JPH09331472A - Display controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress power consumption and mis-operation by stopping display of an image of an object in a prescribed display section and stopping processing of information received by a prescribed entry section when it is detected that a photographer approaches an optical finder. SOLUTION: Since a light quantity made incident onto a light receiving element 43 is decreased when a photographer 101 approaches an eyepiece 2A, it is detected that the photographer 101 approaches the eyepiece 2A of an electronic camera 1 due to a change in an electric signal from the light receiving element 43 so as to stop display of an image in an LCD 6 and processing of the information received by a touch tablet 6A. The display of the LCD 6 not required when the photographer 101 uses a finder 2 is stopped to suppress power consumption and the processing of the information entered by the touch tablet 6A is stopped to prevent mis-operation even when a nose or the like of the photographer 101 is in contact with the touch tablet 6A.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display control device, and more particularly, to a display control device for displaying an image of a subject on a predetermined display unit when detecting that the photographer approaches a viewfinder that optically presents the subject to the photographer. The present invention relates to a display control device that stops displaying and stops processing of information input through a predetermined input unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of electronic circuits, electronic cameras that use a photoelectric conversion element to electrically process a captured image have become widespread.

Similar to a conventional camera, such an electronic camera has a finder (optical finder) for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, and displays an image photographed by a photoelectric conversion element on a liquid crystal display. Many are equipped with a so-called electronic viewfinder that is presented to the photographer.

Further, there is an electronic camera having an input device for inputting information other than images (a so-called touch tablet for inputting line drawing information).

[0005]

However, when the photographer is checking the subject with the optical viewfinder, the display on the electronic viewfinder is not necessary, but the display is continued, thus wasting battery power. Have the problem of doing.

Further, when the photographer confirms the subject with the optical viewfinder, the photographer and the electronic camera are close to each other, so that the input device may be mistakenly operated by the photographer's nose or the like. Have

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. When it is detected that the photographer approaches the optical viewfinder, the display of the image of the subject on the predetermined display unit is stopped and the predetermined input is performed. By stopping the processing of the information input in the unit, waste of power and erroneous operation are suppressed.

[0008]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control device including a presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer and a detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means. A light collecting means for collecting the light from the subject, a photoelectric converting means for receiving the light collected from the subject by the light collecting means and converting the light into an electric signal, and an electric signal converted by the photoelectric converting means. And display means for displaying the image of the subject corresponding to, and control means for controlling the display means and stopping the display of the image of the subject when the photographer detects that the photographer has approached the presenting means. It is characterized by

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control device, wherein presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means, and a predetermined operation are performed. Information input means for inputting information, processing means for processing the information input by the information input means, and when the detection means detects that the photographer approaches the presenting means, the processing means is controlled to input the information. Control means for stopping the processing of the information input by the means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control device, wherein presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means, and light from the subject. An image of a subject corresponding to the electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion means, and a photoelectric conversion means for receiving the light from the object condensed by the light condensing means and converting it into an electric signal Means for displaying information, information input means for inputting information by a predetermined operation, processing means for processing information input by the information input means, and detection means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presentation means. In this case, the control means controls the display means and the processing means, stops the display of the image of the subject, and stops the processing of the information input by the information input means.

In the display control apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means displays the display means (for example, a finder) when the detection means (for example, a photo sensor) detects that the photographer approaches the presenting means (for example, a finder). Control the liquid crystal display) to stop displaying the image of the subject.

In the display control device according to the sixth aspect, the control means controls the processing means when the detection means (eg, photosensor) detects that the photographer is approaching the presentation means (eg, finder). Then, the processing of the information input by the information input means (for example, a touch tablet) is stopped.

In the display control apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the control means displays the display means (for example, the finder) when the detection means (for example, the photosensor) detects that the photographer approaches the presenting means (for example, the viewfinder). The liquid crystal display) is controlled to stop the display of the image of the subject, and the processing means is controlled to stop the processing of the information input by the information input means (for example, a touch tablet).

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the construction of an embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic camera of this embodiment, when a subject is photographed, the surface facing the subject is the surface X1 and the surface facing the photographer is the surface X2.
It has been. At the upper end of the surface X1, a finder 2 (presenting means) used for confirming the photographing range of the subject, a photographing lens 3 (condensing means) for capturing an optical image of the subject, and a strobe 4 for emitting light for illuminating the subject. Is provided.

On the other hand, at the upper end of the surface X2 (the position corresponding to the upper end where the finder 2, the operation lens 3, and the strobe 4 are formed on the surface X1) opposite to the surface X1, the finder 2 and this electron are provided. A speaker 5 for outputting the sound recorded in the camera 1 is provided. Also, plane X2
LCD 6 (display means) and operation keys 7 formed on the
Are formed vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, the strobe 4, and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6, a so-called touch tablet 6A (information input means) that outputs position data corresponding to the instructed position by a contact operation with a pen-type pointing member is parallel to the eyepiece 2A of the finder 2. It is located in.

The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin, and a user (photographer) can display an image displayed on the LCD 6 formed inside the touch tablet 6A on the touch tablet 6A. 6A
Can be observed through.

The operation key 7 is a key operated when reproducing and displaying recorded data on the LCD 6. The operation keys 7 are printed on the surface X2, and the touch tablet 6A
Detects a user operation (input) by using a part of
A signal corresponding to the operation is supplied to the CPU 39 (FIG. 6) (control means, processing means).

The menu key 7A of the operation keys 7 is
These keys are operated when displaying a menu screen on the LCD 6. The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the recording information selected by the user.

The clear key 7C is a key operated when deleting recorded information. Cancel key 7D
Are keys operated when the reproduction process of recorded information is interrupted. The scroll key 7E is a key operated to scroll the screen up and down when a list of recording information is displayed on the LCD 6.

The surface X2 is provided with a slidable LCD cover 14 for protecting the LCD 6 when not in use. The LCD cover 14 is configured to cover the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A when moved vertically upward. When the LCD cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A
And the power supply switch 11 arranged on the surface Y2 is turned on by the arm portion 14A of the LCD cover 14.

On the surface Z, which is the upper surface of the electronic camera 1,
A microphone 8 for collecting sound and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected are provided.

The left side surface (surface Y1) is provided with a release switch 10 that is operated when shooting a subject and a continuous shooting mode switch 13 that is operated when switching the continuous shooting mode at the time of shooting. . The release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
1 is arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3 and the strobe 4 provided at the upper end of the lens 1.

On the other hand, the surface Y2 (right side surface) facing the surface Y1
Has a recording switch 1 operated when recording voice.
2 and a power switch 11 are provided. The recording switch 12 and the power switch 11 are, like the release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13, placed vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3 and the strobe 4 provided at the upper end of the surface X1. It is arranged. Further, the recording switch 12 is formed at substantially the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, and is configured so that it does not feel uncomfortable when held with either the left or right hand.

The height of the recording switch 12 and that of the release switch 10 are intentionally made different from each other so that when one switch is pressed, the opposite side is held with a finger to cancel the moment due to this pressing force. The switch provided on the opposite side may be prevented from being pressed by mistake.

The continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is
This is used when the photographer presses the release switch 10 to photograph a subject, and to set whether to photograph one subject or a plurality of predetermined frames. For example, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the S mode), only one frame is shot. Has been made to take place.

Further, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the position where "L" is printed (that is, switched to the L mode), the release switch 10 is pressed. While the switch 10 is being pressed, eight frames are photographed per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Further, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the release switch 10 is pressed in a case where the pointer is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the H mode), during the period in which the release switch 10 is pressed, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Next, the internal structure of the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. The CCD 20 (photoelectric conversion means) is provided at a subsequent stage (on the surface X2 side) of the photographing lens 3, and photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed through the photographing lens 3 into an electric signal.

The light receiving element (photo sensor) 43 (detection means) is arranged adjacent to the finder 2 and receives the light incident from the eyepiece 2A of the finder 2.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement example of the light receiving elements 43. As described above, the light receiving element 43 is arranged so as not to interfere when the photographer views the subject through the viewfinder 2, receives the light incident from the eyepiece 2A, and receives an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light. Interface (I / F) 4
2 (FIG. 6) to the CPU 39 (FIG. 6). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the photographer 101 approaches the eyepiece 2 </ b> A, the amount of light incident on the light receiving element 43 decreases, so that the CPU 39 changes the electric signal from the light receiving element 43 to cause the photographer to change. The fact that 101 is approaching the eyepiece 2A of the electronic camera 1 is detected.

Returning to FIG. 3, on the vertical lower side of the LCD 6, four cylindrical batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged, and the electric power stored in the battery 21 is distributed to each part. Supplied. Further, a capacitor 22 for storing electric charge for causing the strobe 4 to emit light is disposed together with the battery 21 below the LCD 6 vertically.

Various control circuits for controlling each part of the electronic camera 1 are formed on the circuit board 23. A removable memory card 24 is provided between the circuit board 23, the LCD 6 and the battery 21, and various kinds of information input to the electronic camera 1
The data is recorded in a preset area of the memory card 24.

Further, the LCD switch 25 arranged adjacent to the power switch 11 is a switch which is turned on only while its protrusion is pressed,
When the cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the arm 14A of the LCD cover 14 is turned on together with the power switch 11.

When the LCD cover 14 is positioned vertically upward, the power switch 11 is turned on by the LCD switch 25.
Independent of the user. When the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are both on, power is supplied to the LCD 6, and when the LCD switch 25 is off (ie, when the LCD cover 14 is closed), the LCD 6 is turned off. (At this time, if the power switch 11 is on, power is supplied to other circuits).

In this embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed. However, a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various information can be recorded in the memory. Further, various information recorded in the memory (memory card 24) may be output to an external personal computer via an interface (not shown).

Next, the internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal). Digital signal processor (hereinafter D
The SP 33 supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 20 and a CCD drive circuit (VDRV) 3.
4 is controlled to supply a CCD vertical drive pulse to the CCD 20.

Correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS
Reference numeral 31 is controlled by the CPU 39, samples the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing, and converts the sampled signal into a built-in automatic gain controller (hereinafter referred to as AGC).
) To a predetermined level at 31A. Analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as A / D
The conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the CDS 31 and supplies it to the DSP 33.

Compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 3
Reference numeral 5 controls the data bus connecting the DSP 33, the buffer memory 36 and the memory card 24, temporarily stores the image signal supplied to the DSP 33 in a data area (described later) of the buffer memory 36, and stores it in the data area of the buffer memory 36. After reading the stored image data and compressing the image data, the compressed image data (hereinafter, simply referred to as captured image data) is recorded in a predetermined area (captured image recording area) of the memory card 24. It is designed to do.

The buffer memory 36 is divided into a data area and a frame memory area. Buffer memory 36
The data area of is used for temporarily holding the data in the middle of processing, and is used for alleviating the difference between the data input / output speed with respect to the memory card 24 and the processing speed in the CPU 39, the DSP 33, etc. The frame memory area of is used as a frame memory that holds the value of each pixel of the LCD 6.

Further, the compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 35 stores the image data supplied to the DSP 33 in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 for display on the LCD 6 as an electronic viewfinder, and at the same time, the captured image from the memory card 24. Read the data,
After the captured image data is expanded, the expanded image data is stored in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 and displayed on the LCD 6.

In addition to this, the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 are adapted to perform timing management of data input / output in recording on the memory card 24 and storing expanded image data in the buffer memory 36.

Further, the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 have a built-in clock circuit (not shown) so that the information on the date and time of photographing is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 as the header information of the image data. Has been done. (That is, the photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by data of the photographing date and time).

The microphone 8 inputs voice information (collects voice) and outputs the voice information to a voice processing circuit (voice I).
C) is supplied to 44. The audio processing circuit 44 digitizes the supplied audio information and converts it into a CPU.
39.

After compressing the digitized voice information, the CPU 39 temporarily stores the digitized and compressed voice data in the buffer memory 36 (data area), and then stores it in a predetermined area of the memory card 24 ( It is designed to be recorded in a voice recording area). At this time,
In the audio recording area of the memory card 24, data of the recording date and time is recorded as header information of the audio data.

The voice processing circuit 44 is adapted to analogize the voice data supplied from the CPU 39 and output the analog voice signal to the speaker 5.

When a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen (pen type pointing member) 41 operated by the user, the CPU 39 causes the touch tablet 6A to operate.
The XY coordinates of the pressed position are read, and the coordinate data (line drawing information to be described later) is stored in the data area of the buffer memory 36. Also, CPU
The memory card 2 stores the line drawing information accumulated in the buffer memory 36 together with the header information of the line drawing information input date and time.
4 is recorded in the line drawing information recording area.

Further, the CPU 39 controls the strobe drive circuit 37 to cause the strobe 4 to emit light appropriately, and also controls the drive circuit 30 to move the taking lens 3 to perform an autofocus operation. Is supposed to do.

Further, the CPU 39 is adapted to receive signals from the operation switches 40 such as the power switch 11 and the recording switch 12 and process them appropriately.

The light receiving element 43 is the eyepiece 2 of the finder 2.
The light incident through A is received, and an electric signal corresponding to the light amount is supplied to the CPU 39. The CPU 39 is adapted to detect that the photographer 101 has approached the finder 2 of the electronic camera 1 based on the change in the electric signal from the light receiving element 43.

At this time, the CPU 39, when the value of the electric signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on the light receiving element 43 remains smaller than the predetermined reference value for a predetermined time, the photographer 1
It is configured to determine that 01 has approached the eyepiece 2A. Therefore, when the amount of light incident on the light receiving element 43 instantaneously decreases due to noise or the like, it is not determined that the photographer 101 has approached the eyepiece 2A.

When the CPU 39 detects that the photographer 101 approaches the finder 2 of the electronic camera 1, the CPU 39 stops displaying the image on the LCD 6 and stops processing the information input by the touch tablet 6A. Has been done.

When the photographer 101 is using the viewfinder 2 (optical viewfinder), the photographer 101 uses the LCD.
Since 6 (electronic viewfinder) is not seen, by stopping the display on the LCD 6 in this way,
Power consumption can be suppressed. When the display of the LCD 6 is stopped, the power supply to both the liquid crystal and the backlight is stopped. Alternatively, only the power supply to the backlight that consumes a large amount of power may be stopped.

Further, by stopping the processing of the information input by the touch tablet 6A, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation even if the nose of the photographer 101 touches the touch tablet 6A.

Next, various operations of the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, shooting of a subject by the present apparatus will be described.

First, a case will be described in which the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y1 is changed over to the S mode (a mode in which only one frame is photographed). First, the power switch 11 shown in FIG.
The electronic camera 1 is powered on by switching to the side printed with. When the subject is confirmed in the viewfinder 2 and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

An optical image of an object observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the taking lens 3 and is focused on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampled by one. The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33.

The DSP 33 outputs the image data to the data area of the buffer memory 36. Then, the compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 35 reads the image data from the buffer memory 36 and combines the discrete cosine transform, the quantization, and the Huffman coding with the JPE.
It is compressed according to the G (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method and recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

When the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, subsequent shots will not be taken. Not done Also,
When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, LC
The captured image is displayed on D6.

Second, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the L mode (a mode in which 8 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where “ON” is printed, and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampling is performed eight times a second by one.
Also, at this time, the CDS 31 thins out three-quarters of the pixels of the image electric signal of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. , The image signal of one pixel arranged at a predetermined position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

For example, in the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled and the other pixels b, c, d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b at the upper right of each area is sampled, and the other pixels a,
c and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and fourth samplings, the lower left pixel c and the lower right pixel d
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of a quarter of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 outputs the digitized image signal to the data area of the buffer memory 36, and the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 read the image signal and compress it according to the JPEG method, and then digitize and compress it. The captured image data thus obtained is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

Thirdly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
The case where is switched to the H mode (a mode for continuously shooting 30 frames per second) will be described. When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where “ON” is printed, and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

An optical image of the subject observed by the finder 2 is collected by the taking lens 3 and is focused on the CCD 20. An optical image of a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted by each pixel into an image signal.
1 is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, the CDS 31 thins out 8/9 of the image electrical signals of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 3 × 3 pixels, as shown in FIG. The image electric signal of one pixel arranged is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second, and the remaining eight pixels are thinned out.

For example, in the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b disposed on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and subsequent samplings, the pixels c, d,.
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of one-ninth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 outputs the digitized image signal to the data area of the buffer memory 36, and the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 read the image signal and compress it according to the JPEG system, and then digitize and compress it. The captured image data thus obtained is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the capturing date and time.

If necessary, the strobe 4 may be operated to illuminate the subject.

Next, an operation when two-dimensional information (pen input information) is input from the touch tablet 6A will be described.

When the touch tablet 6A is pressed with the pen tip of the pen 41, the XY coordinates of the touched point are displayed on the CPU.
39 is input. The XY coordinates are stored in the data area of the buffer memory 36. In addition, data can be written into the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36 at locations corresponding to the XY coordinates, and a line drawing corresponding to the touch of the pen 41 can be displayed on the XY coordinates on the LCD 6. .

As described above, the touch tablet 6A
Is composed of a transparent member,
The point displayed on the LCD 6 (the point at the position pressed by the pen tip of the pen 41) can be observed, as if the LCD
6 can be felt as if a pen input was made directly. When the pen 41 is moved on the touch tablet 6 </ b> A, a line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. Further, when the pen 41 is intermittently moved on the touch tablet 6A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs desired line drawing information such as characters and graphics to the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

When the photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when line drawing information is inputted by the pen 41, the line drawing information is synthesized together with the photographed image information in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36. LC
Displayed simultaneously on D6.

By operating a color selection switch (not shown), the user can select the color of the line drawing displayed on the LCD 6 from colors such as black, white, red, and blue.

When the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed after inputting the line drawing information to the touch tablet 6A by the pen 41, the line drawing information accumulated in the data area of the buffer memory 36 is displayed together with the header information of the input date and time. It is supplied to the memory card 24 and recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

The line drawing information recorded on the memory card 24 is information that has been subjected to compression processing. Since the line drawing information input to the touch tablet 6A contains a lot of information having a high spatial frequency component, if the compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compressing the photographed image, the compression efficiency is low and the information amount is not reduced. The time required for compression and decompression increases. Furthermore, since the compression by the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for compression of line drawing information having a small amount of information. To get it).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the line drawing information is compressed by the run length method used in facsimile and the like. The run-length method scans the line drawing screen in the horizontal direction, and the continuous length of information (dots) of each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the continuous length of no information (the part where there is no pen input). This is a method of compressing line drawing information by encoding the line drawing information.

By using this run length method,
The line drawing information can be compressed to the minimum, and even when the compressed line drawing information is expanded, it is possible to suppress loss of information. The line drawing information may not be compressed when the information amount is relatively small.

Further, as described above, when a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when a pen input is performed, the photographed image data and the line drawing information of the pen input are synthesized in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, A composite image of the captured image and the line drawing is displayed on the LCD 6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, the captured image data is
The line drawing information is recorded in the captured image recording area, and the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area. As described above, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can select one of the images (for example, line drawing) from the composite image of the captured image and the line drawing.
Can be deleted, and each image information can be compressed by an individual compression method.

When data is recorded in the voice recording area, the photographed image recording area, or the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, a predetermined display is displayed on the LCD 6, as shown in FIG.

On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 9, the date when the information was recorded (recorded date) (in this case, August 25, 1995) is displayed at the bottom of the screen, The recording time of the information recorded on the recording date is displayed on the leftmost side of the screen.

A thumbnail image is displayed on the right side of the recording time. This thumbnail image is displayed on the memory card 2
It is created by thinning out (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the captured image data recorded in No. 4. The information with this display is information including captured image information. That is, "10:16" and "10:21"
The information recorded (input) includes the captured image information, such as “10:05”, “10:28”, and “10:28”.
Hour 54 ”and“ 13:10 ”
No image information is included.

A memo symbol "*" indicates that a predetermined memo is recorded as line drawing information.

An audio information bar is displayed on the right side of the thumbnail image display area, and a bar (line) having a length corresponding to the length of the recording time is displayed (when no audio information is input, Do not show).

The user presses any part of the display line of the desired information on the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 9 with the pen tip of the pen 41 to select and specify the information to be reproduced, and presses the execute key 7B shown in FIG. By pressing with the pen tip of the pen 41, the selected information is reproduced.

For example, when the line showing "10:05" shown in FIG. 9 is pressed by the pen 41,
The CPU 39 reads the audio data corresponding to the selected recording date and time (10:05) from the memory card 24,
After decompressing the audio data, it is supplied to the audio processing circuit 44. The audio processing circuit 44 converts the supplied audio data into an analog signal and then reproduces it via the speaker 5.

When reproducing the photographed image data recorded in the memory card 24, the user selects a desired thumbnail image by pressing the pen tip of the pen 41 to select the information, and presses the execution key 7B to select the selected information. To play.

The CPU 39 instructs the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 to read out the photographed image data corresponding to the selected photographing date and time from the memory card 24. Compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 35
Expands the captured image data (compressed captured image data) read from the memory card 24, stores the captured image data as bitmap data in the frame memory area of the buffer memory 36, and causes the LCD 6 to display it. .

The image photographed in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. This still image is CC
It goes without saying that the image signals of all the pixels of D20 are reproduced.

The images photographed in the L mode are continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is CCD2
0 is a quarter of the total number of pixels.

Normally, the human eye is sensitive to the degradation of the resolution of a still image, and thus thinning out the pixels of the still image is perceived by the user as degradation of the image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting is increased, eight frames are captured per second in the L mode, and when this image is reproduced at a speed of eight frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame is equal to the pixel number of the CCD 20. Although this is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames per second, the amount of information perceived by the human eye per second is twice as large as that of a still image.

That is, one of the images shot in the S mode
Assuming that the number of pixels of a frame is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of an image captured in the L mode is １ ／. When an image (still image) captured in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information perceived by the human eye in one second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) × (number of frames 1)). On the other hand, when an image taken in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information that human eyes can see in one second is 2 (= (number of pixels 1/4) × (number of frames 8)) (that is, Human eyes receive twice as much information as a still image). Therefore, even if the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ４, the user can observe the reproduced image at the time of reproduction without much concern about deterioration in image quality.

Further, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6, so that an afterimage effect occurs in human eyes and 4 minutes per frame. Even if three pixels are thinned out, the user can observe the image captured in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without having to worry about the deterioration of the image quality.

An image shot in the H mode is an LC mode.
It is continuously displayed at a rate of 30 frames per second on D6. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is C
Although the number of pixels of the CD 20 is one-ninth of the total number of pixels, for the same reason as in the case of the L mode, the user can copy an image captured in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about deterioration in image quality. Can be observed.

In this embodiment, when the subject is imaged in the L mode and the H mode, the CDS 31 thins out the pixels of the CCD 20 to the extent that the deterioration of the image quality during reproduction is not noticed. The load on the compression / expansion circuit and the memory controller 35 can be reduced, and the DSP 33 and the compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 35 can be operated at low speed and low power. Further, this makes it possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the device.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the various information (data) recorded on the memory card 24 is accompanied by the data of the date and time when each information was input as header information. . The user can use the LCD
It is possible to select and reproduce desired information from the date and time data displayed on the screen 6 (FIG. 9).

When a plurality of pieces of information (captured image, sound, line drawing) are inputted at the same time, each piece of information is separately recorded in a predetermined area of the recording card 24. Header information of the same date and time is attached to each other.

For example, when information A (captured image), information B (sound), and information C (line drawing) are input simultaneously, each information A, B, C recorded in a predetermined area of the memory card 24
Are provided with data of the same input date and time as header information. Further, the header information of the information A may be set as the data of the input date and time, and the header information of the information B and C may be set as the data indicating the information A.

As described above, simultaneously input information is simultaneously reproduced at the time of reproduction.

In this embodiment, after recording the first information (for example, a photographed image), second information (for example, a line drawing) different from the first information is added to the first information. It can also be recorded in the form. As described above, when adding the second information in addition to the first information, the second information is input while the first information is reproduced.
Hereinafter, a detailed description of this case will be described.

For example, when the prerecorded audio information is reproduced, when the release switch 10 is pressed and the photographing process of the subject is performed, the memory card 2
The photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area No. 4 is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the recording of the audio information was started.

Also, for example, on August 25, 1995, 10
During the playback of the audio information whose recording was started at 15:00,
When one minute has elapsed from the start of the reproduction (that is, when the reproduction data has become the data at 10:06 on August 25, 1995), when the photographing processing is performed, it is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. 199 image data
It is also possible to add header information at 10:06 on August 25, 5 (start time (10: 5)
May be used as header information, or one of them may be registered as a default (the selection is made by the user).

Similarly, when line drawing information is input in the case where prerecorded audio information is being reproduced,
In the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, the same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of the audio information is recorded together with the line drawing information.

When the line drawing information is input in the case where the voice information and the photographed image information which have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the voice information ( Alternatively, the same header information as the header information of the recording date / time of the photographed image information) is recorded.

When the photographed image information is inputted when the voice information and the line drawing information which have been simultaneously inputted are reproduced in advance, the photographed image data is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the voice information. The same header information as the recording date and time (or line drawing information) is recorded.

When audio information is input in the case where a previously input captured image is being reproduced, the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 includes the audio data and the header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. The same header information is recorded.

When the line image information is input in the case where the previously input photographed image is being reproduced, the line image information recording area of the memory card 24 includes the line image information and the header information of the recording date and time of the photographed image. The same header information is recorded.

When voice information is input in the case where the captured image information and the line drawing information that have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the captured image information (in addition to the audio data is stored in the voice recording area of the memory card 24). Alternatively, the same header information as the recording date and time of the line drawing information) is recorded.

When the photographed image information is inputted in the case where the previously inputted line drawing information is reproduced, the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 includes the photographed image data and the recording date and time of the line drawing information. The same header information as the header information is recorded.

When audio information is input while the previously input line image information is being reproduced, the audio data in the audio recording area of the memory card 24 is stored in the audio recording area together with the header information of the recording date and time of the line image information. The same header information is recorded.

As described above, when the second information is input while the first information recorded in advance is being reproduced, the recording date and time of the first information is changed to the header information of the second information. (Hereinafter referred to as a normal mode). By doing so, even if information is added later, the relationship between the original information and the added information can be maintained.

Further, in this embodiment, when the second information is added to the first information recorded in advance, the second information is added.
In addition to recording the input time of the information as the header information of the second information, the header information of the first information may be rewritten with the header information of the second information (hereinafter,
Recording time change mode). In this case, the electronic camera 1 is further provided with a mode switch (not shown) for changing the recording date and time so that the recording date and time can be changed (switching between the normal mode and the recording date and time changing mode) by the user's selection. I do.

For example, at a specific time later, the user
If a specific subject is scheduled to be photographed, and a comment on the photographed image is recorded as line drawing information in advance (that is, the line drawing information is the first information), the mode switch for the recording date and time is set to the recording mode. The mode is switched to the date and time change mode, and the object is photographed while reproducing the recorded line drawing information (that is, the photographed image is the second information). Then, the input date and time of the captured image (second information) are attached as header information to both the line drawing information (first information) and the captured image (second information).

Further, the input information is prioritized,
The header information of the input time may be added to each information in accordance with the priority.

For example, if the priority of the photographed image is the first priority, the priority of the audio information is the second priority, and the priority of the line drawing information is the third priority, the previously recorded line drawing information is reproduced. However, when voice information is input, both line drawing information and voice information recorded in the memory card 24 are
Header information including the input time of the audio information is appended (since the priority of the audio information is higher than the priority of the line drawing information). Further, when a captured image is input while reproducing the audio information and the line image information, the line information, the audio information, and the captured image recorded on the memory card 24 are accompanied by header information including the input time of the captured image. (Because the priority of a captured image is higher than the priority of other information). This priority may be set by the user.

Next, a case in which a voice is recorded while a subject is being photographed will be described.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode (single shooting mode) will be described. First, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input, and in the voice information recording area of the memory card 24, the header information of the recording start date and time is recorded together with the voice data. When the release switch 10 is pressed during the input of the audio information (S mode),
One frame of the subject is photographed, and the photographed image data is recorded on the memory card 24. The photographed image data is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the release switch 10 is pressed (at the start of photographing).

On the other hand, first, when the release button 10 is pressed, one frame of the subject is photographed. At this time, in the captured image data recorded on the memory card 24, the date and time when the image was captured is recorded as header information. Further, when the release button 10 is continuously pressed, the photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6. At this time, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input. At this time, the date and time when the image was captured is attached to the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 as header information.

Next, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to L mode or H mode (continuous shooting mode). First, when the release switch 10 is pressed and then the recording switch 12 is pressed, and when the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 are pressed simultaneously, the captured image and audio information are recorded as shown below. You.

When the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the L mode, eight frames are photographed per second, and the photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. Is attached with header information of the date and time when each image was taken. Therefore, the date and time at intervals of 0.125 seconds are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is recorded every 0.125 seconds (but continuously input), and the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 is also recorded at intervals of 0.125 seconds. Date and time header information is recorded.

Similarly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the H mode, 30 frames are photographed per second, and the photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 includes the date and time when each photographed. Is attached.
Therefore, the date and time at 1/30 second intervals are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is 1
/ Recorded every 30 seconds (but continuously entered)
Also in the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24, header information of the date and time at 1/30 second intervals is recorded.

As described above, when a photographed image or sound is edited after recording, when an arbitrary photographed image is removed, audio information having the same header information as that of the photographed image can also be removed. it can.

On the other hand, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the recording mode is switched to the L mode or the H mode (when the mode is switched to the continuous shooting mode), when the recording switch 12 is pressed first and then the release switch 10 is pressed, the data is recorded on the memory card 24. The information to be recorded includes the following header information.

That is, in this case, the audio data until the release switch 10 is pressed is recorded as one file in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24. After that, when the release switch 10 is pressed, the header information of the date and time corresponding to each frame of the captured image is recorded together with the audio data.

As described above, in the electronic camera 1 described above, images, sounds, line drawing information, etc. are recorded. When the photographer 101 confirms the subject through the viewfinder 2, the display of the image on the LCD 6 is stopped and
Since the processing of the information input by the touch tablet 6A is stopped, it is possible to suppress the waste of power and the erroneous operation of the touch tablet 6A.

In the above embodiment, the light receiving element 4
3 is used to detect that the photographer 101 has approached the viewfinder 2, but a temperature sensor is provided in place of the light receiving element so as to detect a temperature change when the photographer 101 approaches the viewfinder 2. You may

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment, an LED 61 (irradiation unit) and a light receiving element 62 (detection unit) are provided adjacent to the eyepiece 2A of the finder 2.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the arrangement of the LED 61 and the light receiving element 62. LED 61 and light receiving element 62
Are arranged in the recesses provided on the surface X2. A transparent cover glass 63 is provided at the tip of the recess so that the LED 61 and the light receiving element 62 are not contaminated with dust or the like. The other constituent elements are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

The LED 61 arranged in this manner emits predetermined light through the cover glass 63.

The light receiving element 62, as shown in FIG.
The reflected light emitted by the ED 61 and reflected by the eye of the photographer 101 is received through the cover glass 63, and an electric signal corresponding to the received light amount is output to the CPU 39.

In this case, the LED 61 emits light that can be distinguished from natural light and causes the light receiving element 62 to receive the light. Then, when the photographer 101 approaches the finder 2, the light emitted from the LED 61 is received by the light receiving element 62, and the CPU 39 causes the photographer 101 to approach the finder 2 due to a change in the electric signal from the light receiving element 62. Detect that.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the LED
Although a predetermined light is emitted by 61 and the reflected light of the light is received (detected) by the light receiving element 62, an infrared diode or a laser diode is used instead of the LED 61, and infrared rays reflected by the photographer are used. Alternatively, the laser light may be received by the light receiving element 62. LED6
By using an ultrasonic wave generation device instead of 1 and an ultrasonic wave sensor instead of the light receiving element 62, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave (the ultrasonic wave is reflected from the time when the ultrasonic wave is emitted, It is also possible to detect the distance to the photographer from (time until detection by the sensor).

[0136]

As described above, according to the display control device of the first aspect, when it is detected that the photographer has approached the presenting means for optically presenting the subject to the photographer, it is possible to display the electricity. Since the display means for displaying the image of the subject converted into the signal is controlled and the display of the image of the subject is stopped,
Power consumption in the LCD 6 can be suppressed.

According to the display control device of the sixth aspect,
In the presenting means for presenting the subject optically to the photographer,
When it is detected that the photographer is approaching, the processing of the information input by the information input means is stopped, so that an erroneous operation on the touch tablet 6A can be suppressed.

According to the display control device of the eleventh aspect, when it is detected that the photographer approaches the presenting means for optically presenting the subject to the photographer, the subject converted into an electric signal. Control the display means to display the image of
Since the display of the image of the subject is stopped and the processing of the information input by the information input means is stopped, the LCD 6
Power consumption can be suppressed and
An erroneous operation on the touch tablet 6A can be suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electronic camera 1 to which the present invention is applied when viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration when viewed from the back of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement example of light receiving elements 43.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating detection of approach of a photographer 101 by the light receiving element 43.

6 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning-out processing in the L mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the H mode.

9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a sectional view showing an arrangement example of an LED 61 and a light receiving element 62 in the electronic camera of FIG.

12 is a diagram illustrating detection of approach of a photographer 101 in the electronic camera of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Electronic Camera 2 Viewfinder 2A Eyepiece 3 Photographic Lens 4 Strobe 5 Speaker 6 LCD 6A Touch Tablet 7 Operation Key 7A Menu Key 7B Run Key 7C Clear Key 7D Cancel Key 7E Scroll Key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone Jack 10 Release Switch 11 Power Switch 12 recording switch 13 continuous shooting mode switch 20 CCD 21 battery 22 capacitor 23 circuit board 24 memory card 31 correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 31A automatic gain adjuster (AGC) 32 analog / digital conversion circuit 33 digital signal processor (DSP) ) 34 CCD drive circuit 35 compression / expansion circuit and memory controller 36 buffer memory 39 CPU 42 interface 43 light receiving element 4 4 Audio processing circuit 61 LED 62 Light receiving element

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. Presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means, and condensing light for condensing light from the subject. Means, photoelectric conversion means for receiving the light from the subject condensed by the condensing means and converting it into an electric signal, and displaying an image of the subject corresponding to the electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion means And a control unit that controls the display unit to stop the display of the image of the subject when the detection unit detects that the photographer is approaching the presenting unit. Display control device. 2. The presenting means has an eyepiece for emitting light from a subject to the photographer, and the displaying means is arranged in parallel with the eyepiece of the presenting means. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control device is a display control device. 3. The presenting means has an eyepiece for emitting light from a subject to the photographer, and the detecting means detects light incident on a surface on which the eyepiece is arranged. A photo sensor for receiving light, wherein the control means stops the display of the image of the subject on the display means when the state in which the amount of light received by the detection means is smaller than a predetermined reference value continues for a predetermined time The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control device is a display control device. 4. The irradiation means for irradiating any one of infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and lasers, and the infrared rays, ultrasonic waves,
The display control device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects a laser. 5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a temperature sensor. 6. Presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means, and information input means for inputting information by a predetermined operation. A processing means for processing the information input by the information inputting means; and, when the detecting means detects that the photographer has approached the presenting means, controls the processing means to control the information inputting means. And a control unit for stopping the processing of the information input in step (1). 7. The presenting means has an eyepiece for emitting light from a subject to the photographer, and the information input means is arranged in parallel with the eyepiece of the presenting means. The display control device according to claim 6, further comprising: 8. The presenting means has an eyepiece for emitting light from a subject to the photographer, and the detecting means detects the light incident on the surface on which the eyepiece is arranged. The control means has a photosensor for receiving light, and when the light quantity received by the detection means remains smaller than a predetermined reference value for a predetermined time, the control means stops the processing of the information input by the information input means. The display control device according to claim 6, wherein the display control device is configured to: 9. The detecting unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates any one of infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and lasers, and the infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and
The display control device according to claim 6, further comprising a detection unit that detects a laser. 10. The display control device according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit includes a temperature sensor. 11. Presenting means for optically presenting a subject to a photographer, detecting means for detecting that the photographer has approached the presenting means, and condensing light for condensing light from the subject. Means, photoelectric conversion means for receiving the light from the subject condensed by the condensing means and converting it into an electric signal, and displaying an image of the subject corresponding to the electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion means Display means for inputting, information inputting means for inputting information by a predetermined operation, processing means for processing the information input by the information inputting means, and the detecting means that the photographer has approached the presenting means. When it is detected, the control means controls the display means and the processing means to stop the display of the image of the subject and stop the processing of the information input by the information input means. Display control device characterized by comprising a means.