JP4241945B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera that records position information at the time of shooting measured by GPS (Global Positioning System) on a recording medium together with a shot image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
GPS is a positioning system that can measure the three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, etc.) of a receiving point at an arbitrary position on the earth by receiving radio waves from many mobile satellites.
Conventionally, a system for connecting (built in) a GPS device to a camera and recording position information measured by the GPS device on a recording medium together with a photographed image is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 04-70724 and 04-347977. Yes. According to such a system, when a captured image is reproduced, the shooting location of the captured image can be known by referring to the position information measured by the GPS device, and a desired captured image is searched by the shooting location. be able to.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the GPS device cannot measure in places where it cannot receive radio waves from satellites, such as indoors. When shooting in such places, it was impossible to obtain accurate position information from the GPS device. Information may be recorded.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an electronic camera that records position information at the time of shooting measured by GPS on a recording medium together with a shot image is shot in a place where positioning by GPS is impossible, such as indoors. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that issues a warning that accurate positioning cannot be performed and alerts the user.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a camera that is operated by a built-in battery and that is operated by being supplied with electric power from a commercial power supply when connected to a commercial power supply. In a camera that captures positioning information indicating a shooting location from the camera and records the positioning information on a recording medium together with a captured image, it is detected whether the commercial power source is connected. If the commercial power source is connected, indoor shooting is performed. Output a signal indicating that positioning by the GPS device is impossibleAn output means, and a positioning prohibiting means for prohibiting positioning by the GPS device when a signal indicating that the positioning is impossible is output by the output means;
WithIt is characterized by that.
[0005]
  According to the present invention, when it is detected that electric power is supplied from a commercial power source mainly used indoors, a signal indicating that positioning is impossible due to indoor photographing is output. With this signal, for example, the user can be warned that the positioning information is not recorded on the recording medium.
  In order to achieve the above object, a camera that takes in positioning information indicating a shooting location from a GPS device during shooting and records the positioning information on a recording medium together with a shot image has a color measurement sensor that measures a color temperature. When the color temperature generated in the room is detected by the colorimetric sensor, a signal indicating that positioning by the GPS device is impossible is output.Output means, and positioning prohibiting means for prohibiting positioning by the GPS device when the output means outputs a signal indicating that the positioning is impossible.It is characterized by that.
[0006]
According to the present invention, when the color temperature generated in a room such as a tungsten lamp or a fluorescent lamp that is mainly used indoors is detected by the colorimetric sensor, the position cannot be measured because the image is taken indoors. The signal shown is output. With this signal, for example, the user can be warned that the positioning information is not recorded on the recording medium.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a camera according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied. The electronic camera shown in the figure mainly includes an optical unit 10, a CCD unit 30, an imaging unit 40, a process unit 60, a camera unit 80, a display unit 90, a SW (switch) unit 110, a strobe unit 120, an output unit 130, and a GPS unit. 160.
[0008]
The optical unit 10 includes a photographic lens 12 including a focus lens, a variable power lens, and the like, a diaphragm 14 and an optical LPF 16, and a CCD sensor transmits image light of a photographing subject through the photographic lens 12, the diaphragm 14 and the optical LPF 16. An image is formed on 32 light receiving surfaces. The zoom lens and the focus lens of the photographing lens 12 are moved by the zoom motor driver 82 and the focus motor driver 84 controlled by the camera control CPU 88 of the camera unit 80, thereby adjusting the zoom magnification and focus. The aperture amount of the aperture 14 is adjusted by an iris motor driver 86 controlled by the camera control CPU 88.
[0009]
When the camera control CPU 88 receives a command signal transmitted from the main CPU 100 of the process unit 60 when the release switch 112 of the SW unit 110 is half-pressed, the camera control CPU 88 measures the distance to the subject by the distance measuring sensor 13. The photometric sensor 126 measures the subject brightness. Then, the zoom motor driver 82 and the focus motor driver 84 are driven based on this distance measurement value and photographing information such as a zoom magnification input from an operation switch (not shown) of the SW unit 110, and the zoom magnification of the photographing lens 12 and Adjust the focus. Further, the light emission of the strobe 124 is controlled based on the photometric value, and the iris motor driver 86 is driven to adjust the aperture amount of the aperture 14. Note that the strobe 124 emits light when the charge is discharged from the discharge capacitor 122 of the strobe unit 120 when the subject is dark.
[0010]
The optical unit 10 has a viewfinder 18 so that the subject to be photographed can be confirmed by the viewfinder 18. In addition, the LCD 20 driven by the LCD driver 94 of the display unit 90 is mounted on the viewfinder 18 so that various information from the main CPU 100 is displayed in the viewfinder 18.
[0011]
The CCD unit 30 includes a CCD sensor 32 that converts image light imaged on the light receiving surface by the photographing lens 12 of the optical unit 10 into an electrical signal (image signal). The horizontal transfer clock and the vertical transfer clock are input from the clock generation circuit 46 through the horizontal clock driver 48 and the vertical clock driver 50, thereby sweeping out the charge accumulated on the light receiving surface. Then, when the release switch 112 of the SW unit 110 is fully pressed, the CCD sensor 32 starts to accumulate charges in response to a command signal from the main CPU 100, and images the accumulated charges when the shutter time obtained by photometry elapses. Output to unit 40.
[0012]
The imaging unit 40 includes a digital imaging signal processing circuit 42 and an A / D converter 44, and inputs an image signal output from the CCD sensor 32 of the CCD unit 30 to the digital imaging processing circuit 42. The digital imaging processing circuit 42 performs white balance and gamma correction processing on the input image signal and outputs the image signal to the A / D converter 44. The A / D converter 44 performs A / D conversion on the image signal input from the digital imaging processing circuit 42, converts it to a digital signal, and then inputs the digital signal to the YC processing circuit 62 of the process unit 60.
[0013]
The imaging unit 40 includes a DC / DC converter 52 that is controlled to be turned on / off by the camera control CPU 88. Power is supplied from the DC / DC converter 52 to each circuit of the imaging unit 40, the CCD sensor 32, and the like. Is done.
The process unit 60 includes a main CPU 100 that controls the entire apparatus, a recording circuit that records the image signal on the PC card 150, and the like. The YC processing circuit 62 that is one of the circuits constituting the recording circuit includes the imaging unit. The digital image signal output from the A / D converter 44 of the unit 40 is input. The YC processing circuit 62 receives a synchronization signal from the clock generation circuit 46 of the imaging unit 40 and operates in synchronization with the timing of discharging the accumulated charge of the CCD sensor 32, and converts the input image signal into a luminance signal Y by YC conversion. Conversion to color difference signals BY and RY.
[0014]
The luminance signal and the color difference signal generated by the YC processing circuit 62 are temporarily stored in the frame memory (DRAM) 66 by the memory controller 64 and then sequentially read from the frame memory 66 to the compression / expansion circuit 68. The compression / decompression circuit 68 performs image compression processing on these luminance signals and color difference signals and records them on the PC card 150 via the PC card interface 70.
[0015]
Further, the process unit 60 includes an encoder circuit 72, and inputs a luminance signal and a color difference signal from the YC processing circuit 62 to the encoder circuit 72 when outputting an image signal to the liquid crystal monitor 170 or other external device. The encoder circuit 72 converts the input luminance signal and color difference signal into a video signal for video output (NTSC signal) and outputs it to the output unit 130. When the image signal recorded on the PC card 150 is output to the outside, the image signal subjected to the image compression processing is read from the PC card 150 to the compression / decompression circuit 68 via the PC card interface 70, and is compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 68. After restoring the image signal, the image signal is output to the encoder circuit 72 via the YC processing circuit 62. An on-screen control circuit 73 is connected to the encoder circuit 72 so that information from the main CPU 100 is superimposed on an image signal output from the encoder circuit 72.
[0016]
The liquid crystal monitor 170 receives a video signal output from the encoder circuit 72 via the output unit 130 and displays an image on the monitor. The liquid crystal monitor 170 is supplied with power from a built-in battery 140 of the electronic camera body, which will be described later, and the power of the liquid crystal monitor 170 is supplied via a liquid crystal monitor power switch 75 that is on / off controlled by the main CPU 100. The
[0017]
The process unit 60 is connected to a built-in battery 140 via a DC jack 74. The built-in battery 140 is connected to each circuit of each unit from the DC jack 74 and supplies power to each circuit. The electronic camera can also use a commercial power supply instead of the built-in battery 140. When using the commercial power supply, the electronic camera is connected to the DC jack 74 via an AC adapter. The DC jack 74 can switch the power source to be used between the built-in battery 140 and the commercial power source. When the commercial power source is not used, the built-in battery 140 is connected as the working power source.
[0018]
The process unit 60 is provided with a power switch 78 for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera, a ready LED 79 for displaying a photographing enabled state, and a warning LED 77 for displaying a warning.
The display unit 90 has an LCD 92 mounted on the outer surface of the electronic camera. The LCD 92 is driven by an LCD driver 96 controlled by the main CPU 100, and various information from the main CPU 100 (current exposure mode of the camera, The remaining amount of the PC card 150) is displayed. The display unit 90 has a buzzer 98 controlled by the main CPU 100, and the buzzer 98 generates a sound such as a warning sound.
[0019]
The GPS unit 160 is connected to the main CPU 100 via a signal line via the output unit 130. GPS is a system that orbits a plurality of satellites in orbit, and sends out periodic continuous signals and own orbit data from each satellite. This GPS unit 160 receives information from four satellites at the same time to receive distance. And receiving the position information (latitude, longitude, etc.) of the receiving location by solving the four equations.
[0020]
The GPS unit 160 transmits / receives various signals to / from the main CPU 100 through a signal line, starts positioning according to a command signal from the main CPU 100, sequentially executes positioning at predetermined time intervals, and uses the obtained position information as positioning data. Send to. The GPS satellite has an atomic clock, and the GPS unit 160 can simultaneously obtain time information indicating the current time in addition to position information by positioning, and can simultaneously transmit this time information as positioning data. Hereinafter, information obtained by the GPS unit 160 in consideration of the case where position information and time information are transmitted as positioning data is referred to as positioning information.
[0021]
The GPS unit 160 is supplied with power from the built-in battery 140 (or AC adapter) of the electronic camera body, and the power of the GPS unit 160 is supplied from the GPS power switch 76 of the process unit 60 controlled by the main CPU 100. ON / OFF control is performed by. As a result, power is supplied to the GPS unit 160 from the built-in battery 140 as necessary.
[0022]
As will be described in detail later, when recording a captured image on the PC card 150, the main CPU 100 causes the GPS unit 160 to perform positioning, fetches positioning information (positioning data) indicating a shooting location and the like from the GPS unit 160, and this positioning. Information is recorded on the PC card 150 together with an image signal. As a result, when reproducing the image signal recorded on the PC card 150, it becomes possible to know information such as the shooting location by referring to the positioning information recorded on the PC card 150.
[0023]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the voltage of the terminal to which the AC adapter is connected is detected by the main CPU 100. Thus, the main CPU 100 determines whether or not the AC adapter is connected to the input terminal and power is supplied from the AC adapter. If the main CPU 100 determines that power is supplied from the AC adapter, It is determined that the shooting is in That is, when power is supplied from the AC adapter, indoor commercial power is used. In this case, it is determined that the image is taken indoors.
[0024]
For example, when taking the electronic camera in a position where GPS positioning cannot be performed such as indoors, if the GPS unit 160 performs positioning at this location, positioning information is sent from the GPS unit 160 because positioning is impossible. In some cases, incorrect positioning information may be sent. For this reason, the main CPU 100 determines that the shooting is performed indoors by using the AC adapter, and if it is determined that the shooting is performed indoors, the main CPU 100 issues a warning to the user by the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. A warning that positioning by 160 is impossible is made.
[0025]
In addition, the main CPU 100 prevents the GPS unit 160 from malfunctioning due to noise generated from the circuit of the electronic camera when the GPS unit 160 is performing positioning, and saves the built-in battery 140. The imaging circuit and the recording circuit (the imaging circuit and the recording circuit are circuits for processing image signals other than the camera unit 80, the display unit 90, and the main CPU 100. The imaging circuit is mainly a circuit of each of the CCD unit 30 and the imaging unit 40. The recording circuit mainly shows the YC processing circuit 62, the memory controller 64, the compression / decompression circuit 68, the PC card interface 70, and the encoder circuit 72 of the process unit 60.) Yes.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the main CPU 100 when it is determined that the image is taken indoors by using the AC adapter. First, when the power switch 78 of the electronic camera is turned on, the main CPU 100 detects the power supply voltage from the AC adapter and determines whether or not the AC adapter is used (step S10). At this time, if the AC adapter is not used and the built-in battery 140 is used, the GPS power switch 76 is turned on to supply power to the GPS unit 160 and cause the GPS unit 160 to perform positioning (step) S12). At this time, the main CPU 100 is configured not to supply power to the imaging / recording circuit in order to prevent malfunction of the GPS unit 160 and to save power consumption. Then, the main CPU 100 determines whether or not the positioning is completed by communicating with the GPS unit 160 (step S14). When the positioning is completed, the main CPU 100 fetches the positioning data from the GPS unit 160 (step S16). Then, the half-pressed state of the release switch 112 is monitored (step S18). Although not shown in the drawing, when the release switch 112 is half-pressed in a state where positioning is not completed, a warning is generated by the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, and the like.
[0027]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the AC adapter is used, it is determined that the image is taken indoors, and a warning is given to the user that positioning by the GPS unit 160 is impossible by the buzzer 98, warning LED 77, LCD 92, and the like. (Step S17) Without performing the positioning by the GPS unit 160, the half-pressed state of the release switch 112 is monitored (Step S18).
[0028]
The main CPU 100 monitors the half-pressed state of the release switch 112 as described above (step S18), and determines whether the AC adapter is used when the half-press of the release switch 112 is detected (step S18). S20). If the AC adapter is used, it is determined whether or not the positioning of the GPS unit 160 has been completed (step S22). If not, the buzzer 98, warning LED 77, LCD 92, etc. To warn that the GPS location is impossible to measure (for example, when shooting in the shadow of a building or shooting indoors without using an AC adapter) If it is not possible, a warning indicating that positioning is impossible is generated) (step S24).
[0029]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the AC adapter is not used, or if it is determined in step S22 that positioning has been completed, a photometric operation is performed to obtain a photometric value (step S26). A distance measurement operation is executed to obtain a distance measurement value (step S28). Based on the obtained distance measurement value, the lens of the taking lens 12 is driven to adjust the focus or the like (step S30).
[0030]
Next, the main CPU 100 monitors the state where the release switch 112 is fully pressed, and determines whether or not the release switch 112 is fully pressed (step S32). When the release switch 112 is fully pressed, power is supplied to the imaging / recording circuit to operate the imaging / recording circuit (step S34), and an image signal of the captured image is obtained by the CCD sensor 32, as described above. The image signal is compressed and the image signal is recorded on the PC card 150. If the AC adapter is not used, the positioning data captured from the GPS unit 160 is recorded on the PC card 150 together with the image signal (step S36).
[0031]
As described above, when the recording of the photographed image to the PC card 150 is completed, the main CPU 100 stops the supply of power to the imaging / recording circuit (step S38) and stops the supply of power to the GPS unit 160 (step S40). ) Complete shooting.
In the case of continuously shooting, the process from step S10 is repeatedly executed without stopping the power supply to the GPS unit 160 in step S40.
[0032]
As described above, in the processing procedure of the main CPU 100, when the AC adapter is used, it is determined that the image is taken indoors. In this case, the GPS unit 160 is warned that the positioning is not performed and the positioning is not performed. However, as shown in FIG. 1, a colorimetric sensor 180 may be provided in the electronic camera, and the colorimetric sensor 180 may determine whether or not the image is taken indoors.
[0033]
The colorimetric sensor 180 shown in FIG. 1 measures the color temperature. When the release switch 112 is half-pressed, the colorimetric sensor 180 measures the color temperature and outputs the measurement result to the main CPU 100. When the main CPU 100 detects the color temperature of the tungsten lamp or the color temperature of the fluorescent lamp from the measurement result input from the colorimetric sensor 180, the main CPU 100 determines that the image is taken indoors. That is, since a tungsten lamp or a fluorescent lamp is used indoors, when these color temperatures are detected, it is determined that the image is taken indoors.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the main CPU 100 when it is determined that the image is taken indoors based on the color temperature detected by the colorimetric sensor 180. First, when the power switch 78 of the electronic camera is turned on, the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch, supplies power to the GPS unit 160, and causes the GPS unit 160 to perform positioning (step S50). At this time, the main CPU 100 is configured not to supply power to the imaging / recording circuit in order to prevent malfunction of the GPS unit 160 and to save power consumption.
[0035]
Next, the main CPU 100 communicates with the GPS unit 160 to determine whether or not the positioning is completed (step S52). When the positioning is completed, the main CPU 100 determines that the release switch 112 is half-pressed. Monitor (step S54).
When the half-press of the release switch 112 is detected, the color temperature is detected by the colorimetric sensor 180 (step S56). Further, the photometry operation is executed to obtain a photometry value (step S58), and the distance measurement operation is executed to obtain a distance measurement value (step S60).
[0036]
Then, the main CPU 100 determines whether or not the image is taken indoors based on the color temperature detected in step S56 (step S62). That is, it is determined whether the color temperature detected by the colorimetric sensor 180 is a color temperature by a tungsten lamp or a color temperature by a fluorescent lamp. If the color temperatures of these tungsten lamps and fluorescent lamps are not detected and it is determined that the image is not taken indoors, it is determined whether or not the positioning of the GPS unit 160 has been completed (step S64). If completed, the positioning data is taken from the GPS unit 160 (step S66). On the other hand, if the color temperature of the tungsten lamp and the fluorescent lamp is detected in step S62 and it is determined that the image is taken indoors, the user is informed that positioning by the GPS unit 160 is impossible by the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, and the like. A warning is given (step S67), and positioning data from the GPS unit 160 is not taken, and the routine proceeds to the next step 68.
[0037]
In step 68, the main CPU 100 drives the lens of the taking lens 12 on the basis of the distance measurement value obtained in step S60 and performs adjustment such as focus (step S68).
Next, the main CPU 100 monitors the fully-pressed state of the release switch 112 (step S70). When the release switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplies power to the imaging / recording circuit to activate the imaging / recording circuit. Operate (step S72). Then, the CCD sensor 32 obtains the image signal of the photographic subject, compresses the image signal as described above, and records this image signal on the PC card 150. If it is determined in step S62 that the image is not taken indoors, the positioning data captured from the GPS unit 160 is recorded on the PC card 150 together with the image signal (step S74).
[0038]
When the recording of the image signal is completed, the main CPU 100 stops the supply of power to the imaging / recording circuit (step S76), stops the supply of power to the GPS unit 160 (step S78), and completes the shooting.
In the case of continuously shooting, the process is repeatedly executed from the monitoring process of the half-pressed state of the release switch 112 in step S54 without stopping the power supply to the GPS unit 160 in step S78.
[0039]
As described above, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which whether or not shooting is performed indoors is determined separately by the power supply voltage of the AC adapter or the colorimetric sensor, but is determined by both the power supply voltage of the AC adapter and the colorimetric sensor. It may be. For example, when it is determined that shooting is performed indoors, the measurement by the GPS unit 160 is not performed, and the user is warned that the positioning by the GPS unit 160 cannot be performed.
[0040]
Further, in the above embodiment, when it is determined that the image is taken indoors, the positioning data is not recorded in the PC card 150. However, for example, the positioning data captured at the time of the previous image capturing is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. Thus, when it is determined that the image is taken indoors, the positioning data recorded in the nonvolatile memory at the time of the previous image capture may be recorded on the PC card 150.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the case of an electronic camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a camera using a new photographic film that can record various information on the magnetic recording layer of the film, The present invention can also be applied when recording positioning information.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when it is detected that power is supplied from a commercial power source mainly used indoors, or indoors such as a tungsten lamp or a fluorescent lamp mainly used indoors. When the color temperature generated in the above is detected by the colorimetric sensor, a signal indicating that positioning by the GPS device is impossible because the image is taken indoors is output, so that positioning information is recorded by this signal. The user can be warned that it is not recorded on the medium. Also, when this signal is output, unnecessary operation can be prevented by prohibiting positioning of the GPS device, and in this case, positioning information previously measured is recorded instead as positioning information of the current shooting. By recording on the medium, positioning information at a position close to the shooting location can be recorded on the recording medium even when shooting in a room where positioning by the GPS device is impossible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a main CPU when it is determined that indoor shooting is performed by using an AC adapter.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the main CPU when it is determined that indoor shooting is performed based on a color temperature detected by a colorimetric sensor.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Optical unit
12 ... Photography lens
30 ... CCD unit
32 ... CCD sensor
42. Digital imaging processing circuit
44 ... A / D converter
46. Clock generation circuit
52 ... DC / DC converter
60 ... Process unit
62 ... YC processing circuit
64 ... Memory controller
66 ... Frame memory
68. Compression / decompression circuit
70 ... PC card interface
72. Encoder circuit
80 ... Camera unit
88 ... Camera control CPU
90 ... Display unit
110 ... Switch unit
112 ... Release switch
120 ... Strobe unit
140 ... Built-in battery
150 ... PC card
160 ... GPS unit
170 ... LCD monitor
180 ... Colorimetric sensor

Claims (4)

When the camera is operated by a built-in battery and is connected to a commercial power source, the camera is operated by being supplied with power from the commercial power source. In a camera that records information on a recording medium together with a captured image,
An output means for detecting whether or not the commercial power source is connected, and for outputting a signal indicating that positioning by the GPS device is impossible when the commercial power source is connected and determining indoor shooting ;
When the output means outputs a signal indicating that the positioning is impossible, positioning prohibiting means for prohibiting positioning by the GPS device;
Camera comprising the. In a camera that captures positioning information indicating a shooting location from a GPS device at the time of shooting and records the positioning information on a recording medium together with a shot image.
An output means for outputting a signal indicating that positioning by the GPS device is impossible when a color temperature sensor that measures a color temperature is detected and the color temperature generated in the room is detected by the colorimetric sensor ;
When the output means outputs a signal indicating that the positioning is impossible, positioning prohibiting means for prohibiting positioning by the GPS device;
Camera comprising the. When output signal indicating that the said output means is the positioning is impossible, according to claim 1 or 2 cameras, characterized in that warning that positioning is impossible. When output signal indicating that the said output means is the positioning is impossible, according to claim 1 or 2 camera and recording on the recording medium positioning the positioning information together with the captured image before this .

Images