JP2012147100A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of improving operability by suppressing a photographer from incorrectly operating operation means when a photographer's eye is in contact with a finder.SOLUTION: An imaging device comprises: a finder (10) which displays a subject to be photographed and photographic information; eye-contact detection means for detecting that an eye is in contact with the finder (10); touch-type operation means (9) operated by the photographer; position detection means for detecting a finger position of the photographer who comes in contact with the operation means (9); movement detection means for detecting movement of the finger on the operation means from a reference position (HP) assuming that the position of the finger on the operation means is the reference position (HP) based on the detection result of the position detection means when the eye-contact detection means detects that the eye is in contact with the finder (10) of the photographer; and imaging control means for controlling imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  Some imaging apparatuses perform imaging while a photographer confirms a subject with a viewfinder. In such an imaging device, a configuration in which shooting is set by operating a touch panel arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal screen while looking at the liquid crystal screen, or a configuration in which shooting is set by operating the touch panel while looking through the viewfinder There is. For example, the imaging apparatus of Patent Document 1 employs a configuration in which shooting is set by operating a touch panel while looking through a viewfinder. The imaging apparatus of Patent Document 1 has an eyepiece detection unit that detects an eyepiece of a photographer's viewfinder and a system control circuit, and the system control circuit turns off the backlight of the liquid crystal screen based on the detection result of the eyepiece detection unit. The touch operation in the input enabled area on the touch panel is accepted as effective.

JP 2009-260681 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, when the photographer is in contact with the finder, the display on the liquid crystal screen cannot be seen, and thus the operation intended by the photographer may not be performed smoothly.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that improves operability when a photographer is eyeing a viewfinder.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 10 shown in the embodiment. In addition, in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, the description will be made in association with the reference numerals of the drawings showing an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

  An imaging apparatus (100) according to the present invention includes a finder (10) for displaying a photographing target and photographing information, an eyepiece detecting means (301) for detecting an eyepiece to the finder (10), and a touch type operated by a photographer. Operating means (9), position detecting means (302) for detecting the position of the photographer's finger in contact with the operating means (9), and eyepiece detecting means (301) for the eyepiece to the photographer's viewfinder (10). The position of the finger on the operating means is set as the reference position (HP) based on the detection result by the position detecting means (302), and the finger on the operating means is moved from the reference position (HP). A movement detection unit (303) for detecting, and an imaging control unit (304) for controlling an imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit (303).

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, since the shooting operation can be set and changed even when the photographer is eyeing the viewfinder, operability is improved.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus. It is a figure which shows a reference | standard position setting possible area | region in an operation means similarly. It is a figure which shows a reference position and a movement effective range in the operation means. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the movement of the finger | toe on an operation means, and the display state in a finder similarly. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the movement of the finger | toe on an operation means, and the display state in a finder similarly. It is a perspective view which shows the imaging device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, an actual structure and a scale, a number, and the like in each structure are different.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a front perspective view when the lens barrel 3 is retracted, FIG. 1B is a front perspective view when the lens barrel 3 is extended, and FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view. It is. The imaging device is, for example, a camera equipped with a touch panel that enables a photographer to take an image while checking a subject by eye contact with a viewfinder.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the camera 100 is provided with a lens barrel 3, a decoration ring 4, a viewfinder objective window 5, and a strobe window 6 on the front surface of the camera body (cover) 1. An openable lens barrier 2 is provided on the front surface of the lens barrel 3.

  A release button 7 and a power button 8 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 1. On the back of the camera body 1, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), a touch panel (operation unit) 9, a finder eyepiece window (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a finder) 10, an operation button 11, an audio reproduction unit (speaker). ) 12 is provided. The viewfinder 10 displays a subject (photographing target) and photographing information. Here, the shooting information is information such as a focus area, a photometry area, a face recognition area, sensitivity, aperture value, exposure time, and shutter speed. On the viewfinder 10, at least one of these pieces of shooting information is displayed.

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 100 includes a camera body 1, a lens barrel 3, a low-pass filter 24, an image sensor 20, an AFE (Analog Front End) circuit 21, a DFE (Digital Front End) circuit 22, a TG (Timing Generator). ) 23, system LSI 30, system memory 31, image memory 32, audio codec 33, audio playback unit 12, recording IF (Interface) 34, touch panel 9, display device 17, finder 10, camera operation system 13, exposure meter 15, system A memory 16.

  The lens barrel 3 has a plurality of optical lenses L3 as an imaging optical system, and forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 20. The focal length, zoom magnification, and the like are set according to the position of the subject and the angle of view for shooting, and the arrangement of the constituent lenses is controlled. In FIG. 2, a plurality of optical lenses are simplified and one optical lens is shown.

  The low-pass filter 24 is disposed between the optical lens L3 and the image sensor 20 (in front of the image sensor 20). The low-pass filter 24 is a filter for preventing image aliasing noise.

  The imaging element 20 is configured by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) in which the light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface. Further, the image sensor 20 photoelectrically converts a subject image via the imaging optical system of the lens barrel 3 by a light receiving element to generate an analog image signal, and outputs the analog image signal to the AFE circuit 21.

  The AFE circuit 21 performs gain adjustment (signal amplification in accordance with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sensitivity) for the analog image signal output from the image sensor 20. The AFE circuit 21 amplifies the analog image signal within a predetermined range in accordance with the ISO sensitivity setting information input from the system LSI 30, and uses an internal A / D (Analog Digital) conversion circuit. The amplified analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal and output to the DFE circuit 22.

  The DFE circuit 22 performs gain adjustment (signal amplification in accordance with ISO sensitivity) on the digital image signal output from the AFE circuit 21 and outputs it to the system LSI 30.

  The TG 23 generates a timing for sequentially reading out each pixel of the image sensor 20 in units of rows and supplies the timing to the image sensor 20, the AFE circuit 21, and the DFE circuit 22. The image sensor 20 reads out the signal in units of rows according to the generated timing signal, and outputs an analog video signal to the AFE circuit 21.

  The system LSI 30 is configured by a microprocessor or the like, and supervises the processing performed by the camera 100 by executing a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Control.

  The audio codec 33 decodes the input audio data, converts the decoded digital audio data into analog, and outputs the analog audio data to the audio reproduction unit 12 such as a speaker. The audio playback unit 12 outputs the audio input from the audio codec 33.

  The storage IF 34 is connected to a recording medium 35 such as a memory card, and writes and reads data to and from the connected memory card.

  The touch panel 9 is disposed on the same side as the side on which the finder 10 is disposed in the camera body 1. The touch panel 9 is a touch type operation unit operated by a photographer. The touch panel 9 is attached to the surface of the display device 17 made of, for example, TFTLCD. The display device 17 displays an image based on the image signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 20. The display device 17 displays various settings and shooting conditions in addition to the image to be shot. The display on the display device 17 and the setting change of various setting items are performed by operating the operation buttons 11. Various setting items whose settings are changed include zoom magnification setting, shooting mode setting (auto mode / manual mode setting), white balance setting, exposure time setting, display switching setting, and the like.

  The viewfinder 10, the display device 17, and the touch panel 9 are controlled by the system LSI 30, and can perform display and input according to the scene.

  The camera operation system 13 includes operation buttons 11, a lens control system 14, and the like. For example, when the photographer operates the operation button 11, the arrangement of the lens L3 in the lens barrel 3 is controlled.

  The exposure meter 15 measures the intensity of light in photographing a subject and calculates an exposure time to be set. The exposure meter 15 can be linked with the shutter speed and the aperture value. For example, the exposure meter 15 displays the aperture value at which the appropriate exposure is obtained at the current shutter speed from the preset film sensitivity and the photometric result.

  The system memory 16 temporarily stores lens arrangement data in the pre-process and post-process for controlling the arrangement of the lens L3 by the lens control system 14, and in the pre-process and post-process for determining the exposure time by the exposure meter 15. The shutter speed and aperture value are temporarily stored.

  The finder 10 has a combining unit that combines the shooting information displayed on the display device 17 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the shooting target and displays the combined information. In the finder, in addition to the subject to be photographed, photographing information such as a focus area, a photometric area, a sensitive recognition area, sensitivity, aperture value, exposure time, shutter speed, and the like are displayed.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The system LSI 30 includes, for example, an eyepiece detection unit (eyepiece detection unit) 301, a position detection unit (position detection unit) 302, a movement detection unit (movement detection unit) 303, an imaging control unit (imaging control unit) 304, and a display control unit ( A display control unit) 305, a contact time detection unit (contact time detection unit) 306, a selection unit (selection unit) 307, a notification unit (notification unit) 308, and a photographer recognition unit (photographer recognition unit) 309. Yes.

  The “eyepiece detection unit 301” detects an eyepiece of the photographer on the finder 10. The “position detection unit 302” detects the position of the photographer's finger that touches the touch panel 9. The “movement detection unit 303” detects the movement of the photographer's finger on the touch panel 9 based on the detection result by the position detection unit 302 when the eyepiece detection unit 301 detects the eyepiece to the finder 10 of the photographer. To detect. The “imaging control unit 304” controls the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Here, the imaging operation is an operation for changing a focusing area, a photometric area, a face recognition area, sensitivity, exposure time, aperture value, shutter speed, and the like.

  The “display control unit 305” controls the display state of the finder 10. The display control unit 305 changes the display state of the finder 10 based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Here, the display state is a display content displayed on the finder 10 such as a cursor for displaying an in-focus area, a photometry area, and a face recognition area, or sensitivity, exposure time, aperture value, shutter speed, and the like.

  The “contact time detection unit 306” detects the contact time during which the finger is in contact with the position detected by the position detection unit 302. The “selection unit 307” causes the photographer to select whether or not to store the position of the finger detected by the position detection unit 302 in the reference position storage unit 311 as a reference position. The “notification unit 308” is configured to place the finger on the photographer when the finger detected by the position detection unit 302 is in contact with the touch panel 9 at a position outside the range stored in the range storage unit 312 described later. Notify you to move in. The “photographer recognizing unit 309” recognizes that a specific photographer is photographing when a reference position stored in a reference position storage unit 311 described later is the same as the reference position stored most recently. To do.

  The system memory 31 includes, for example, the reference position storage unit 311 and the range storage unit 312 described above. The “reference position storage unit 311” stores the position of the photographer's finger that touches the touch panel 9 as the reference position based on the detection result by the position detection unit 302. The “range storage unit 312” stores a range that can be set as a reference position on the touch panel 9.

  The system memory 31 temporarily stores the digital image signal in a pre-process or a post-process of gain adjustment for the digital image signal by the DFE circuit 22. The image memory 32 stores captured digital image data.

Next, the operation of the imaging operation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention (operation from the start of shooting until the display state in the finder is changed through setting of the reference position).
As shown in FIG. 4, when the eyepiece detection unit 301 detects an eyepiece to the finder 10 of the photographer in step S1, the system LSI 30 turns off the backlight of the display device 17 in step S2. In step S3, the operation during eyepiece detection (operation for accepting input to the touch panel 9) is permitted.

  In step S <b> 4, the system LSI 30 determines whether the photographer's finger is in contact with the touch panel 9 based on the detection result of the position detection unit 302. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S4.

  In step S5, the system LSI 30 determines whether or not the position of the finger in contact with the touch panel 9 is appropriate. The determination as to whether or not the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 is appropriate is within a range that the position detection unit 302 can set as a reference position on the touch panel 9 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a reference position settable region). This is performed depending on whether or not the position of the photographer's finger is detected at this position. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S11.

  Here, the reference position settable area on the touch panel 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reference position setting area in the touch panel 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 9Aa is a reference position setting possible area, and reference numeral 9Ab is a reference position setting impossible area.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the reference position setting area 9 </ b> Aa is rectangular, and is formed in the central portion of the touch panel 9 with an area that is slightly smaller than the size (area) of the touch panel 9. The reference position non-setting area 9Ab is formed in a frame shape around the reference position setting area 9Aa. The width of the reference position non-setting area 9Ab (the distance between the inner side and the outer side) is set to a predetermined length. For example, the width of the reference position non-setting area 9Ab is such that when the reference position is stored in the peripheral portion of the reference position setting non-configurable area 9Aa (the boundary portion with the reference position non-setting area 9Ab), It is good to set to the length which can be moved (for example, the range of 10-20 mm).

  The range storage unit 312 stores a reference position settable area 9Aa. The reference position storage unit 311 does not store the position of the reference position non-setting area 9Ab stored in the range storage unit 312 as the reference position.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5 that the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 is appropriate, in step S6, the system LSI 30 displays the photographer on the touch panel 9 based on the detection result of the contact time detection unit 306. It is determined whether or not the finger is in contact for a predetermined time or longer (eg, 3 seconds or longer). The contact time detection unit 306 detects the contact time during which the finger is in contact with the position detected by the position detection unit 302. If an affirmative determination is made in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S4.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 is inappropriate, the notification unit 308 causes the photographer to place the finger on the touch panel 9 in the reference position setting area 9Aa in step S11. To move within the range. When a warning message is displayed in the finder and the photographer corrects the position of the finger within the range of the reference position setting area 9Aa on the touch panel 9 in step S12, the process proceeds to step S6.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S6, the selection unit 307 causes the photographer to select whether or not to store the position of the finger in the reference position storage unit 311 in step S7. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S4.

  In step S8, the reference position storage unit 311 stores the position of the finger detected by the position detection unit 302 as a reference position.

  Next, when the finger on the touch panel 9 moves from the reference position in step S9, the movement detection unit 303 detects the amount of movement of the finger from the reference position.

  In step S10, based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 302, control of the imaging operation and control of the display state in the finder are performed. The imaging operation is controlled by the imaging control unit 304. The display control unit 305 controls the display state in the viewfinder.

  According to the camera 100 of the present embodiment, the detection result of the position detection unit 302 is provided when the finder 10 that displays the shooting target and the shooting information is provided and the photographer is in contact with the finder 10 by the movement detection unit 303. Based on the above, the position of the finger on the touch panel 9 is set as the reference position HP, and the movement of the finger on the touch panel from the reference position HP is detected. Then, the imaging operation unit 304 controls the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Therefore, it is possible to set and change the photographing operation even when the photographer is eyeing the viewfinder.

  In addition, when the photographer looks into the finder 10, the reference position HP can be set at an arbitrary position by touching the finger on the touch panel 9. Even if they are different, the reference position HP can be made to correspond to the reference of each person. Therefore, the photographer can operate the touch panel 9 while looking through the finder 10 without feeling uncomfortable.

  Further, according to this configuration, the display control unit 305 is provided, and the display control unit 305 changes the display state of the finder 10 based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, so that the photographer moves the finger on the touch panel. Accordingly, it can be recognized that the display of the finder 10 changes.

  Further, according to this configuration, since the reference position storage unit 311 and the selection unit 307 are included, the photographer selects whether or not to store the finger position on the touch panel 9 as the reference position HP in the reference position storage unit 311. can do.

  Further, according to this configuration, the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP is provided because the range storage unit 312 is provided and the reference position storage unit 311 does not store the position outside the range stored in the range storage unit 312 as the reference position HP. The range of movement of the upper finger is expanded. On the other hand, when the reference position storage unit 311 stores a position outside the range stored in the range storage unit 312 as the reference position HP, the movement range of the finger on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP is narrowed. . Therefore, operability is improved.

  Further, according to this configuration, since the notification unit 308 is provided, the photographer can recognize that the finger is in contact with the touch panel 9 at a position outside the range stored in the range storage unit 312. it can.

  In addition, according to this configuration, the touch time detection unit 306 is provided, and the reference position storage unit 311 has a finger on the touch panel 9 when the contact time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time based on the detection result of the contact time detection unit 306. The contact position is stored as the reference position HP. Therefore, the photographer can store a desired position as the reference position HP by bringing the finger on the touch panel 9 for a predetermined time or longer.

  Further, according to this configuration, when the notification unit 308 notifies the photographer to move the finger within the range when the out-of-range contact time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the photographer stores the information in the range storage unit 312. It can be recognized within a predetermined time that the finger is touching the touch panel 9 at a position outside the range. For example, by setting the predetermined time to a short time, the photographer can quickly notice that the finger is touching the touch panel 9 at a position outside the range stored in the range storage unit 312.

  Further, according to this configuration, the touch panel 9 is arranged on the same side as the side on which the finder 10 is arranged in the camera body 1, so that the photographer can easily operate the touch panel 9 while removing the finder 10. Become. For example, when the photographer takes a picture with the camera 100 with both hands, the touch panel 9 can be operated with the thumb of one hand.

  In the present embodiment, the notification unit 308 notifies the photographer that the finger is moved within the range of the reference position settable area 9Aa on the touch panel 9 by displaying a warning message in the finder 10. You may alert | report by a sound and vibration. The notification by sound can be performed, for example, by issuing an alarm from the speaker 12. The notification by vibration can be performed, for example, by vibrating the camera body by a vibration function.

  In this embodiment, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a face recognition area, moves the predetermined area FP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, and the imaging control unit 304. Has been described with reference to an example in which the face recognition area is controlled based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a focus area or a photometric area, moves the predetermined area FP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit, and the imaging control unit 304 detects the movement. The focus area or the photometry area may be controlled based on the detection result of the unit 303. Thus, the photographer can focus on a desired subject in the finder 10 by moving a finger on the touch panel 9.

  In this embodiment, the selection unit 307 stores the finger position detected by the position detection unit 302 as the reference position in the reference position storage unit 311 when the eye detection unit detects the eyepiece to the viewfinder 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, whether or not the selection unit 307 stores the finger position detected by the position detection unit 302 as the reference position in the reference position storage unit 311 when the eye detection unit has not detected an eyepiece to the finder 10. May be selected by the photographer. Thereby, the photographer can set the reference position HP at an arbitrary position by touching the finger on the touch panel 9 before looking into the viewfinder 10.

  In the present embodiment, when the notification unit 308 determines that the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 is inappropriate, the notification unit 308 causes the photographer to place his / her finger in the reference position setting area 9Aa on the touch panel 9. Although it is informing to move within the range, it is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the finger has not touched the touch panel 9 for a predetermined time or longer, the notification unit 308 may notify the photographer to touch the finger on the touch panel 9 for a predetermined time or longer.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 is determined as appropriate, and the position of the finger on the touch panel 9 is set as the reference position by the photographer's selection. However, it is not limited to this. Hereinafter, modes in which different reference position setting modes are used will be described with reference to FIG.

(Mode for registering and calling the reference position by personal identification)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation (operation from detection of the reference position to determination of the reference position) of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the detection of the reference position is started, the position detection unit 302 detects the position of the finger in contact with the touch panel 9 (step S21 shown in FIG. 5). Then, as described above, it is determined whether or not the position of the finger in contact with the touch panel 9 is appropriate (step S5 shown in FIG. 4). After determining whether or not (step S6 shown in FIG. 4) and determining whether or not to store the position of the finger touching the touch panel 9 as a reference position (step S7 shown in FIG. 4), the photographer selects Thus, the position of the finger on the touch panel 9 is set as the reference position (step S8 shown in FIG. 4).

  Next, when setting the reference position, the system LSI 30 determines whether the reference position has changed based on the detection result by the position detection unit 302 (step S22 shown in FIG. 5). Whether or not the reference position has changed is determined based on whether or not the reference position stored in the reference position storage unit 311 is the same as the most recently stored reference position.

  If it is determined that the reference position has not changed, that is, the reference position stored in the reference position storage unit 311 is the same as the most recently stored reference position, the photographer recognition unit 309 is determined by a specific photographer. It is recognized that photographing has been performed (step S24 shown in FIG. 5). Thereby, the reference position is specified (step S25 shown in FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reference position has changed, that is, the reference position stored in the reference position storage unit 311 is different from the most recently stored reference position, the finger currently in contact with the touch panel Is determined as a reference position (step S23 shown in FIG. 5).

  According to this configuration, since the photographer recognition unit 309 is provided, when a reference position HP stored in the reference position storage unit 311 is the same as the reference position HP stored most recently, shooting is performed by a specific photographer. Recognized as being done. Therefore, when the same photographer uses the camera 100 continuously, it can be automatically determined without newly setting the reference position HP.

(Mode for operating the AF area using the touch panel)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the reference position and the effective movement range in the touch panel 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, symbol HP is a reference position, symbol UA is an upward effective range, symbol DA is a downward effective range, symbol RA is a right effective range, and symbol LA is a left effective range. In FIG. 7, a partial area of the reference position setting area 9 </ b> Aa on the touch panel 9 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the reference position HP is determined at a predetermined position on the touch panel 9, an effective movement range is determined around the reference position HP. Here, the “moving effective range” has an upper effective range UA, a lower effective range DA, a right effective range RA, and a left effective range LA. When the photographer's finger touches the effective movement range in each direction, the movement detection unit 303 detects the movement of the finger in each direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position. For example, when the photographer's finger contacts the right effective range RA, the movement detection unit 303 detects the movement of the finger in the right direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP. Then, the imaging control unit 304 controls the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303.

  According to this configuration, the AF area can be operated by simply moving the finger in each direction on the touch panel 9 without operating the cross key while pressing a predetermined button on the camera body.

(Mode to operate the face recognition area using the touch panel)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the movement of the finger on the touch panel 9 and the display state in the finder 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, symbol HP is a reference position on the touch panel 9, and symbol FP is a predetermined area in the finder 10. Here, the predetermined area is a cursor display displayed in the finder. The display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as an in-focus area or a face recognition area, and moves the predetermined area FP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. In FIG. 8, a configuration in which the display control unit 305 displays a predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a face recognition area will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, two humanoid subjects are displayed in the finder 10 on the front side and the rear side. A predetermined area FP is displayed at the center of the finder 10. When the reference position HP is set on the touch panel 9, the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 moves the finger in each direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Move accordingly.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the photographer's finger moves from the reference position HP in the upper right direction on the touch panel 9, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a face recognition area. Based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, the center of the viewfinder 10 is moved in the upper right direction. The imaging control unit 304 controls the palm region based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 and performs imaging. Thereby, imaging is performed in a state where the face is recognized as the rear subject among the two subjects. In FIG. 8B, the finger is moved from the reference position HP in the upper right direction on the touch panel 9, but not limited to this oblique direction, for example, the finger is moved from the reference position HP to the right direction on the touch panel 9. Even if it is moved, imaging is performed in a state where a face is recognized as a rear subject among the two subjects.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the photographer's finger moves from the reference position HP in the upper left direction on the touch panel 9, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a face recognition area. Based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, the center of the finder 10 is moved in the upper left direction. The imaging control unit 304 controls the face recognition area based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 and performs imaging. Thereby, imaging is performed in a state where the face is recognized by the front subject of the two subjects.

  According to this configuration, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a palmar area, moves the predetermined area FP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, and the imaging control unit 304 moves. The palm area is controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit 303. Therefore, the photographer can focus on a desired subject in the finder 10 by moving a finger on the touch panel 9.

  Further, according to this configuration, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in the finder 10 as a face recognition area, moves the predetermined area FP based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303, and the imaging control unit 304 controls the face recognition area based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Therefore, the photographer can set face recognition on a desired subject in the finder 10 by moving a finger on the touch panel 9.

(A mode in which the movement of the finger on the touch panel matches the movement of the cursor in the viewfinder)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the movement of the finger on the touch panel 9 and the display state in the finder 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, reference numeral HP is a reference position on the touch panel 9, reference numeral EP is a predetermined position (arbitrary position) on the touch panel 9, reference numeral FP <b> 1 is a predetermined area before movement in the finder 10, and reference numeral FP <b> 2 is movement in the finder 10. This is a later predetermined area. In FIG. 9, a movement mode when the display control unit 305 moves the predetermined area based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 will be described. In FIG. 9, a humanoid object is only displayed on the right side in the viewfinder 10.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the photographer's finger moves from the reference position HP to an arbitrary position EP in the upper left direction on the touch panel 9, the display control unit 305 moves a predetermined area in the finder 10 on the touch panel 9. Is displayed in correspondence with the movement path of the finger. That is, the predetermined area FP1 in the center of the finder 10 moves to the predetermined area FP2 in the upper left direction in the finder 10 along the finger movement path on the touch panel 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the photographer's finger moves on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP to an arbitrary position EP, the display control unit 305 moves a predetermined area in the finder 10 to an arbitrary position on the touch panel 9. And moved to a position corresponding to the position EP. That is, the predetermined area FP1 at the center in the finder 10 is the shortest path (the center of the predetermined area FP1 and the predetermined area FP2) to the predetermined area FP2 in the upper left direction in the finder regardless of the finger movement path on the touch panel 9. Move along a straight line connecting the centers of

  According to this configuration, the display control unit 305 displays the predetermined area FP in correspondence with the finger movement path on the touch panel 9, so that the photographer recognizes the finger movement path on the touch panel 9 in the finder 10. be able to. Therefore, the photographer's operational feeling is improved.

  Further, according to this configuration, when the finger moves on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP to the arbitrary position EP, the display control unit 305 moves the predetermined area FP to a position corresponding to the arbitrary position EP and displays it. To do. That is, the predetermined area moves in accordance with the finger movement start point and end point (arbitrary position) on the touch panel 9 regardless of the finger movement path on the touch panel 9. Therefore, operability is improved.

(Mode for changing shooting settings by moving your finger up, down, left or right)
The imaging control unit 304 controls the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 that detects the movement of the finger on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP. The control of the imaging operation by the imaging control unit 304 changes the shooting information in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in each direction from the reference position HP.

  For example, the “first direction” is the upward direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP, the “second direction” is the right direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP, and the “third direction” is the reference position HP. The downward direction on the touch panel 9 from the “4th direction” is the left direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP. When four directions are set from the reference position HP in this way, the imaging control unit 304 sets four types of shooting information (for example, sensitivity, exposure time, aperture value, shutter speed) in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. Can be changed.

  Four types of shooting information in the imaging operation by the imaging control unit 304 are associated with four directions from the reference position HP. Specifically, the sensitivity is associated with the first direction, the exposure time is associated with the second direction, the aperture value is associated with the third direction, and the shutter speed is associated with the fourth direction. Then, when the finger moves in the first direction (upward on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP), the imaging control unit 304 changes the sensitivity in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303. . The imaging control unit 304 changes the exposure time in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the second direction (right direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP). The imaging control unit 304 changes the aperture value in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the third direction (downward on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP). The imaging control unit 304 changes the shutter speed in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the fourth direction (the left direction on the touch panel 9 from the reference position HP).

  According to this configuration, the imaging control unit 304 changes the sensitivity in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the first direction. Therefore, the photographer can change the sensitivity in the imaging operation by moving the finger on the touch panel 9.

  Further, according to this configuration, the imaging control unit 304 changes the exposure time in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the second direction. Therefore, the photographer can change the exposure time in the imaging operation by moving the finger on the touch panel 9.

  Further, according to this configuration, the imaging control unit 304 changes the aperture value in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the third direction. Therefore, the photographer can change the aperture value in the imaging operation by moving the finger on the touch panel 9.

  Further, according to this configuration, the imaging control unit 304 changes the shutter speed in the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection unit 303 when the finger moves in the fourth direction. Therefore, the photographer can change the shutter speed in the imaging operation by moving the finger on the touch panel 9.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the camera 200 of this embodiment, the operation unit 19 is a pointing device, and the pointing device 19 is disposed on the opposite side of the camera body 1 from the side on which the finder 10 is disposed. This is different from the camera 100 of the first embodiment. Since the other points are the same as the above-described configuration, the same elements as those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the pointing device 19 is attached to the side opposite to the side on which the lens barrel 3 is disposed on the front surface of the body in front of the camera body 1. The pointing device 19 is a touch type operation unit operated by a photographer. Although not shown, the pointing device 19 has a reference position settable area and a reference position non-settable area as in the touch panel 9 described above.

  According to the camera 200 of the present embodiment, since the pointing device 19 is arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the finder 10 is arranged in the camera body 1, the photographer operates the pointing device 19 while removing the finder 10. It becomes easy. For example, when the photographer takes a picture with the camera 100 with both hands, the pointing device 19 can be operated with the index finger of one hand.

  In the present embodiment, the pointing device 19 is attached to the front of the body in front of the camera body 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the pointing device 19 may be attached to a surface such as an upper surface, a lower surface, and left and right side surfaces of the camera body 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera body (cover), 9 ... Touch panel (operation means), 9Aa ... Reference position setting area (range which can be set as a reference position), 10 ... Finder, 19 ... Pointing device (operation means), 100, 200 ... Camera (imaging device), 301 ... eyepiece detection unit (eyepiece detection unit), 302 ... position detection unit (position detection unit), 303 ... movement detection unit (movement detection unit), 304 ... imaging control unit (imaging control unit), 305 ... Display control unit (display control means), 306 ... Contact time detection unit (contact time detection means), 307 ... Selection part (selection means), 308 ... Notification part (notification means), 309 ... Photographer recognition part (shooting) Person recognition means), 311 ... reference position storage section (reference position storage means), 312 ... range storage section (range storage means), HP ... reference position, EP ... arbitrary position, FP ... predetermined area

Claims (21)

A viewfinder that displays the shooting target and shooting information,
Eyepiece detecting means for detecting an eyepiece to the viewfinder;
Touch-type operation means operated by the photographer;
Position detecting means for detecting the position of a photographer's finger in contact with the operating means;
When the eyepiece detection unit detects an eyepiece of the photographer on the finder, the position of the finger on the operation unit is set as a reference position based on the detection result by the position detection unit, and the position from the reference position is determined. Movement detection means for detecting movement of the finger on the operation means;
Imaging control means for controlling the imaging operation based on the detection result of the movement detection means;
An imaging device comprising: It further has a display control means for controlling the display state of the finder,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls a display state of the finder based on a detection result of the movement detection unit. The display control means displays a predetermined area in the finder as a focus area, a photometry area or a face recognition area, and moves the predetermined area based on a detection result of the movement detection means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging control unit controls the focusing area, the photometric area, or the face recognition area based on a detection result of the movement detection unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit displays the predetermined area in correspondence with a movement path of a finger on the operation unit.   The display control means, when a finger moves on the operation means from the reference position to an arbitrary position, displays the predetermined area by moving it to a position corresponding to the arbitrary position. 3. The imaging device according to 3. Reference position storage means for storing, as a reference position, the position of a photographer's finger that touches the operation means based on a detection result by the position detection means;
Selection means for allowing the photographer to select whether or not to store the position of the finger in the reference position storage means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A range storage unit for storing a range that can be set as the reference position in the operation unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reference position storage unit does not store a position outside the range stored by the range storage unit as a reference position.   Informing the photographer to move the finger within the range when the finger detected by the position detection unit is in contact with the operation unit at a position outside the range stored in the range storage unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means. Contact time detecting means for detecting a contact time in which the finger is in contact with the position detected by the position detecting means;
The reference position storage means stores, as a reference position, a position where the finger is in contact with the operation means when the contact time is a predetermined time or more based on a detection result of the contact time detection means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized. The contact time detection means detects an out-of-range contact time in which the finger detected by the position detection means is in contact with the operation means at a position outside the range stored in the range storage means;
The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the notification unit notifies a photographer to move the finger into the range when the out-of-range contact time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.   When the reference position stored in the reference position storage means is the same as the most recently stored reference position, the camera further comprises a photographer recognition means for recognizing that a specific photographer is taking a picture. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   The selection means determines whether or not to store the position of the finger detected by the position detection means as a reference position in the reference position storage means when the eyepiece detection means has not detected an eyepiece to the finder. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a photographer is selected.   The imaging control means changes sensitivity in an imaging operation based on a detection result of the movement detection means when a finger moves in a first direction. The imaging device described in 1.   The imaging control means changes exposure time based on a detection result of the movement detection means when a finger moves in a second direction. Imaging device.   15. The imaging control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the finger moves in a third direction, the imaging control unit changes the aperture value based on a detection result of the movement detection unit. Imaging device.   The said imaging control means changes a shutter speed based on the detection result of the said movement detection means, when a finger | toe moves to a 4th direction, It is any one of Claims 1-15 characterized by the above-mentioned. Imaging device. A cover for fixing the finder and the operation means;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is disposed on the same side of the cover as the side on which the finder is disposed. A cover for fixing the finder and the operation means;
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is disposed on a side of the cover opposite to a side on which the finder is disposed.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is a touch panel.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is a pointing device.   21. The imaging information according to claim 1, wherein the shooting information is at least one of a focus area, a photometry area, a face recognition area, sensitivity, aperture value, exposure time, and shutter speed. Imaging device.

Images