JPH11205640A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device which appeases the feeling of an object and allows a photographer to get a better opportunity for a photograph by displaying at least one image in the direction of the object and having at least one of at least one voice reproducing part which reproduces voice in the direction of the object. SOLUTION: Although an LCD for an object which is an image displaying part 20 and a speaker 26 that is a voice reproducing part are directed toward the object at the time of photographing, their positions and the number of them are not subject to any limitation. When a finder mode is selected at the time of photographing, the part 20 makes an image that is now photographed to be shown in the direction of the object and when a reproduction mode is selected in comparison with it, an image that is stored in an image and voice recording part 16 can be shown in the direction of the object. Also, the speaker 26 can reproduce voice that is preserved in the part 16 in the direction of the object independently of the display of an image by the part 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera apparatus for digitally recording a photographed image and reproducing and displaying the recorded image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the development of electronic technology has been remarkable. In particular, the technical application to an electronic camera device for digitally recording and reproducing still images and moving images is even innovative. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional electronic camera device. A conventional electronic camera device 50 includes an image capturing unit 52,
Image processing unit 54, image recording unit 56, and image display unit 58
Are roughly divided into The image capturing unit 52 includes a lens 60,
It comprises a CCD (imaging device) and a signal processing unit 62.

In the electronic camera device 50, an image formed on the CCD by the lens 60 of the image pickup unit 52 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD, and image data corresponding to the image is generated. This image data is subjected to analog and digital signal processing by the signal processing unit,
It is supplied to the image processing unit 54. In the image processing unit 54, filtering processing, compression processing, and the like of image data are performed.
The image data after the image processing is recorded in the image recording unit 56.

Here, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is often used as the image display unit 58, and instead of an optical finder for confirming the range of an image to be photographed, or for reproducing and displaying a photographed image. Used as a display monitor. That is, the image display unit 58
The image currently captured by the image capturing unit 52 or the image recorded in the image recording unit 56 is displayed. In some cases, the image display unit 58 is not provided and only the optical finder is provided.

The image recording unit 56 includes, for example, E
PC cards (card-type peripheral devices for personal computers) such as PROMs (Erasable and Programmable ROMs), flash memories, memory cards, and magnetic disks are used. Further, there is also a device having a function of transferring compressed image data or reproduced image data to a television or a personal computer via an external interface unit and displaying an image on a monitor of the television or the personal computer.

Further, there is no great difference in the shape of the electronic camera device, and many of them are on an extension of the shape of the optical camera device. As described above, although the electronic camera device uses a large amount of electronic technology as compared with the optical camera device, for example, the interface with a personal computer, the image quality, the number of shots, and the processing speed are increased. The direction of evolution is moving toward improving the convenience of the photographer and increasing the topicality after the photographing, such as increasing the speed and playing back the LCD of the photographed image.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-186768 discloses that in an electronic camera device with an LCD, the electronic camera device is divided into two blocks, a camera unit and a main unit, and the camera unit is left-handed by a photographer of the main unit. The camera can be freely mounted while looking at the LCD by arranging it on the side of the operation side and rotatably assembling it with respect to the main unit, and providing the battery storage unit in the grip shape part on the right hand operation side by the photographer of the main unit. Is disclosed, and an electronic camera device that allows easy shutter operation is disclosed.

This electronic camera apparatus has an advantage that, for example, the camera section can be rotated by 180 ° so that when the photographer becomes a subject, he / she can confirm his / her own form on the LCD. In addition, some conventional electronic camera devices have, for example, a camera unit configured to be detachable, an LCD having an adjustable installation angle, and a function of recording and reproducing information about a captured image by voice. Some can be connected and displayed on the LCD via an external interface unit.

However, the above-described image display function and recording / reproducing function by the LCD are all for the photographer, and when the subject and the photographer face each other, only the lens is aimed at the subject. . For this reason, when taking pictures of people and animals as subjects, there is no difference between shooting with an electronic camera device and shooting with an optical camera device, and there is a sense of tension. It can not be said that it is utilized in the.

Although the electronic camera device is a combination of electronic technologies, the electronic camera device has functions other than the functions inherent in the electronic camera device, such as photographing an image, reproducing a photographed image, and transferring image data to a television or a personal computer. It cannot be said that it is effectively used for things. That is, the conventional electronic camera device is merely a luggage except when used as a camera, and there is a problem that the built-in electronic components are not fully utilized for the enjoyment of the owner.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera apparatus which can alleviate the mood of a subject and provide a photographer with a better chance of taking a picture, in view of the problems based on the prior art. It is in. Also,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera device that can be effectively used in addition to the intrinsic functions of the camera.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a finder section for confirming a range of an image to be photographed, and photographing an image in a range determined by the finder section. An electronic camera apparatus comprising: an image capturing unit that generates digital image data to be processed; and an image recording unit that records digital image data generated by the image capturing unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera device having at least one of an image display unit and at least one sound reproducing unit for reproducing sound in the direction of the subject.

Here, the image displayed in the direction of the subject by the image display unit may be a previously recorded still image or moving image, a moving image currently captured by the image capturing unit, or a received image. Preferably, the sound reproduced by the sound reproducing unit in the direction of the subject is music or voice recorded in advance, a synthesized sound, or a received sound.

Preferably, the finder section is an optical finder or an electronic image display monitor. Further, it is preferable that display of an image by the image display unit and reproduction of sound by the sound reproduction unit can be performed regardless of image capturing.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electronic camera device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera device 10 of the present invention includes:
In the illustrated example, the image capturing unit 12, the image processing unit 14,
Image / sound recording unit 16, image reproduction unit 18, image display unit 2
0, a microphone 22, a sound processing unit 24, and a speaker 26.

In the electronic camera device 10, first, the image pickup unit 12 generates digital image data corresponding to a photographed image.
8, an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS image sensor and a signal processing unit 30; The image formed on the image sensor by the lens 28 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor into analog image data, converted into digital image data by the signal processor, and supplied to the image processor 14.

The image processing section 14 performs various image processing such as filtering processing, correction processing, and compression processing on the digital image data supplied from the image pickup section 12. The image data after the image processing is supplied to the image / sound recording unit 16 and the image display unit 20. There is no particular limitation on the compression method used to compress the image data. For example, JPEG (Joint Photog), which is an international standard encoding method for color still images, is used.
The algorithm is preferably used.

Subsequently, the sound processing section 24 performs, for example, pulse code modulation (PCM) on the analog sound data supplied from the microphone 22 to convert the analog sound data into digital sound data. The digital sound data is supplied to the image / sound recording unit 16 and the speaker 26 serving as a sound reproduction unit. Further, the sound processing unit 24 converts digital sound data stored in the image / sound recording unit 16 into analog sound data. This analog sound data is supplied to the speaker 26.

The speaker 26 is an example of a sound reproducing unit, and reproduces an arbitrary sound in the direction of a subject. The sound corresponding to the analog sound data supplied from the sound processing unit 24 is reproduced from the speaker 26. At the time of shooting,
Whether the sound is reproduced by the speaker 26 or not is preferably provided, for example, by providing a switch for turning the speaker on and off so that the user can appropriately select the switch. Further, it is preferable that recording and reproduction can be freely performed at any time irrespective of shooting or display of an image.

The image / sound recording unit 16 stores the image data after the image processing supplied from the image processing unit 14 and the digital sound data supplied from the sound processing unit 24, and is not limited thereto. For example, an EPROM (Erasable a
In addition to PC cards (card-type peripheral devices for personal computers) such as a flash memory, a memory card, and a magnetic disk, various conventionally known storage media such as a floppy disk and a mini disk can be used.

The image reproducing section 18 performs decompression processing and the like on the image-processed image data stored in the image / sound recording section 16. The image data after image reproduction is stored in the image display unit 20.
Supplied to

The image display section 20 displays an arbitrary image in the direction of a subject, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LC).
D) and the like are preferably used. In the present embodiment, in the finder mode in which the image display unit 20 is used as a finder for a subject, the image display unit 20 displays the image data currently being captured supplied from the image capturing unit 12, and displays In the case of the reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image, the image data after image reproduction supplied from the image reproduction unit 18 is displayed.

The selection of whether or not to display an image on the image display unit 20 at the time of shooting, and which image to display when displaying an image, can be made by, for example, an on / off switch for turning on or off the image display unit 20 or the above-described switch. It is preferable that a switch for switching between a finder mode and a reproduction mode, a jog dial and function keys for selecting an image to be displayed, and the like be provided so that the user can appropriately select the image. Further, it is preferable that the user can freely display images at any time regardless of shooting, recording, and reproduction.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a front view and a rear view, respectively, of one embodiment of the electronic camera device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the electronic camera device of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), an LCD 20 for a subject is arranged at the center on the front side of the main body case 32 (the surface facing the subject side during shooting). The lens 28 is located at the center of the left side of the LCD 20, the optical viewfinder 34 is located above the lens 28, the microphone 22 is located below the lens 28, and the flash 3 is located at the upper right side of the LCD 20.
6. Speakers 26 are arranged at the bottom. Also,
As viewed from the photographer, a PC card slot 38 is provided on the left side of the main body case 32.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, a photographer's LCD 40 is disposed at the center of the rear surface of the main body case 32 (the surface facing the photographer at the time of photographing). When viewed from the photographer, an optical viewfinder 34 is arranged on the upper right side of the LCD 40. Also, the main body case 32
A shutter button 42 is arranged on the right side when viewed from the photographer, and a plurality of control switches 44 for various settings such as a power switch and a changeover switch are arranged on the left side.

In the electronic camera device shown in FIG. 3, a lens 28 is disposed at a central portion on the front side of the main body case 32. On the front side of the main body case 32, two microphones 22a and 22b are
8 are arranged above and below, respectively.
0a and 20b are respectively disposed on the left and right of the lens 28, and two speakers 26a are disposed on the left and right of the LCDs 20a and 20b.
The optical viewfinder 34 and the flash 36 are arranged above the speakers 26a and 26b and the speakers 26a and 26b, respectively.

As shown in these figures, in the present invention, an LCD for a subject serving as an image display unit and a speaker serving as a sound reproducing unit are arranged on a surface facing the subject during photographing. The number and the like are not limited at all. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, it is preferable to further include an LCD 40 serving as a finder unit and an image display unit for a photographer, in addition to the optical finder 34. At least one of the optical finder 34 and the LCD 40 is provided. You only have to have it.

In the electronic camera device 10 of the present invention,
At the time of photographing, an image can be displayed in the direction of the subject by the image display unit 20, and independently of this, sound can be reproduced in the direction of the subject by the speaker 26. As a result, it is possible to control the mood of the subject to some extent, for example, to incite the interest of the subject person or animal, to relax or elevate the mood, etc. Obtainable.

For example, when the finder mode is selected at the time of photographing, the image display unit 20 causes the image pickup unit 12 to operate.
Displays the current image in the direction of the subject,
On the other hand, when the reproduction mode is selected, the image stored in the image / sound recording unit 16 can be displayed in the direction of the subject. The sound stored in the image / sound recording unit 16 can be reproduced in the direction of the subject by the speaker 26 independently of the image display by the image display unit 20.

Here, the image displayed by the image display unit 20 in the direction of the subject is not limited at all. For example, a still image or a moving image recorded in the image / sound recording unit 16 or the image pickup unit Moving images, received images such as television broadcasts, and the like can be displayed. Also, the speaker 26
The sound played back in the direction of the subject is not limited at all,
For example, music and voice recorded in the image / sound recording unit 16, or synthetic sounds and received sounds such as radio broadcasts can be reproduced.

For example, when the subject is a person, the person, who is the subject, feels relaxed by listening to the music played from the speaker 26, and the LCD 20 serving as an image display unit.
You can decide your facial expression and pose by watching your figure displayed on the screen. On the other hand, for example, when photographing a landscape or an inanimate object, it is not necessary to display an image on the LCD 20 or reproduce sound using the speaker 26, and these can be appropriately set by setting the control switch 44. It is.

The electronic camera device 10 includes an LCD serving as an image display unit 20 and a speaker 26 serving as a sound reproducing unit shown in FIG. Although not shown, a ROM in which an operation program is stored, a microprocessor (CPU) for controlling the functions of the entire electronic camera device 10 based on the operation program stored in the ROM, and the like are built in, and an image display is performed. It has all the necessary and sufficient functions for sound reproduction.

Therefore, the electronic camera device 10 of the present invention is provided with, for example, a receiving section for image information, sound information, character information, and other various information by wireless communication, or via the above-described built-in ROM, PC card, or the like. By supplying the program and sharing the other parts with the parts that realize the original functions of the electronic camera device, TV receivers, radio receivers, pagers, games Various functions such as a machine can be easily realized.

As a result, the electronic camera device of the present invention
When shooting an image, it can be used as a camera, which is the original function, of course, it can also display images and play sound even when not using it as a camera, for example, a TV receiver, a radio receiver, Since it can be used as a pager, a game machine, or the like, there is an advantage that the electronic camera device can be used effectively. The electronic camera device of the present invention is basically as described above.

It is preferable that both the LCD 20 serving as an image display unit and the speaker 26 serving as a sound reproducing unit are provided as shown in the figure, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of them is used. You may just have it. As described above, the electronic camera device of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

[0037]

As described in detail above, the electronic camera device of the present invention basically includes an image display unit for displaying an image in the direction of a subject, and a sound reproducing unit for reproducing sound in the direction of the subject. At least one, and preferably both. According to the electronic camera device of the present invention, for example, a person to be a subject feels relaxed while listening to music flowing from the sound reproducing unit, and looks at his / her own expression displayed on the image display unit, and expresses his / her favorite expression. And the pose can be determined, so that the photographer can capture a subject with rich expressions and expressions, and can obtain a better shutter chance. Further, since the electronic camera device of the present invention includes the image display unit or the sound reproduction unit, by adding the minimum necessary hardware, it is possible to use a television receiver, a radio receiver, a pager, a game machine, and the like. Various functions can be realized, and music, video, games, and the like can be enjoyed even when the camera is not being used and the camera is not used, so that the electronic camera device can be used effectively, Can be dramatically improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a rear view, respectively, of an embodiment of the electronic camera device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the electronic camera device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional electronic camera device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 50 Electronic camera device 12, 52 Image capturing unit 14, 54 Image processing unit 16 Image / sound recording unit 18 Image reproducing unit 20, 20a, 20b, 40, 58 Image display unit (LC
D) 22, 22a, 22b Microphone 24 Sound processing unit 26, 26a, 26b Speaker 28, 60 Lens 30 Image sensor and signal processing unit 32 Body case 34 Optical finder 36 Flash 38 PC card slot 42 Shutter button 44 Control switch 56 Image recording unit 62 CCD and signal processing unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A finder unit for confirming a range of an image to be photographed, an image photographing unit for photographing an image in a range determined by the finder unit, and generating digital image data corresponding to the photographed image. An image recording unit that records digital image data generated by the electronic camera, at least one image display unit that displays an image in the direction of the subject, and at least one that reproduces sound in the direction of the subject. An electronic camera device comprising at least one of a sound reproducing unit. 2. An image displayed in the direction of a subject by the image display unit is a still image or a moving image recorded in advance, a moving image currently captured by the image capturing unit, or a received image. The electronic camera device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The sound reproduced in the direction of the subject by the sound reproducing unit is pre-recorded music or voice, synthesized sound, or received sound.
An electronic camera device according to claim 1. 4. An electronic camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said finder section is an optical finder or an electronic image display monitor. 5. The electronic camera device according to claim 1, wherein an image can be displayed by the image display unit and a sound can be reproduced by the sound reproduction unit irrespective of the photographing of the image.