JP2008311724A - Imaging apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly take a picture when it is desired to take a picture suddenly during navigation.
An imaging unit 52 that images a subject, an operation unit 70 having a two-stage release key, a map information storage unit 64, and a position detection unit 56 that measures current position information based on a GPS signal. An imaging function for displaying the captured image output from the imaging unit 52 as a through image and recording the captured image in response to the full depression of the release key, and a navigation function for displaying the current position and surrounding map information A control unit 60 for controlling a plurality of functions including the navigation unit, wherein the control unit 60 changes the navigation state when the release key is pressed halfway in the navigation state in which the navigation function is selected and at least the map information is displayed. Switch to an imaging state where a through image is displayed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention particularly relates to an imaging apparatus with a GPS navigation function and a control method for performing navigation using a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal.

  In recent years, portable navigation devices that provide guidance using GPS signals have been sold, and guidance can be received not only for in-vehicle use but also for walking.

  A positioning device (so-called GPS unit) that positions information on a subject at the time of photographing a subject by using a GPS signal when the user carries it with the digital camera is also sold. The user carries this positioning device with the digital camera and takes a picture with the digital camera. After that, the digital camera and the positioning device are connected to a personal computer, and a map is displayed on the screen of the personal computer. The photographed image is displayed based on the position information at the time of photographing read out from the positioning device.

  There is also known an electronic device in which a digital camera is simply combined with a navigation device (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Patent Document 4 describes a technique in which GPS communication and wireless transmission are performed by time division processing so that wireless communication is continuously performed while performing GPS positioning.

  Patent Document 5 discloses GPS information (longitude / latitude) from a GPS card that performs positioning in order to prevent a captured image from becoming abnormal due to a data transfer error that occurs when a plurality of processes that require data transfer overlap. When the shutter button is pressed during acquisition of (information), the acquisition process of GPS information from the GPS card is temporarily stopped, and after the captured image is recorded, the acquisition process of GPS information from the GPS card is performed. It describes what was restarted.

Patent Document 6 describes a wireless portable terminal that, when a shutter button is pressed, stores a captured image, starts positioning by receiving GPS signals, and stores a positioning result in association with the captured image. Yes.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-240724 JP 2002-271723 A JP 2001-257920 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-196062 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-20045 JP-A-10-150625

  However, if the user suddenly wants to take a picture during navigation, the user can only take a picture of the subject after switching from the navigation function to the camera function (imaging function). May be missed. For example, when you are walking while looking at navigation information, even if you want to find a subject and take a picture suddenly, it takes time and effort to operate the buttons for switching functions.

  In Patent Documents 1 to 3, a configuration in which a navigation device and a camera are simply combined is described, but there is no description about a configuration for quickly starting imaging during navigation.

  Patent Document 4 describes that GPS signal reception and wireless transmission are executed in a time-sharing process, but there is no description about a configuration that starts imaging quickly during navigation.

  Patent Document 5 describes that the acquisition of GPS information is stopped from the start of shooting to the end of shooting, but there is no description of a configuration for quickly starting imaging during navigation.

  Patent Document 6 describes what starts positioning after image storage, and power consumption due to positioning is certainly suppressed, but there is no description of a configuration that starts imaging quickly during navigation.

  A mobile phone having a camera and a navigation function is also commercially available, but it is not configured to start imaging quickly during navigation. In the first place, a release key that can be half-pressed is not generally used in mobile phones because of the demand for light weight.

  In other words, simply by combining a navigation device and a camera as in the past, it takes time and effort to switch from a navigation state in which the current position and map information are displayed to an imaging state in which subject shooting is possible. This not only makes the user feel stressed, but also causes the user to miss a shutter opportunity.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus capable of quickly capturing an image and a control method thereof when it is desired to rapidly capture an image during navigation. .

  In order to achieve the object, the invention described in claim 1 includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, a release key having a fully pressed state and a half pressed state, a map information storing means for storing map information, and a GPS. Positioning means for positioning the current position based on the signal, display means for displaying, and a captured image output from the imaging means is displayed on the display means as a through image, and when the release key is fully pressed. An imaging function for recording the captured image; and a function control means for controlling a plurality of functions including at least a navigation function for displaying navigation information including the current position and the map information around the current position on the display means; Function selection instruction input means for inputting an instruction for selecting each function, and at least the map information is displayed when the navigation function is selected. And the navigation state is, the release key when half depressed to provide an imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a switching control means for switching the navigation state to the imaging state said through image is displayed.

  Here, the captured image to be recorded may be either a still image or a moving image.

  According to the present invention, when it is desired to take a picture suddenly during navigation, a series of operations for instructing to switch to a live view display and to record a captured image is performed only by half-pressing and full-pressing the release key. Since it becomes possible, it is possible to shoot quickly.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the switching control unit is configured to release the release in the imaging state. An imaging apparatus is provided that returns from the imaging state to the navigation state when a key is fully pressed.

  According to this invention, when the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the release key returns to the navigation state by fully pressing the release key, so that the user can confirm the current position during movement and shoot the subject. It can be repeated without feeling stressed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the switching control unit is fully depressed. When this is done, the captured image is recorded, and after the captured image is displayed on the display means for a predetermined time, the imaging device is returned to the navigation state.

  According to the present invention, when the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the user can visually confirm the recorded captured image only by fully pressing the release key, and then determines the current position based on the navigation information. Can be confirmed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the function control means switches from the navigation state to the imaging state when the release key is pressed halfway. An imaging apparatus is provided in which positioning of the current position by the positioning means is continued.

  According to the present invention, if the release key is pressed halfway during navigation, it is determined that the navigation returns immediately after shooting, and positioning is continued even after the release key is pressed halfway, thus speeding up the return to the navigation state after shooting. The current position can be displayed quickly.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the release key is half-pressed in the navigation state, the function control means is configured to display the navigation information and the Provided is an imaging apparatus characterized in that a through image is divided and displayed on the display means.

  According to the present invention, the through image and the navigation information can be confirmed at the same time.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the function control means controls an image reproduction function for reproducing and displaying a recorded image on the display means, and the switching is performed. The control means switches the navigation state to an image reproduction state in which the recorded image is displayed when a selection instruction for the image reproduction function is input by the function selection instruction input means in the navigation state. Providing equipment.

  According to the present invention, when it is desired to reproduce an image suddenly during navigation, the image can be reproduced immediately.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, when the switching control unit switches from the navigation state to the image reproduction state, the function reproduction instruction input unit cancels the image reproduction state. An image pickup apparatus is provided that returns the image reproduction state to the navigation state when the image is reproduced.

  According to the present invention, since the navigation state is quickly restored after the image is reproduced during navigation, the confirmation of the current position during movement and the image reproduction can be repeated without feeling stress.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the function control means receives the navigation function selection instruction from the function selection instruction input means. When the positioning means has not finished positioning the current position, navigation information that does not include the current position is displayed on the display means.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, a release key having a full-pressed state and a half-pressed state, a map information storage means for storing map information, and positioning of a current position based on GPS signals. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising positioning means for performing display, display means for performing display, and function selection instruction input means for inputting an instruction for selecting an executable function, wherein the function selection instruction input means performs imaging. When a function selection instruction is input, a step of displaying a captured image output from the imaging unit as a through image on the display unit, and when a navigation function selection instruction is input to the function selection instruction input unit, Displaying navigation information including the current position and the map information around the current position on the display means; and at least the navigation function is selected. When the release key is half-pressed in the navigation state in which the map information is displayed, the navigation state is switched to the imaging state in which the through image is displayed, and the release key is fully pressed in the imaging state. And a step of recording the picked-up image accordingly.

  According to the present invention, even when the user suddenly wants to take a picture during navigation, the user can take a picture quickly without feeling stressed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an imaging apparatus with a navigation function to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus 10 mainly includes an imaging unit 52, a GPS signal receiving unit 54, a position information detection unit 56, a control unit 60, a main storage unit 62, a map information storage unit 64, an image storage unit 66, and a data conversion unit. 68, a display unit 70, an operation unit 72, an audio output unit 74, and a power supply unit 76.

  The imaging unit 52 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), images a subject at an arbitrary point on the earth, and stores image information such as a still image and a moving image (also referred to as “captured image”). Generate.

  The GPS signal receiving unit 54 receives a radio wave signal (hereinafter referred to as “GPS signal”) transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite via the antenna 55. The GPS signal receiving unit 54 and the antenna 55 may be structured to be detachable. The position information detection unit 56 detects current position information such as longitude and latitude based on the GPS signal. The GPS signal receiving unit 54 and the position information detecting unit 56 constitute positioning means for measuring the current position.

  The control unit 60 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its peripheral circuits, controls the operation of each component of the imaging device 10 to control the entire imaging device 10, and at the time of operation of each component, Controls the flow of location information, map information, and image information.

  The main storage unit 62 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and has a function of temporarily storing current position information, image information, and map information. Specifically, the current position information output from the position information detection unit 56, the map information read from the map information storage unit 64 described later, the image information (captured image) output from the imaging unit 52, and the image storage described later. The image information (recorded image) read from the unit 66 is temporarily stored.

  The map information storage unit 64 stores map information in advance. The image storage unit 66 stores the image information (captured image) generated by the imaging unit 52 as a recorded image. These map information storage unit 64 and image storage unit 66 may be removable media such as a memory card. The map information storage unit 64 and the image storage unit 66 are described separately for convenience of explanation, but both may be integrated. Audio information may be stored.

  The data conversion unit 68 includes current position information generated by the position information detection unit 56, map information read from the map information storage unit 64, image information (captured image) generated by the imaging unit 52, and image storage described later. The image information (recorded image) read from the unit 66 is converted into a format that can be displayed on the display unit 70 described later.

  The display unit 70 is configured by, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), and information (current position information, map information, captured images, and the like) temporarily stored in the main storage unit 62 during navigation, imaging, and image reproduction. Recorded image).

  The operation unit 72 is means for a user to input an instruction to the imaging device 10. The operation unit 72 inputs, for example, an imaging function selection instruction, an image reproduction function selection instruction, a navigation function selection instruction, an image recording instruction, and various setting instructions. As an input method, in addition to key input, a menu screen displayed on the display unit 70 may be input by touching with a pen or a finger.

  The voice output unit 74 includes a speaker, and performs voice guidance during navigation, voice assistance in operation, reproduction of music information, and the like.

  The power supply unit 76 generates a desired voltage and supplies power to each unit. In the case of a portable type, a battery is built in and a DC / DC converter is provided. In the case of a rechargeable battery, a charging circuit is also included.

  The control unit 60 controls a plurality of functions including an imaging function, an image reproduction function, and a navigation function according to instructions input to the operation unit 72. When the imaging function is selected, the captured image output from the imaging unit 52 is displayed on the display unit 70 as a through image, and the captured image is recorded in the image storage unit 66 in accordance with an instruction input to the operation unit 72. When the function is selected, the recorded image recorded in the image storage unit 66 is displayed on the display unit 70. When the navigation function is selected, navigation information obtained by adding the current position information output from the position information detection unit 56 to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 64 is displayed on the display unit 70. As described above, the control unit 60 constitutes a function control unit that controls a plurality of functions including an imaging function, an image reproduction function, and a navigation function.

  Hereinafter, a state where a captured image is displayed on the display unit 70 is referred to as an imaging state, a state where a recorded image is displayed on the display unit 70 is referred to as an image reproduction state, and navigation including at least map information on the display unit 70. A state where information is displayed is called a navigation state. The control unit 60 constitutes a switching control unit that switches between a plurality of states including the imaging state, the image reproduction state, and the navigation state.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the imaging device 10 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a lens barrel 12 in which a photographing lens is incorporated is provided on the front surface of the main body 11, and a release key 13 and a power switch 14 are provided on the upper surface of the main body 11. On the back surface of the main body 11, an LCD 15 with a touch panel constituting the display unit 70 of FIG. A switch 23 is provided.

  The release key 13 is a two-stage switch having a first-stage switch (S1) that is turned on when it is half-pressed and a second-stage switch (S2) that is turned on when it is fully depressed. When the release key 13 is not pressed, S1 and S2 are in an off state.

  The operation mode changeover switch 18 is a slide type switch for inputting an imaging function (camera mode) selection instruction and an image reproduction function (reproduction mode) selection instruction. For example, a slide operation from the right side to the left side in the drawing in the imaging state switches to the image playback state, and a slide operation from the left side to the right side in the drawing in the image playback state switches to the imaging state.

  The navigation function switch 23 is a button type switch for inputting a navigation function selection instruction. In this example, the navigation state is switched by pressing in the imaging state or the image reproduction state, and the navigation state is canceled by pressing in the navigation state.

  The LCD 15 (display unit 70) with a touch panel is used for image reproduction and navigation, and also functions as an electronic viewfinder that displays a through image for framing in the shooting mode. Using the LCD 15 with a touch panel, a map search and various setting operations can be performed in a touch manner.

  When the menu button 19 is pressed, a setting screen (also referred to as a “setup menu”) is displayed on the LCD 15, and a transition is made from the imaging state, the image reproduction state, or the navigation state to the setup state. In this setting screen, items related to image quality adjustment such as exposure value, hue, ISO sensitivity, number of recorded pixels, items other than image quality adjustment such as self-timer setting, metering method switching, whether to use digital zoom, etc. All adjustment items of the imaging apparatus 10 are set. The imaging device 10 operates according to the conditions set on this setting screen. The menu button 19 also functions as a confirmation / execution button for confirming or executing the selected item or process.

  The general-purpose key 17 functions as a cursor shift key for moving a cursor for selecting a playback through image or selecting an item in the setting screen. The general-purpose key 17 includes a left shift key 17a and a right shift key 17c that move the cursor in the left-right direction, and an up-down shift key 17b that moves the cursor in the up-down direction. Each of the left and right shift keys 17a, 17c is a push button type, and the up / down shift key 17b is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis. The up / down shift key 17b functions as a zoom button when operating in the shooting mode. The cancel button 21 cancels the selected item or operation. The display button 22 is a button for turning on / off the LCD 15.

  In the imaging apparatus 10 of this example, function selection instruction input means for inputting selection instructions for the imaging function, the image reproduction function, and the navigation function is configured by the operation mode changeover switch 18 and the navigation function switch 23. In such a case, the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be configured to input a selection instruction for three functions with one switch, or may be configured with different switches for each function. FIG. 2 shows a case where the operation mode changeover switch 18 is used for inputting an instruction for selecting an image reproduction function. However, a configuration may be adopted in which an instruction for selecting an image reproduction function is input by a single “reproduction key”.

  In addition, the image pickup apparatus 10 of the present example can record a still image and a moving image. In the still image shooting mode, when the release key is pressed halfway, autofocus is performed, and the release key is fully pressed. When pressed, the captured image is recorded as a still image. In the moving image shooting mode, continuous autofocus is performed. When the release key is fully pressed, the recording of the moving image starts. When the release key is fully pressed again, the recording of the moving image ends. In the imaging apparatus 10 of this example, switching between the still image capturing function and the moving image capturing function is performed on the menu screen. However, the switching is not particularly limited to such a case, and the still image capturing function and the moving image are switched. A switch for switching the imaging function may be provided, or a release key for moving images may be provided separately from a release key for still images.

  Next, control processing performed according to a program by the control unit 60 of the imaging apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described by taking a case where a still image is recorded as an example.

  3 to 6 are flowcharts illustrating the first embodiment of the control process of the imaging apparatus 10.

  In FIG. 3, when the power switch 14 is turned on (step S2), it is determined whether the imaging mode (camera function) or the image reproduction function is selected by the operation mode changeover switch 18 (step S4). Either imaging function activation (step S10) or image reproduction function activation (step S80) is performed. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the case where one of the imaging function and the image reproduction function can be selected when the power switch 14 is turned on is shown as an example, but other functions may be selected.

  Control processing when the imaging function is activated when the power switch 14 is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, power supply to the imaging unit 52 is started to start the imaging function (step S10), the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned on (step S12), and positioning by the position information detection unit 56 is started. At the same time (step S14), the captured image output from the imaging unit 52 is displayed on the display unit 70 as a through image (step S16). As described above, when the imaging function is selected when the power switch 14 is turned on, the imaging state in which the through image is displayed is set and positioning of the current position is started.

  The positioning in the imaging state is continued intermittently at a specific cycle (T seconds), for example. For example, when the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned on, positioning is started and timing is started, and when a certain time has elapsed from the positioning start (t = 0 second) (t = d seconds), the positioning is stopped. The GPS signal receiver 54 is turned off. When a specific time T (> d) has elapsed from the start of positioning (t = 0 seconds) (t = T seconds), the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned on again to determine the current position. Repeated stop and positioning. Here, d is one positioning period (that is, a power supply period to the GPS signal receiving unit 54), and T is a positioning cycle. As described above, by intermittently supplying power to the GPS signal receiving unit 54 endlessly, the current position information can be continuously updated with power saving even when the through image display state continues.

  There is also a mode in which the current position is measured once and the positioning is ended. For example, when the imaging function is activated, the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned on to start positioning, and when a certain time has elapsed, the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned off to end positioning, and positioning at the current position is not repeated. There is also an aspect to do so. For example, in a configuration in which the movement of the imaging device 10 can be detected by an acceleration sensor or the like, positioning is not performed during a period in which the movement of the imaging device 10 is not detected, and positioning is performed only once when the movement of the imaging device is detected. You may make it complete | finish positioning again.

  Below, the case where a positioning is intermittently continued with a specific period is demonstrated to an example.

  While the live view is displayed, the half-press of the release key 13 is monitored (step S20). When the release key 13 is half-pressed, autofocus is performed (step S22), and the release key 13 is fully pressed. Monitoring is performed (step S24), and when the release key 13 is fully pressed, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 52 under a predetermined exposure condition, and the captured image is compressed and recorded in the image storage unit 66 (step S26). Here, current position information including longitude and latitude is stored in the image storage unit 66 in association with the captured image. Then, the recorded captured image (recorded image) is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 70 for a predetermined time (step S28), and then the display returns to the through image display (step S16).

  Further, it is monitored whether or not an instruction for selecting an image reproduction function is input in a state where a through image is displayed (step S30). In the imaging apparatus 10 of this example shown in FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the operation mode switch 18 has been switched from the imaging function selection side (right side) to the image playback function selection side (left side) by a slide operation. When the selection instruction is input, positioning by the position information detection unit 56 is terminated, and the power of the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned off (step S32). When positioning is being performed intermittently, it is needless to say that if the positioning is stopped, the power of the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is already off, and it is not necessary to turn off the power. Needless to say, step S32 is not performed when the positioning is performed only once. Then, the power supply to the imaging unit 52 is stopped to release the imaging state (step S34), and the image reproduction function is activated (step S80). That is, the imaging state is switched to the image reproduction state.

  Further, in a state where the through image is displayed, the navigation function switch 23 is monitored to be turned on (step S36). When the navigation function switch 23 is turned on, the power supply to the imaging unit 52 is stopped and the imaging state is changed. The navigation function is activated (step S40). That is, the imaging state is switched to the navigation state.

  It should be noted that when the navigation function switch 23 is not turned on even after a certain period of time has elapsed since entering the imaging state (when NO is determined in step S36 and a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of positioning), it is preferable to end positioning. .

  Next, control processing when the navigation function is activated in the imaging state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the navigation function is activated in the imaging state (step S40), it is determined whether or not the positioning of the current position is completed at least once (step S44), and the positioning of the current position is not completed yet. Displays specific map information (for example, a wide-area map based on past position information) on the display unit 70 (step S46), and if the positioning of the current position has been completed at least once, it is designed as map information. The position information is added and displayed on the display unit 70 (step S48).

  In a state in which navigation information including at least map information is displayed, the half-press of the release key 13 is monitored (step S50), and when the release key 13 is half-pressed, the positioning is continued and the imaging unit 52 is continued. The power supply is started to activate the imaging function (step S52), and the captured image output from the imaging unit 52 is displayed on the display unit 70 as a through image (step S54). That is, power supply to the GPS signal receiving unit 54 and positioning by the position information detection unit 56 are intermittently continued, and power is supplied to the imaging unit 52 to start imaging. Further, autofocus is performed (step S56), and the release key 13 is fully pressed (step S60). When the release key 13 is fully pressed, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 52 under a predetermined exposure condition. The image is compressed and recorded in the image storage unit 66 (step S62). Here, current position information including longitude and latitude is stored in the image storage unit 66 in association with the captured image. Then, the recorded captured image (recorded image) is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 70 for a certain period of time (step S64), and then the power supply to the imaging unit 52 is stopped to cancel the imaging state (step S66). The process returns to step S44. That is, the navigation state is restored from the imaging state.

  Note that the predetermined time (display time) for displaying the recorded image in step S64 can be variably set to, for example, 0 seconds, 1.5 seconds, and 3 seconds using the operation unit 72 of the imaging apparatus 10 in the setup menu. it can. When the display time is set to 0 seconds, the recorded image is not displayed.

  Further, it is monitored whether or not an instruction for selecting an image reproduction function is input in a state where navigation information is displayed (step S70). In the imaging apparatus 10 of this example shown in FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the operation mode changeover switch 18 has been switched from the imaging function selection side to the image playback function selection side by a slide operation. At this time, the image reproduction function is activated while positioning is continued (step S72), and the image (recorded image) recorded in the image storage unit 66 is displayed on the display unit 70 (step S73). That is, power supply to the GPS signal receiving unit 54 and positioning by the position information detecting unit 56 are intermittently continued and image reproduction is started.

  In such an image reproduction state, it is monitored whether an instruction to cancel the image reproduction function is input (step S74). In the imaging apparatus 10 of this example shown in FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the operation mode changeover switch 18 has been switched from the image playback function selection side to the imaging function selection side by a slide operation. At this time, the image reproduction state is canceled (step S75), and the process returns to step S44. That is, the navigation mode is restored from the image reproduction state.

  Further, in the state where the navigation information is displayed, the navigation function switch 23 is monitored to be turned off (step S76). When the navigation function switch 23 is turned off, the navigation state is released (step S78). Here, if the imaging function is selected by the operation mode changeover switch 18, the imaging function is activated (step S10 in FIG. 4).

  Note that, when the release key 13 has not been fully pressed even after a certain time has elapsed since entering the imaging state (NO determination at step S60 and a certain time has elapsed), it is preferable to end positioning. Further, when the image reproduction function selection is not canceled even after a certain period of time has elapsed since entering the image reproduction state (when NO is determined in step S74 and the certain period of time has elapsed), it is preferable to end positioning. .

  A control process when the image reproduction function is activated when the power switch 14 is turned on or in an imaging state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, when the image reproduction function is activated (step S80), the image (recorded image) recorded in the image storage unit 66 is displayed on the display unit 70 (step S82). In such an image reproduction state, it is determined whether or not an imaging function selection instruction is input. When an imaging function selection instruction is input, the image reproduction state is canceled (step S85) and the imaging function is activated. (Step S10). The control processing after activation of the imaging function is as described with reference to FIG. 4, and description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition, when the recorded image is displayed, the navigation function switch 23 is monitored to be turned on (step S86). When the navigation function switch 23 is turned on, the image reproduction state is canceled (step S87), and the navigation function is switched. Is activated (step S90). That is, switching from the image reproduction state to the navigation state. Thus, when the navigation function is activated in the image reproduction state, as shown in FIG. 5, the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is powered on (step S92), and the position information detecting unit 56 starts positioning (step S94). . The subsequent processing is the same as when the navigation function is activated in the imaging state, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the control process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In this embodiment, when the imaging function is selected when the power switch 14 is turned on, the control process shown in FIG. 7 is performed. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, after the imaging function is activated (step S10), the GPS signal receiving unit 54 is turned on and the positioning information detection unit 56 does not start positioning, and a through image is displayed. (Step S16).

  In the present embodiment, when a navigation function selection instruction is input in a state where a through image is displayed, the control process shown in FIG. 8 is performed. In this embodiment, when the navigation function is selected in the imaging state, unlike the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, as in the case where the navigation function is selected in the image reproduction state, the GPS signal receiving unit 54, the power is turned on (step S92), and the position information detector 56 starts positioning (step S94).

  Since the other processes are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment and have already been described, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the control processing of the third embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In this embodiment, when the imaging function is selected when the power switch 14 is turned on, the control process shown in FIG. 4 is performed as in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when a navigation function selection instruction is input in a state where a through image is displayed, the control process shown in FIG. 9 is performed. In this embodiment, when the release key is half-pressed in the navigation state (when YES is determined in step S50 in FIG. 9), after the imaging function is activated (step S52), as shown in FIG. The current position (arrow display) and the surrounding map information are displayed on the left half of 70, and a live view of the subject is displayed on the right half of the display unit 70 (step S154).

  Further, when the release key is fully pressed (when it is determined YES in step S60 in FIG. 9), after the subject is imaged, and the captured image is compressed and recorded (step S62), the display unit 70 is in a certain period of time. While displaying the current position (indicated by an arrow) on the left half and map information around the current position, a recorded image is displayed on the right half of the display unit 70 (step S164), and the imaging state is canceled to return to the navigation state ( Step S66).

  When the release key is fully pressed, the recorded image may be displayed on the full screen as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the display time of the recorded image or the like in step S164 can be variably set to 0 seconds, 1.5 seconds, or 3 seconds, for example, using the operation unit 72 of the imaging apparatus 10 and the setup menu. When the display time is set to 0 seconds, no display is performed.

  As described above, in the first to third embodiments, the case of capturing a still image has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the case of capturing a still image, and is also applied to the case of capturing a moving image. it can.

  Even when a moving image is captured, a through image is displayed (imaging state) when the release key 13 is pressed halfway in a state where navigation information is displayed (navigation state), as in the case of capturing a still image. Switch to. Further, when the release key 13 is half-pressed in the navigation state, the auto focus is started, and the auto focus is continued until the moving image capturing state is released. When the release key 13 is fully pressed, the recording of the moving image is started. When the release key 13 is fully pressed again, the moving image recording is ended, the imaging state is released, and the navigation state is restored. The start of autofocus and the end of moving image recording may be performed by other operations.

  Further, when the release key 13 is used for both a moving image and a still image as in the image pickup apparatus 10 of FIG. 2, when the release key 13 is half-pressed in the navigation state, the moving image imaging function and the still image are displayed. Activate any of the imaging functions. Here, whether to activate the imaging function of a moving image or a still image may be input in advance on the menu screen, but is not particularly limited to such a case. For example, history information indicating whether a moving image or a still image has been captured when the imaging state is released is stored in the main storage unit 62, and when the release key 13 is pressed halfway, based on the history information in the main storage unit 62. When the previous movie was captured, the video capture function is activated while the previous still image is captured. If it is performed, the still image capturing function may be activated.

  Further, although the case where the operation mode changeover switch 18 of FIG. 2 is used for inputting an instruction to select an image reproduction function has been described as an example, image reproduction is performed by pressing a single “reproduction key” (not shown in FIG. 2). A configuration may be adopted in which a function selection instruction is input. That is, the function selection instruction means in the present invention includes a case where the means for inputting an imaging function selection instruction and the means for inputting an image reproduction function selection instruction are physically separated.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to a so-called digital camera, and can be applied to all devices having a function of performing imaging using an imaging element. For example, the digital camera of the present invention may be applied to any portable electronic device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (personal digital assistant).

 The present invention is not limited to the examples described in the present specification and the examples illustrated in the drawings, and various design changes and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of an imaging device with a navigation function to which the present invention is applied. The perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of the imaging device of FIG. Flow chart showing branch processing when power switch is on The flowchart which shows an example of the normal imaging function control process in 1st Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the control processing at the time of the navigation function starting in 1st Example The flowchart which shows an example of the normal image reproduction | regeneration control processing in 1st Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the normal imaging function control process in 2nd Example. The flowchart which shows an example of the control processing at the time of the navigation function starting in 2nd Example The flowchart which shows an example of the control processing at the time of the navigation function starting in 3rd Example Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a division | segmentation display in 3rd Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a full screen display in 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device, 13 ... Release key, 14 ... Power switch, 15, 70 ... Display part, 18 ... Operation mode changeover switch (function selection instruction input means), 23 ... Navi function switch (function selection instruction input means), 52 ... Imaging unit, 54 ... GPS signal receiving unit (positioning means), 56 ... Position information detecting unit (positioning means), 60 ... Control unit, 62 ... Main storage unit, 64 ... Map information storage unit, 66 ... Image storage unit

Claims (9)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
A release key having a fully depressed state and a half depressed state;
Map information storage means for storing map information;
Positioning means for positioning the current position based on the GPS signal;
Display means for displaying; and
An imaging function for displaying a captured image output from the imaging unit on the display unit as a through image and recording the captured image in response to a full depression of the release key, and the map of the current position and its surroundings Function control means for controlling a plurality of functions including at least a navigation function for displaying navigation information including information on the display means;
Function selection instruction input means for inputting an instruction for selecting each function;
In a navigation state where the navigation function is selected and at least the map information is displayed, when the release key is half-pressed, switching control means for switching the navigation state to an imaging state in which the through image is displayed;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   When the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the switching control unit returns from the imaging state to the navigation state when the release key is fully pressed in the imaging state. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   When the release key is pressed halfway down to switch from the navigation state to the imaging state, the switching control unit records the captured image when the release key is fully pressed, and the captured image is recorded for a predetermined time. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is returned to the navigation state after being displayed on the display means.   4. The function control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the release key is pressed halfway and the navigation state is switched to the imaging state, the positioning unit continues the positioning of the current position. The imaging apparatus according to item 1.   5. The function control unit according to claim 1, wherein the navigation information and the live view are divided and displayed on the display unit when the release key is half-pressed in the navigation state. The imaging apparatus according to item 1. The function control means controls an image reproduction function for reproducing and displaying a recorded image on the display means,
The switching control unit switches the navigation state to an image reproduction state in which the recorded image is displayed when a selection instruction for the image reproduction function is input by the function selection instruction input unit in the navigation state. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The switching control means, when switching from the navigation state to the image reproduction state, returns from the image reproduction state to the navigation state when the image reproduction state is canceled by the function selection instruction input means. The imaging device according to claim 6.   When the navigation function selection instruction is input by the function selection instruction input unit, the function control unit displays navigation information that does not include the current position when the positioning unit has not performed positioning of the current position. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the image on the display unit. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, a release key having a full-pressed state and a half-pressed state, a map information storage means for storing map information, a positioning means for positioning a current position based on a GPS signal, and display An imaging apparatus control method comprising: a display unit; and a function selection instruction input unit for inputting an executable function selection instruction.
A step of displaying a captured image output from the imaging unit as a through image when an instruction to select an imaging function is input to the function selection instruction input unit;
When a navigation function selection instruction is input to the function selection instruction input means, the display means displays navigation information including the current position and the map information around the current position;
A step of switching the navigation state to an imaging state in which the through image is displayed when the release key is pressed halfway in a navigation state in which the navigation function is selected and at least the map information is displayed;
Recording the captured image in response to full depression of the release key in the imaging state;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising:

Images