JP2011101244A - 3d camera - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to prevent a problem of photographing with a finger on a photographing lens.
When a 3D camera is shifted to a shooting mode, a right-eye through image is displayed in the right half area 60a of the upper left area 60 of the liquid crystal monitor 40, and a left-eye through image is displayed in the left half area 60b. The This area 60 is driven in the two-dimensional mode, and the photographer can observe the displayed image with both eyes. Further, the right eye through image and the left eye through image are displayed in the area 62 other than the area 60. This area 62 is driven in the three-dimensional mode, and the photographer can observe the displayed image three-dimensionally.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a 3D camera that captures a stereoscopically viewable image.

  Digital cameras that store captured images as digital image data in a storage medium such as a memory card are widely used. The digital camera has a photographing lens on the front surface of the camera body and a monitor on the back surface of the camera body. On the monitor, a through image of the subject obtained through the photographing lens is displayed, and the photographer can perform framing based on the through image.

  The digital camera also includes a right-eye photographic lens for photographing an image to be observed with the right eye and a left-eye photographic lens for photographing an image to be observed with the left eye. Some images are taken, that is, images that can be viewed stereoscopically. In such a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as 3D camera), the right eye through image obtained through the right eye photographing lens is visually recognized by the photographer so that the photographer can observe the through image in three dimensions, and the left eye A special monitor is used that allows the left eye of the photographer to visually recognize the left-eye through image obtained through the photographing lens. In this way, framing can be performed based on a three-dimensional and powerful through image.

  By the way, since the 3D camera is provided with two photographing lenses, a photographer's finger is hooked on the photographing lens when the camera is held with respect to a general digital camera having only one photographing lens. It often ends up. In addition, with a general digital camera, a through image obtained through one photographing lens can be observed with both eyes, but with a 3D camera, a through image obtained through one photographing lens can be observed with only one eye. It is harder to notice that a finger is hanging on the taking lens than a general digital camera. Under such circumstances, it is often a problem with 3D cameras that images are taken with a finger placed on the taking lens.

  In order to prevent such problems, for example, a hood is provided around the photographing lens (see Patent Document 1 below), and a finger hook for guiding the photographer's finger to the correct position is provided (Patent Document below). (See Document 2).

JP-A-3-219223 4-119439

  However, when a hood or a finger hook is provided, there is a problem that the design of the appearance is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a 3D camera capable of preventing the problem of photographing with a finger placed on a photographing lens without degrading design. Yes.

  In order to achieve the above object, a 3D camera according to the present invention has a right-eye photographic lens and a left-eye photographic lens, and shoots two types of images with parallax, and is photographed by the imaging unit. Display means for displaying a through image of the subject, and the display means includes a through image for the right eye photographed through the photographing lens for the right eye and a through lens for the left eye photographed through the photographing lens for the left eye. A first display unit that displays an image so that the photographer can observe it stereoscopically, a second display unit that displays the through image for the right eye so that the photographer can observe with both eyes, and the through for the left eye And a third display unit that displays the image so that the photographer can observe the image with both eyes.

  The display means includes one monitor that functions as the first to third display units, and the monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit over the entire image display area of the monitor. In addition, a second display screen that functions as the second display unit and a third display screen that functions as the third display unit may be displayed so as to overlap with a partial region of the first display screen.

  The monitor may display the second and third display screens so as to overlap with any one of the four corners of the first display screen.

  Furthermore, the second and second image analysis means for analyzing at least one of the right-eye and left-eye through images to detect the display area of the main subject and the second and second images so as not to overlap with the detected display area of the main subject. 3 A monitor control means for determining at least one of the size, position, and shape of the display screen may be provided.

  The display means includes a single monitor that functions as the first to third display units, and the monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit over the entire image display area. The image display area is divided into two, the second display screen functioning as the second display section is displayed in one area, and the third display screen functioning as the third display section is displayed in the other area. The display may be switched in two stages with the state.

  Further, the display means includes one monitor that functions as the first to third display units, and the monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit, and the second display. The display may be switched in three stages: a state in which the second display screen functioning as a part is displayed and a state in which the third display screen functioning as the third display part is displayed.

  Moreover, you may provide the operation member for performing operation which switches the said display.

  Further, the display means includes a first monitor that functions as the first display unit, and a second monitor that is provided separately from the first monitor and functions as the second and third display units, The first monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display section, and the second monitor divides an image display area into two, and functions as the second display section in one area. A second display screen may be displayed, and a third display screen functioning as the third display unit may be displayed in the other area.

  The second monitor may switch and display the second and third display screens and a camera information display screen for notifying camera information.

  Further, the second monitor switches between the second and third display screens and an operation screen for performing various operations, and detects a touch operation on the operation screen, and a detected touch. Control means for executing a preset process based on the operation may be provided.

  Further, a touch sensor that detects that a photographer's finger has touched and outputs a detection signal is provided around each of the right-eye and left-eye imaging lenses, and the display means outputs the detection signal. The first display screen that functions as the first display unit is displayed, and the second display screen that functions as the second display unit and the third display unit when the detection signal is output. A third display screen may be displayed.

  Further, the display means includes a determination unit that compares the through image for the left eye and the right eye and determines whether or not a photographer's finger is placed on one of the photographing lenses for the right eye and the left eye. Displays the first display screen functioning as the first display unit until it is determined by the determination means that the finger is applied, and when the determination means determines that the finger is applied, A second display screen that functions as a second display unit and a third display screen that functions as the third display unit may be displayed.

  In addition, a shutter button for instructing to capture a main image for recording is provided, and the imaging unit interrupts the shooting of the through image when the shutter button is pressed from the initial position to the shooting position. The recording means captures a main image for recording, and the display means functions as the first display unit until the shutter button is pressed to an intermediate position set between an initial position and a photographing position. A display screen is displayed, and when the shutter button is pressed to the intermediate position, a second display screen that functions as the second display unit and a third display screen that functions as the third display unit are displayed. It may be a thing.

  According to the 3D camera of the present invention, since the photographer can observe the through image for the right eye and the through image for the left eye with both eyes, it is easy to notice that the finger is on the photographing lens, and the finger is applied to the photographing lens. It is possible to prevent a problem that the image is shot with the image being applied. Further, the appearance design is not deteriorated as compared with the case where a hood is provided around the photographing lens or a finger hook for guiding the photographer's finger to the correct position is provided.

It is a front side external view of 3D camera which shows the state where the lens cover was raised. It is a front side external view of 3D camera which shows the state where the lens cover was lowered. It is a back side external view of a 3D camera. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of an electrical structure of 3D camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows the through image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a rear view of a 3D camera. It is a front view of a 3D camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the 3D camera 10 of the present invention is provided with a lens cover 14 on the front surface of the camera body 12, and a shutter button 16 and a zoom button 18 on the upper surface of the camera body 12. The lens cover 14 is slidable up and down. As shown in FIG. 2, when the lens cover 14 is slid downward, the right-eye imaging lens 22 constituting the right-eye imaging unit 20 and the left-eye constituting the left-eye imaging unit 30 are provided. The photographic lens 32 and the light emitting part of the strobe device 34 are exposed.

  The right-eye imaging unit 20 includes a diaphragm and a CCD (not shown) in addition to the right-eye imaging lens 22 described above. When the 3D camera 10 is set to the shooting mode, the right-eye imaging unit 20 starts shooting a through image for framing. Then, the photographed through image (hereinafter, right eye through image) is converted into digital image data and output. Further, when the shutter button 16 is pressed during shooting of the right-eye through image, the right-eye imaging unit 20 interrupts shooting of the right-eye through image and takes a main image for recording. Then, the photographed main image (hereinafter, the right-eye main image) is converted into digital image data and output.

  Similarly, the left-eye imaging unit 30 includes an aperture and a CCD (not shown) in addition to the left-eye imaging lens 32. When the 3D camera 10 is set to the imaging mode, imaging of a through image for framing is started. The photographed through image (hereinafter, the left eye through image) is converted into digital image data and output. Further, when the shutter button 16 is pressed during shooting of the right-eye through image, shooting of the right-eye through image is interrupted, shooting as a main image for recording is performed, and the captured main image (hereinafter, left-eye book). Image) is converted into digital image data and output.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a liquid crystal monitor 40 and an operation unit 42 for performing various operations are provided on the back of the camera body 12. The liquid crystal monitor 40 allows the photographer's eyes to see the same image so that the two-dimensional display of the image is displayed, and the photographer's right and left eyes have different images with parallax. One that displays an image in two types of modes, a three-dimensional mode that performs three-dimensional display of an image, is used.

  As a method for performing a three-dimensional display of an image, a liquid crystal monitor is provided with two types of pixels, a left-eye pixel and a right-eye pixel, and image light from the right-eye pixel is irradiated toward the photographer's right eye, A method of displaying two different images on one screen, such as irradiating image light from the left eye pixel toward the left eye of the photographer, or switching between a right eye image and a left eye image, The image light is emitted toward the photographer's right eye when the right eye image is displayed, and the image light is emitted toward the photographer's left eye when the left eye image is displayed. Various methods such as a method of switching and displaying different types of images are known, and any of these methods may be used.

  Further, as a method for limiting the image light irradiation direction to the photographer's right eye and left eye, for example, a method using an optical filter having a slit, a lens, or the like, or a light irradiation direction from the backlight is switched according to the image. Various methods such as methods are known, and any of these methods may be used.

  Furthermore, a method for switching between the two-dimensional mode and the three-dimensional mode may be set as appropriate in accordance with a method for performing a three-dimensional display of an image. That is, when two different images are displayed in one screen in the three-dimensional mode, two identical images may be displayed in one screen in the two-dimensional mode. In addition, when two different images are switched and displayed in the three-dimensional mode, one image may be continuously displayed in the two-dimensional mode.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 50 is provided inside the 3D camera 10. When the right-eye through image or the left-eye through image is output from the right-eye imaging unit 20 or the left-eye imaging unit 30, the control unit 50 displays these on the liquid crystal monitor 40, and the right-eye imaging unit 20 or the left-eye imaging unit 20 When the main image for the right eye and the main image for the left eye are output from the imaging unit 30, these are associated with each other and stored in the memory card 52.

  Further, when displaying the through image, the control unit 50 drives the upper left area 60 of the liquid crystal monitor 40 in the two-dimensional mode and drives the remaining area 62 in the three-dimensional mode, as shown in FIG. The right eye through image is displayed in the right half area 60 a of the area 60, and the left eye through image is displayed in the left half area 60 b of the area 60. Further, a right-eye through image and a left-eye through image are displayed in the region 62 so as to be stereoscopically viewed, that is, the right-eye through image is visually recognized by the photographer's right eye, and the left-eye through image is photographed by the photographer. Each through image is displayed so that it can be visually recognized by the left eye.

  In the region 60, the photographer can observe the displayed images (the right-eye through image displayed in the region 60a and the left-eye through image displayed in the region 60b) with both eyes. For this reason, for example, when the photographer's finger is put on the right-eye photographing lens 22 and the photographer's finger 64 is reflected in the right-eye through image, this is easily detected. On the other hand, in the region 62, it is difficult to find the finger 64 that has been caught on the right-eye photographic lens 22 with only one eye (right eye), but instead, a stereoscopic and powerful through image is observed. it can.

  The operation of the present invention having the above configuration will be described below. The 3D camera 10 includes a left-eye imaging unit 30 and a right-eye imaging unit 20, and can capture a stereoscopically viewable image with parallax using these two imaging units. When shooting, the operation unit 42 is operated to shift to the shooting mode. Then, shooting as a through image is started, and the shot through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 40. The photographer may perform framing while observing the displayed through image and press the shutter button 16.

  As shown in FIG. 5, during framing (through image display), the area 62 of the liquid crystal monitor 40 is driven in the three-dimensional mode and the area 60 is driven in the two-dimensional mode. In the region 62, the through image can be stereoscopically viewed. Therefore, the photographer can perform framing while observing a powerful through image.

  On the other hand, in the region 60, the photographer can observe both the right-eye through image and the left-eye through image with both eyes. For this reason, the photographer can easily detect shooting problems such as a finger on the shooting lens or an obstacle in front of the shooting lens, and take measures by taking measures such as changing the camera. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the upper left area of the liquid crystal monitor is driven in the two-dimensional mode has been described. However, the position and size of the area driven in the two-dimensional mode can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, two regions to be driven in the two-dimensional mode may be provided so that the right eye through image is displayed on one side and the left eye through image is displayed on the other side. Furthermore, the shape (aspect ratio) of the region driven in the two-dimensional mode can be set as appropriate. In this case, the aspect ratio of the through image displayed in this area may be changed in accordance with the aspect ratio of the area that is controlled by the control unit and driven in the two-dimensional mode.

  In addition, the region to be driven in the two-dimensional mode may be determined based on the captured through image. In this case, the control unit analyzes both or one of the right-eye through image and the left-eye through image, and detects an empty area of the image (an area where the main subject is not shown). Then, based on the detected empty area, for example, the position and size of the area driven in the two-dimensional mode, the aspect ratio, etc. may be determined so that the size is maximized in the empty area. This makes it easier to find shooting problems such as a finger on the shooting lens.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which an area that is driven in the two-dimensional mode and an area that is driven in the three-dimensional mode are provided in one screen has been described. However, the entire screen is driven in the two-dimensional mode. And a state in which one whole screen is driven in the three-dimensional mode.

  In this case, a display switching button 72 is provided as in the 3D camera 70 shown in FIGS. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the display switching button 72 is not pressed, the liquid crystal monitor 40 is driven in the three-dimensional mode, and the right eye through image and the left eye through image are displayed so as to enable stereoscopic viewing. To do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, while the display switching button 72 is being pressed, the liquid crystal monitor 40 is driven in the two-dimensional mode, a right eye through image is displayed in the right half area of the liquid crystal monitor 40, and the left The left eye through image may be displayed in the half area.

  Each time the display switching button is pressed, the state driven in the three-dimensional mode (see FIG. 6) and the state driven in the two-dimensional mode (see FIG. 7) may be switched. Further, the display switching button may be abolished, and the state driven in the three-dimensional mode and the state driven in the two-dimensional mode may be switched at regular intervals.

  Further, in a state of driving in the two-dimensional mode, a state in which a right-eye through image is displayed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal monitor 40 as shown in FIG. 8 in response to pressing of the display switching button or at regular intervals. As shown in FIG. 9, the state of displaying the left-eye through image on the entire screen of the liquid crystal monitor 40 may be switched. In the explanation using Drawings after Drawing 6, the same numerals are given about the same member as an embodiment mentioned above, and explanation is omitted.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which one liquid crystal monitor is driven in the two-dimensional mode and the three-dimensional mode has been described. However, a liquid crystal monitor driven in the two-dimensional mode and a liquid crystal monitor driven in the three-dimensional mode are provided. It may be provided separately. In this case, two liquid crystal monitors 102 and 104 are provided as in the 3D camera 100 shown in FIG. Then, the liquid crystal monitor 102 is always driven in a two-dimensional mode to display a right-eye through image and a left-eye through image. Further, the liquid crystal monitor 104 is always driven in the three-dimensional mode, and the right-eye through image and the left-eye through image are displayed so as to enable stereoscopic viewing.

  Further, like the 3D camera 110 shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the liquid crystal monitors 102 and 104 described above, a display switching button 112 for switching an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 102 is provided. Each time the display switch button 112 is pressed, the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 102 displays a right-eye through image and a left-eye through image (see FIG. 10), and displays camera information such as shooting conditions. (See FIG. 11).

  In addition, as the 3D camera 120 illustrated in FIG. 12, a liquid crystal monitor 102 including a sensor that detects a touch operation on the display screen is used. Each time the display switching button 112 is pressed, various operations can be performed on the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor 102 by displaying a right-eye through image and a left-eye through image (see FIG. 10) and touch operations. (In this example, the presence / absence of strobe light emission and the presence / absence of macro shooting may be switched) to the state of displaying the operation screen (see FIG. 12).

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the right eye through image and the left eye so that the photographer can observe with both eyes automatically or in response to pressing the display switching button regardless of whether or not a finger is placed on the photographing lens. Although an example in which a through image for display is displayed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. A detection means is provided to detect whether or not a finger is placed on the photographic lens. When it is detected that a finger is placed on the photographic lens, the through image for the right eye and for the left eye so that the photographer can observe with both eyes A through image may be displayed.

  In this case, like the 3D camera 130 shown in FIG. 13, a touch sensor 134 that surrounds the right-eye photographic lens 22 from the right side and a touch sensor 136 that surrounds the left-eye photographic lens 32 from the left side are provided on the front surface of the camera body. The touch sensors 134 and 136 are composed of, for example, an electrostatic sensor or a pressure detection sensor, and when detecting that the photographer's finger is touched, the touch sensors 134 and 136 output a detection signal indicating this.

  Then, until the detection signal is output, the control unit of the 3D camera 130 determines that there is no finger on the photographing lens, drives the liquid crystal monitor in the three-dimensional mode, and allows the right eye through so that stereoscopic viewing is possible. The image and the left-eye through image are displayed (see FIG. 6). Further, when a detection signal is output from any one of the touch sensors 134 and 136, it is determined that a finger is placed on the photographing lens, and a partial area of the liquid crystal monitor is driven in the two-dimensional mode, and the right eye is moved to this area. The through image for the left eye and the through image for the left eye are displayed (see FIG. 5).

  Of course, when a detection signal is output from any one of the touch sensors 134 and 136, the entire region of the liquid crystal monitor may be switched to the two-dimensional mode, and the right eye through image and the left eye through image may be displayed ( (See FIGS. 7, 8, and 9). When the detection signal is output, the camera information is displayed (see FIG. 11) or the operation screen is displayed (see FIG. 12), and the right eye through image and the left eye through image are displayed. (See FIG. 10).

  Further, until a detection signal is output, when a partial area of the liquid crystal monitor is driven in a two-dimensional mode, a right eye through image and a left eye through image are displayed in this area, and the detection signal is output. A region larger than this region is driven in the two-dimensional mode, and the right-eye through image and the left-eye through image are displayed in this large region. The area may be enlarged. In this case, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed until the detection signal is output, and the screen shown in FIG. 7, or FIGS. 8 and 9 is displayed when the detection signal is output. .

  In the above example, the example in which it is determined whether or not a finger is placed on the photographic lens based on the presence or absence of a detection signal output from the touch sensor has been described. For example, the control unit controls the right eye through image and the left eye through image. It may be determined whether or not the photographer's finger is placed on the photographing lens by analyzing the image and comparing the position and shape of the bright and dark portions of the image, the light amount of the entire image, and the like.

  In the above example, when it is determined that a finger is placed on the photographing lens, the through-image for the right eye and the through-image for the left eye are displayed so that the photographer can observe with both eyes. When the button is pressed halfway (press down to the middle position set between the initial position and the shooting position for taking the main image), the right eye through image and the left eye through image will be visible to the photographer. An image may be displayed.

  Furthermore, when it is determined that a finger is on the shooting lens or when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the right eye through image and the left eye through image are displayed so that the photographer can observe with both eyes. While the display is continued for a certain period of time, photographing of the main image may be prohibited while the display is continued (the photographing of the main image may not be performed even when the shutter button is pressed down to the photographing position). Good). In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent problems such as shooting without noticing shooting problems such as a finger hanging on the shooting lens.

10, 70, 100, 110, 120, 130 3D camera 16 Shutter button 20 Right-eye imaging unit 22 Right-eye imaging lens 30 Left-eye imaging unit 32 Left-eye imaging lens 40, 102, 104 Liquid crystal monitor 50 Control unit 72, 112 Display Switch button 134, 136 Touch sensor

Claims (13)

An imaging unit that has a right-eye photographic lens and a left-eye photographic lens and shoots two types of images with parallax;
Display means for displaying a through image of a subject photographed by the imaging unit,
The display means includes
A first display that displays a right-eye through image taken through the right-eye taking lens and a left-eye through image taken through the left-eye taking lens so that the photographer can observe stereoscopically. And
A second display for displaying the right-eye through image so that the photographer can observe with both eyes;
A 3D camera, comprising: a third display unit that displays the left-eye through image so that a photographer can observe with both eyes. The display means comprises one monitor that functions as the first to third display units,
The monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit over the entire image display area of the monitor, and also functions as a second display screen and the third display unit that function as the second display unit. The 3D camera according to claim 1, wherein a third display screen to be displayed is superimposed on a partial area of the first display screen.   3. The 3D camera according to claim 2, wherein the monitor displays the second and third display screens so as to overlap one of four corners of the first display screen. 4. Image analysis means for analyzing at least one of the right-eye and left-eye through images and detecting a display area of a main subject;
The monitor control means for determining at least one of the size, position, and shape of the second and third display screens so as not to overlap the detected display area of the main subject. 3D camera according to 2 or 3. The display means comprises one monitor that functions as the first to third display units,
The monitor displays a first display screen functioning as the first display unit over the entire image display area, and divides the image display area into two, and a first functioning as the second display unit in one area. 2. The 3D camera according to claim 1, wherein the display is switched in two steps: a state in which a two display screen is displayed and a third display screen functioning as the third display unit is displayed in the other region. The display means comprises one monitor that functions as the first to third display units,
The monitor displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit, a state that displays a second display screen that functions as the second display unit, and a third that functions as the third display unit. The 3D camera according to claim 1, wherein the display is switched in three stages with a state in which the display screen is displayed.   The 3D camera according to claim 5, wherein an operation member for performing an operation of switching the display is provided. The display means includes a first monitor that functions as the first display unit, and a second monitor that is provided separately from the first monitor and functions as the second and third display units,
The first monitor displays a first display screen functioning as the first display unit,
The second monitor divides the image display area into two, displays a second display screen that functions as the second display section in one area, and a third function that functions as the third display section in the other area. The 3D camera according to claim 1, wherein a display screen is displayed.   The 3D camera according to claim 8, wherein the second monitor switches and displays the second and third display screens and a camera information display screen for notifying camera information. The second monitor switches and displays the second and third display screens and an operation screen for performing various operations.
A sensor for detecting a touch operation on the operation screen;
The 3D camera according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that executes a preset process based on the detected touch operation. A touch sensor that detects that the photographer's finger touched the periphery of each of the right-eye and left-eye photographing lenses and outputs a detection signal;
The display means displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit until the detection signal is output, and a second that functions as the second display unit when the detection signal is output. The 3D camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a display screen and a third display screen functioning as the third display unit are displayed. Comparing the left-eye and right-eye through images, comprising a determination means for determining whether or not a photographer's finger is hung on either the right-eye or left-eye imaging lens,
The display means displays a first display screen that functions as the first display unit until the determination means determines that a finger is applied, and when the determination means determines that a finger is applied The 3D camera according to claim 1, wherein a second display screen that functions as the second display unit and a third display screen that functions as the third display unit are displayed. It has a shutter button to instruct the recording of the main image for recording,
The imaging unit, when the shutter button is pressed from the initial position to the shooting position, interrupts the shooting of the through image and shoots the main image for recording,
The display means displays a first display screen functioning as the first display unit until the shutter button is pressed to an intermediate position set between an initial position and a photographing position, and the shutter button The second display screen functioning as the second display unit and the third display screen functioning as the third display unit are displayed when pressed at an intermediate position. The 3D camera described.

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