WO2018070114A1

WO2018070114A1 - Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2018070114A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/030412
Authority: WO
Inventors: 淳毅朝井
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-10-14
Filing date: 2017-08-24
Publication date: 2018-04-19

Abstract

Provided is a highly convenient imaging device that can record images while verifying the situation outside a recording area. A smartphone (1) that is an imaging device that: comprises an imaging unit (11); and has an electronic zoom function. Captured images captured by the imaging unit (11) include: an electronic zoom region that corresponds to a region that is to be recorded as a recorded image; and a non-recording region that is outside the electronic zoom region. The imaging device also comprises a display unit (13) that displays the electronic zoom region and the non-recording region such that the non-recording region is shrunken in comparison to the electronic zoom region.

Description

IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging apparatus control method.

2. Description of the Related Art A function for changing an imaging range by changing a distance between lenses (hereinafter referred to as an optical zoom function) is known for an imaging apparatus that images a subject. In addition to the optical zoom function, a function (hereinafter referred to as an electronic zoom function) that performs predetermined image processing on an image captured by the imaging device to perform enlargement and interpolation processing (hereinafter referred to as an electronic zoom function) is known as a prior art. Further, in the electronic zoom function, the imaging apparatus extracts a part of the image captured by itself, performs predetermined image processing, and records it. At this time, there is a technique for effectively utilizing an area that is imaged but not recorded, in other words, an area corresponding to an angle of view that is not a target of recording by the electronic zoom function. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that displays a non-recording area surrounding a recording area on a viewfinder as a background image.

Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-14221” (published on January 12, 2006)

However, although the conventional technology as described above can confirm the entire image pickup range by the image pickup apparatus, a region that the user actually desires to record using the electronic zoom function is displayed small. For this reason, for example, when an area that the user desires to record is relatively small with respect to the entire imageable range by the electronic zoom function, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm the area.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming a situation outside the recording range.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit and has an electronic zoom function, and the captured image captured by the imaging unit is recorded as a recorded image. A display unit that includes an electronic zoom area corresponding to the area to be displayed and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area, and displays the electronic zoom area together with a non-recording area reduced in comparison with the electronic zoom area. It is the composition provided.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit and has an electronic zoom function, and is a captured image captured by the imaging unit. Includes an electronic zoom area corresponding to an area recorded as a recorded image and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area, and the electronic zoom area is reduced in comparison with the electronic zoom area. And a display step of displaying together.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming a situation outside the recording range.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the principal part structure of the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. In the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows the flow which produces | generates the image for a display and the image for recording from a captured image. In the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of a change of the image for a display displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process which the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. In the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of a change of the image for a display displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process which the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention performs. In the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of a change of the image for a display displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process which the smart phone which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention performs.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus is assumed to be a smartphone, but is not limited to the form of a smartphone as long as it has a similar configuration, and may be a digital camera, for example.

(Smart phone configuration)
The configuration of the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

According to the illustrated example, the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 20. The control unit 20 further includes a captured image acquisition unit 21, an electronic zoom control unit 22, a display image generation unit 23, and a recording image generation unit 24. The imaging unit 11 captures an image, and is a camera, for example. The imaging unit 11 includes a plurality of imaging pixels, generates captured image data, and outputs the data to the control unit 20. The input unit 12 receives user input, and is, for example, a button provided on the housing of the smartphone 1 and a touch panel configured integrally with the display unit 13 described later. The input unit 12 may have any configuration as long as it can receive input from the user.

The display unit 13 is a display that displays various images used in the smartphone 1 in its own display area. The display unit 13 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Luminescence Display), or the like. In the present embodiment, the display unit 13 displays an electronic zoom area, which will be described later, together with a non-recording area reduced in comparison with the electronic zoom area. Further, the display unit 13 displays a boundary between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. Here, the non-recording area refers to another area around the electronic zoom area.

The storage unit 14 records various data handled by the smartphone 1, and is, for example, a flash memory. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 14 records at least a recording image generated by a recording image generation unit 24 described later.

The control unit 20 controls each unit of the smartphone 1 in an integrated manner. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 is a circuit that executes a camera application of a smartphone, for example.

The captured image acquisition unit 21 acquires a captured image from the imaging unit 11 and transmits it to the electronic zoom control unit 22 described later. The captured image is an image in a range captured by a plurality of imaging pixels included in the imaging unit 11.

The electronic zoom control unit 22 sets an electronic zoom region to which the electronic zoom function is applied to the captured image received from the captured image acquisition unit 21. In other words, the electronic zoom control unit 22 sets an electronic zoom area corresponding to an area recorded as a recorded image for the captured image. In addition, information about the electronic zoom area is transmitted to the display image generation unit 23 and the recording image generation unit 24 described later together with the captured image. Note that the electronic zoom function is to extract a partial region of a captured image and appropriately perform enlargement and interpolation processing on the extracted partial region. That is, the electronic zoom control unit 22 sets a partial area of the captured image to be extracted in the electronic zoom function as the electronic zoom area. The user can specify an enlargement ratio (zoom magnification) by the electronic zoom function or an electronic zoom area via the input unit 12. The electronic zoom control unit 22 sets an electronic zoom area in accordance with a user input.

The display image generation unit 23 generates a display image based on the captured image and information indicating the electronic zoom area received from the electronic zoom control unit 22. Further, when the display image generation unit 23 creates the display image, the display image generation unit 23 displays the display image on the display unit 13. Note that the display image generated by the display image generation unit 23 in the present embodiment is two images, a first display image and a second display image. Details of the display image will be described later.

The recording image generation unit 24 generates a recording image based on the captured image and information indicating the electronic zoom area received from the electronic zoom control unit 22. Specifically, the recording image generation unit 24 generates an image for recording by extracting an image corresponding to the electronic zoom region from the captured image and applying enlargement and interpolation processing to the extracted image. Note that the recording image generation unit 24 may use the extracted image as a recording image without performing enlargement and interpolation processing (without changing the number of pixels). The recording image generation unit 24 appropriately performs image processing (brightness adjustment, contrast adjustment, etc.) on the extracted image to obtain a recording image. The recording image generation unit records the recording image in the storage unit 14 when the generation of the recording image is completed.

(About images generated on smartphones)
The image produced | generated in the smart phone 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated below using FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of generating a display image and a recording image from a captured image in the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the smartphone 1 generates at least three images, a first display image, a second display image, and a recording image, which will be described later.

First, when the control unit 20 activates the camera application and the imaging unit 11 starts imaging, a captured image is obtained. Then, the captured image acquisition unit 21 transmits the captured image to the electronic zoom control unit 22, and the electronic zoom control unit 22 sets an electronic zoom area for the captured image. An image 101 shows a captured image in which the electronic zoom area is set. The captured image 101 includes areas (1) to (9). In the illustrated example, (9) is an electronic zoom area. Note that the electronic zoom area can be changed according to the input to the input unit 12 by the user.

The display image generation unit 23 displays a second display image that displays the boundary between the electronic zoom area (9) and the other non-recording areas (1) to (8) with respect to the captured image 101. Generate.

Also, the display image generation unit 23 generates an image 102 in which the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area reduced in comparison with the electronic zoom area are combined. The image is shown as an image 102. In the illustrated example (image 102), although the size of the electronic zoom area (9) does not change from the captured image 101, the non-recording areas (1) to (8) are (1 ′) to (8), respectively. ') Will be reduced. For example, the display image generation unit 23 generates vertically reduced images (5 ′) and (6 ′) for the regions (5) and (6) adjacent to the electronic zoom region (9) in the vertical direction. The display image generation unit 23 generates images (7 ') (8') reduced in the horizontal direction for the regions (7), (8) adjacent to the electronic zoom region (9) in the horizontal direction. The display image generation unit 23 reduces the images (1 ′) to (4 ′) reduced in the vertical and horizontal directions for the regions (1) to (4) located in the diagonal direction of the electronic zoom region (9). Is generated. The display image generation unit 23 generates the image 102 by combining the image in the electronic zoom area (9) and the reduced images (1 ') to (8'). Note that the image in the non-recording area only needs to be reduced as compared with the electronic zoom area (9), and the electronic zoom area (9) may be enlarged from the non-recording area. The display image generation unit 23 generates a first display image in which the boundary between the electronic zoom area (9) and the non-recording area is displayed on the image 102.

In the first display image and the second display image, the boundary between the electronic zoom region (9) and the non-recording region may be indicated by a boundary line synthesized with the image, or displayed for each region. It may be indicated by different methods. For example, the electronic zoom area (9) and the non-recording area may be indicated by changing the brightness (brightness), saturation, hue, or the like.

Thereafter, the recording image generation unit 24 generates a recording image by operating the input unit 12 set as a shutter button. The recording image is an image 104 obtained by applying enlargement and interpolation processing to the image 103 obtained by extracting the electronic zoom region (9) from the captured image 101. (9 ') in the figure indicates a region where the electronic zoom region (9) is enlarged. The generated recording image 104 is recorded in the storage unit 14. The image 103 from which the electronic zoom area (9) is extracted may be used as a recording image.

(About displayed images)
An image displayed on the display unit 13 during a series of operations for recording an image in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of changes in an image displayed on the display unit 13 in the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, when the user operates the smartphone 1 to place a subject in the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 and further uses the electronic zoom function by means such as input to the input unit 12, an image 201 is displayed on the display unit 13. . In the illustrated example, the image 201 is a first display image, and a boundary BL is displayed between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. The user confirms the subject (for example, the person at the center) displayed in the electronic zoom area displayed relatively large by the image 201. Furthermore, at the same time as confirming the subject, it is confirmed whether or not an object that is not desired to be recorded (for example, a person on the left side) enters the electronic zoom area from the relatively small non-recording area. Can do. The user can change the range of the electronic zoom area (change the zoom magnification) while checking the first display image.

Next, when the user performs a predetermined input on the input unit 12 of the smartphone 1, after performing automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus on the electronic zoom area, an image 202 is displayed on the display unit 13. In the present embodiment, the predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed. For example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the predetermined input corresponds to a half-press of the shutter button being executed. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses pressing force, the predetermined input corresponds to detecting that a button set as a shutter button is pressed with a pressing force within a predetermined range. In the illustrated example, the image 202 is a second display image, and a boundary BL between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area is displayed on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 11. That is, when the input unit 12 receives a predetermined input while displaying the electronic zoom region and the reduced non-recording region as the first display image, the display unit 13 displays the captured image as the second display image. To do. The user confirms the entire imaging range with the original ratio by using the image 202 and at the same time confirms whether or not an object that is not desired to be recorded enters the electronic zoom area from the non-recording area. be able to. When the user makes a specific input to the input unit 12, the display unit 13 may stop displaying the image 202 and display the image 201 again. Here, the specific input is, for example, that a finger is released from a button set as a shutter button, or an area in the touch panel other than the button is pressed. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses a pressing force, the touch is less than a predetermined range of pressing force. In a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the specific input corresponds to releasing a finger from the shutter button.

When the user makes another predetermined input to the input unit 12 with the image 202 displayed on the display unit 13, the smartphone 1 records the image in the electronic zoom area as a recording image, and as a result Is displayed as an image 203 on the display unit 13. In the illustrated example, an image 203 is an image (recording image) in which the electronic zoom function is applied to the electronic zoom region set for the imaging range captured by the imaging unit 11. The user can confirm whether or not the image expected by the user has been recorded by using the image 203. The other predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed again. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses the pressing force, the button is pressed with a force larger than the pressing force within the predetermined range. Further, for example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the other predetermined input corresponds to the full pressing of the shutter button.

Note that the display image generation unit 23 may appropriately enlarge or reduce the first display image and the second display image in accordance with the number of pixels in the display area of the display unit 13.

(Process flow)
The flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, when the camera application of the smartphone 1 is activated, the imaging unit 11 starts imaging (S1). Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether or not an electronic zoom area is set for the captured image captured in S1 automatically or manually (S2). If it is determined that the electronic zoom area is set (YES in S2), the electronic zoom control unit 22 sets the electronic zoom area for the captured image (S3: electronic zoom control step), and the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic zoom area is not set (NO in S2), the process directly proceeds to S4. In the case of NO in S2, the electronic zoom area is not set for the captured image. At this time, the first display image corresponds to the entire captured image, and the second display image corresponds to an image in which automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus are performed on the entire captured image. That is, in the case of NO in S2, the smartphone 1 performs a normal shooting operation using the processes in S4 to S9.

In S4, the display image generation unit 23 generates a first display image in which the non-recording area is reduced with respect to the electronic zoom area, and displays it using the display unit 13 (S4: display step). Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a button set as a shutter button on the input unit 12 has been pressed (S5). When it is determined that the button has been pressed (YES in S5), the control unit 20 performs automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus, and adjusts so that an image corresponding to the electronic zoom area is appropriately displayed (S6). Then, the display image generation unit 23 generates a second display image in which the boundary between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area is displayed on the captured image, and displays it using the display unit 13 (S7). On the other hand, if it is determined that the button has not been pressed (NO in S5), the process proceeds to S1, and the processes of S1 to S5 are executed again.

Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the button set as the shutter button in the input unit 12 is pressed again (S8). When it is determined that the button is pressed (YES in S8), the recording image generation unit 24 generates a recording image and records it in the storage unit 14 (S9). On the other hand, if it is determined that the button has not been pressed (NO in S8), the process proceeds to S6, and the processes in S6 to S8 are executed again.

Through the above processing, the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately display a non-recording area as necessary when an electronic zoom area is set and an image is recorded. Thereby, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming a situation outside the recording range. The user can change the range of the electronic zoom area (change the zoom magnification) while checking the first display image or the second display image. Since the electronic zoom area is displayed relatively large in the first display image, the user can confirm in detail the appearance of the area to be recorded. In the second display image, since the non-recording area is displayed relatively large, the user can adjust the final recording range by moving the camera or the like.

[Embodiment 2]
Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 6. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that a partial function of the display image generation unit 23 is different. In the present embodiment, the display image generation unit 23 first generates the second display image, and then generates the first display image when the input unit 12 receives a predetermined input. And different.

(About displayed images)
An image displayed on the display unit 13 during a series of operations for recording an image in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of change of an image displayed on the display unit 13 in the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, when the user operates the smartphone 1 to place a subject in the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 and further uses the electronic zoom function by means such as input to the input unit 12, an image 301 is displayed on the display unit 13. . In the illustrated example, the image 301 is a second display image, and a boundary is displayed between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. The user can check the entire imaging range with the original size from the image 301 and at the same time check whether an object that is not desired to be recorded enters the electronic zoom area from the non-recording area. it can.

Next, when the user makes a predetermined input to the input unit 12 of the smartphone 1, an image 302 is displayed on the display unit 13 after performing automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus on the electronic zoom area. In the present embodiment, the predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed. For example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the predetermined input corresponds to a half-press of the shutter button being executed. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses pressing force, the predetermined input corresponds to detecting that a button set as a shutter button is pressed with a pressing force within a predetermined range. In the illustrated example, the image 302 is a first display image, and a boundary BL between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area is displayed on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 11. That is, when the input unit 12 receives a predetermined input while displaying the captured image as the second display image, the display unit 13 compares the electronic zoom region as the first display image with the electronic zoom region. Display with the reduced non-recorded area. The user confirms the subject displayed in the relatively large electronic zoom area by the image 302 and, at the same time, records not the subject but the non-recording area displayed relatively small into the electronic zoom area. It is possible to confirm whether or not an unwanted object enters.

When the user makes another predetermined input to the input unit 12 with the image 302 displayed on the display unit 13, the smartphone 1 records the image in the electronic zoom area as a recording image. Is displayed as an image 303 on the display unit 13. In the illustrated example, an image 303 is an image (recording image) in which the electronic zoom function is applied to the electronic zoom region set for the imaging range captured by the imaging unit 11. The user can confirm from the image 303 whether or not the image expected by the user has been recorded. The other predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed again. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses the pressing force, the button is pressed with a force larger than the pressing force within the predetermined range. Further, for example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the other predetermined input corresponds to the full pressing of the shutter button.

(Process flow)
The flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, after executing the same processes S1 to S3 as in the first embodiment, the display image generating unit 23 generates a second display image and displays it using the display unit 13 (S11). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S5.

Next, after executing the same processing of S5 and S6 as in the first embodiment, the display image generation unit 23 generates a first display image and displays it using the display unit 13 (S12). Thereafter, the same processes S8 and S9 as in the first embodiment are executed, and the series of processes is terminated.

Note that in this embodiment as well, if NO in S2, the electronic zoom area is not set for the captured image. At this time, the second display image corresponds to the entire captured image, and the first display image corresponds to an image for which automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus have been performed on the entire captured image. That is, in the case of NO in S2, the smartphone 1 performs a normal photographing operation using the processes of S11, S5 to 6, S12, and S8 to S9 in order.

Through the above processing, the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately display a non-recording area as necessary when an electronic zoom area is set and an image is recorded. Thus, it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image after confirming in detail the situation outside the recording range.

[Embodiment 3]
Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7 to 8. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that a partial function of the display image generation unit 23 is different. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the display image generation unit 23 generates a third display image instead of the first display image. In the third display image, the electronic zoom area is combined with a non-recording area set to a lower brightness at the same time as the electronic zoom area is reduced, and further between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. It is an image displaying a boundary. That is, in the present embodiment, the display unit 13 displays the non-recording area with different brightness, saturation, or hue from the electronic zoom area. The display image generation unit 23 generates a third display image by performing a process of changing (lowering or increasing) the luminance of the non-recording area as compared to the electronic zoom area. Although an example in which the luminance is changed will be described here, the display image generation unit 23 may change the saturation or hue of the non-recording area as compared with the electronic zoom area. For example, the third display image may be generated by changing the hue of the non-storage area to yellowish.

(About displayed images)
An image displayed on the display unit 13 during a series of operations for recording an image in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of changes in an image displayed on the display unit 13 in the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, when the user operates the smartphone 1 to place a subject in the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 and further uses the electronic zoom function by means such as input to the input unit 12, an image 401 is displayed on the display unit 13. . In the illustrated example, the image 401 is a third display image, and a boundary BL is displayed between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area, and the non-recording area is displayed with a lower luminance than the electronic zoom area. Is done. The user can distinguish the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area from the image 401 based on the boundary and brightness, and can confirm the subject displayed in the relatively large electronic zoom area. Furthermore, it is possible to confirm whether or not an object that is not desired to be recorded enters the electronic zoom area from the relatively small non-recording area. The user can change the range of the electronic zoom area (change the zoom magnification) while checking the third display image.

Next, when the user makes a predetermined input to the input unit 12 of the smartphone 1, after performing automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus on the electronic zoom area, an image 402 is displayed on the display unit 13. In the present embodiment, the predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed. For example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the predetermined input corresponds to a half-press of the shutter button being executed. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses pressing force, the predetermined input corresponds to detecting that a button set as a shutter button is pressed with a pressing force within a predetermined range. In the illustrated example, the image 402 is a second display image, and a boundary BL between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area is displayed on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 11. The user confirms the entire imaging range with the original ratio by the image 402 and at the same time confirms whether or not an object that is not desired to be recorded enters the electronic zoom area from the non-recording area. be able to. In the illustrated example, the non-recording area in the image 402 is displayed with the same luminance as the electronic zoom area, but may be displayed with low luminance, saturation, or a different hue as with the image 401.

When the user makes another predetermined input to the input unit 12 while the image 402 is displayed on the display unit 13, the smartphone 1 records the image in the electronic zoom area as a recording image. Is displayed as an image 403 on the display unit 13. In the illustrated example, an image 403 is an image (recording image) in which the electronic zoom function is applied to the electronic zoom region set for the imaging range captured by the imaging unit 11. The user can confirm whether or not the image expected by the user has been recorded from the image 403. The other predetermined input is that a button set as a shutter button (a predetermined area in the touch panel) is pressed again. Alternatively, in the case of a touch panel that senses the pressing force, the button is pressed with a force larger than the pressing force within the predetermined range. Further, for example, in a digital camera having a mechanical shutter button, the other predetermined input corresponds to the full pressing of the shutter button.

In the above description, the boundary BL is displayed between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. However, there are differences in brightness, saturation, hue, and the like between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. For example, the boundary BL need not be displayed.

(Process flow)
The flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment.

First, after executing the same processing as in the first embodiment, the display image generation unit 23 generates a third display image and displays it using the display unit 13 (S21). The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

Note that in this embodiment as well, if NO in S2, the electronic zoom area is not set for the captured image. At this time, the third display image corresponds to the entire captured image, and the second display image corresponds to an image in which automatic exposure adjustment and autofocus are performed on the entire captured image. That is, in the case of NO in S2, the smartphone 1 performs a normal photographing operation using the processes of S21 and S5 to S9 in order.

Through the above processing, when the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment records an image with the electronic zoom area set, the brightness of the non-recording area can be varied and appropriately displayed as necessary. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a highly convenient image pickup apparatus that can record an image after confirming in detail the situation outside the recording range, and can check a clearly distinguished electronic zoom area. There is an effect.

[Modification]
In the first display image in the first and second embodiments and the third display image in the third embodiment, the electronic zoom area is kept as it is, and the non-recording area is reduced and displayed together with the electronic zoom area. It was a thing. However, for example, it is conceivable that the electronic zoom area is very small with respect to the captured image, and the non-recording area is excessively reduced when the first display image is generated. In such a case, it may be difficult to confirm whether an object that is not desired to be recorded enters the electronic zoom area from the non-recording area. Therefore, the lower limit may be set for the reduction ratio, and the non-recording area may be reduced within the set reduction ratio.

In the third embodiment, the third display image is displayed in the non-recording area with lower luminance than the electronic zoom area. However, any difference may be used as long as the difference between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area can be visually grasped. For example, the electronic zoom area may be displayed as it is, and the non-recording area may be displayed in black and white.

In the first to third embodiments, the electronic zoom area may not be the center of the captured image. For example, the electronic zoom area may be configured to be set to an appropriate area in the captured image in accordance with the blur of the entire smartphone 1. That is, after the electronic zoom area is set for an appropriate area on the captured image, if a small blur occurs in the entire captured image due to the blur of the smartphone 1, the electronic zoom area is set so as to cancel the fine blur. The configuration may be reset. Thereby, the smartphone 1 can realize a camera shake correction function for the electronic zoom region. Also in this case, the effects of the first to third embodiments can be obtained while realizing the camera shake correction function by appropriately adjusting the reduction ratio of the non-recording area.

[Example of software implementation]
The control unit 20 (especially the electronic zoom control unit 22 and the display image generation unit 23) of the smartphone 1 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or a CPU ( It may be realized by software using a Central Processing Unit.

In the latter case, the smartphone 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Memory) or a memory in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). A device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
An imaging device (smart phone 1) according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an imaging device that includes an imaging unit (11) and has an electronic zoom function, and a captured image captured by the imaging unit (11) is a recorded image. A display unit that includes an electronic zoom area corresponding to the area to be recorded and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area, and displays the electronic zoom area together with a non-recording area reduced compared to the electronic zoom area (13).

According to the above configuration, the imaging apparatus can display the electronic zoom area together with the non-recording area reduced in comparison with the electronic zoom area. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming an image in the electronic zoom area with a sufficient size and confirming a situation outside the recording range.

The imaging device (smart phone 1) according to aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured such that, in the aspect 1, the display unit (13) displays a boundary between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area.

According to the above configuration, the imaging apparatus can display a boundary between the electronic zoom area and the non-recording area. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming a recording range clearly distinguished by the boundary.

In the imaging device (smart phone 1) according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the

aspect

1 or 2, the display unit (13) differs from the electronic zoom area in brightness, saturation, or hue with respect to the non-recording area. May be configured to be displayed.

According to the above configuration, the imaging apparatus can display the non-recording area together with brightness, saturation, or hue different from those of the electronic zoom area. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging apparatus capable of recording an image while confirming a recording range clearly distinguished by luminance.

The imaging apparatus (smart phone 1) according to aspect 4 of the present invention further includes an input unit (12) that receives a user input in any of the above aspects 1 to 3, and the display unit (13) includes the electronic zoom. When the input unit (12) receives a predetermined input while displaying the area and the reduced non-recording area, the captured image may be displayed.

According to the above configuration, the imaging apparatus can display a captured image when the input unit receives a predetermined input. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a highly convenient imaging device that can display a captured image as necessary.

The imaging device (smart phone 1) according to aspect 5 of the present invention further includes an input unit (12) that receives a user input in any of the above aspects 1 to 3, and the display unit (13) includes the captured image. When the input unit (12) receives a predetermined input while displaying the image, the electronic zoom area may be displayed together with a non-recording area reduced compared to the electronic zoom area.

According to the above configuration, when the input unit receives a predetermined input, the imaging apparatus can display the electronic zoom area together with the non-recording area reduced as compared with the electronic zoom area. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient image pickup apparatus that can record an image while confirming an image in the electronic zoom area with a sufficiently large size and confirming a situation outside the recording range as necessary. Play.

The control method of the imaging device (smartphone 1) according to aspect 6 of the present invention is a control method of an imaging device that includes the imaging unit (11) and has an electronic zoom function, and the captured image captured by the imaging unit is: An electronic zoom area corresponding to an area recorded as a recorded image and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area, and the electronic zoom area is displayed together with a non-recording area reduced compared to the electronic zoom area It is a method including the display step (S4) to perform. According to said structure, there exists an effect similar to the aspect 1. FIG.

The imaging device (smart phone 1) according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the imaging device is operated by operating the computer as each unit (software element) included in the imaging device. The control program for the image pickup apparatus realized by the above and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1 Smartphone (imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Imaging part 12 Input part 13 Display part 14 Storage part 20 Control part 21 Captured image acquisition part 22 Electronic zoom control part 23 Image generator for display 24 Image generator for recording

Claims

An imaging apparatus including an imaging unit and having an electronic zoom function,
The captured image captured by the imaging unit includes an electronic zoom area corresponding to an area recorded as a recorded image, and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display the electronic zoom area together with a non-recording area reduced as compared with the electronic zoom area.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a boundary between the electronic zoom area and a non-recording area.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the non-recording area with brightness, saturation, or hue different from those of the electronic zoom area.
It further includes an input unit that accepts user input,
The display unit displays the captured image when the input unit receives a predetermined input while displaying the electronic zoom region and the reduced non-recording region. The imaging device according to any one of the above.
It further includes an input unit that accepts user input,
When the input unit receives a predetermined input while displaying the captured image, the display unit displays the electronic zoom area together with a non-recording area reduced as compared with the electronic zoom area. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit and having an electronic zoom function,
The captured image captured by the imaging unit includes an electronic zoom area corresponding to an area recorded as a recorded image, and a non-recording area outside the electronic zoom area,
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display step of displaying the electronic zoom area together with a non-recording area reduced as compared with the electronic zoom area.
A control program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an imaging apparatus according to claim 6.