 30.
No. 1 and No. 2 depending on the signals from the input device 112 and the input device 112.
And an address or the like corresponding to the input area is given to each of the third area setting units 113, 114 and 115.

First, second and third area setting section 11
In 3, 114 and 115, based on the address signal given by the controller 119, the signal of the portion corresponding to the inside of the selected region from the image signal of the subject is cut out and output to the signal processing unit in the subsequent stage.

When the photographer does not specify the setting area, the area 30 near the center of the screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
The configuration may be such that 1 is selected.

In the AF processing section 117, processing for focusing on the video signal cut out by the first area setting section 113 is performed.

For example, the AF processor 117 detects the evaluation value of the blur amount of the video signal in the area 301 (for example, the level of the high frequency component, the width of the edge, etc.) and outputs it to the controller 119.

The controller 119 gives a control signal to the focus control section 121, and the focus control section 121.
Moves the focus position of the taking lens 101. The AF processing unit 121 performs similar processing on the video signal obtained in this way to detect the amount of blur. By repeating the above series of processing, the focus position of the photographing lens 101 is controlled so that the blur amount of the video signal in the area 301 becomes small, and the AF operation is realized. However, this is AF
It is needless to say that this is an example of the processing and the focusing can be performed by another method.

When the photographer arbitrarily designates the area to be focused, after selecting the AF item by the setting switch 302, as shown in FIG. 4, on the screen on which the input device 112 is attached with a finger. By designating the area 401, it is possible to perform shooting with the image of the area 401 focused. That is, the designation of this area 401 is transmitted to the controller 119, and the controller 11
Reference numeral 9 denotes the AF processing unit 11 for only the video signals in the area 401.
The gate area of the first area setting means 113 is controlled so as to be supplied to the No. 7 unit.

The white balance processing unit 116 does not perform any processing in the auto state, and the controller 119
Gives a control signal to the video signal processing unit 107 so that the level becomes a preset level. However, when the photographer selects a white balance setting item with the setting switch 302 and further designates an area to be referred to through the input device 112, the second area setting unit 114 outputs the video signal of the designated reference area. The white balance processing unit 116 performs processing based on the cut out video signal.

Next, in the AE processing unit 118, in the automatic state, the third area setting unit 115 cuts out the video signal near the center of the screen, the AE processing unit 118 detects the exposure amount, and the controller 119 detects it. Give a detection signal. The controller 119 gives a control signal to the aperture control unit 122 and an electronic shutter unit (not shown) of the image sensor 103 in accordance with the detection signal obtained from the AE processing unit 118, and controls so as to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

Further, the setting switch 3 is operated in the same procedure as in FIG.
When AE is selected as a setting item by 02 and the area 401 is designated by the input device 112, the controller 119 determines the third area detection unit 11 based on the signal corresponding to the area 401 given from the input device 112.
An address signal is given to 5.

The third area detecting section 115 is provided with the area 4 designated by the video signal based on the given address signal.
The area corresponding to 01 is cut out and output to the AE processing unit 118. In the AE processing unit 118, the exposure amount is detected in the same manner as described above, and a detection signal is given to the controller 119.
Below, similar control is performed to control the aperture stop and the electronic shutter.

The timing generator 110 supplies timing pulses, clocks and the like to the image pickup device 103, the A / D converter 106, the D / A converter 108, the video signal processing unit 107 and the like.

The sync signal generator 109 also generates a sync signal for controlling the operation timing of each circuit.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the series of processing operations described above.

When shooting is started in S1 and the S2 setting is in the automatic state, the setting items such as AF and AE are adjusted by a predetermined method.

Here, if the setting switch 302 is selected during shooting in S2 to set the manual mode (S3), AF,
The input device 11 is used as a reference image area when adjusting AE and the like.
It can be arbitrarily set by using a finger or a pen by using 2 (S4).

When the area on the screen is designated by the input device 112, the area setting sections 113, 114 and 115
Cuts out video signals corresponding to the designated area (S5).

The cut-out video signal is used for the subsequent white balance, AF, and AE signal processing units 116, 117, and 11.
8 given. Each signal processing unit performs a predetermined process and sends an output signal for controlling the color sensitivity, focus lens, diaphragm, etc. to the controller 119 (S6).

The controller 119 gives a control signal to the diaphragm control unit 122, the focus control unit 121, etc. based on the output signal given from each signal processing unit, and adjusts the photographing parameter corresponding to each setting item (S7). ).

If a new setting area or the like is not specified, the adjustment operation is continued using the video signal of the area specified by the above operation.

In the present embodiment, the setting item A
Although F, AE, white balance, and the like have been mentioned, it goes without saying that the signals are not limited to these, and a signal representing position setting information on the screen obtained by the input device 112 can be used when adjusting other shooting parameters. Yes.

Here, as the input device, the type which is mounted on the display screen as shown in FIG. 2 is shown, but the input device is not limited to this, and an optical sensor is used as shown in FIG. Various other types such as those that operate a light shielding member that can move inside to detect the light shielded position can be used.

Further, the input device of FIG. 4 and the like shows a form in which ON / OFF of each grid-like area is detected, but by reducing the size of each area, as shown in FIG. It is possible to specify the area by the shape.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the compound-eye image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the second embodiment according to the present invention. In FIG.
The components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the block diagram (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment have the same configuration and will not be described.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration and operation of the image processing units 123 and 124.

Hereinafter, the first image processing units 123 and 124 will be described.
Will be described. As shown in the first embodiment, the photographer uses the input device 112 to
The reference image area for adjusting F, AE, etc. is specified. However, when the subject is a moving object or when the image pickup apparatus moves, the subject A in the reference image area moves within the screen as shown in FIG. I have something to do. Here, when it is desired to always focus on the subject A in the designated area, it is necessary to perform processing for tracking the area to be focused as the subject moves.

Here, a block diagram of the first image processing section 123 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numerals 701 and 702 denote first and second memories. The second memory 702 stores the video signal output from the video signal processing unit 107,
The first memory 701 stores and holds the video signal corresponding to the area designated by the input device 112 in the tracking mode.

Reference numeral 700 denotes a memory control unit, which controls the second memory based on a signal given from the controller 119 or the matching calculation unit 703 to cut out a video signal. As a result, the image signal of the area designated by the input device 112 is always output to the AF control unit 117.

Reference numeral 703 denotes a matching calculation processing unit, which stores a video signal corresponding to the designated area held in the first memory 701 and a video signal supplied from the video signal processing unit and held in the second memory 702. Matching calculation processing is performed between the two.

That is, the image signal of the area designated by the input device 112 is stored in the first memory 701 through the memory control unit 700, and the one-screen signal stored in the second memory 702 and the matching calculation unit 703. The memory control unit 700 is controlled so as to cut out the area of the first memory 701 where the image can be obtained from the second memory 702.

Input device 1 except the tracking mode
Controller 1 based on signals detected using 12
19 gives a signal to the memory control unit 700 of the image processing unit 123. The memory control unit 700 cuts out a video signal from the second memory 702 based on the given signal and outputs it to the AF processing unit 117. The signals cut out at the same time are held in the first memory 701.

In the tracking mode, the matching calculation process finds the corresponding position in the image held in the second memory 702 of the image held in the first memory 701.

FIG. 10 shows an outline of the matching calculation process.

In FIG. 10, 710 is the second memory 7
02 is an outline of the video signal held in 02, and 711 is the input device 11 held in the first memory 701.
2 is a video signal of a designated area designated using 2. For the sake of explanation, a case where the subject A moves as shown in FIG. 8 is taken as an example. In such a case, the matching calculation processing unit 703
Calculates the region B in the video signal of the second memory 702 that most matches with the first memory 701 as a template, cuts out the video signal in this region, and outputs it to the AF processing unit 117.

With the above processing, it is possible to move the reference area for AF while tracking the movement of the subject.

The same applies to the image processing unit 124.
The reference area for AE can be moved by following the movement of the subject.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be omitted.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, description of components having the same reference numerals as the block diagram (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the composition processing unit 127 and the memory 128. Synthesis processing unit 12
7 is an image cut out by the input device 112 or character information input using the input device 127;
This is a process for synthesizing the image given by the video signal processing unit 107. Further, the memory 128 temporarily holds an image or an input character at a certain time.

However, in the modes other than the synthesizing mode, the synthesizing unit 127 only passes the video signal obtained from the video signal processing unit 107.

Hereinafter, the operation will be described for each of image synthesis and character synthesis.

When the image composition mode is selected by the setting switch 302, the video signal at that time is displayed in the image processing unit 12.
8 is held. At the same time, the held video signals are displayed on the display unit 111.

The photographer extracts an arbitrary area C from the screen displayed on the display unit 111 by using the input device as shown in FIG. The video signal corresponding to the extracted area C is cut out from the image processing unit 128 to the synthesis processing unit 127.

Next, when the photographer selects the composition button with the setting switch 302 at a certain point during photographing, as shown in FIG. 13, the image signal corresponding to the area C is added to the image photographed at that point. It is combined and output in the combining processing unit 127.

Regarding the character synthesizing mode, the character synthesizing mode is selected by the setting switch 302, and characters are input by a pen or the like using the input device 112 as shown in FIG. When the character synthesis mode is selected by the setting switch 302, the image processing unit 128 generates and holds drawing data based on the position information input to the input device.

Next, at some point, the photographer sets the setting switch 3
When the character composition button is selected with 02, the composition processing unit 1
In 27, as shown in FIG. 15, characters are combined with the captured video signal and output.

Although the case of characters is shown here, it goes without saying that illustrations and the like can be similarly synthesized.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the case where a compound eye imaging device is used is shown. Although a left-side (L) and right-side (R) imaging system is provided for performing compound-eye imaging, the individual operations and functions are the same as those in the above-described embodiments, and the corresponding relationship will be clear.

The configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, 101R and 10
1L is a photographing lens, 102R and 102L are diaphragms, and 103R and 103L are image pickup devices. Further, 104L and 104R are preamplifiers for amplifying output signals from the respective image pickup devices 103R and 103L. 1
The zoom control units 20R and 120L control the zoom position of each photographing lens. 121R and 121L
Is a focus control unit, which is the taking lenses 101R and 10R
1L focus control is performed. 122R and 122L
Is an aperture control unit, and each aperture 102R and 102L
Control. Reference numerals 131R and 131L are vergence angle control units that control the vergence angle of the compound-eye imaging device as shown in FIG.

Reference numerals 105R and 105L are AGC (automatic gain control), which amplify or attenuate the electric signal from the preamplifier 104, and control so as to obtain an output signal having a level width suitable for the processing in the signal processing unit at the subsequent stage.

Reference numerals 106R and 106L are A / D converters for converting analog electric signals into digital signals.

Reference numerals 107R and 107L denote video signal processing units, which process input digital signals to generate video signals.

Reference numerals 108R and 108L denote D / A converters, which convert a digital video signal into an analog signal.

Reference numeral 109 is a synchronizing signal generator, and 110
Is a timing signal generator that generates a timing signal for controlling the operation timing of each circuit in the image pickup apparatus.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a display unit such as an electronic viewfinder for displaying a subject image input to the image pickup apparatus during photographing.

Reference numeral 112 denotes an input device which is mounted on the screen of the display unit and detects an input operation performed on the index or the like displayed on the display screen.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a recording unit which converts each video signal into an appropriate format and then records it on a recording medium.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a setting switch for selecting a setting item when adjusting parameters at the time of photographing.

Reference numeral 151 denotes a first area setting section, which allows the photographer to use the input device 112 from the video signal 850 input by the right imaging system displayed on the display section 111 as shown in FIG. The video signal 860 in the designated area is cut out using a finger or a pen.

At the same time, the left side video signal 870 is input from the video signal processing unit 107L and subjected to the same matching arithmetic processing as that shown in FIG.
The video area 880 corresponding to 60 is displayed on the left side of the video signal 870.
Cut out more.

The clipped image areas 860 and 880 are output to the AF processing section 161 in the subsequent stage.

In the AF processing unit 161, the blur amount is detected from the level of the high frequency component in the video signal using the respective video signals 860 and 880, as in the first embodiment, and the detected signal is detected. Output to the controller 170.

The controller 170 controls the focus control sections 121R and 121R based on the respective detection signals supplied thereto.
A control signal is given to 21L to realize the AF operation.

The same processing is performed for the second area setting section 152 and the third area setting section 153.

The white balance processing section 162 and the AE processing section 163 perform processing based on the left and right video signals provided by the area setting sections 152 and 153, respectively, and provide output signals to the controller 170, respectively.

Needless to say, the AF processing section 161, the white balance processing section 162, and the AE processing section 163 can process two video signals.

The controller 170 provides signals to the video signal processing units 107R and 107L based on the detection signals provided by the white balance processing unit 162, respectively. Further, based on the signal given by the AE processing unit 163, it outputs a control signal to each of the diaphragms 102R and 102L or each of the image pickup elements 103R and 103L.

With the above processing, the photographer can arbitrarily specify, for example, the AF area using the finger or pen with the input device 112, so that the left and right images can be focused in the same area.

Next, when photographing with a compound eye, the position of the gazing point is adjusted by controlling the vergence angle of each image pickup system as shown in FIG. In the compound-eye imaging apparatus of this embodiment, the position of the gazing point can be set arbitrarily. The outline of the operation is shown below.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a case where the subject 190 is photographed by the compound-eye image pickup apparatus of this embodiment.

In this case, the photographer selects an arbitrary area P of the subject image displayed on the display unit 111 by the input device 112.
When a finger or a pen or the like is used to specify, a signal corresponding to the specified position is output to the controller 170.

The controller 170 holds the given first position information and gives a signal of the position information to the fourth area detector 154.

In the fourth area detecting section 154, the video signal 78 provided by the video signal processing section 107R.
Based on the first position information from 0, a corresponding area 750 is cut out as shown in FIG.
Image 7 taken by the left side imaging system obtained from 07L
A region 751 in 81 that matches the region 750 is obtained by a matching calculation. The second position information obtained by the calculation is output to the controller 170.

The controller 170 gives a control signal to the convergence angle control units 131R and 131L based on the first and second position information.

In the convergence angle control units 131R and 131L, each convergence angle is controlled based on the given control signal so that the gazing point P'is imaged near the center of the screen as shown in FIG. , Left and right video signals 770 and 771 can be obtained.

At this time, it is possible to obtain an image which is always in focus at the gazing point by controlling the AF to be performed in the gazing point area. Also,
As a matter of course, it is possible to set the positions at which the gazing point and the AF are matched separately.

Further, although the case where the shooting parameters are adjusted in the same area of the left and right video signals is shown here, either the left or right video can be selected and displayed on the display unit 111 by the setting switch 302. However, it is possible to easily adjust the shooting parameters in different areas of the left and right video signals.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the fifth embodiment of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the first and third area setting units 1
51 and 153, the area detection unit 154, and the image processing unit 15.
5, 156 and 157. Since the other blocks are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, their description will be omitted.

The image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment is obtained by adding a tracking function to the image pickup apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The configurations and operations of the image processing units 155, 156 and 157 will be described below.

The image processing section 155 will be described below. In the image processing unit 155, as shown in the fourth embodiment, by using the video signals 910 and 920 inputted by the respective image pickup systems 10R and 10L, for example, FIG.
As shown in (a), the area 90 in one image 910 displayed on the display unit using the input device 112.
By designating 0, the same area 901 is obtained and extracted from the other video signal 920 by the matching calculation process. Each extracted video signal is output to the AF processing unit 161, and the same processing as that shown in the fourth embodiment is performed.

Here, when the image A in the area designated by the next field moves as shown in FIG. 24B, the areas 900 and 901 must be moved when the AF processing is to be performed in accordance with it. Is required. Image processing unit 155
In (1), each of the video signals designated in the area is held, and a matching calculation process is performed with the subsequent field video signals to detect the movement amount. Area 9 based on the amount of movement detected
00 and 901 are shifted, and the AF processing unit 1
AF that tracks the movement of the subject by outputting to 61
Processing becomes possible.

The image processing unit 156 also performs the AE by the same procedure.
Extract the video signal for processing.

The image processing section 157 also outputs to the controller 170 the position information of the designated area moved for the convergence angle control shown in the fourth embodiment.

As described above, it is possible to perform the work of adjusting the image pickup condition in which the movement of the subject is tracked.

In the above embodiment, the image generating means of claim 1 corresponds to, for example, an image pickup system from the image pickup element 103 to the camera signal processing section 107, the display means corresponds to the display section 111, and the input unit The unit corresponds to the input device 112, and the control unit is the controller 119 and the first area control unit 113, the second area control unit 114, the third area control unit 115, the AF processing unit 117, the white balance processing unit 116, This corresponds to the configuration including the AE processing unit 118.

Further, in Claims 3 and 4, particularly the control means is the controller 119 and the composition processing section 127 of FIG.
It is equivalent to the configuration consisting of.

Further, in claim 5, the plurality of image pickup systems correspond to the right image pickup system 10R and the left image pickup system 10L in FIG. 16, and the control means is the controller 170 and the first to third portions.
Of the area setting units 151 to 153, the AF processing unit 161, the white balance processing unit 162, the AE processing unit 163, and the like.

[0138]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, the operation for adjusting the imaging condition can be performed on the screen during shooting by the pen or the finger, and the operability is remarkably improved. improves.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2 of the present application, it is possible to cut out the reference image at an arbitrary position or shape when adjusting the photographing condition, and the adjustment accuracy is improved.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, even if the subject is a moving object or is moving due to camera shake or the like, the reference area for adjusting the imaging condition can be tracked, so that the subject can be tracked. It is possible to perform adjustment work that flexibly corresponds to the situation.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4 of the present application, it is possible to cut out a video of a certain scene and synthesize it with a video input at another time, so that the video intended by the photographer can be obtained. Can be easily obtained.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 5 of the present application, it is possible to arbitrarily write characters or illustrations without taking a picture of a title or the like in advance, and it is easy to generate a variety of images. Can be realized.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6 of the present application, when an image is picked up by using an image pickup device composed of two cameras, a gazing point position or an area for performing AF which has been difficult until now, etc. It is now possible to input the image capturing conditions by referring to the image capturing screen. As a result, the image intended by the photographer can be input and the image quality of the input image signal can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 7 of the present application, the reference image area for adjusting the image capturing condition is set at an arbitrary position or shape when image capturing is performed using the image capturing apparatus including two cameras. Since the designation can be made, the adjustment work can be simplified and the accuracy can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 8 of the present application, when an image is picked up by using an image pickup device composed of two cameras, the reference image area for adjusting the image pickup condition is caused by movement of the subject or camera shake. It is possible to track the shift, and it is possible to improve operability or adjustment accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a display unit and an input device of the image pickup apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an input device of the image pickup apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an operation procedure for adjusting imaging conditions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow of image pickup condition adjustment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of another form of the input device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline when an image moves on a display unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of an image processing unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of matching calculation processing.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of a third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of region extraction in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a composite image obtained by the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of character input according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a composite image in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the outline of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an outline of control of a convergence angle of the image pickup apparatus of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an outline of image pickup condition adjustment in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an outline of image pickup condition adjustment in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an outline of image pickup condition adjustment in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an outline of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an outline of an input device of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the outline of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an outline of image pickup condition adjustment in the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Imaging Lens 102 Aperture 103 Image Sensor 104 Preamplifier 105 AGC 106 A / D 107 Video Signal Processing Unit 108 D / A 109 Synchronous Signal Generator 110 Timing Generator 111 Display Unit 112 Input Device 113 First Area Setting Means 114 Second Area setting means 115 Third area setting means 116 White balance processing section 117 AF processing section 118 AE processing section 119 Controller 120 Zoom control section 121 Focus control section 122 Aperture control section 123 Recording section 302 Setting switch

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Nobuo Fukushima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image signal generating means for inputting a subject image and generating a video signal, and a display means for displaying the video signal,
An input unit attached to the display unit for designating an arbitrary position or area on a display screen with a pen or a finger; and a control unit for adjusting an imaging condition based on a signal from the input unit. Image pickup device. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means processes the video signal by tracking the movement of the video corresponding to the position or area input by the input means. Imaging device. 3. An image signal generation means for inputting a subject image to generate a video signal, a display means for displaying the video signal, and a display unit of the display means, which is mounted on a display screen by a pen or a finger. The input means for designating the area, the means for cutting out a part of the video signal based on the signal of the input means, and the control means for synthesizing the cut-out video signal and the video signal input at an arbitrary time. An imaging device characterized by. 4. A means for inputting a subject image to generate a video signal, a display means for displaying the video signal, and a display unit of the display means, which is mounted on a display screen with a pen or a finger to display arbitrary characters or characters. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image synthesizing unit that inputs a shape and synthesizes the input character or shape signal and a video signal input at an arbitrary time. 5. An image signal generation means for picking up an image of a subject by a plurality of image pickup systems and generating each video signal, a display means for displaying the video signal, and a pen or a finger mounted on the display part of the display means. An image pickup apparatus comprising: input means for designating an arbitrary position or area on the display screen; and control means for adjusting an image pickup condition based on a signal from the input means. 6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the control means cuts out a part of the video signal from one of the video signals picked up by the respective imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and outputs the other video signal. An image pickup apparatus, which is configured to cut out the same region from a signal and set an image pickup condition based on each of the cut-out video signals. 7. The control means according to claim 5, wherein the control means cuts out a part of the video signal from one of the video signals picked up by the respective imaging systems based on the signal of the input means, and outputs the other video. An image pickup apparatus, which is configured to cut out the same region from a signal and track the movement of each cut-out video signal to cut out the video signal.