JP3820004B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that reproduces at least a plurality of images taken by itself.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In contrast to the so-called silver-salt camera, which records the optical image of a subject on a film by applying the photochemical action of silver halide, it is converted into an electrical signal using the photoelectric conversion action of a semiconductor typified by silicon. In recent years, electronic cameras for recording have been widely put into practical use. Among such electronic cameras, so-called digital cameras that digitally record electrical signals are becoming mainstream.
[0003]
In such an electronic camera, as in the case of a silver halide camera, the distance to a subject is measured, and a focusing lens is driven and focus adjustment is automatically performed based on a result of the distance measurement, so-called AF (autofocus). ) Many of them have functions.
[0004]
In such autofocus, an active method that measures the subject distance by the principle of triangulation by irradiating the subject with infrared rays etc. and a passive method that measures the distance based on the subject image incident through the lens In the latter passive method, there are a hill-climbing servo method that detects the peak of image contrast and a phase-difference method that uses the phase difference between images formed on multiple sensors. Servo systems are often used.
[0005]
Even if autofocus performance is improved in this way, focusing may be difficult or it may take time depending on the subject pattern, subject distance (such as close-up photography), and the positional relationship between multiple subjects. there were.
[0006]
On the other hand, in normal person photography, landscape photography, and the like, the distance to the subject is often within a relatively constant range, and a precise focal position is not always required.
[0007]
In consideration of these points, a technology for driving a focusing lens to a predetermined focus position corresponding to a preset subject distance, a technology related to a so-called preset focus function, has been conventionally used in a silver halide camera or the like. .
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional camera, a dedicated switch or the like corresponding to the preset focus function is provided, and the function is realized by pressing this switch. Therefore, the number of switches increases, and the cost is reduced. The operability was lowered due to the increase and the number of switches.
[0009]
In order to improve this, in the case of typical autofocus (AF) shooting, focusing on the fact that the AF operates by operating the trigger switch (in many cases, pressing the first step of the two-step operation switch), Although it is conceivable to operate the preset focus by simultaneously pressing a key switch and a trigger switch to which another function is assigned, two far / near points as described in detail in the “Embodiment of the Invention” below. In the case of preset focus, even if any two key switches are used as objects to be pressed at the same time in correspondence with the two far / near points, which switch corresponds to the far / near for the user. It is difficult to discern what it is, and it cannot be said that operability is good.
[0010]
On the other hand, in a camera having a power zoom function, paying attention to the fact that there are two key switches for zoom operation, tele / wide, this is the simultaneous pressing switch, for example, tele / wide is set to far / near. It is possible that the operation will be easy to understand sensuously, but since zoom is a function used to determine the composition at the time of shooting, normally the zoom lens is driven immediately when the switch is operated. It must be started and cannot be the target of simultaneous presses.
[0011]
Therefore, it is conceivable to use a so-called up / down key, which is used in some cameras in recent years, for adjusting the set value when adjusting exposure, etc., as a simultaneous press switch corresponding to far / near. In this case as well, since exposure adjustment is a function used at the time of shooting, for example, when it is used for preset focus and you want to adjust exposure, once you do that (for changing the switch function assignment) ) Since some kind of switching operation is required and then a re-switching operation is required to restore the function for preset focus, the operation becomes extremely complicated.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera with good operability that can perform preset focusing without increasing the number of switches.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an electronic camera according to the present invention has a two-point preset for driving a focusing lens to first / second in-focus positions corresponding respectively to two object distances set in advance. An electronic camera having a focus function, wherein at least a plurality of images taken by the user are reproduced in accordance with the order of frame numbers defined for the individual images, and a reproduction unit for the sequential reproduction. Each of the first and second key switches functioning as command means for performing sequential update of images in ascending / descending order, and a trigger switch for giving a command to perform photographing, and the first In response to simultaneous operation of the key switch and the trigger switch, the focusing lens is driven to the first focus position, and the second key switch and In response to the simultaneous operation of the serial trigger switch is intended to drive the focusing lens to the second focus position.
[0014]
Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the present invention, the sequential playback means performs playback according to the order of the frame numbers defined for the individual images at least for playback of a plurality of images taken by itself. Each of the second key switches functions as command means for performing sequential update of the reproduced image in ascending / descending order, and at the time of shooting, a command to perform shooting is given by the trigger switch. When the key switch and the trigger switch are operated simultaneously, the focusing lens is driven to the first in-focus position to perform preset focus, and the second key switch and the trigger switch are simultaneously operated. When the operation is performed, preset focusing is performed by driving the focusing lens to the second in-focus position.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 4 show an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic camera, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electronic camera from the front side, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the camera from the rear side, and FIG.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic camera 1 forms an object image on an imaging surface described later, and includes an optical system 2 including a focusing lens that performs focus adjustment including a two-point preset focus function. The imaging unit 3 that photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the imaging surface by the optical system 2 and further converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and performs various processes on the digital signal output from the imaging unit 3 The signal processing unit 4 constituting the sequential reproduction means to be applied, and the encoding to compress the output data of the signal processing unit 4 and the decoding to sequentially decompress the recorded data after compression. The encoding / decoding unit 5 constituting the reproducing means and the data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 5 are recorded and stored. A character for generating a character for displaying a frame number, etc., which outputs a signal for displaying an image in response to the output of the signal processing unit 4 and a recording medium 6 composed of, for example, a flash memory A display control unit 7 having a built-in generator and constituting sequential reproduction means, and arranged on the back side of the electronic camera 1 which is controlled based on the output of the display control unit 7 and displays images, frame numbers and the like. Further, for example, a display 8 comprising a sequential playback means such as an LCD, a focusing motor 9 for driving the focusing lens of the optical system 2, and a control for performing overall control of the electronic camera 1 including each circuit described above. Unit 10 and various operation switches connected to the control unit 10.
[0017]
The various operation switches include a shooting / playback switch 11 for switching the mode of the electronic camera 1 between a shooting mode and a playback mode, and a first object for ascending the order of objects, for example, frame numbers. An ascending order switch 12 that is a key switch, a descending order switch 13 that is a second key switch that descends in reverse, and a trigger switch 14 for inputting an instruction to the electronic camera 1 to shoot and record. Has been.
[0018]
The photographing / reproducing change-over switch 11 is disposed as a substantially ring-shaped rotation switch at a substantially central portion on the upper surface of the electronic camera 1, and the trigger switch 14 is the index finger when holding the electronic camera 1 with the right hand. The ascending switch 12 and the descending switch 13 are arranged on the right side of the display 8 at positions where the electronic camera 1 can be pressed with the right hand. Each is arranged as a push switch.
[0019]
Next, a photographing operation by the electronic camera 1 having such a configuration will be described.
[0020]
First, when shooting, the mode of the electronic camera 1 is set to the shooting mode by the shooting / playback switch 11.
[0021]
As a result, power is supplied to the image pickup system such as the image pickup unit 3 and the focusing motor 9, and the subject image formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup unit 3 by the optical system 2 is converted into a digital electric signal. After the signal processing is performed in, it is displayed on the display 8 via the display control unit 7. The user determines the composition of the subject while looking at the display 8.
[0022]
On the other hand, the output of the signal processing unit 4 is also input to the control unit 10, where it is determined whether or not the focal position is appropriate. If not, the focusing motor 9 is controlled. The focusing lens of the optical system 2 is driven and controlled so as to be in focus.
[0023]
When the focus position, composition, etc. are good and the user presses the trigger switch 14 to record an image, the output of the signal processing unit 4 is encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 5, and a predetermined format is obtained. For example, the image is recorded on the recording medium 6 as one file unit per image. At this time, the image file includes the image data and additional data including a frame number defined for the image data as data.
[0024]
In addition, the user can use the preset focus function when it is difficult to focus with autofocus or when it takes time to focus.
[0025]
With this preset focus function, a predetermined focal length is set in advance, and an instruction to perform preset focus is input to immediately drive the focusing lens of the optical system 2 to the predetermined focal length without performing auto focus. To do.
[0026]
The electronic camera 1 is provided with a two-point preset focus function for driving the focusing lens to the first / second focus positions corresponding to the far / near two subject distances, respectively. The instruction to be performed is realized by simultaneously pressing a plurality of switches.
[0027]
That is, when the ascending switch 12 is pressed and the trigger switch 14 is pressed simultaneously, the focusing lens is driven to the first in-focus position corresponding to the far object distance, and the trigger switch 14 is simultaneously pressed when the descending switch 13 is pressed. By pushing, the focusing lens is driven to the second focus position corresponding to the subject distance on the near side.
[0028]
This makes it possible to immediately shoot a subject that requires time for focusing. Further, as described above, the trigger switch 14 is disposed at a position where it can be pressed with the index finger of the right hand holding the electronic camera 1, and the ascending / descending switches 12, 13 are disposed at positions where the thumb of the right hand can be pressed. Therefore, the simultaneous pressing operation is very easy.
[0029]
Further, by combining the trigger switch 14 for instructing photographing and the ascending order switch 12 indicating the plus direction or the descending order switch 13 meaning the minus direction, the far side preset focus or the near side preset focus is realized. Therefore, it is a combination of switches that is easy to understand sensuously.
[0030]
Examples of the preset focus positions on the far side and the near side include an infinite distance often used for landscape photography, a distance of about 2 m often used for person photography, and the like.
[0031]
Next, an operation for reproducing an image recorded by the electronic camera 1 will be described.
[0032]
When performing reproduction, the mode of the electronic camera 1 is set to the reproduction mode by the photographing / reproduction switch 11.
[0033]
Then, for example, reproduction is started from an image having a designated frame number, and image data corresponding to the frame number is read from the recording medium 6. Here, for example, when reproduction is performed from the first frame, the image data of the first frame is read out and decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 5, via the signal processing unit 4 and the display control unit 7. Displayed on the display 8 as shown in FIG. At this time, the display control unit 7 generates a character corresponding to the frame number (1 in this case) by the built-in character generator, and displays the character superimposed on the image data.
[0034]
When the user wants to reproduce the second frame that follows, when the ascending switch 12 is operated, the control unit 10 starts control to reproduce the second frame.
[0035]
That is, the second frame of image data is read from the recording medium 6 and decoding by the encoding / decoding unit 5 is started. On the other hand, in response to the operation of the ascending switch 12, the display control unit 7 displays the frame number being displayed by the built-in character generator (1 in this case) and the frame number to be reproduced subsequently (2 in this case). And an arrow indicating that the transition from the display of frame number 1 to the display of frame number 2 is in progress, and is superimposed on the image data to display as shown in FIG. Do.
[0036]
When the decoding by the encoding / decoding unit 5 is completed, the second frame image is displayed on the display 8 via the signal processing unit 4 and the display control unit 7 as shown in FIG. . At the same time that the second frame is displayed, the above-mentioned display indicating that the frame is being transferred is terminated, and only the displayed frame number (2 in this case) is displayed. .
[0037]
After that, when the display is shifted from the second frame to the third frame, the display is performed in the same manner. When the frame number to be displayed is lowered by the operation of the descending order switch 13, an arbitrary designation is also made. The same display is performed when shifting to the frame display.
[0038]
According to such an embodiment, by simultaneously pressing the ascending switch / descending switch and the trigger switch for the sequential playback function of images used in the playback mode, the switch function can be switched without increasing the number of switches and at the time of shooting. Therefore, since the focusing lens is set at a predetermined preset focus position without requiring a complicated operation, it is possible to immediately shoot.
[0039]
Further, since the switches as a set are arranged at positions where they can be easily pressed at the same time, and the switches are easy to understand, there is an advantage that the operation is easy.
[0040]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic camera with good operability capable of performing the preset focus without increasing the number of switches.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the electronic camera of the embodiment from the front side.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the electronic camera of the embodiment from the rear side.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing frame movement when playing back an image in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera 3 ... Imaging part 4 ... Signal processing part (a part of sequential reproduction | regeneration means)
5 ... Encoding / decoding unit (part of sequential reproduction means)
6... Recording medium 7.
8 ... Display (Sequential playback means)
10: Control unit 12: Ascending switch (first key switch)
13 ... Descending switch (second key switch)

Claims (1)

An electronic camera having a two-point preset focus function for driving a focusing lens to first / second in-focus positions corresponding respectively to two far / near object distances set in advance,
Sequential playback means for performing playback according to the order of frame numbers defined for each image, at least for playback of a plurality of images taken by the user;
In the sequential playback, first / second key switches functioning as command means for performing sequential update of the playback image in ascending / descending order;
A trigger switch for giving a command to perform shooting,
With
In shooting, the focusing lens is driven to the first in-focus position in response to simultaneous operation of the first key switch and the trigger switch, and responds to simultaneous operation of the second key switch and the trigger switch. An electronic camera configured to drive the focusing lens to the second in-focus position.

Images