JPS61148974A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a cameraman with no experience to achieve a sophisticated image pickup by storing in the hardware the operational procedures of the image pickup device and by displaying it in the electronic view finder in a specified order. CONSTITUTION:The information how to use the image pickup system is stored in a memory 8. A controlling device 6 reads out from the memory 8 the specified information in sequence in accordance with the state of a switch system 7, an image pickup element, a processing system, and a battery of the VTR. In accordance with this information read out, a character generator 9 forms a character signal, and this character signal is displayed in an electronic view finder EVF13 via a mixer 10. Meanwhile, the output from an NTSC encoder 4 is also inputted to the mixture 10, and is displayed in the EVF13. A synchronizing system 12 supplies a synchronizing signal to the device 6, the generator 9, the EVF13, the image pickup element 2 and the processing system 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical Field) The present invention relates to an imaging device that can be easily used even by beginners.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, when a beginner operates an imaging device such as a video camera, there has been a drawback that the user must carefully read the instruction manual before using the device.

In particular, imaging devices such as video cameras have become increasingly intelligent in recent years, and devices with an extremely large number of functions are emerging.

In the midst of all this, it has become increasingly common for electronic viewfinders to display various types of information.

Therefore, even if you are not a beginner, you may find yourself having to reread the instruction manual just because you have not operated a video camera for a while.

(Objective) It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device that can solve the drawbacks of such conventional techniques.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device that can easily perform sophisticated imaging even for those who operate it for the first time.

(Example) The present invention will be described in detail below based on Examples.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device according to the present invention.
2 is an optical system, 2 is an image sensor as an imaging means, COD, M
This includes solid-state image sensors such as O8, image pickup tubes, etc. 3
is a processing system for appropriately correcting the output of the image sensor.

4 is an encoder that converts the output of the processing system 3 into a standard television signal such as NTBQ. 5 is an output terminal, and 6 is connected to VTR#K, and supplies recording start/stop signals and video signals to v'ruK.

5 a ij This is a power supply terminal from the VTR 27 and is connected to each circuit. Reference numeral 6 denotes a control device as a control means, which includes a microcomputer. Reference numeral 7 is a switch system for giving instructions for controlling the state of the imaging device, and includes various manual switches. Reference numeral 8 denotes a memory in which information regarding the usage of the imaging device according to the present invention is stored), including the operation status of the switches of the switch system 7, the status of the camera element, the status of the processing system 3, the battery status of the VTR, etc. The control device sequentially reads out predetermined information from the memory 8 in response to the above.

A character generator 9 forms a character signal in accordance with the read information, and the character signal is sent to an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter abbreviated as KVIF) via a mixer 10.

)13.

On the other hand, the output of NTBO encoder 4 is also input to mixer 10 and lff? 13K is displayed.

A synchronous system 12 supplies a synchronous signal to the control device 6, character generator 9, ETF 15, image sensor 2, processing system 3, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a side external view of the imaging device 2000 of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the rear. 13 is a black and white electronic viewfinder; You can check various camera information, title, and stopwatch display in the viewfinder, and view playback images. 14 indicates the recording midpoint with a recording display lamp.

15 is a microphone, 16 is an autophone.

Point the camera at a white subject and press the white balance button to automatically adjust the white balance. Reference numeral 17 denotes a manual zooming lever, which is used to switch between macro photography and to adjust the hint during macro photography. Reference numeral 18 denotes an aC filter changeover switch, which can be changed depending on the type of light source at the recording location. WF is a white filter selector switch. When this switch WP is set to N@, the white filter enters the optical path, and when set to OUT, the white filter is moved out of the optical path. Reference numeral 19 is a switch for switching between autofocus, manual focus, and one-shot autofocus.

In addition, one-shot autofocus operates by pushing up this switch during manual focus, and returns to manual focus when the switch is released. Reference numeral 20 denotes a control panel for performing various operations such as zooming and displaying in the viewfinder. 21 is a diopter adjustment ring to adjust the 1c IJ song to a position that is easy to see according to the diopter. 22 is an accessory shoe for attaching a video light, microphone, etc.

Also, when in usage mode with the confirmation switch, KVF,
Please turn this on each time you check the display of 13. The next operating procedure will be displayed on KVIFIS. Reference numeral 23 denotes a standby/image output switch for power saving during recording suspension and for changing sensitivity when image output is activated. 2
Numeral 4 is a start/stop button for starting/stopping recording, and numeral 25 is a recording display lamp that turns off during recording. MS is a usage mode switch, and when this switch is turned on, the shooting procedure will be sequentially executed as shown in the postscript.
I! vPK is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the imaging device 2000 and the VTR 27 are connected via the signal cable 26. 28 is a battery, and 29 is a power switch.

Next, the operation of the control device 6 will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(f).

Power switch 29 of VTR 27. If N, step 3
1 to 32, it is detected whether the usage mode switch M8 is turned on. If the switch MS is not turned on, the display mode is the same as that of a conventional video camera.
Display mode routine 33 is executed.

On the other hand, if the switch MS is ON, the busy time is 1ffFJ! A □ message "Please set a cassette tape" is displayed at i. Thereafter, when the operator sets the tape and turns on the switch, this is detected in step 55, and then, in step 66, a message "Please set recording time" is displayed on the FiVF 13. The operator sets the recording time according to this instruction and then turns on the ID switch.

This is detected in step 57 and the process proceeds to step 58. Then, the KvIF151C displays "Please set the diopter adjustment ring." If it detects in step 39 whether the switch is turned on, then in step 40 the VTR 27
Detect the battery level, and if it is below a predetermined level, go to step 41 to charge the BvytsKr battery or replace it with a new one. " is displayed.

Thereafter, when it is detected in step 42 that the switch is ON, the process proceeds to step 454C.

In step 45]! "Please change the aam filter changeover switch according to the T/F 1 s lc r light source" is displayed. Thereafter, when switch ON is detected at 44, step 451C[r.

In step 45, IBvp 15 K: "Please turn the white filter changeover switch to OUT" is displayed.

In accordance with this, the operator selects the white filter selector switch W.
When F is set to the OUT side, the white filter moves out of the optical path. If it is detected in step 46 that the switch WF is oty'r@<, then in step 47 ICVF 1
5K [WBALJ O blinking display.

Further, at 48, 1vlF 13K "Please fill the screen with a white paper or a white subject." is displayed. EL switch ON is detected at step 49 and the process proceeds to step 50.

In 50, "WB in the finder" is displayed in mvyts.
Keep pressing the auto white balance button (ABW) until the "AL" flashing display changes to "WBAL OK" display. When the white balance is achieved, "WBAL O" will appear.
"K" will disappear." will be displayed. When the auto white balance tongue 16 is activated for a predetermined period of time in accordance with this, it is detected in step 51 whether the (RY) signal and (B-Y) signal in the processing system 3 are at zero level, and both are set to zero. The display operation in step 50 continues until the

When the colorimetric difference signal becomes zero, the process proceeds to step 52, where the EVI
Stop flashing "WBAL" on F13 and change "WBA"
: [J OK'' is displayed.

After that, the process proceeds to step 54 after a predetermined time has elapsed in step 55.
"BAL OK" is erased. Next, the process advances to step 551C to detect whether the A! level in the processing system is greater than a predetermined level.

That is, the processing system 3 includes a signal processing circuit 5a as shown in FIG.
, an amplifier AMP that amplifies the luminance signal Y formed within this signal processing device, and a smoothing circuit 3'b that smooths Y;
The output (MuE level) of this smoothing circuit 3b is set to the reference voltage Me
, 3f are provided. Comparators 50.5 (l) are provided for comparison with the voltages 3f and 3f, respectively. Voltage 3e defines the upper limit of the muE level, and voltage 5 defines the lower limit.

Therefore, when the AJC level is within this range (Me, 5f), the outputs of comparators 5c and 3a are both high level, but when the AJC level exceeds the upper limit 3e, the outputs of comparator 3C
When the output of the comparator 3d becomes low level and below the lower limit value 3f, the output of the comparator 3d becomes low level.
is detected by the control circuit 6.

If 3g is low level, I! in step 56. 1VF1
5 K” rN D (Natural Dengity
) Please use the filter. " is displayed.

When switch 57 is detected to be ON, the process advances to 58 and 5f
Detects whether or not is low level. If 3f is low level, go to step 59 and proceed to KVF131C ``Use an auxiliary light such as a video light.Also, if there is no auxiliary light, set the standby/image output switch to 1 high''. " is displayed.

When the operator sees this and switches the switch 23 to the 1 high side, this is detected in step 60 and 61 te 1ffF I
S K "GA NUP" is displayed. Further, in step 62, the gain of the amplifier MP shown in FIG. 7 is increased, and then the process proceeds to step 64.

If the switch 23 is not on the 1 high side, it is detected in step 63 whether the switch 63 is ON or not, and if OIJ is 6, the process proceeds to 64.

In step 64, set EVF 15 to [9] Turn the autofocus selector switch to select one of the following three modes.

(Re autofocus Set the switch to “AUTO”.

(2) Manual focus Set the switch to "MANUAL".

・When focusing manually, be sure to set the zoom lever to the telephoto end.

(5) Turn the one-shot autofocus switch from the “MANUAL” position to “0NK-8HOTAF”
Autofocus is activated while the camera is pushed toward the side. When you release the switch, it returns to manual focus again.

The message ``At (3), the distance measurement area will be displayed in the viewfinder'' is displayed. When the operator follows this instruction and switches the autofocus switch 19 to the desired position, the routine in step 65 will be executed. This switch 1
Focus control is performed according to the state of 9.

Next 4C66 Smell - 1" ICVIP 15 Te "Please press the record button and play button at the same time.

The recorder will enter a recording pause state. " is displayed. When the operator presses both buttons at the same time according to this instruction and then turns on the switch, this is detected at 67, and 6
Proceed to step 8. 6B, press the start/stop button on the camera to start recording.
! "to'' will flash, and the recording display lamps on the front and rear of the electronic viewfinder will flash," says Kirihime.

After that, this display continues until the start/stop button 24 is turned ON, and when the ON of the button 24 is detected at 69, a recording start signal is generated at 70, and the recording operation of the VTR is started. ``RBO'' is displayed blinking.

Further, in step 71, the recording display lamps 14 and 25 are made to blink.

Furthermore, in step 72, press the camera's start/stop button again to pause recording. " is displayed on Jff715, and the start/stop button 24 is pressed.
Remains in this state until pressed again.

When the button 24 is turned on, this is detected at 75 and a recording stop signal is generated at 74 to stop the VTR 27 from recording.

Also, the blinking display of ``RICO'' is stopped.

Also, turn on the recording display lamp 14.25 to 011P. Thereafter, in step 75, the message ``To end recording, press the stop button on the recorder.'' is displayed.

After that, if the start/stop button 24 is pressed, 7
This is detected in step 6, and the process returns to step 70 to repeat the recording sequence.

Also, the operator does not press the start/stop button 24, but presses the stop button on the recorder before turning on the switch.
Then, this is detected at 77 and the process proceeds to step 78, but if the switch is not turned on again, the process returns to step 75 and the display continues.

Finally, in step 78, the power switch 29 of the VTR is turned on.
If it is up to t, this is detected and the display returns to step 66. When the switch 29 is turned off, the program ends.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the image capturing device has a memory that stores instructions for using the image capturing device, and this information can be displayed on the electronic viewfinder, so that the user can operate this image capturing device for the first time. Even a person can use it perfectly.Also, when the operator presses a predetermined switch, the operator interacts with the control device and proceeds to the next step, so there is no need to worry about missing the display. Never.

Similarly, of course, the usage display on the viewfinder is not output to a recording device such as a VTR or to the outside, so this usage display does not damage any part of the image. Also, the other eight will not know about it.

The electronic viewfinder of the present invention can be used with ORS liquid crystal or P
Including all types of displays such as LZ T.

Further, in the embodiment, the configuration is such that the process proceeds to the next step by confirming the display using an ID switch or the like, but it may be configured such that the process proceeds to the next step after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

The usage of the imaging device is not limited to the embodiments.

In addition, we will explain how to operate the zoom lens, how to take backlit photos, how to take macro photos, other explanations of the display in the viewfinder, how to superimpose timekeeping information and title characters, how to connect to peripheral devices, and the performance of other imaging devices. It also includes how to use general imaging techniques, including specifications.

Further, the display within the lff 715 may be displayed on the entire screen, or may be displayed on the corner as much as possible.

(Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, even a person who operates an imaging device for the first time can perform imaging without failure.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a configuration example of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side perspective view of the imaging device; Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the imaging device; Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device; 6(a) to 6(f) are flowcharts of the control device, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing system 3. FIG. 2...Image sensor 13 - Electronic viewfinder 80.・Memory 6...Control device 7, -i -1 (Q)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An electronic viewfinder that displays a video signal captured by an imaging device, a memory that stores how to use the imaging device, and a control that causes the electronic viewfinder to display the contents of the memory in a predetermined order. An imaging device comprising: means;