JP5715269B2 - Camera, camera control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera, a camera control method, and a program, and more particularly, to an improvement in display and operation when mode setting or adjustment is performed in a digital camera, a video camera, or the like.

  In recent years, in cameras, images have been digitized, and as a method for displaying images, it is possible to display by electronic methods in addition to conventional optical methods, and there are various display methods. became. In addition, since shooting with a user's eye on the eyepiece and checking the subject image while looking through the camera is highly stable during shooting, many users prefer this conventional viewfinder.

  In addition, a generally recognized user interface is a style in which a ring-shaped operation member is provided on the outer periphery of the photographing lens barrel for photographing and adjusting the focus and focal length (zoom). Such a ring-shaped operation member has good stability when the camera is held, and is considered to be accepted by many users in the future. For example, in Patent Document 1, the focus ring is driven by a driving unit in accordance with the detection of the automatic focus detection device, and when the end point of the focus ring is detected, the zoom ring is driven by the driving unit. A camera that can focus on a subject in a macro area is disclosed.

JP-A-4-073628

  As described above, there are two types of display units: a display unit that has a screen arranged on the back of the camera, etc., and an eyepiece finder that looks through the eyepiece unit. There has not been proposed a camera that can quickly set various modes and parameters without malfunctioning with a simple configuration.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera, a camera control method, and a program capable of quickly setting modes and parameters with a simple configuration without malfunction. And

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention observes a subject displayed on a display unit in a viewfinder through an operation ring provided along the outer periphery of a photographing lens of the camera and an eyepiece of the camera. An eyepiece finder unit, an eyepiece detection unit for detecting an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit, a display unit provided on the back of the camera and capable of displaying a plurality of modes, and a position of a touch operation on the display surface of the display unit A plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit when the touch panel is turned off when the eyepiece finder unit is used and the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in the eyepiece state. select one of the plurality of modes in accordance with the ring operation, and a mode setting unit for setting a mode in accordance with a touch operation on the touch panel, the While viewing the viewfinder display in the eye finder, having a numerical value adjusting section for performing numerical adjustment of the photographic parameter determined depending on the setting of the mode by operation of the operation ring.

The camera according to a second aspect is the camera according to the first aspect, wherein the display section can display a change icon , and the mode setting section is displayed on the display section when an eyepiece state is detected by the eyepiece detection section. When the displayed change icon is touched, the mode is changed.

A camera according to a third invention further includes a vibration detection unit that detects a tap operation applied to the camera in the first invention, and the numerical adjustment unit is configured to perform the above operation when the tap operation is performed. Return the shooting parameters to their default values.
The camera according to a fourth aspect of the invention related to the first invention, the eyepiece detector includes a light projecting portion for projecting a light, a light receiving portion for receiving the reflected light of the light projecting.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera control method comprising: an operation ring provided along an outer periphery of a photographing lens of a camera; and an eyepiece finder unit that observes a subject displayed on a display unit in the finder through the eyepiece unit of the camera. An eyepiece detection unit that detects an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit, a display unit that is provided on the back surface of the camera and can display a plurality of modes, and a touch operation position on the display surface of the display unit In the control method of a camera having a touch panel that outputs a detection signal and is turned off when the eyepiece finder unit is used , the plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit when the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in an eyepiece state. , select one of the plurality of modes in response to operation of the operation ring, and sets the mode in accordance with a touch operation on the touch panel mode Has a de setting step, while looking at the inside display the viewfinder in the eyepiece finder, and numerical adjustment step of performing a numerical adjustment of the photographic parameter determined depending on the setting of the mode by operation of the operation ring, the.

A program according to a sixth aspect of the invention includes an operation ring provided along the outer periphery of the photographing lens of the camera, an eyepiece finder unit for observing a subject displayed on the display unit in the finder through the eyepiece unit of the camera, An eyepiece detection unit that detects an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit, a display unit that is provided on the back surface of the camera and capable of displaying a plurality of modes, and a detection signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation on the display surface of the display unit In the program for executing the computer of the camera having a touch panel that is output and turned off when the eyepiece finder unit is used , the plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit when the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in an eyepiece state. , in response to the operation of the operating ring and select one of the plurality of modes, mode in accordance with a touch operation on the touch panel A mode setting step for setting de while looking at the display portion the viewfinder in the eyepiece finder, and numerical adjustment step of performing a numerical adjustment of the photographic parameter determined depending on the setting of the mode by the operation of the operating ring, Is executed on the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera, a camera control method, and a program capable of quickly setting various modes and parameters with a simple configuration and without malfunction.

It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure for performing eyepiece detection in the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating setting of an adjustment mode in the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) illustrates a state in which the adjustment mode is set while observing a display unit disposed on the back surface; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing adjustment mode display on the display unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining setting of shooting parameters (exposure correction values) in the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows a state of setting shooting parameters while looking into the eyepiece, and (b). And (c) is a diagram showing a display of imaging parameters that can be observed through the eyepiece. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the back display of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows a back display when a photographer takes an eye off an eyepiece part, (b) shows a photographer by eyepiece. FIG. 4C shows a rear display when the eye is focused on the part, and FIG. 5C shows a modification of the rear display when the photographer focuses on the eyepiece part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display in a finder of the camera concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. A camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a digital camera, and includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit converts the subject image into image data. Based on the converted image data, the subject image is converted to the main body. Live view display is performed on a display unit disposed on the back surface, and live view display is also performed on an electronic view finder (hereinafter referred to as “EVF”) that can be observed by looking through the eyepiece. The photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. During the release operation, image data is recorded on the recording medium. The image data recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected.

  The configuration of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using the block diagram shown in FIG. The camera 10 includes an image processing and control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, a recording unit 4, a vibration detection unit 5, an operation determination unit 6, a ring-shaped operation unit 6 b, and a finder display unit (denoted as “F display unit” in the drawing). 7, an eyepiece detection unit 7A, a display unit 8, a touch panel 8b, a clock unit 9, and the like.

  The imaging unit 2 includes a photographing lens 2b (see FIG. 2), an exposure control unit such as a shutter, an imaging element 2c (see FIG. 2), a driving and reading circuit for the imaging element 2c, and the like, and a subject formed by the photographing lens 2b The image is converted into image data by the image sensor 2c and output. In the present specification, the image data is not limited to the image signal output from the image sensor 2c, the image data processed by the image processing and control unit 1, the image data recorded in the recording unit 4, and the like Also used for.

  A ring-shaped operation portion 6b (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is provided around the lens barrel that houses the photographing lens 2b. The ring-shaped operation unit 6b is rotatable around the lens barrel, and the rotation direction and the rotation amount can be detected by a detection member such as an encoder (not shown). The detected rotation direction and rotation amount are output to the image processing and control unit 1.

  The image processing and control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral hardware circuits, and controls the entire sequence of the camera 10 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). . The image processing and control unit 1 includes a display control unit 1a, a shooting control unit 1b, and a touch position determination unit 1c.

  The display control unit 1a performs live view display of the subject image on the finder display unit 7 and the display unit 8, and performs display control for adjusting shooting parameters. In other words, the display unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the camera 10 displays an image for selecting an adjustment mode such as an exposure correction value, an aperture value, a shutter speed, and a focus by superimposing on the subject image. Then, the display control unit 1a performs this display control. The finder display unit 7 that is arranged in the camera 10 and that is observed through the eyepiece unit 7c (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is an image for setting numerical values of shooting parameters such as exposure correction values superimposed on the subject. Is displayed, and the display control unit 1a also performs this display control.

  The imaging control unit 1b determines a user operation by the operation determination unit 6, and controls imaging based on the determination result. In the present embodiment, various modes, parameters, and the like can be set by the touch panel 8b and the ring-shaped operation unit 6b in addition to the operation determination unit 6, and the imaging control unit 1b can set the various modes and parameters that are set. Take a picture that reflects.

  The touch position determination unit 1c receives a detection signal from the touch panel 8b, and determines the touch position of the touch panel 8b based on the detection signal. The image processing and control unit 1 also performs various types of image processing on the image data input from the imaging unit 2, such as white balance, color correction, live view display image generation, moving image generation, image compression / decompression, and the like. Perform image processing.

  The recording unit 4 includes a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, or a built-in recording medium. The recording unit 4 records image data of still images and moving images output from the imaging unit 2 and subjected to image processing by the image processing and control unit 1 and accompanying data. The clock unit 9 has a time measuring function and outputs date / time information. At the time of shooting, this date / time information is recorded on the recording medium of the recording unit 4 together with the image data.

  The vibration detection unit 5 includes one or a plurality of acceleration sensors disposed inside the camera 10 and its driver, and detects the posture of the camera 10 and vibration applied to the camera 10. The detection result of the acceleration detection unit 5 is output to the image processing and control unit 1 and used for the vibration isolation operation. Further, the vibration detection unit 5 can also detect acceleration that occurs instantaneously when the user taps (tap) the camera 10. Based on this tap operation, the camera 10 inputs an instruction from the photographer.

  The operation determination unit 6 includes various operation members such as a release button, a power button, a playback button, and a menu button arranged on the exterior of the camera 10, determines the operation state of the operation member, and performs image processing on the determination result. And output to the control unit 1.

  The display unit 8 is connected to the image processing and control unit 1 and has a monitor such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL arranged on the back surface of the main body. The display unit 8 performs live view display, REC view display during shooting, recording Display of recorded images recorded in the unit 4 and a control screen such as a menu screen are displayed. The touch panel 8b is arranged on the front surface of the liquid crystal monitor, the organic EL monitor, or the like or integrated therein, and transmits a detection signal corresponding to the position where the user touches the display surface of the display unit 8 to the image processing and control unit 1. .

  The finder display unit 7 is a so-called electronic view finder (EVF), and a small display panel 7a (see FIG. 2) disposed in the main body can be observed through the eyepiece 7c (see FIGS. 3 and 4). is there. The display panel 7a also displays a subject image based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2, and also displays an image for setting shooting parameters such as an exposure correction value. The eyepiece detection unit 7A detects whether the eye of the photographer 20 is touching or approaching the eyepiece unit 7c of the finder display unit 7.

  Next, the configuration of the finder display unit 7 and the eyepiece detection unit 7A will be described with reference to FIG. An imaging device 2c is disposed on the optical axis of the photographing lens 2b constituting the imaging unit 2, the photographing lens 2b forms an image of a subject light beam on the imaging device 2c, and the imaging device 2c converts the subject image into image data. Output to the image processing and control unit 1. The display unit 8 is connected to the image processing and control unit 1, and image data processed by the image processing and control unit 1, image data for setting an adjustment mode, and the like are output to the display unit 8. Is displayed.

  The image processing and control unit 1 is connected to a display panel 7a constituting the in-finder display unit 7, and image data from the image sensor 2c, image data for setting shooting parameters, and the like are output to the display panel 7a. Is done. An eyepiece 7b is disposed in the vicinity of the eyepiece 7c (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the camera 10. The photographer 20 can observe an image displayed on the display panel 7a through the eyepiece lens 7b by applying the eye to the eyepiece portion 7c. The in-finder display unit 7 is configured by the display panel 7a, the eyepiece lens, and the eyepiece unit 7c.

  The light projecting element 7 d is connected to the image processing and control unit 1 and projects light according to a light emission instruction signal from the image processing and control unit 1. The light projecting element 7d is arranged so that the eyepiece 7a is positioned on the light projecting light path. In addition, the light receiving lens 7e and the light receiving element 7f are arranged at positions where the reflected light of the light projected from the light projecting element 7d can be received when the photographer 20 is observing in the vicinity of the eyepiece 7c. . The light receiving element 7 f photoelectrically converts the reflected light and outputs this detection signal to the image processing and control unit 1. The eyepiece detection unit 7A in the present embodiment includes the above-described light projecting element 7d, eyepiece lens 7a, light receiving lens 7e, light receiving element 7f, and the like.

  Since the eyepiece detection unit 7A is configured in this manner, when the photographer 20 is in the vicinity of the eyepiece unit 7c, such as when the photographer 20 is looking into the eyepiece unit 7c, this is detected. Can do. That is, in order to observe the display panel 7a of the in-viewfinder display unit 7, when the photographer 20 looks into the eyepiece 7c, the light projection from the light projecting element 7d is reflected on the cheek of the photographer 20 or the like. The light receiving element 7 f receives the reflected light and outputs a detection signal to the image processing and control unit 1. Based on this detection signal, the image processing and control unit 1 can determine that the photographer 20 is looking into the eyepiece 7c.

  Next, adjustment mode setting for selecting shooting parameters and adjustment of numerical values of shooting parameters performed using the ring-shaped operation unit 6b will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3A shows an adjustment mode setting for setting any of the shooting parameters while looking at the display unit 8 without the photographer 20 looking into the eyepiece 7c. That is, when the eyepiece detection unit 7A detects that the photographer 20 is not looking into the eyepiece unit 7c, the display control unit 1a selects the shooting parameter on the display unit 8 as shown in FIG. Display the image for setting the adjustment mode. In the present embodiment, exposure adjustment, focus, aperture value, and shutter speed can be set as the adjustment mode.

  The currently selected adjustment mode is displayed differently from other adjustment modes by changing the color or the like. In this state, when the photographer 20 rotates the ring-shaped operation unit 6b disposed around the lens barrel of the photographing lens 2b with the left hand 20L, the selected photographing parameters are sequentially changed. For example, when the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is turned clockwise, in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the exposure correction is changed in the order of shutter speed → aperture value → focus, and when it is turned counterclockwise, the exposure correction → focus is changed. → Aperture value → Shutter speed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the photographer 20 sets the shooting parameters only by rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b with the left hand 20L while holding the camera 10 firmly with the right hand 20R so that the camera 10 does not shake. It is possible to set the adjustment mode. Since the shooting parameters are displayed on the display unit 8 and are changed according to the rotation direction of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b, the adjustment mode can be easily set. The display of the selected adjustment mode may be distinguished from other adjustment modes by other methods such as flushing, in addition to changing the color.

  Once the adjustment mode is set, next, the numerical value of the shooting parameter is set. FIG. 4A shows a state where the photographer 20 looks into the eyepiece portion 7c and sets the numerical value of the photographing parameter while viewing the display on the in-viewfinder display portion 7b. That is, when the eyepiece detection unit 7A detects that the photographer 20 is looking into the eyepiece unit 7c, the display control unit 1a displays the in-finder display unit 7 as shown in FIGS. An image for setting numerical values of the shooting parameters is displayed on the display panel 7a. In the example shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the exposure correction setting is selected as the adjustment mode.

  As an image for setting the shooting parameter value, the adjustment mode selected in the upper left is displayed (exposure correction in the example shown), and the shooting parameter value is displayed in the lower left (in the example shown, +1.0 and -1.0) In the center of the screen, a ring is displayed in order to match the feeling of use of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b.

  When the photographer 20 rotates the ring-shaped operation unit 6b arranged around the lens barrel of the photographing lens 2b with the left hand 20L while the photographing parameter values are displayed, the photographing parameter values are sequentially changed. Is done. For example, when the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is turned clockwise, the exposure correction is increased in the example shown in the figure. On the other hand, when the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is turned counterclockwise, the exposure correction is changed. When the aperture value is set as the adjustment mode, the aperture value is increased or decreased by rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. When the shutter speed is set, the shutter speed is increased or decreased. When the focus is set, the subject distance is changed to the far side or the near side. When the focus is set, it is the same as the conventional manual focusing. In this case, the subject distance may be displayed, but it may not be displayed as in the conventional case.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the in-finder display unit 7 can be watched through the eyepiece unit 7c, and the shooting parameters can be adjusted while checking the subject. When the numerical value of the shooting parameter is changed, the display on the in-finder display unit 7 is changed according to the change of the numerical value, so that the photographer 20 can check the change of the image accompanying the change of the shooting parameter. Although the display on the display unit 8 arranged on the back surface of the camera 10 is difficult to confirm subtle changes in the image due to the influence of external light, the display on the display unit 7 in the finder is not affected by external light. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the effect accompanying the change of the imaging parameter.

  Further, the numerical value of the imaging parameter can be increased or decreased by rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b clockwise or counterclockwise. Switching from the adjustment mode setting state shown in FIG. 3 to the numerical value setting state of the shooting parameter is merely that the photographer 20 looks into the eyepiece 7c, and the holding method and the ring shape of the camera 10 The hand holding the operation unit 6b does not require any change. For this reason, it is possible to quickly perform parameter setting from adjustment mode setting without being affected by camera shake.

  Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by the image processing and control unit 1 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the camera 10.

  In the camera control flow, first, it is determined whether or not the power is on (S11). Since the operation determination unit 6 determines whether or not the power button has been operated, when the power button is operated in the power-off state, it is determined that the power is on. If the result of this determination is that the power is not on, the camera control flow is terminated. Even if the camera control flow ends, it is determined whether the power button is operated at a predetermined time interval. If the power button is operated, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is that the power is on, it is next determined whether or not it is in shooting mode (S13). If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not it is in the eyepiece state (S15). Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the eyepiece detection unit 7A determines whether or not the photographer 20 is looking into the eyepiece unit 7c.

  If the result of determination in step S15 is that the eyepiece is not in the eyepiece state, then rear display is performed, the touch panel 8b is turned on, and the display in the viewfinder display section 7 is turned off (S31). Here, an adjustment mode display for setting the shooting parameters as shown in FIG. 3B is performed on the display panel of the display unit 8 provided on the back surface of the camera 10. Further, by setting the touch panel 8b to the operating state, the photographer 20 can directly instruct the display panel of the display unit 8 by touching. Further, since the photographer 20 does not look into the in-finder display section 7, this display is turned off.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ring-shaped operation unit has been rotated (S33). Here, it is determined whether or not the photographer 20 is rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b in order to select an adjustment mode such as exposure adjustment while looking at the display unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the camera 10. To do. The determination is performed based on a detection signal from an encoder that generates a signal according to the rotation of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b.

  If the result of determination in step S33 is that the ring-shaped operating portion 6b has rotated, the adjustment mode is changed (S35). Here, as described in FIG. 3B, the rotation direction of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b and the movement direction of the adjustment mode selected on the display unit 8 are made to coincide.

  If the adjustment mode is changed in step S35, or if the result of determination in step S33 is that the ring-shaped operation unit 6 has not been rotated, it is next determined whether or not the touch panel 8b has been touched. (S37). Selection of an adjustment mode such as exposure correction can be performed by directly touching the display unit 8 in the present embodiment, in addition to the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. That is, if there is a mode in which the photographer 20 wants to set among adjustment modes such as exposure correction displayed on the display unit 8, this is directly touched.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 37 is touch, the adjustment mode is changed (S <b> 39). Here, the touch position determination unit 1c determines the touch position, specifies the adjustment mode based on the determination result, and changes the adjustment mode.

  If the result of determination in step 15 is that there is an eyepiece, then the rear touch panel is turned off (S17). Since the photographer 20 looks into the eyepiece 7c and observes the image displayed on the display panel 7a of the in-finder display unit 7, the photographer 20 turns off the touch panel 8b disposed on the back surface of the camera 10.

  If the rear touch panel 8b is turned off, the numerical value in the selected adjustment mode is then displayed in the viewfinder (S19). Since the adjustment mode such as exposure correction is selected in the above-described step S35 or S39, the numerical values of the shooting parameters in the selected adjustment mode are displayed in the viewfinder as shown in FIGS. Displayed on the display panel 7a.

  Subsequently, the live view is displayed in the viewfinder (S21). Here, based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2, the subject image is displayed in live view on the display panel 7a in the viewfinder.

  Once live view display is performed in the viewfinder, next, as in step S33, it is determined whether or not the ring-shaped operation unit 6b has been rotated (S23). If the result of this determination is that the ring-shaped operating portion 6b has been rotated, the adjustment amount is switched according to the rotation (S25). Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the imaging parameters in the selected adjustment mode are increased or decreased according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b.

  If the result of determination in step S23 is that the ring-shaped operation portion 6b has not been rotated, it is next determined whether or not a tap operation has been performed (S27). The shooting parameters can be increased or decreased by operating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. However, when returning to the original value, the reverse operation must be performed and lack of quickness. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the original value can be reset by performing a tap operation. Therefore, in step S27, based on the detection signal from the vibration detection unit 5, it is determined whether or not the photographer 20 has performed a tap operation. If the result of determination in step S27 is that there has been a tap operation, the set value is reset (S29). Here, as described above, the original value before entering the eyepiece state is reset.

  When the processing in steps S25, S29, and S39 described above is executed, or if the result of determination in step S27 is that there has been no tap operation, or if the result of determination in step S37 is that there has been no touch, Then, it is determined whether or not it is a release (S41). Here, it is determined whether or not the release button 6c has been operated by the operation determination unit 6. If the result of this determination is not release, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is a release, photographing and recording are performed (S43). Here, the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is subjected to image processing and then recorded in the recording unit 4. When the image data is recorded, the process returns to step S11.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is not shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not playback mode is in effect (S51). Here, it is determined whether or not the playback button has been operated by the operation determination unit 6. If the result of this determination is not playback mode, processing returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S <b> 51 is playback mode, then the captured image is played back (S <b> 53). Here, the image data of the designated image is read from the recording unit 4 and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8. When this reproduction display is performed, the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the photographer 20 is not observing the display on the in-viewfinder display unit 7, As shown in FIG. 3, a display for selecting an adjustment mode such as exposure correction is performed. The photographer 20 can change the adjustment mode by operating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b while viewing this display. Further, when the photographer 20 is observing the display on the in-viewfinder display unit 7, the numerical value of the shooting parameter corresponding to the selected adjustment mode is adjusted by rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. be able to. Thus, in the present embodiment, the adjustment mode can be quickly set according to the observation state of the display unit of the camera and the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation unit, and in the set adjustment mode, The shooting parameters can be adjusted.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the adjustment mode is set when the eye leaves the eyepiece 7c, and the shooting parameters are adjusted in the selected adjustment mode when the eye approaches the eyepiece 7c. For this reason, there is a risk of malfunction when photographing while taking an eyepiece on the eyepiece portion 7c or leaving the eyepiece portion 7c. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the adjustment mode is selected by touching an icon (determined) displayed on the display surface of the display unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the camera 10 with the eyes away from the eyepiece unit 7c. I was able to make selections.

  Since the electrical configuration of the camera 10 in the present embodiment is the same as the block diagram shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Selection of the adjustment mode in the present embodiment is performed in a state where the eye of the photographer 20 is away from the eyepiece portion 7c, as in the first embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a state in which an adjustment mode setting image is displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8.

  In the adjustment mode setting screen shown in FIG. 6A, the photographer 20 rotates the ring-shaped operation unit 6b, thereby performing exposure correction and the like according to the direction of the rotation operation as in the first embodiment. The adjustment mode is changed. When the photographer 20 changes to the adjustment mode intended by the photographer, when the photographer 20 touches the icon labeled “OK”, the adjustment mode is selected.

  When the adjustment mode is selected, next, the photographer turns the ring-shaped operation unit 6b while observing the display unit 7 while observing the in-viewfinder display unit 7c as in the first embodiment. As a result, the shooting parameters are adjusted. During adjustment of the shooting parameters, an icon labeled “change” is displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8 as shown in FIG. If the photographer wants to adjust the shooting parameters related to other adjustment modes while adjusting the shooting parameters, the adjustment mode is changed by touching the “change” icon. For example, when exposure correction is selected as the adjustment mode and the photographer touches the “change” icon while adjusting the shooting parameter, the aperture value is selected as the adjustment mode, and the aperture value is changed as the shooting parameter.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of camera control shown in FIG. In this flowchart, steps that perform the same processing as in the flowchart of FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  When the camera control flow is entered, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the power is on (S11), whether or not the camera is in the shooting mode (S13), and whether or not the eyepiece state is set (S13). S15). If the result of this determination is that the eyepiece is not in the eyepiece state, next, as in the first embodiment, the rear display is performed, the touch panel 8b is turned on, and the display of the in-finder display unit 7 is turned off (S31). ).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ring-shaped operation unit 6b has been rotated (S33). If the result of this determination is that the ring-shaped operation member 6b has been rotated, the adjustment mode is changed ( S35). Here, as in the first embodiment, the photographer does not look into the eyepiece unit 7c, but looks at the adjustment mode selection image displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8 while holding the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. The adjustment mode is changed by turning (see FIG. 6A).

  If the adjustment mode is changed in step S35, or if the result of determination in step S33 is that the ring-shaped operation unit 6b has not been rotated, next, whether or not the “decision” icon has been touched (S38). Here, the touch position determination unit 1c determines whether or not the “decision” icon illustrated in FIG. As a result of this determination, if the “decision” icon is touched, the adjustment mode changed in step S35 is determined.

  If the result of determination in step S15 is that there is an eyepiece, then only a part of the rear touch panel is validated and the other parts are turned off (S18). Here, in the screen of the display panel of the display unit 8, the area of the touch panel 8b corresponding to only the area of the “change” icon shown in FIG. 6B is enabled, and the other areas of the touch panel 8b are turned off. . Further, the live view display on the display unit 8 is also turned off.

  Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, the numerical value of the selected adjustment mode is displayed in the finder (S19), and live view display is performed on the in-finder display unit 7 (S21). Then, the rotation state of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is determined (S23). If the result of this determination is that the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is rotating, the adjustment amount is switched according to the rotation ( S25).

  If the result of determination in step S23 is that the ring-shaped operating portion 6b has not rotated, it is next determined whether or not the effective area has been touched (S28). Here, it is determined whether or not the “change” icon shown in FIG. If the “change” icon is touched as a result of this determination, the adjustment mode is then changed (S30). Here, the currently selected adjustment mode is sequentially changed and displayed. For example, when exposure compensation is selected as the adjustment mode, if the “Change” icon is touched, the adjustment mode is changed to the aperture value, and if the “Change” icon is touched further, the focus is changed. The

  When the processes in steps S25, S30, and S40 described above are executed, or if the result of determination in step S28 is that the effective area has not been touched, or the result of determination in step S38 is that the “determine” icon is touched. If not, next, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is a release (S41). If the result of this determination is not release, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is a release, then shooting and recording are performed as in the first embodiment (S43). After shooting and recording, the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the “decision” icon displayed on the display surface of the display unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the camera 10 with the eyes away from the eyepiece unit 7c. By touching, the adjustment mode can be selected (see S38 and S40). Further, the adjustment mode can be changed by touching the “change” icon displayed on the display surface of the display unit 8 disposed on the back surface of the camera 10 while the photographer is looking into the eyepiece 7c. (See S28 and S30). In the first embodiment, the adjustment mode and the adjustment of the photographing parameter are switched by putting the eyepiece on the eyepiece 7c or releasing the eye, but in the second embodiment, on the display panel of the display unit 8 Just touch the icon, you can switch, there is no risk of malfunction. In addition, the photographer can change the adjustment mode by touching with the right hand while in the eyepiece state, and can adjust the shooting parameters by rotating the ring-shaped operation unit 6b with the left hand, so that the adjustment can be made quickly. It is possible to change modes and adjust shooting parameters.

  In the present embodiment, the adjustment mode is changed by touching the effective area (“change” icon) (S28). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the adjustment mode may be changed by tapping. In this case, the determination in step S28 may be “tap?” As in step S27, and it may be determined whether or not the vibration has been tapped by the vibration detector 5. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the area of the “decision” icon may be enlarged, and a display for notifying that the change is made by a tap may be performed in this icon.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first and second embodiments, the eyepiece state of the photographer is determined by the eyepiece detection unit 7A. However, in the third embodiment, the display panel of the rear display unit 8 is not provided with a special sensor. By touching the provided icon, the adjustment mode and the adjustment of the shooting parameter are switched.

  The electrical configuration of the camera 10 in the present embodiment is the same as that in the block diagram in which the eyepiece detection unit 7A is omitted in FIG. Also in FIG. 2, the members related to the eyepiece detection unit 7A, that is, the light projecting element 7d, the light receiving lens 7e, and the light receiving element 7f are omitted. In this embodiment, before the adjustment mode is determined, an adjustment mode setting image similar to that in FIG. 6A in the second embodiment is displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8.

  The operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the camera control flowchart shown in FIG. In this flowchart, steps that perform the same processing as the flowchart of FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment or the flowchart of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the camera control flow is entered, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the power is on (S11), and it is determined whether or not the camera is in the shooting mode (S13). If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not a mode determination operation has been performed (S14). In the first and second embodiments, the determination is made by the eyepiece detection unit 7A. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the adjustment mode is determined in step S40.

  If the result of determination in step S14 is that mode determination operation has not been performed, next, as in the first embodiment, the rear display is performed, the touch panel 8b is turned on, and the display on the in-finder display unit 7 is displayed. Turn off (S31). At this time, an adjustment mode setting image as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ring-shaped operation unit 6b has been rotated (S33). If the result of this determination is that the ring-shaped operation member 6b has been rotated, the adjustment mode is changed ( S35). Here, as in the first embodiment, the photographer does not look into the eyepiece unit 7c, but looks at the adjustment mode selection image displayed on the display panel of the display unit 8 while holding the ring-shaped operation unit 6b. The adjustment mode is changed by turning (see FIG. 6A).

  If the adjustment mode is changed in step S35, or if the result of determination in step S33 is that the ring-shaped operation unit 6b has not been rotated, next, “determine” as in the second embodiment. It is determined whether the icon is touched (S38). As a result of this determination, if the “decision” icon is touched, the adjustment mode changed in step S35 is determined.

  If the mode determination operation is performed as a result of the determination in step S14, next, as in the first embodiment, the numerical value of the selected adjustment mode is displayed in the finder (S19). Live view display is performed (S21). Then, the rotation state of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is determined (S23). If the result of this determination is that the ring-shaped operation unit 6b is rotating, the adjustment amount is switched according to the rotation ( S25).

  If the result of determination in step S23 is that the ring-shaped operation portion 6b has not rotated, it is next determined whether or not a tap operation has been performed (S27). Here, based on the detection signal from the vibration detection unit 5, it is determined whether or not the photographer 20 has performed a tap operation. In the present embodiment, when the photographer is adjusting the value of the shooting parameter while the eye is in the eyepiece state, the adjustment mode is changed by a tap operation in order to adjust the value of the shooting parameter in a different adjustment mode. I am doing so.

  If the result of determination in step S27 is that there has been a tap operation, the adjustment mode is changed as in the second embodiment (S30). Here, as described above, the adjustment mode is sequentially changed according to the tap operation. For example, when exposure compensation is selected as the adjustment mode, if the “Change” icon is touched, the adjustment mode is changed to the aperture value, and if the “Change” icon is touched further, the focus is changed. The As shown in FIG. 9, the display on the in-viewfinder display unit 7 includes an adjustment mode currently set (focus adjustment in the example shown) and an adjustment mode set by the next tap operation (example shown). Then, exposure correction) may be displayed. In this case, for example, it may be distinguished by color or the like so that the currently set adjustment mode and the adjustment mode set by the next operation can be identified.

  When the above-described processing in steps S25, S30, and S40 is executed, or if the result of determination in step S27 is that there has been no tap operation, or if the result of determination in step S38 is that the “decision” icon has not been touched Next, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is a release (S41). If the result of this determination is not release, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is a release, then shooting and recording are performed as in the first embodiment (S43). After shooting and recording, the process returns to step S11.

  Thus, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the adjustment mode is not set on the adjustment mode setting screen, the adjustment mode setting screen is continuously displayed, while the adjustment mode is determined. Then, even if the eyepiece state does not occur, the numerical value of the shooting parameter is adjusted by display in the viewfinder. For this reason, the eyepiece detection unit 7A can be omitted, and the size of the camera can be reduced.

  The adjustment mode is changed when there is a tap operation in step S27. In addition to this, it is determined whether or not the touch panel is held, and if the touch panel is held, You may make it hold | maintain adjustment mode. In other words, when the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state, the adjustment mode may be erroneously changed due to vibration such as the photographer's nose hitting the touch panel. Therefore, when the touch panel is held, changing the adjustment mode is prohibited to prevent malfunction.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mode is selected according to the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b performed while observing the display unit 8 that is externally mounted on the camera 10, and the inside of the viewfinder Numerical adjustment is performed according to the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation unit 6b performed while observing the display unit 7. Therefore, the mode and parameters can be set quickly with a simple configuration and without malfunction.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 8 provided on the exterior of the camera 10 is disposed on the back surface of the camera 10, but is not limited to the back surface as long as it is exteriorly mounted. The intra-viewfinder display unit 7 is not limited to an electronic viewfinder (EVF), and for example, an image for adjusting mode or shooting parameter setting may be superimposed on the optical viewfinder unit.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, exposure correction, aperture value, shutter speed value, and focus are exemplified as numerical values of shooting parameters. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in continuous shooting mode. The present invention can be applied to anything that adjusts shooting parameters such as frame speed. Furthermore, although the numerical value of the photographing parameter is displayed, it is only necessary to be able to indicate the photographing parameter such as a bar display without being limited to the numerical value.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. It may be a camera for moving images, or may be a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game device, or the like. In any case, the present invention can be applied to any device that has a photographing function capable of adjusting numerical values of photographing parameters.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image processing and control part, 1a ... Display control part, 1b ... Shooting control part, 1c ... Touch position determination part, 2 ... Imaging part, 2b ... Shooting lens, 2c ... Image sensor, 4 ... Recording unit, 5 ... Vibration detection unit, 6 ... Operation determination unit, 6b ... Ring-like operation unit, 6c ... Release button, 7 ... Finder Inner display unit, 7A ... eyepiece detection unit, 7a ... display panel, 7b ... eyepiece lens, 7c ... eyepiece unit, 7d ... light projecting element, 7e ... light receiving lens, 7f ... light receiving element, 8 ... display unit, 8b ... touch panel, 9 ... clock unit, 10 ... camera, 20 ... photographer, 20L ... left hand, 20R ... right hand

Claims (6)

An operation ring provided along the outer periphery of the camera's taking lens;
An eyepiece finder unit for observing a subject displayed on the display unit in the finder through the eyepiece unit of the camera;
An eyepiece detection unit for detecting an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit;
A display unit provided on the back of the camera and capable of displaying a plurality of modes;
A touch panel that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation on the display surface of the display unit and is turned off when the eyepiece finder unit is used;
When the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in an eyepiece state, the plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit, and one of the plurality of modes is selected according to the operation of the operation ring, and then the touch panel is touched. A mode setting unit for setting the mode according to the touch operation,
A numerical adjustment unit that adjusts numerical values of shooting parameters determined according to the setting of the mode by operating the operation ring while looking at the display unit in the viewfinder in the eyepiece viewfinder unit,
A camera characterized by comprising: The display unit is capable of displaying the change icon,
2. The mode setting unit according to claim 1, wherein when the eyepiece detection unit detects an eyepiece state, the mode setting unit changes the mode when the change icon displayed on the display unit is touched. The listed camera. It further includes a vibration detection unit that detects a tap operation applied to the camera,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the numerical adjustment unit returns the shooting parameter to an initial value when a tap operation is performed.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the eyepiece detection unit includes a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light projection. An operation ring provided along the outer periphery of the photographing lens of the camera, an eyepiece finder unit for observing a subject displayed on the display unit in the finder through the eyepiece unit of the camera, and an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit are detected. Use the eyepiece finder unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation on the display surface of the display unit provided on the back surface of the camera and capable of displaying a plurality of modes. In a control method of a camera having a touch panel that sometimes turns off,
When the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in an eyepiece state, the plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit, and one of the plurality of modes is selected according to the operation of the operation ring, and then the touch panel is touched. A mode setting step for setting the mode according to the touch operation,
A numerical adjustment step for adjusting numerical values of shooting parameters determined according to the setting of the mode by operating the operation ring while looking at the display in the viewfinder in the eyepiece finder,
A camera control method characterized by comprising: An operation ring provided along the outer periphery of the photographing lens of the camera, an eyepiece finder unit for observing a subject displayed on the display unit in the finder through the eyepiece unit of the camera, and an eyepiece state to the eyepiece finder unit are detected. Use the eyepiece finder unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation on the display surface of the display unit provided on the back surface of the camera and capable of displaying a plurality of modes. In a program that runs a camera computer with a touch panel that sometimes turns off,
When the eyepiece detection unit detects that the eyepiece is not in an eyepiece state, the plurality of modes are displayed on the display unit, and one of the plurality of modes is selected according to the operation of the operation ring, and then the touch panel is touched. A mode setting step for setting the mode according to the touch operation,
A numerical adjustment step for adjusting numerical values of shooting parameters determined according to the setting of the mode by operating the operation ring while looking at the display in the viewfinder in the eyepiece finder,
A program that causes a computer to execute.