JPH10191119A - Electronic camera and image display method in the electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera and an image display method for the electronic camera with excellent operability so that an image is confirmed after picked up and an image is immediately picked up without losing a shutter chance when a photographer desires to pick up a succeeding image during displaying the picked up image. SOLUTION: In this electronic camera, a succeeding state is changed depending on whether or not a 1st stage which SW1 (2nd contact point) of a release switch 12 is depressed after the image pickup is finished, and when the 1st stage switch SW1 of the release switch is not depressed, an image picked up previously is immediately displayed on an image display means 10 so as to allow a photographer to confirm a finish of picking up. Furthermore, the electronic camera is composed so that when the 1st stage switch SW1 of the release switch 12 is depressed after the image pickup is finished or during confirmation of the image after the image pickup is finished, the displayed image is switched to a real time moving image formed in an image pickup means 2 and at the same time a succeeding image pickup is made possible at any time without losing a shutter chance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera for photographing and recording a still image, and an image display method in the electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic camera according to the prior art, a luminous flux passing through an imaging lens is imaged by an imaging means such as a CCD to generate a still image, and this still image is stored in an internal memory or an external memory card. Is known, and as the display means as the finder device, there are many those using an external monitor of a liquid crystal or a display means such as a so-called EVF.

In such an electronic camera, the display means displays a real-time continuous still image (moving image) which has passed through an image pickup lens and is captured by the image pickup means before photographing. In addition to functioning as a viewfinder, after photographing, there are many cameras that display a still image recorded in a recording unit or an image equivalent to the recorded image for a certain period of time and use it to confirm the photographed result.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional electronic camera, since a photographed image is displayed for a fixed time after photographing, the photographed image is not displayed when the next photographing is performed. Had to wait for the display to finish. For this reason, there was a drawback that the next shot could not be taken immediately, so it was easy to miss a long photo opportunity.

[0005] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-153046,
Holding a release switch with a two-stage structure, after shooting is completed, pressing the release switch to the first stage for a certain period of time, the last shot image is displayed on the display means, otherwise, the imaging means was shot in real time An electronic camera that displays a continuous moving image on a display unit has been proposed.

However, in the electronic camera of the type having a two-stage release switch described in the above publication, the release switch must be pushed to the first stage for a certain period of time in order to confirm an image after photographing. In addition, the operation is troublesome, and it takes time until the image is displayed, and a smooth operation cannot be realized.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and enables image confirmation after photographing, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera with excellent operability and an image display method in an electronic camera that can immediately take a photograph without missing a photo opportunity when the next photographing is to be performed while displaying a photographed image.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image pickup means for converting a subject image formed through a photographing optical system into an electric signal, and an electric signal generated by the image pickup means. Processing means for converting a static signal into a still image signal, a switch having at least two or more contacts, and a subject generated from the imaging means and the image processing means when the first contact of the switch is selected Recording means for recording a still image, display means for displaying a continuous image of still images generated from the imaging means and image processing means in response to the selection of the switch or a still image recorded in the recording means, If the second contact of the switch is not selected after the recording of the still image by the recording unit, the still image recorded in the recording unit is displayed on the display unit. When the second contact of the switch is selected after a still image is recorded by the recording unit or within a fixed time after the recording is performed, the imaging unit and the image processing are performed. Display control means for displaying a continuous image of still images generated by the means on the display means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing step of converting a subject image formed through a photographing optical system into an electric signal, and converting the electric signal generated by the image capturing step into a static signal. An image processing step of converting the image signal into an image signal; and a recording step of recording a still image of the subject generated by the image capturing step and the image processing step when a first contact of a switch having at least two or more contacts is selected. If the second contact point of the switch is not selected after the still image is recorded in the recording step, the still image recorded in the recording step is displayed for a fixed time, and the recording step is performed. If the second contact point of the switch is selected within a certain time after the recording of the still image is performed or after the recording is performed, Characterized in that it comprises a display step of displaying the successive images of the still images generated by the serial imaging step and image processing steps.

The switch means is a release switch having a two-stage contact in which a first contact is selected when the switch is pressed to the end, and a second contact is selected when the switch is pressed halfway. It is characterized in that it may be configured.

[0011]

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

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the electronic camera according to the present embodiment, a subject image formed via an optical system 1 is passed through an imaging unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a compression unit 4, and a recording control unit 5. The recorded image is recorded on the recording means 6 and the recorded image is reproduced based on the switching operation of the changeover switch 8.
And display on the display means 10 via the display control means 9. The electronic camera according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11 for controlling each of the above units,
Is provided with a release switch 12 connected to the switch.

Here, the optical system 1 includes a lens, an aperture,
It is composed of an optical filter and the like, and forms a subject image on an image sensor as an image pickup means.

The image pickup means 2 is constituted by using an image pickup device such as a CCD for continuously converting a subject image formed by the optical system 1 into an electric signal.

The image processing means 3 converts the electric signal generated by the imaging means 2 into a still image signal.

The compression means 4 receives the still image signal generated by the image processing means 3 at the timing when the release switch 12 is pressed, and compresses or decompresses the still image signal.

The recording control means 5 controls the recording of the still image signal compressed by the compression means 4 into the recording means 6.

The recording means 6, which is controlled by the recording control means 5 and records an image in accordance with the selection of the release switch 12 as will be described later, comprises an internal memory or an external memory card. .

The reproducing means 7 converts a compressed or uncompressed still image signal recorded in the recording means 6 into a signal to be displayed on the display means 10.

The changeover switch 8 is for electrically switching the image input to the display control means 9 between the image processing means 3 (8a) and the reproduction means 7 (8b) based on the control signal of the control means 11. is there.

The display control means 9 is a continuous image of a real-time still image created by the image processing means 3 (hereinafter referred to as a continuous image).
Also called “moving image”. ) Or a signal of a reproduced image generated by the reproducing means 7 is selectively transmitted to the display means 10 according to the switching state of the changeover switch 8 based on the selection of the release switch 12 and displayed.

The display means 10 is controlled by the display control means 9 to display a moving image of the subject generated by the imaging means 2 and the image processing means 3 or a still image recorded in the recording means 6 as described in the operation described later. The display is made up of a small CRT or LCD.

The control means 11 controls the entire electronic camera of the present invention.

The release switch 12 is a switch having at least two or more contact points. The release switch 12 has a structure in which, for example, a two-stage state is switched in accordance with the amount of depression, and when the release switch 12 is depressed most, the second-stage switch SW2 (first contact) is selected, and When the switch SW1 is pressed down to this point, the first-stage switch SW1 (second contact) is selected. In the present embodiment, the content of the image display on the display means 10 changes in accordance with the selection of the release switch 12 as described below.

Next, the operation of the electronic camera having the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the photographing operation of the electronic camera of the present invention. The operation of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, when the power of the camera is turned on by the photographer (S1), the subject image formed on the image pickup means 2 by the optical system 1 is converted into an electric signal, and the image processing means 3 performs image processing. Is done. At this time, the changeover switch 8 is switched to the side 8a by the control means 11, and the image from the image processing means 3 is input to the display control means 9 and the display means 1
In step S2, display of the real-time moving image from the image processing means 3 is controlled by the display control means 9 (S2).

In this state, the photographer determines the composition, measures the timing, and performs the release. Here, the control means 11 is the second-stage switch SW2 of the two-stage release switch 12.
Is turned on (S3).

When the second-stage switch SW2 of the release switch 12 is turned on, the control means 11
A subject image picked up by the image pickup means 2 is processed by the image processing means 3 at the timing when W2 is turned on to generate a still image,
The generated still image data is transferred to the compression means 4, which compresses the image data in accordance with the compression ratio set by the camera or the photographer, or compresses the image data when non-compression is selected. Instead, the image data is transmitted to the recording control means 5.

The still image data transmitted to the recording control means 5 is recorded on the recording means 6 (S4).

On the other hand, at this time, the control means 11
Check whether W1 or SW2 is turned on (S
5) If not turned on, the image data recorded in the recording means 6 is transmitted to the reproducing means 7 and the control means 1
1 is a switch 8b on the reproducing means 7 side
To transfer the reproduced image signal to the display control means 9,
The current photographed image is displayed on the display means 10 for a certain period of time (S6, S7). Here, the display of the fixed time is usually about 0.5 to 5 seconds, and preferably about 2 to 3 seconds.

If the photographer does not intend to take a picture during this fixed time, after the lapse of the fixed time, the image formed on the image pickup means 2 by the optical system 1 is inputted to the display control means 9 through the changeover switch 8. Then, in step S2, the display unit 10 starts displaying a real-time moving image again, and the control unit 11 waits for a signal from the switch SW2 for performing the next photographing.

On the other hand, when the photographer wants to continuously take a picture, or wants to take the next picture while the photographed image is displayed on the display means 10, immediately after the photographing operation in the previous step S3 or in the previous step S6. , The first stage switch SW of the release switch 12
By turning on 1 (S5; YES), the control means 11 inputs the image formed on the imaging means 2 from the optical system 1 to the display control means 9 through the changeover switch 8, and the display means 10 is in real time. The display of the moving image is started (S8).

Here, the photographer turns on the second-stage switch SW2 of the release switch 12 (S9; YE).
S), the control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 2 at the timing when the second-stage switch SW2 of the release switch 12 is turned on.
The image picked up by is processed by the image processing means 3, and the processed data is transferred to the compression means 4, and the compression means 4 performs the compression processing of the image data according to the compression ratio set by the camera or the photographer, or When the compression is selected, the image data is transmitted to the recording control means 5 without compression, and the recording control means 5 transfers the image data to the recording means 6, and executes the recording of the next photographing (S4).

That is, in the electronic camera according to the present embodiment, the following state changes depending on whether or not the first-stage switch SW1 (second contact) of the release switch 12 is selected after the photographing is completed. When the first-stage switch SW1 has not been selected, the image taken last time is immediately displayed on the image display means 10 so that the photographed image can be checked immediately.
Alternatively, when the first-stage switch SW1 of the release switch 12 is selected during the image confirmation after the photographing is completed, the image display is switched to a real-time moving image formed on the imaging unit 2 and the next photographing is possible at any time. In such a state that no photo opportunity is missed.

In the above embodiment, the image recorded in the recording means 6 is displayed on the display of the recorded image in step S6. However, the image is directly taken out from the image processing means 3 and the same image as that recorded is obtained. Does not change the effect at all.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, two electronic photographing modes are provided: a so-called continuous photographing mode in which continuous photographing is performed, and a single photographing mode in which discontinuous photographing (still images are photographed one by one). The case of a camera will be described. The mode switching between the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode is realized, for example, by providing a dedicated mode switching switch or the like and transmitting a switching signal of this switch to the control unit 11.

The electronic camera according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the electronic camera according to the first embodiment except that the electronic camera according to the first embodiment has the above-described two photographing modes and a photographing operation described later is different. Hereinafter, only the photographing operation which is the main feature of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the flow of the photographing operation of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first, when the power of the camera is turned on by the photographer (S11), the subject image formed on the image pickup means 2 by the optical system 1 is converted into an electric signal. The image data is converted and further processed by the image processing means 3. At this time, the changeover switch 8 is set to 8
The display is switched to a side, the image from the image processing means 3 is input to the display control means 9, and the display means 10 starts displaying the real-time moving image from the image processing means 3 under the control of the display control means 9 ( S12).

In this state, the photographer determines the composition, measures the timing, and performs the release. Here, the control means 11
Is the second-stage switch S of the two-stage release switch 12.
It waits for the timing when W2 is turned on (S13).

When the switch SW2 is turned on, the control means 1
According to the instruction of 1, the image taken by the image pickup means 2 is processed by the image processing means 3 at the timing when the switch SW2 is turned on to generate a still image, and the generated still image data is transferred to the compression means 4, The compression means 4 compresses the image data in accordance with the compression ratio set by the camera or the photographer, or transmits the image data to the recording control means 5 without compression when non-compression is selected.

The image data transmitted to the recording control means 5 is recorded on the recording means 6 (S14).

On the other hand, the control means 11 determines whether or not the camera is in the continuous shooting mode at this time (S15). In the single shooting mode, the control means 11 transmits the image data recorded in the recording means 6 to the reproducing means 7 and at the same time, transmits the image data. Switches the switch of the changeover switch 8 to 8b on the side of the reproducing means 7, transfers the reproduced image signal to the display control means 9, and displays the current photographed image on the display means 10 for a predetermined time (S23). After the display for a certain period of time, for example, about 0.5 to 5 seconds (preferably about 2 to 3 seconds), the display image on the display means 10 is switched to real-time moving image display (S24), and the release is performed. When the switch 12 is turned off (S25), the process returns to the preparation for the next shooting (S12).

When the camera is set to the continuous shooting mode in step S15, the control means 11 determines the state of the release switch 12 (S16). If the switch SW2 is selected, the next photographing is performed. In order to perform the processing, the image captured by the imaging unit 2 is processed by the image processing unit 3 and the processed data is transferred to the compression unit 4. Processing is performed, or image data is transmitted to the recording control unit 5 without compression when non-compression is selected.

Then, the image data transmitted to the recording control means 5 is recorded on the recording means 6 (S14).

As described above, when the continuous shooting mode is selected and the switch SW2 is selected, the sequence of steps S14 to S16 is repeated, so that the display means 10 continues to display a real-time moving image and the so-called continuous shooting. Is repeated to continuously record images.

On the other hand, in step S16, the switch SW2
Is in the non-selection state, the control means 11 stops shooting,
The state of the first-stage switch SW1 of the release switch 12 is determined (S17).

Here, when the switch SW1 is selected, the continuous shooting is temporarily stopped, but the next photographing can be performed immediately, and the state of the step S12 is reached. That is, a real-time moving image is displayed on the display means 10 and the next photographing can be performed at any time.

In step S17, the switch SW
When No. 1 is not selected, the switch 8 is switched to 8 b under the control of the control means 11, and the images recorded on the recording means 6 but not yet displayed on the display means 10 are sequentially reproduced one by one. The image data is sequentially transferred to the display control means 9 and displayed on the display means 10 for confirming the photographed image (S18).

When the display of the image in step S18 starts, the control means 11 always switches the switch SW1 or SW
2 is confirmed (S19), and when the switch SW1 or SW2 is selected, it is determined that the photographer has the intention of the next photographing, and the image display on the display means 10 is switched to a real-time moving image and the photographing is performed. It becomes possible (S
12).

If the switch SW1 or SW2 has not been selected in step S19, the control means 11 continues to display the photographed image while determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S20). Has elapsed, it is further determined whether or not there is a recorded image that has been recorded in the recording means 6 but has not been displayed on the display means 10 (S21). S12). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that there is still an undisplayed image on the display means 10, a display of the undisplayed recorded image is performed (S22).

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, in the single shooting mode, the display means 10 after the photographing is completed.
Displays the captured image immediately. On the other hand, in the continuous shooting mode, a real-time moving image is continuously displayed on the display unit 10 during the continuous shooting, so that the continuous shooting becomes possible. )
Is selected, it is considered that there is an intention of the next photographing, and the display means 10 keeps displaying a real-time moving image and stands by for photographing.

When the switch SW1 is not selected after the end of the continuous photographing, the images recorded in the recording means 6 and not displayed on the display means 10 are sequentially displayed for a certain period of time, and the photographed image is being checked. When the switch SW1 or SW2 is selected and it is determined that there is an intention to perform the next photographing, a real-time moving image is displayed on the display unit 10 immediately, and the photographing preparation state is established.
The photographed image can be confirmed immediately after the photographing, and the next photographing can be performed at any time.

In the above-described embodiment, the release switch 12 has a configuration in which the two-stage state is sequentially switched as the amount of depression is increased, but instead, two individual switches are provided. They may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0059]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, before shooting, a continuous image of a still image taken in real time is displayed, and after shooting, a switch having at least two or more contacts is displayed. When the two contacts are not selected, the still image recorded in the recording means is displayed for a fixed time. Further, when the second contact point of the switch is selected after the end of the recording or within the fixed time, by displaying a continuous image of a real-time still image, a state in which the next photographing can be performed immediately is performed. The image can be confirmed as it is, and the photographing can be immediately performed even while the photographed image is being displayed. This makes it possible to realize an electronic camera that is excellent in operability that is resistant to a photo opportunity and an image display method in the electronic camera.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera capable of displaying images shot in two shooting modes, a continuous shooting mode for continuous shooting and a single shooting mode for discontinuous shooting. In addition to displaying the image generated by the imaging unit before shooting, and recording a still image in the recording unit when the first contact of the switch having at least two or more contacts is selected in the single shooting mode, A still image is displayed for a fixed time immediately after shooting. In the continuous shooting mode, the still image is continuously recorded in the recording means in a time-series manner as long as the first contact of the switch is selected, and a continuous image of the still image is displayed in real time. When the selection of the contact is cancelled, the images continuously photographed last time are sequentially displayed at fixed time intervals. This makes it possible to realize an electronic camera with excellent operability and an image display method in the electronic camera capable of confirming an image in an optimum display mode and an image in a single shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of a photographing operation according to the first embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a photographing operation according to a second embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a photographing operation according to a second embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 optical system 2 imaging means 3 image processing means 4 compression means 5 recording control means 6 recording means 7 reproduction means 8 changeover switch 9 display control means 10 display means 11 control means 12 release switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] An imaging unit configured to convert a subject image formed through a photographic optical system into an electric signal; an image processing unit configured to convert an electric signal generated by the imaging unit into a still image signal; A switch having two or more contacts, a recording unit that records a still image of the subject generated from the imaging unit and the image processing unit when a first contact of the switch is selected; and Display means for displaying a continuous image of a still image generated from the imaging means and the image processing means or a still image recorded in the recording means in response to the recording of the still image by the recording means, If the second contact of the switch is not selected,
The still image recorded in the recording means is displayed on the display means for a predetermined time, and the second operation of the switch is performed within a certain time after the recording of the still image by the recording means or after the recording is performed. An electronic camera, comprising: display control means for displaying, on the display means, a continuous image of still images generated by the imaging means and the image processing means when a contact point is selected. 2. An electronic camera having two photographing modes, a continuous photographing mode for continuous photographing and a single photographing mode for discontinuous photographing, wherein an object image formed through a photographing optical system is formed. Imaging means for converting an electric signal into an electric signal; image processing means for converting an electric signal generated by the imaging means into a still image signal; a switch having at least two or more contacts; Recording means for recording a still image of a subject generated by the imaging means and the image processing means in accordance with the image processing means; and a real-time still image generated by the imaging means and the image processing means in response to the selection of the shooting mode and a switch Display means for displaying a continuous image of the image or a still image recorded in the recording means; and a still image generated by the imaging means and the image processing means before photographing is started. While displaying a continuous image of the image on the display unit, in the single shooting mode, when the first contact point of the switch is selected, the still image generated from the imaging unit and the image processing unit to the recording unit Record it,
Immediately after the single shooting, the still image is displayed on the display unit for a certain period of time. In the continuous shooting mode, the still image generated from the imaging unit and the image processing unit as long as the first contact of the switch is selected. Is displayed on the display means, and the still images generated from the imaging means and the image processing means are successively recorded in the recording means in time series, and the selection of the first contact point of the switch is released. Control means for displaying, on the display means, images successively photographed last time at predetermined time intervals. 3. When the second contact point of the switch is selected immediately after the end of the continuous shooting in the continuous shooting mode, the control means generates the image data on the display means from the imaging means and the image processing means. A continuous image of the still image is continuously displayed, and each unit is controlled so as to enter a preparation state for the next photographing, and the image is sequentially displayed by deselecting the first contact point of the switch. Even if there is a reselection of the first contact point of the switch, the display unit displays a continuous image of the still images generated from the imaging unit and the image processing unit, and the next photographing is performed. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein each of the means is controlled in a possible state. 4. A release switch having a two-stage contact in which a first contact is selected when the switch is pressed to the end, and a second contact is selected when the switch is pressed halfway. The electronic camera according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein 5. An imaging step of converting a subject image formed through a photographic optical system into an electric signal, an image processing step of converting an electric signal generated by the imaging step into a still image signal, When a first contact of a switch having two or more contacts is selected, a recording step of recording a still image of a subject generated by the imaging step and the image processing step, and recording of a still image by the recording step After the operation, if the second contact point of the switch is not selected, the still image recorded in the recording step is displayed for a fixed time, after the recording of the still image in the recording step is performed or If the second contact point of the switch is selected within a fixed time after the recording is performed, the imaging step and the image processing step Image display method in an electronic camera which comprises a display step of displaying the successive images of the still images and more are generated. 6. An image display method in an electronic camera capable of displaying images taken in two shooting modes, a continuous shooting mode for performing continuous shooting and a single shooting mode for performing non-continuous shooting. An imaging step of converting a subject image formed through an optical system into an electric signal; an image processing step of converting an electric signal generated by the imaging step into a still image signal; And displaying a continuous image of a real-time still image generated by the step and the image processing step. In the single-shot mode, when the first contact point of the switch is selected, the image is generated by the imaging step and the image processing step. The still image is recorded in a predetermined recording means, and the still image is displayed for a fixed time immediately after single-shot shooting. A continuous image of the still images generated by the imaging step and the image processing step is displayed as long as the first contact of the switch is selected, and the still images generated by the imaging step and the image processing step are displayed in time series. Displaying continuously in the predetermined recording means, and, if the selection of the first contact point of the switch is released, sequentially displaying images taken continuously in succession at predetermined time intervals. Image display method in an electronic camera. 7. In the display step, when the second contact of the switch is selected immediately after the end of the continuous shooting in the continuous shooting mode, the still image generated in the imaging step and the image processing step is displayed. The continuous image is continuously displayed, and a preparation state for the next photographing is entered, and even during the sequential display of images by deselection of the first contact point of the switch, the first switch of the switch is displayed. 7. A continuous image of a still image generated from the image capturing step and the image processing step is displayed when the contact point is re-selected, and the next image capturing is enabled. Image display method in an electronic camera.