HK1089602B - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

Image pickup apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus which can be configured to have various functions by selecting a connection mode thereof by a power switch or a recording/reproducing mode changeover switch, or by providing an automatic power-off function, or by providing a means for reporting when an operation mode is changed in a power-on state when the image pickup apparatus is connected to a device conforming to a predetermined standard, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example, a printing apparatus.

Background

(1) In an image pickup apparatus of the related art, for example, a camera with a still image recording/reproducing function, although it is connectable to a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) of a USB device, in recent years, a function (hereinafter, referred to as a picture bridge function) has been installed in which a printing apparatus can be directly connected to a USB cable and a still image can be directly printed from the printing apparatus. For example, as described in the patent document No. 2000-66774 (page 3, FIG. 1).

(2) In a camera, in a ready-to-pick-up state, in order to immediately start recording in response to a recording start request from a user, a video tape is usually brought into contact with a rotary magnetic head, and the rotary magnetic head is also continuously operated. However, the tape or the rotating head is damaged by repeated rubbing of the head against the same portion of the tape. To prevent such damage, the power supply is automatically turned off to stop the rotation of the magnetic head, often after a predetermined period of time has elapsed in preparation for the imaging state.

(3) When there are a plurality of operation modes, there is a mode in which an LED corresponding to the operation mode is caused to emit light or blink, or is visually indicated.

However, in the imaging apparatus described in (1) of the related art, if there is an imaging apparatus having an image bridging function, there is a problem in that, when the imaging apparatus is connected to a conventional PC or connected to a printing apparatus, it is necessary to select the imaging apparatus and the conventional PC or the printing apparatus, and therefore: this option complicates the construction.

Therefore, in an imaging apparatus, for example, a camera, and a device having an image bridging function, there are problems that: it is necessary to solve the problem of attaching a function capable of simply selecting connection with a PC or a printing apparatus.

In addition, in the imaging apparatus described in (2) of the related art, since the power supply is automatically turned off and the magnetic head is stopped after the preparation imaging time has continued for a predetermined time, in such an apparatus, in order to prevent the magnetic head or the video tape from being damaged, there is a problem that the power supply is not automatically turned off when the video tape is not loaded, when the imaging mode of still images or moving images is on standby for the memory card, or when the video tape or the memory card is on standby for the reproduction mode, and the electric power (supplied from the battery or AC) is unnecessarily consumed. Therefore, when the user erroneously keeps the state during the stand-by of the regeneration mode, and thus idles the camera, the remaining capacity of the battery becomes zero after a predetermined time. When the user wants to shoot, the user cannot shoot the photo, and the shooting chance is lost.

On the other hand, in the imaging system for shooting on a video tape, although the power is naturally turned off to prevent the above-described damage, if the user performs another operation other than starting the recording while keeping the image pickup ready, for example, a character input operation for generating a title is performed on a touch panel, and the power is turned off when a predetermined time elapses, there is a problem in that the user's view is that: in operation, the power supply is cut off, so that the operation cannot be continued and is inconvenient.

Therefore, the automatic power-off function is enabled to be turned on/off in the operation menu of most or all modes, and is not turned off under a specific condition in the setting of the automatic power-off. This specific condition includes a case where a user always performs some operation from the viewpoint of the user, such as pressing a certain key of the camera or touching the touch panel, and when there are these key operations, there is a problem that: the problem of the extended time before the power is automatically turned off must be solved.

Furthermore, in the imaging device described in (3) in the related art, if the configuration is adopted in which the LED is lit or blinked when the operation mode is switched, a dedicated LED is provided in order to know the operation mode, and thus there is a problem in that; the costs of this part are correspondingly increased.

Therefore, there are problems that: it is necessary to solve the problem of not increasing the cost by using the display means for switching the operation mode in combination with the display means for performing the menu operation, for example.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the above problem, the imaging apparatus according to the present application is configured as follows:

(1) an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject; a recording/reproducing means for recording and reproducing the data photographed by the photographing means; still image recording/reproducing means for recording/reproducing still image data captured by the imaging means; a display means for displaying the image data captured by the image capturing means on a screen and having a function as a touch panel; a connection means for connecting to an external device conforming to the USB standard; a power supply means having a power switch for supplying power to the device; and a mode switching means having a plurality of operation modes in a power-on state and capable of switching the plurality of operation modes, wherein the connection means selects or sets a connection mode with the external device by switching the power switch or the mode switching means.

(2) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that: the external device includes a printing apparatus complying with the USB standard, connected with a USB cable.

(3) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that: when the connection means is connected to the external device, the connection mode is displayed on the screen of the display means, and an appropriate operation is guided.

(4) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that: the automatic power-off function is provided to automatically turn off the power supply after a predetermined time elapses in a state where the device is idle.

(5) The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 is characterized in that: the automatic power-off function is selected by a user using an operation menu displayed on a screen by the display means, and when the automatic power-off is selected by the operation menu, the automatic power-off function is controlled so that the power is not turned off under a specific condition.

(6) The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that: the specific conditions include being connected with wire or wireless and other electronic devices.

(7) The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that: in addition to the specific condition, an automatic extension means is provided for automatically extending the time until the power is automatically turned off when the user performs a key switch operation or a touch panel operation.

(8) The imaging apparatus according to claim 7 is characterized in that: the automatic extension means can effectively function even if the operation is a key operation other than the touch key for which the touch panel operation is effective.

(9) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that: when the operation mode is switched by the mode switching means, operation mode reporting means is provided for displaying a feature screen indicating the switched operation mode on the screen of the display means.

(10) The imaging apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized in that: the multiple working modes comprise: a video tape image pickup system for recording data picked up by the image pickup means on a video tape, and a memory image pickup system for writing the data picked up by the image pickup means in a memory.

(11) The imaging apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized in that: the operation mode reporting means displays the feature screen only on the screen of the display means for a predetermined time from the time of switching the operation mode.

(12) The imaging apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized in that: the operation mode reporting means can display a characteristic picture on the picture of the display means when the operation mode is switched, and can report by sound.

(13) The imaging apparatus according to claim 12 is characterized in that: the report by the sound is a sound different from the switching operation mode.

(14) The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that: when the mode switching means switches the operation mode, the audio reporting means outputs an electronic audio or music indicating the switched operation mode.

(15) The imaging apparatus according to claim 14 is characterized in that: the plurality of operation modes include a video tape image pickup mode in which data picked up by the image pickup means is recorded on a video tape, and a memory image pickup mode in which data picked up by the image pickup means is written in a memory.

(16) The imaging apparatus according to claim 14 is characterized in that: the sound reporting means outputs an electronic sound or music only for a predetermined time from the time of switching the operation mode.

(17) The imaging apparatus according to claim 14 is characterized in that: the sound reporting means is electronic sound or music different for each switching working mode.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a USB device displayed on a display unit screen of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the power supply portion of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is turned on and off.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the automatic power OFF function of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is superimposed and displayed on the screen of the display unit.

Fig. 5 is an explanatory view showing a button area and areas other than the button area on the display unit screen of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the automatic power-off function of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart for operating the automatic power-off function of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a feature screen displayed when switching the specific operation mode of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how the sound outputted when switching the specific operation mode of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is performed.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, various embodiments of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is configured to be able to communicate with an external USB device using a USB cable. For example, a printer (printing apparatus), a PC connection, including: an image pickup unit 11 that picks up an object; an input unit 12 composed of a power switch, a mode changeover switch for switching the operation mode, an image bridge switch for performing an image bridge function, and other buttons; a display unit 13 composed of a screen having a touch screen operation function; a signal processing unit 14 that processes image data and the like captured by the imaging unit 11; a recording/reproducing section 15 for recording the captured image signal on a recording/reproducing medium such as a video tape; a memory card 16 as a removable recording/reproducing medium for storing still image data; a memory card controller 17 that controls the memory card 16; a USB interface 18 for controlling data transmission and reception between an external device, i.e., a USB device 21, and a USB cable 20; and a controller 19 that controls the imaging unit 11, the recording/reproducing unit 15, the input unit 12, the display unit 13, the signal processing unit 14, the memory card controller 17, and the USB interface 18, respectively.

In the image pickup apparatus composed of the above-described constituent units, the USB interface 18 is controlled by the controller 19 so that still image data prestored in the memory card 16 can be transferred, or the USB interface 18 is controlled by the controller 19 so that data of the signal processing unit 14 can be transferred, depending on the kind of the external USB device 21 connected to the image pickup apparatus 10 with the USB cable 20.

The user can set and change such control by using the switch of the input unit 12, that is, the power switch in the embodiment, or the mode changeover switch for switching the video tape image pickup mode, the memory image pickup mode, and the reproduction mode among the operation modes.

As shown in fig. 2, this setting can be confirmed on the display unit 13, and if 'printer connected' is displayed in reverse, the printer is connected and has a function for driving the printer. Further, information such as the state of the device can be displayed to the user.

For example, in the setting of transferring data of the signal processing unit 14 to the external USB device 21, a printer to which the external USB device is connected is assumed in a state where the controller 19 is set to control the USB interface 18. When the still image data in the memory card 16 is transferred in this state and the function of printing from the printer (image bridge function) is executed, the user executes the image bridge function by pressing the image bridge function selection execution button (image bridge switch) of the input unit 12, and the still image data stored in the memory card 16 is printed on the printer.

However, in order to change to a control setting in which the still image data of the memory card 16 can be transferred by the controller 19, a display is made using the display unit 13 to prompt the user to change the setting, resulting in a selectable state. Thereafter, the selection is changed to a control setting capable of transferring the still image data of the memory card 16 by the input unit 12.

In this state, as long as the USB cable 20 and the external USB device 21 can be connected and transferred, the image bridging function is executed. If the USB cable 20 is not connected, the display unit 13 can also display the user that the USB cable 20 is not connected, for example, to prompt the user to connect.

When the mode is changed by the input unit 12, for example, there are a video tape image pickup mode, a memory image pickup mode, and a reproduction mode, and when communication with the USB device 21 is possible in each mode, it is possible to change the mode selection of the USB device 21 to the mode for performing only signal processing communication.

In this way, the imaging apparatus 10 can change the setting items and contents of the mode state of the imaging apparatus 10 that can be switched by a mode changeover switch or the like for the part where the setting of the items is troublesome according to the type of the USB device connected, and can execute the application by providing a selection method of an appropriate communication method and an appropriate state indication when executing the application of USB communication from the imaging apparatus 10 according to various setting values stored in advance, the connection with a USB cable, the presence or absence of insertion of a removable memory card 16, or the like, so that the user can execute the application conveniently.

An imaging apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The imaging apparatus according to embodiment 2 has an automatic power-off function for automatically turning off the power supply under a predetermined condition, in addition to the imaging system, and has the same hardware configuration as that shown in fig. 1 described in the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Here, as shown in fig. 3, the power mode switching switch of the input unit is configured as a switchable switch, except that the power is turned on/off, and the power is turned off at the power 'off' position, and power is supplied to the device at the 'on' position, and the power is switched by sliding the wrench at the 'on' position downward. When the wrench is slid away from this mode direction, the bounce returns to the 'on' position (back).

The spanner is arranged at the 'on' position, the power supply is connected, when the spanner slides to the mode, the 'video tape shooting mode' is realized, the uppermost indicator lamp is lightened, when the spanner returned by bouncing slides to the mode again, the 'memory card shooting mode' is realized, the second indicator lamp is lightened, when the spanner returned by bouncing slides to the mode again, the 'regeneration mode' is realized, and the lowermost indicator lamp is lightened.

In this way, by moving the power switch wrench in the mode direction, the video tape image pickup mode, the memory card image pickup mode, and the playback mode can be switched in order.

Further, when the power switch wrench is turned on to supply power, the controller 19 controls the menu screen to be displayed on the screen of the display unit 13. By operating the menu screen, the user displays the switches of the "on" 22 and "off" 23 of the automatic power-off function as shown in fig. 4. The user can enter the automatic power-off function by pressing the button of the 'on' 22 among the buttons of the 'on' 22 and 'off' 23. When the button of 'off' 23 is pressed, the power is not cut off since the automatic power off function cannot be entered.

When the automatic power-off function is entered, as shown in fig. 6, if the user is left idle for nothing, the power is turned off after a predetermined time, for example, after 5 minutes in the embodiment.

When the user touches the touch panel of the display unit 13 during use after entering the automatic power-off function, the time is extended from the time of the touch, and a predetermined time elapses from this time, and the power is turned off after 5 minutes in the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 5, the touch panel operation by the user is not limited to the touch panel area 24 that is a touch panel function, and may be a touch on the display area 25 displayed on the screen. This can be detected not only by a command generated by pressing an active GUI key, but also by detecting a change in an analog value or an analog → digital converted coordinate value from the touch screen device even if any area on the touch screen is pressed, and can extend the time until the power is automatically turned off.

The operation of such an automatic power shutoff function is described below with reference to a flow shown in fig. 7.

First, a counter of a timer is initialized, and in the embodiment, a count for 5 minutes is initialized (step ST 11).

When the automatic power-off function is selected on the menu, it is determined whether or not connection to another apparatus or image capturing is being performed, or whether or not a character is being input on the screen of the display unit 13 but automatic power-off can be switched (steps ST12, ST 13).

When the steerable automatic power supply is turned off, it is then detected whether or not the operation of the touch panel, keys, switches, etc. is not performed (step ST 14). In the case where no operation such as a touch panel is performed, then, it is checked whether or not the counter of the timer is zero (step ST 15).

When the counter is not zero, the count value on the timer is subtracted, and the process goes to step ST12 to check whether the touch panel or the like is not operated (step ST 16).

In step ST15, when the count value of the timer is zero, a request for power-off is issued. When the power-off request is issued, the power supply to the device is turned off (step ST 17).

In either way, the automatic power-off is turned 'on' by the user, so that wasteful power consumption can be suppressed. This can reduce the loss of the photo opportunity.

Further, as the predetermined condition, the imaging device and the partner apparatus connected thereto are connected without power down, and therefore, in the case where the partner apparatus is a personal computer or the like, it is possible to prevent the partner apparatus from suffering a trouble such as a sudden shutdown.

Furthermore, the power supply is not automatically cut off during inputting characters on the touch screen, and an automatic power supply cut-off function which meets the operation feeling of a user can be realized.

An imaging device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3 is configured such that, when the mode is switched, the imaging apparatus having a plurality of modes, such as a video tape imaging mode and a memory imaging mode, is operated when the power is turned on, and a feature screen is displayed or a notification is made by voice.

The setting of the power switch and the operation mode is the same as that of the power switch shown in fig. 3 described in the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 2. That is, the operation mode can be switched to the video tape image pickup mode, the memory image pickup mode, and the playback mode by turning on the power supply by placing the power switch of the input unit 12 of the image pickup apparatus 10 at the on position and starting the slide from the position.

Now, as shown in fig. 8, when the recording/reproducing medium is the 'video tape image pickup system' using a video tape and the 'memory image pickup system' using a memory card, when the operation mode is switched to the 'video tape image pickup system', a feature screen 26 composed of a video camera and a video tape as the recording/reproducing medium is displayed on the screen as displayed on the display unit 13a while being superimposed on the screen, and preferably, the feature screen is displayed by being moved left and right, and the switched operation mode can be recognized as the 'video tape image pickup system'.

Next, as shown in the display unit 13b in fig. 8, when the operation mode is switched to the 'memory image capture mode', the feature screen 27 of the camera and the memory stick is displayed on the screen of the display unit 13b in a superimposed manner, and is preferably displayed by moving left and right, and it can be recognized that the switched operation mode is the 'memory image capture mode'.

These feature screens 26 and 27 are displayed for a certain time, in this embodiment, for several seconds, in order to make the user know the operation mode, and disappear after the time, and the original screen display is restored.

The operation mode is not limited to the 'video tape image pickup mode' and the 'memory image pickup mode', and it is needless to say that the operation mode can be applied to various operation modes, and a unique feature screen corresponding to the operation mode can be displayed on a screen in a superimposed manner.

The following description is made of discrimination based on voice.

As shown in fig. 9, when the operation mode is the 'video tape image pickup mode' or the 'memory image pickup mode', as shown in the display unit 13a, when the operation mode is switched to the 'video tape image pickup mode', an electronic sound of 'crack, and …' is output, and as shown in the display unit 13b, when the operation mode is switched to the 'memory image pickup mode', an electronic sound of 'crack …, crack …, and …' of the dragging and long sound is output.

These electronic tones are output to let the user know the operation mode, and are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of output.

The output of such electronic sound is not limited to the above-described sound, and may be music, for example, although the kind of sound is not limited.

Such electronic sound may not be outputted depending on the condition of the imaging device.

For example, in the case where the guide option is turned off in the menu setting, or when the internal data is fatally damaged due to a sound or a display in a special situation of the image pickup apparatus, for example, when a sound is generated during recording, the setting may be such that the sound is not generated.

In this way, by displaying the characteristic picture corresponding to the operation mode on the picture or outputting the sound, the user can know the operation mode by using the display or the sound on the picture, which not only facilitates the operation, but also can save the device cost by using the existing display unit 13.

As described above, the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention can easily complete the setting corresponding to the USB device by setting the item corresponding to the USB device on the screen having the touch panel operation function when the USB device is connected.

In addition, the automatic power-off function can be set in all modes such as a video tape shooting mode, a memory shooting mode and the like, so that the effects of saving unnecessary power consumption and reducing the possibility of losing the camera are achieved.

Furthermore, by displaying a feature screen corresponding to the switched operation mode on the screen or outputting an electronic sound, the user can recognize the operation mode based on the display or sound on the screen, which not only facilitates the operation, but also saves the cost of the device by using the existing display unit.

Claims (17)

1. An image pickup apparatus, comprising:

an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject; a recording/reproducing means for recording and reproducing the data photographed by the photographing means; still image recording/reproducing means for recording/reproducing still image data captured by the imaging means; a display means for displaying the image data captured by the image capturing means on a screen and having a function as a touch panel; a connection means for connecting to an external device conforming to the USB standard; a power supply means having a power switch for supplying power to the device; and a mode switching means having a plurality of operation modes in a power-on state and capable of switching the plurality of operation modes,

the connection means selects or sets the connection mode with the external device by switching the power switch or the mode switching means.

2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,

the external device includes a printing apparatus complying with the USB standard, connected with a USB cable.

3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,

when the connection means is connected to the external device, the connection mode is displayed on the screen of the display means, and an appropriate operation is guided.

4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,

the power supply means has an automatic power-off function for automatically turning off the power supply after a predetermined time has elapsed in an idle state of the apparatus.

5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4,

the automatic power-off function is selected by a user using an operation menu displayed on a screen by the display means, and when the automatic power-off is selected by the operation menu, the automatic power-off function is controlled so that the power is not turned off under a specific condition.

6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5,

the specific conditions include being connected with wire or wireless and other electronic devices.

7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6,

in addition to the specific condition, the method is also provided when the user performs a key switch operation or a touch screen operation. And an automatic extension means for automatically extending the time until the power is automatically turned off.

8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7,

the automatic extension means can effectively function even if the operation is a key operation other than the touch key for which the touch panel operation is effective.

9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,

when the operation mode is switched by the mode switching means, operation mode reporting means is provided for displaying a feature screen indicating the switched operation mode on the screen of the display means.

10. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9,

the multiple working modes comprise: a video tape image pickup system for recording data picked up by the image pickup means on a video tape, and a memory image pickup system for writing the data picked up by the image pickup means in a memory.

11. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9,

the operation mode reporting means displays the feature screen only on the screen of the display means for a predetermined time from the time of switching the operation mode.

12. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9,

the operation mode reporting means can display a characteristic picture on the picture of the display means when the operation mode is switched, and can report by sound.

13. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 12,

the report by the sound is a sound different from the switching operation mode.

14. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,

when the mode switching means switches the operation mode, the audio reporting means outputs an electronic audio or music indicating the switched operation mode.

15. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 14,

the plurality of operation modes include a video tape image pickup mode in which data picked up by the image pickup means is recorded on a video tape, and a memory image pickup mode in which data picked up by the image pickup means is written in a memory.

16. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 14,

the sound reporting means outputs an electronic sound or music only for a predetermined time from the time of switching the operation mode.

17. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 14,

the sound reporting means is electronic sound or music different for each switching working mode.