U.S. patent application number 10/788107 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for electronic camera and image processing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to MINOLTA CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Kanbara, Tetsuro, Kondo, Takashi, Kuwana, Minoru, Matsuda, Shinya, Matsuo, Takashi, Okada, Hiroyuki, Ueyama, Masayuki.
Application Number | 20040165075 10/788107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32110928 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040165075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada, Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
August 26, 2004 |
Electronic camera and image processing system
Abstract
An electronic camera is provided with an image pickup unit in a
casing at a position opposite to an opening of the casing. The
image pickup unit includes an image pickup device and an optical
system. The electronic camera is further provided with a rotating
mechanism for rotating the image pickup unit, a changer for
changing over a photographing possible state and a photographing
impossible state, and a controller for controlling the rotating
mechanism to rotate the image pickup unit into a target position in
response to the changer.
Inventors: |
Okada, Hiroyuki; (Izumi-Shi,
JP) ; Ueyama, Masayuki; (Takarazuka-Shi, JP) ;
Kuwana, Minoru; (Osaka-Shi, JP) ; Matsuda,
Shinya; (Kyoto-Shi, JP) ; Kanbara, Tetsuro;
(Takaishi-Shi, JP) ; Matsuo, Takashi; (Itami-Shi,
JP) ; Kondo, Takashi; (Sakai-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIDLEY AUSTIN BROWN & WOOD LLP
717 NORTH HARWOOD
SUITE 3400
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
MINOLTA CO., LTD
|
Family ID: |
32110928 |
Appl. No.: |
10/788107 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10788107 |
Feb 26, 2004 |
|
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09372317 |
Aug 11, 1999 |
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6727954 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.99 ;
348/E3.031; 348/E5.03; 348/E5.047 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23245 20130101;
H04N 5/2259 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04N 5/23238 20130101;
H04N 3/1587 20130101; H04N 5/225251 20180801; G03B 13/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.99 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/238 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 12, 1998 |
JP |
10-228405(PAT.) |
Aug 12, 1998 |
JP |
10-228406(PAT.) |
Aug 12, 1998 |
JP |
10-228407(PAT.) |
Aug 12, 1998 |
JP |
10-228408(PAT.) |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic camera comprising: a casing formed with an
opening; an image pickup unit provided in the casing at a position
opposite to the opening, the image pickup unit including: an image
pickup device which converts an optical image of an object into an
image signal; and an optical system which introduces the optical
image onto the image pickup device; a rotating mechanism which
rotates the image pickup unit; a changer which changes over a
photographing possible state and a photographing impossible state;
and a controller which controls the rotating mechanism to rotate
the image pickup unit into a target position in response to the
changer.
2. An electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the
controller controls the rotating mechanism to rotate the image
pickup unit into a first position where an optical axis of the
optical system intersects a plane bearing the opening
perpendicularly when the changer changes from the photographing
impossible state to the photographing possible state.
3. An electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the changer
includes a switch which switches on and off supply of power to
activate and deactivate the camera.
4. An electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the
controller controls the rotating mechanism to rotate the image
pickup unit into a second position where an optical axis of the
optical system does not intersect the opening when the changer
changes from the photographing possible state to the photographing
impossible state.
5. An electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the opening
is closed by the image pickup unit when the image pickup unit is in
the second position.
6. An electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein the changer
includes a switch which switches on and off supply of power to
activate and deactivate the camera.
7. An electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a
designator which designates a photographing direction of the image
pickup unit, wherein the controller controls the rotating system to
rotate the image pickup unit in accordance with a photographing
direction designated by the designator.
8. An electronic camera comprising: an image pickup unit which is
operable to execute a continuous photographing of picking up a
whole image of an object and a specified number of partial images
of the object continuously; a release switch which generates a
continuous photographing signal of instructing the continuous
photographing; a memory which stores picked up images; and a
photography controller which controls, in response to the
continuous photographing signal, the image pickup unit to execute
the continuous photographing, and send picked up whole image and
partial images to the memory together with information concerning a
relationship between the picked up whole image and the picked up
partial images.
9. An electronic camera according to claim 8, further comprising: a
display device which displays an image stored in the memory; a
display switch which generates a display signal of instructing a
display of stored image on the display device; and a display
controller which controls, in response to the display signal, the
display device to display a whole image stored in the memory.
10. An electronic camera according to claim 9, further comprising:
a delete switch which generates a delete signal of instructing
deletion of the whole image displayed on the display device and the
partial images in connection with the whole image from the memory;
and a deleting device which deletes, in response to the delete
signal, the whole image and the partial images in connection with
the whole image from the memory.
11. An electronic camera according to claim 9, further comprising:
a cancellation switch which generates a cancellation signal of
instructing cancellation of the relationship between the whole
image displayed on the displayed device and the partial images; a
canceling device which deletes, in response to the cancellation
signal, the relationship from the memory.
12. An electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein the
canceling device further deletes the partial images in connection
with the whole image displayed on the display device from the
memory.
13. An electronic camera comprising: an image pickup unit which is
operable to execute a bracket-photographing of picking up a
specified number of images continuously; a release switch which
generates a bracket-photographing signal of instructing the
bracket-photographing; a first memory which stores the specified
number of images picked up in the bracket-photographing; a display
device which displays an image stored in the first memory; a
selector which enables a user to select a desired image among the
specified number of images stored in the first memory based on
displayed images on the display device; and a second memory which
stores a selected image.
14. An electronic camera according to claim 13, further comprising
a controller which permits a given image among the specified number
of images to be first stored in the second memory, and permits the
first stored image to be replaced with a selected image if the
selected image is different from the first stored image.
15. An electronic camera according to claim 14, wherein the
controller prohibits the replacement of a selected image in the
second memory after elapse of a predetermined time from a
photographing.
16. An electronic camera according to claim 13, further comprising
a controller which permits a given image among the specified number
of images to be first stored in the second memory, and permits a
selected image to be stored in the second memory in addition to the
first stored image if the selected image is different from the
first stored image.
17. An electronic camera according to claim 16, wherein the
controller prohibits the addition of a selected image in the second
memory after elapse of a predetermined time from a
photographing.
18. An image processing system comprising: a memory which stores a
whole image of an object and partial images of the object; an area
calculator which adjusts the size of each of the whole image and
the partial images, and calculates areas of the whole image that
match with partial images, respectively; and an image combining
device which combines partial images with one another in accordance
with calculated areas.
19. An image processing system according to claim 18, wherein the
image combining device replaces image data in a matched area of the
whole image with image data of a matched partial image.
Description
[0001] This application is based on patent application Nos.
10-228405, 10-228406, 10-228407, and 10-228408 filed in Japan, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by references.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an electronic camera for picking
up an object image by an image pickup device by converting it into
an image signal, and an image processing system for processing
image signals.
[0003] Conventionally, in the field of electronic cameras, there
have been proposed electronic cameras which generate partial images
for a whole object. Specifically, an object image is divided into a
plurality of sections which are in turn enlarged each section.
These enlarged partial images are combined in such a manner as to
adhere them together in order to enhance the effective resolution
of image pickup devices such as CCD (charge coupled device).
Generally, such cameras have a photographing mode in which normal
photographing is performed (hereinafter, "normal photographing
mode") and the one in which a photographing image having a higher
resolution than the image obtained by the normal photographing mode
can be obtained (hereinafter, "high-resolution photographing
mode"). When the high-resolution photographing mode is set, partial
images for a whole object are generated.
[0004] In one of such known electronic cameras, an image pickup
unit having a zoom lens is so provided in a camera main body as to
be rotatable along horizontal and vertical planes, and an object
image is picked up by being divided into a plurality of partial
images by changing the direction of the optical axis of the image
pickup unit, and being optically enlarged by changing the zooming
ratio of the zoom lens.
[0005] The above known electronic cameras are constructed such that
the partial images of the object are picked up by automatically
changing the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit
in the high-resolution photographing mode, and the optical axis of
the image pickup unit is fixed to front direction in the normal
photographing mode to perform substantially the same photographing
as usual cameras. Accordingly, a photographer cannot perform
photographing by orienting the optical axis of the image pickup
unit in a desired direction in the normal photographing mode.
[0006] However, if the photographer were, for example, allowed to
freely set the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup
unit as he can freely set the zooming ratio of :the zoom lens, it
would be convenient since the photographing method and operability
in the normal photographing mode can take a wider variety. This
further enables an effective use of the optical axis changing
function of the image pickup unit.
[0007] If, however, the photographer were simply enabled to freely
set the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit, it
might reduce operability on the contrary since the photographer has
to orient the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup in
the front direction of the camera unit every time normal
photographing is performed. Accordingly, it is preferable to
provide such a mechanism as reset the image pickup unit to a
specified reference position (e.g., position where the optical axis
is oriented in the front direction of the camera). In such a case,
a reset button may be provided and the image pickup unit may be
reset to its reference position by operating this reset button.
This, however, results in a problem of increasing the number of
operable members of the camera main body. Thus, it is more
preferable to automatically reset the image pickup unit to its
reference position in link with the occurrence of a specific
photographing event such as the activation of the camera by a power
switch or the end of the photographing in response to an
instruction for exposure.
[0008] Further, if the photographer were allowed to freely set the
direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit, the power
switch might be turned off with the optical axis of the image
pickup unit still oriented in a desired direction and the camera
might be stored in a camera case in such a state. In view of lens
protection of the image pickup unit while the camera is stored, it
is preferable to provide a protection cover for an exposed portion
of the lens of the image pickup unit.
[0009] According to known lens protection methods for cameras, a
protection cap is mounted on the leading end of the lens, the lens
is made retractable into the camera main body, or a barrier or a
slide cover is provided at the opening in the front surface of the
camera main body. The protection method by the protection cap is
difficult to employ since the lens cannot be protected once the
protection cap is lost. The protection method by the barrier or
slide cover makes the opening construction of the front surface of
the camera main body complicated and makes it necessary to provide
a driving member for the barrier or slide cover near the image
pickup unit in addition to a driving member for the image pickup
unit. This contradicts an attempt to make the camera smaller and
less expensive.
[0010] In the known electronic cameras, a whole image is picked up
when partial images are picked up. Combination of partial images
into a whole image is performed on a separate image processor such
as a personal computer. In conventional image processing, relative
positions of partial images are determined based on image data in
boundary portions of adjoining partial images. This combination
manner is likely to fail to produce a whole image having a
rectangular shape. Accordingly, it is necessary to calculate a
joining region of each partial image for combination, which
consequently makes the combination operation complicated. If
adjoining partial images do not have consistent image data in their
respective boundary portions, further, accurate combination of the
partial images cannot be accomplished because their relative
combination positions cannot be calculated. Furthermore, a whole
image which partial images are combined into is produced on a
separate image processor, and thus not displayed on a display
device provided on the electronic camera. Accordingly, the
photographer cannot confirm or check an expected whole image on the
electronic camera.
[0011] There have been proposed electronic cameras provided with
the function of bracket-photographing of photographing a fixed
number of images continuously each time a release button is
pressed. However, the bracket-photographing has not been fully
performed because of complicated operations and unnecessary
consumption of memory area. Accordingly, the photographers have
strongly demanded easier operation and efficient memory use for the
bracket-photographing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
electronic camera and image processing system which have overcome
the problems residing in the prior art.
[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, an
electronic camera is provided with an image pickup unit in a casing
at a position opposite to an opening formed in the casing. The
image pickup unit includes an image pickup device for converting an
optical image of an object into an image signal, and an optical
system for introducing the optical image onto the image pickup
device. The electronic camera is further provided-with a rotating
mechanism for rotating the image pickup unit, a changer for
changing over a photographing possible state and a photographing
impossible state, and a controller for controlling the rotating
mechanism to rotate the image pickup unit into a target position in
response to the changer.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
electronic camera is provided with an image pickup unit for
executing a continuous photographing of picking up a whole image of
an object and a specified number of partial images of the object
continuously, a memory for storing picked up images, and a
photography controller for controlling the image pickup unit to
execute the continuous photographing, and send picked up whole
image and partial images to the memory together with information
concerning a relationship between the picked up whole image and the
picked up partial images.
[0015] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
an electronic camera is provided with an image pickup unit for
executing a bracket-photographing of picking up a specified number
of images continuously, a first memory for storing the specified
number of images picked up in the bracket-photographing, a display
device for displaying an image stored in the first memory, a
selector for enabling a user to select a desired image among the
specified number of images stored in the first memory based on
displayed images on the display device, and a second memory for
storing a selected image.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
image processing system comprises a memory for storing a whole
image of an object and partial images of the object, an area
calculator for adjusting the size of each of the whole image and
the partial images, and calculates areas of the whole image that
match with partial images, respectively, and an image combining
device for combining partial images with one another in accordance
with calculated areas.
[0017] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external
configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of
the invention, when viewed from front;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external
configuration of the electronic camera, when viewed from
behind;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state of the
electronic camera that a display device is detached from a camera
main body;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an perspective view showing an image pickup unit
arranged in the camera main body;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an object
and a photographing range in a high-resolution photographing
mode;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front view of the image pickup unit;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the image pickup unit;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the image pickup unit;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a mechanism for detecting a
focal length of a taking lens;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a construction of a
driving member for driving the image pickup unit;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a chart showing waveforms of drive voltages to be
applied to piezoelectric devices of driving members;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a construction of a position
detecting member;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a construction of a
position detecting circuit;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a chart showing waveforms of output signals of
the position detecting circuit;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a set position of the image
pickup unit when a main switch is turned on and off;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the image pickup unit
when set in its center position;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the image pickup unit
when set in a position to close an opening formed in a front
surface of the camera main body;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a circuit construction of
the electronic camera;
[0036] FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing a main routine of a
photographing operation of the electronic camera;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "SM OFF";
[0038] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "Image Pickup
Unit Setting";
[0039] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "Zooming";
[0040] FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams showing a horizontal angle of
view .theta.h and a vertical angle of view .theta.v,
respectively;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a horizontal displacement
.DELTA..theta.h and a vertical displacement .DELTA..theta.v;
[0042] FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing a subroutine "Image
Pickup Unit Driving";
[0043] FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing a subroutine "S1
ON";
[0044] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the photographing operation in
a high-resolution photographing mode;
[0045] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image
file;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "Image
Selection";
[0047] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing selection of a recorded image
in a normal photographing mode;
[0048] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "Lens
Check";
[0049] FIGS. 35 and 36 are flowcharts showing a subroutine
"Reproduction Mode";
[0050] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an image displayed on an LCD
device in reproduction of a recorded image;
[0051] FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a construction of an
image processing unit for generating a high-resolution image;
[0052] FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an image combination;
[0053] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a procedure of the image
combination;
[0054] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a correlation calculation;
[0055] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a combined image obtained by
simply adhering partial images together when there are partial
images having no overlapping image sections at a joint area;
[0056] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a combined image obtained by,
when there are partial images having no overlapping image sections
at a joint area, replacing a corresponding section of the whole
image by a partial image;
[0057] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a brightness distribution of an
image photographed by a taking lens having such a characteristic
that a light amount at the peripheral portion thereof is smaller
than that at the central portion thereof;
[0058] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a brightness distribution of a
a high-resolution image obtained by combining images photographed
by a taking lens having such a characteristic that a light amount
at the peripheral portion thereof is smaller than that at the
central portion thereof;
[0059] FIG. 46 is a conceptional diagram showing an image
correction;
[0060] FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the image
correction; and
[0061] FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an image processing system
constructed by a computer system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0062] An electronic camera embodying the invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. An electronic camera 1 is
provided with an image pickup unit 22. The image pickup unit 22 is
integrally comprised of a taking lens including a zoom lens and an
image pickup device including a Charge Coupled Device or CCD. The
image pickup unit 22 is so supported as to be rotatable in any
direction with respect to a front direction of a main body 2 of the
camera, i.e., a direction normal to a front surface 2a of the
camera main body 2. By controlling the position of the image pickup
unit 2, i.e., direction of its optical axis, an object can be
photographed in a desired direction within a specified angle range
with respect to the front direction.
[0063] Further, this camera 1 has a photographing mode in which
normal photographing is performed (hereinafter, "normal
photographing mode") and the one in which a photographing image
having a higher resolution than the image obtained by the normal
photographing mode can be obtained (hereinafter, "high-resolution
photographing mode")
[0064] In the normal photographing mode, one frame of photographed
image is stored in a flash memory as a storage medium in one
exposure. In this embodiment, a specified number (e.g., 3 times) of
exposure controls are performed at specified intervals (e.g., at
intervals of 0.1 seconds) in one exposure as described later, i.e.,
a plurality of images are continuously picked up. A predetermined
one (e.g., the first one) of these picked images is automatically
stored in the flash memory. A photographer is also enabled to
designate his desired image (e.g., second image) in order to
replace the automatically stored image by it or additionally store
it in the flash memory.
[0065] The aforementioned photographing control in the normal
photographing mode is similar to a bracket-photographing function
of a silver halide camera. This embodiment differs from the silver
halide camera in that bracket-photographing is performed when the
photographer sets a corresponding mode in the silver halide camera,
whereas it is constantly performed in the normal photographing mode
in this embodiment. Accordingly, bracket-photographing in the
normal photographing mode is referred to as "automatic
bracket-photographing" in order to distinguish it from
bracket-photographing in the silver halide camera in the
description below.
[0066] In the high-resolution photographing mode, a whole image G
of an object Q and partial images G.sub.A, G.sub.B, G.sub.C,
G.sub.D substantially corresponding to the four sections of the
object Q are picked up as shown in FIG. 5, and a whole object image
having a higher resolution than the whole image G can be generated
by adhering and combining the four partial images G.sub.A, G.sub.B,
G.sub.C, G.sub.D together based on the whole image G. Specifically,
in the high-resolution photographing mode, the whole image G of the
object Q is picked up by one exposure in which the direction of the
optical axis of the image pickup unit 22 is oriented in front
direction (direction o in FIG. 5), and the partial images G.sub.A,
G.sub.B, G.sub.C, G.sub.D are picked up by performing an image
pickup operation four times while automatically changing the
direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit 22 to
specified directions (directions a, b, c, d in FIG. 5) and the
magnification thereof to a specified value (about 1.8 to 1.9
times).
[0067] Although the object Q is divided into four sections in this
embodiment, the number of sections is not limited to four, but may
be any suitable number. Further, in this embodiment, in order to
alleviate a burden of image processing, the electronic camera 1
only picks up the partial images G.sub.A, G.sub.B, G.sub.C, G.sub.D
of the object Q, which are then combined together by an image
processing system such as a computer.
[0068] Referring back to FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1 has a
vertically long box-shape, and one side surface 2a of the camera
main body 2 having a narrower width serves as the front surface of
the camera main body 2, and the other side surface 2b thereof
serves as the rear surface of the camera main body 2. In an upper
part of one side surface 2c at the left side when viewed from
behind the camera 1, a display device 3 formed by an LCD (liquid
crystal display) and having a display screen (hereinafter, "LCD
device 3 ") is provided openably and closably, and detachably with
respect to the camera main body (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Specifically,
a mount plate 10 made of a magnetic material such as iron or nickel
is openably and closably mounted on the front end of the upper part
of the side surface 2c by an unillustrated hinge mechanism, whereas
a strong magnet M is embedded at the right end of a display surface
of the LCD device 3. The LCD device 3 is detachably mounted on the
mount plate 10 by the attraction of this magnet M.
[0069] The camera main body 2 and the LCD device 3 are electrically
connected via a cable 11 which can be accommodated in the camera
main body 2 by an unillustrated take-up mechanism. Power and
display image data are sent from the camera main body 2 to the LCD
device 3 via this cable 11, and signals corresponding to the
operation of a variety of switches provided in the LCD device 3 to
be described later are sent from the LCD device 3 to the camera
main body 2 via the cable 11. In other words, photographing can be
remote-controlled by detaching the LCD device 3 from the camera
main body 2.
[0070] A flash device 4 is provided in a specified position at the
top of the front surface 2a of the camera main body 2. Also, an
opening Sis formed in a casing of the camera main body 2 to expose
a taking lens 231 of the image pickup unit 22 provided below the
flash device 4. The image pickup unit 22 is provided such that the
direction of its optical axis L can be changed to a position facing
the opening 5 inside the camera main body 2 as shown in FIG. 4. The
construction of the image pickup unit 22 is described later.
[0071] A pair of operation buttons 6, 7 (hereinafter, "zooming
buttons 6, 7 ") for changing a focal length of the taking lens 231
are provided side by side in specified positions at the top of the
rear surface 2b of the camera main body 2, and a release button 8
for instructing the photographing operation is provided therebelow.
Further, an operation lever 9 for manually adjusting or designating
the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit 22
(hereinafter, "optical axis changing lever 9") is provided below
the release button 8. The optical axis changing lever 9 is a
multi-functional lever also used to change an image displayed on
the LCD device 3 among of a plurality of images photographed in the
automatic bracket-photographing as described later and to change a
reproduced frame to be displayed on the LCD device 3 in
reproduction mode.
[0072] The flash device 4 is comprised of a xenon discharge tube
and automatically emits flashes of light at the time of low
brightness. The opening 5 specifies a range within which the taking
lens 231 of the image pickup unit 22 can be exposed (i.e., a
changeable range of the direction of the optical axis where
photographing can be performed). In this embodiment, the direction
of the optical axis of the taking lens 231 is changeable in a range
of .+-.20.degree. with respect to the front direction in horizontal
and vertical planes. Accordingly, the rotation of the image pickup
unit 22 is controlled within a range in which the taking lens 231
can be exposed through the opening 5 in a photographing possible
state. On the other hand, in a photographing impossible state, the
image pickup unit 22 is rotated to a specified position where the
taking lens 231 is not exposed through the opening 5 (e.g.,
specified position where the direction of the optical axis of the
taking lens 231 extends obliquely downward) so as to close the
opening 5 by a main body 23 of the image pickup unit 22.
[0073] The zooming button 6 is an operable member for changing the
focal length of the taking lens 231 toward a telephoto limit,
whereas the zooming button 7 is the one for changing it toward a
wide-angle limit. When the zooming button 6 or 7 continues to be
operated, the focal length of the taking lens 231 is continuously
changed in a corresponding direction at a specified changing rate.
When the zoom button 6 or 7 is released, the focal length of the
taking lens 231 is set at the one attained at this stage.
[0074] The operation of the release button 8 is detected by
switches S1, S2 to be described later. The switch S1 is turned on
when the release button 8 is pressed halfway, thereby performing
photographing preparation (preparation of focusing and setting of
exposure control values). The switch S2 is turned on when the
release button 8 is fully pressed, thereby performing an exposure
control at the set exposure control values. Since the automatic
bracket-photographing is performed in the normal photographing mode
as described above, the exposure control is repeated by a specified
number of times at specified intervals set in advance. Further, in
the high-resolution photographing mode, the exposure control is
performed by a specified number of times by automatically changing
the direction of the optical axis and magnification of the taking
lens 231.
[0075] The optical axis changing lever 9 is inclinable in four
directions: upward, downward, leftward and rightward, and the
direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit 22 can be
changed or designated to a direction corresponding to the
inclination of the lever 9. For example, if the lever 9 is inclined
upward, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated in a direction of
elevation angle at a specified rate until the lever 9 is released.
If the lever 9 is inclined downward, the image pickup unit 22 is
rotated in a direction of depression angle at a specified rate
until the lever 9 is released. When the direction of the optical
axis of the image pickup unit 22 is changed beyond its permissible
range (.+-.20.degree. with respect to the front direction), the
rotation thereof is automatically stopped at the timing when it
reaches a limit position of the permissible range.
[0076] An LCD panel 12 is provided in the middle of the rear
surface of the LCD device 3. A record/reproduction mode switch 13,
a photographing mode switch 14, a bracket-photographing
confirmation button 15, zooming buttons 16, 17, a release button 8,
optical axis changing buttons 19a to 19d, a delete button 20 and a
main switch 21 are provided around the LCD panel 12 so that the
photographer can remote-control the photographing operation while
viewing a live-view image displayed on the LCD panel 12. Similar to
the optical axis changing-lever 9, the optical axis changing
buttons 19a to 19d are multi-functional buttons.
[0077] The record/reproduction mode switch 13 is provided in a
lower position at the left margin of the LCD device 3 for
switchingly setting a record mode in which photographing is
performed and a reproduction mode in which images recorded in the
flash memory are reproduced and displayed on the LCD panel 12. The
switch 13 is formed of a two-contact slide switch. For example, the
record mode is set when a grip of the switch 13 is slid to the
left, whereas the reproduction mode is set when it is slid to the
right.
[0078] The photographing mode switch 14 is provided below the
switch 13 for switchingly setting the normal photographing mode and
the high-resolution photographing mode described above. Similar to
the switch 13, the switch 14 is also formed of a two-contact slide
switch. For example, the normal photographing mode is set when a
grip of the switch 14 is slid to the left, whereas the
high-resolution photographing mode is set when it is slid to the
right.
[0079] The bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 is provided
in a bottom end position of the left margin of the LCD device 3 for
setting and canceling a mode in which a content of an image
photographed by the automatic bracket-photographing in the normal
photographing mode is confirmed and the recorded image is changed
(hereinafter, "confirmation mode"). The button 15 is also a
multi-functional button which functions as an operation button for
designating a change of attributes of the recorded image
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode when the
reproduction mode is set. In order to identify the plurality of
partial images G.sub.A, G.sub.B, G.sub.C, G.sub.D of the object Q
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode as those
adhered and combined together to generate a whole object image, an
information concerning the photographing mode is stored as an
attribute data in the flash memory. To change the attributes of the
image photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode is to
change the content of the information concerning the photographing
mode so that the respective partial images G.sub.A, G.sub.B,
G.sub.C, G.sub.D can be equivalently treated as images photographed
in the normal photographing mode.
[0080] The bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 is formed
of a push switch. If the button 15 is pushed immediately after the
photographing is completed in the record mode, the confirmation
mode is alternately set and canceled thereafter every time the
button 15 is pushed. Further, if the button 15 is pushed
immediately after the photographing is completed in the
reproduction mode, an image file corresponding to the image
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode and being
displayed on the LCD device 3 is changed to the one of the image
photographed in the normal photographing mode thereafter every time
the button 15 is pushed.
[0081] The zooming buttons 16, 17 are operation buttons which are
provided in the middle of the bottom margin of the LCD device 13
and have the same functions as the zooming buttons 6, 7 provided on
the camera main body 2. The release button 18 is an operation
button which is provided in a right end position at the bottom
margin of the LCD device 3 and has the same function as the release
button 8 provided on the camera main body 2.
[0082] The optical axis changing buttons 19a to 19d are operation
buttons which are provided substantially in the middle of the top,
bottom, left and right margins of the LCD device 3, respectively
and have the same functions as the optical axis changing lever 9
provided on the camera main body 2. The operation of the respective
buttons 19a to 19d corresponds to the inclination of the lever 9 to
the above, to the below, to the left and to the right. For example,
if the button 19a is pushed in the record mode, the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated in the direction of elevation angle at a
specified rate until being released. If the button 19b is pushed,
the image pickup unit 22 is rotated in the direction of depression
angle at the specified rate until being released. The buttons 19a
to 19d are similar to the optical axis changing lever 9 in that the
direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit 22 is
manually changed within the permissible range (.+-.20.degree. with
respect to the front direction).
[0083] The delete button 20 is an operation button which is
provided in a top end position of the left margin of the LCD device
3 and used to designate the deletion of the image recorded in the
flash memory. The main switch 21 is provided below the delete
button 20 for starting and stopping a power supply.
[0084] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are a front view, a plan view and a right
side view of the image pickup unit 22.
[0085] The image pickup unit 22 includes the unit main body 23, a
U-shaped first support frame 24 for pivotally supporting the unit
main body 23 along vertical direction, an L-shaped second support
frame 25 for pivotally supporting the unit main body 23 along
horizontal direction, a driving member 26 for rotating the unit
main body 23 upward, downward, leftward and rightward, and position
detecting members 27, 28 for detecting the rotational position of
the unit main body 23.
[0086] The unit main body 23 has a capsule-like shape in which the
opposite ends of a cylinder are covered by semispherical surfaces,
and a round window 23c for exposing the taking lens 231 is formed
in the middle of one semispherical surface. The taking lens 231 is
so arranged on a center longitudinal axis as to face the window 23c
inside the unit main body 23, and an image pickup device having an
unillustrated CCD or like image pickup device is arranged behind
the taking lens 231.
[0087] The taking lens 231 is comprised of a zoom lens whose focal
length is changeable within a range of, e.g., 5 mm to 15 mm. The
taking lens 231 includes a lens 231a movable along the optical axis
for changing the focal length as shown in FIG. 9, and the focal
length is controlled by controlling the position of the lens 231a.
This focusing lens 231a is secured to a nut member 234 screwed onto
a bar-shaped screwed member 233 directly coupled with a rotor 232a
of an electric motor 232 (hereinafter, "zoom motor 232 "). When the
zoom motor 232 is driven, the screw member 233 is rotated, thereby
causing the nut member 234 to make a linear movement along the
extension of the screw member 233. As a result, the lens 231a is
moved forward and backward along the optical axis.
[0088] There is also provided an encoder 235 for detecting the
position of the lens 231a being linearly moved by the zoom motor
232. The encoder 235 is comprised of a code plate 235 a provided
below the screw member 233 and a brush 235b secured to the nut
member 234 and including a plurality of contact pieces having their
leading ends held in pressing contact with the code plate 235a.
When the lens 231a makes a linear movement by being driven by the
zoom motor 232, the brush 235b slides over the code plate 235a, and
a code signal (e.g., 4-bit signal) representing the position of the
lens 231a is outputted from the brush 235b. The position of the
lens 231 (i.e., focal length corresponding to this position) is
detected by decoding this signal. It should be noted that the focal
length can be detected every 1 mm in the range of 5 mm to 15
mm.
[0089] In addition to the CCD, the image pickup device includes a
signal processing circuit for applying a specified analog signal
processing to an image signal (analog signal) outputted from the
CCD. This signal processing circuit includes a CDS circuit
(correlative double sampling circuit) for reducing a sampling noise
of the image signal and an AGC circuit (automatic gain adjusting
circuit) for amplifying the image signal.
[0090] Pins 23d, 23e project substantially in the middle of the
opposite side surfaces of the cylinder portion of the unit main
body 23. The unit main body 23 is supported by the first support
frame 24 so as to be pivotal in the vertical plane by loosely
fitting the pins 23d, 23e into holes 24a, 24b (see FIG. 6) formed
in specified positions at the opposite ends of the first support
frame 24. Unillustrated holes are formed substantially in the
middle of the lower surface of the cylinder portion of the unit
main body 23 and substantially in the middle of the first support
frame 24. A pin 25c projecting from a specified position of a long
side portion 25a of the second support frame 25 is loosely fitted
into these holes, so that the unit main body 23 and the first
support frame 24 are rotatably supported in the horizontal
plane.
[0091] Further, the driving member 26 projects from a specified
upper position of a short side portion 25b of the second support
frame 25, and the leading end thereof is in contact with the middle
of the rear semispherical surface 23b of the unit main body 23. The
driving member 26 is, as shown in FIG. 10, such that piezoelectric
devices 262 to 265 such as PZTs are adhered to four side surfaces
of an elastic member 261 in the form of a square column and a
laminated piezoelectric device 266 and a contact piece 267 are
adhered to the upper end surface of the elastic member 261. A
projection 267a to be brought into contact with the semispherical
surface 23b of the unit main body 23 is formed on the contact piece
267.
[0092] If orthogonal coordinate systems xyz is set for the driving
member 26 as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of piezoelectric devices 262,
264 provided along x-axis are a driving source for vibrating the
leading end of the driving member 26 in xz-plane; a pair of
piezoelectric devices 263, 265 provided along y-axis are a driving
source for vibrating it in yz-plane. More specifically, upon
application of sinusoidal voltages, whose phases are mutually
inverted, to the piezoelectric devices 262, 264, the piezoelectric
device 264 expands while the piezoelectric device 262 contracts,
thereby inclining the leading end of the driving member 26 in
(+)x-direction. Conversely, when the piezoelectric device 264
contracts while the piezoelectric device 262 expands, the leading
end of the driving member 26 is inclined in (-)x-direction.
Accordingly, the leading end of the driving member 26 vibrates in
xz-plane. Similarly, upon application of sinusoidal voltages, whose
phases are mutually inverted, to the piezoelectric devices 263,
265, the leading end of the driving member 26 vibrates in yz-plane
by a similar mechanism.
[0093] Further, the laminated piezoelectric device 266 is a driving
source for expanding the driving member 26 in z-direction. In other
words, upon application of a sinusoidal voltage to the
piezoelectric device 266, it expands and contracts along its
thickness, thereby vibrating the leading end of the driving member
26 along z-axis.
[0094] Thus, if sinusoidal voltages e1,e2 whose phases are mutually
inverted are applied to the piezoelectric devices 262, 264 and a
sinusoidal voltage e3 whose phase is delayed by 90.degree. from the
drive voltage e1 applied to the piezoelectric device 262 is applied
to the laminated piezoelectric device 266 as shown in FIG. 11, the
leading end of the driving member 26 makes such a motion which is a
combination of the x-axis vibration and the z-axis
expansion/contraction, i.e., makes an elliptical motion in xz-plane
(see rotation of arrow in FIG. 10). If sinusoidal voltages whose
phases are mutually inverted are applied to the piezoelectric
devices 263, 265 and a sinusoidal voltage whose phase is delayed by
90.degree. from the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric
device 263 is applied to the laminated piezoelectric device 266,
the leading end of the driving member 26 also makes an elliptical
motion in yz-plane by a similar mechanism. If the phase of the
drive voltage applied to the laminated piezoelectric device 266 is
advanced by 90.degree. with respect to the drive voltage applied to
the piezoelectric device 262 or 263, the rotating direction of the
elliptical motion in xz- or yz-plane is reversed from the one in
the case where the phase is delayed by 90.degree..
[0095] Accordingly, if xz-plane coincides with the horizontal
plane, the contact piece 267 of the driving member 26 held in
contact with the rear semispherical surface 23b of the unit main
body 23 makes an elliptical motion, for example, in
counterclockwise direction in the horizontal plane by driving the
piezoelectric devices 262, 264 by the sinusoidal voltages e1, e2
whose phases are mutually inverted and driving the laminated
piezoelectric device 266 by the sinusoidal voltage e3 whose phase
is delayed by 90.degree. from the drive voltage e1 applied to the
piezoelectric device 262. This elliptical motion causes the unit
main body 23 to rotate clockwise about the pin 25c in the
horizontal plane. If the phase of the drive voltage e3 applied to
the laminated piezoelectric device 266 is advanced 90.degree. from
the drive voltage e1 to the piezoelectric device 262, the contact
piece 267 of the driving member 26 makes a clockwise elliptical
motion in the horizontal plane. This elliptical motion causes the
unit main body 23 to rotate counterclockwise about the pin 25c in
the horizontal plane.
[0096] On the other hand, the unit main body 23 rotates clockwise
(or counterclockwise) about the pins 23d, 23e in the vertical plane
by a similar mechanism if the piezoelectric devices 263, 265 are
driven by the sinusoidal voltages whose phases are mutually
inverted and the laminated piezoelectric device 266 is driven by
the sinusoidal voltage whose phase is delayed (or advanced) by
90.degree. from the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric
device 263.
[0097] The position detecting member 27 is provided at the right
side of the unit main body 23 when viewed from the front, and the
position detecting member 28 is provided at the lower side of the
unit main body 23 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The position detecting
member 27 detects the rotational position of the unit main body 23
in yz-plane (vertical plane), whereas the position detecting member
28 detects the rotational position in xz-plane (horizontal
plane).
[0098] The position detecting member 27 is comprised of a magnetic
head 271, an arcuate magnetic scale 272 and an unillustrated
position detecting circuit as shown in FIG. 12. The magnetic scale
272 is secured to the right side of the unit main body 23, whereas
the magnetic head 271 is mounted in such a position of an end of
the first support frame 24 as to face the magnetic scale 272, so
that the magnetic head 271 relatively moves on the magnetic scale
272 when the unit main body 23 rotates in the vertical plane. The
position detecting circuit is provided in a specified position in
the camera main body 2.
[0099] The magnetic scale 272 includes three tracks 272a, 272b,
272c. In the outer two tracks 272a, 272b, a plurality of magnetic
poles comprised of S-polarity and N-polarity are alternately formed
at specified angular intervals .DELTA..alpha. (e.g., angular
position where a distance d between magnetic poles m2 is 200 .mu.m)
such that the adjacent magnetic poles m1, m2 have the same
polarities in the two tracks.
[0100] A boundary position between adjacent S- and N-polarities of
the magnetic pole ml formed in the track 272a corresponds to a
gauge position of the arcuate scale, and a position boundary
between adjacent S- and N-polarities of the magnetic pole m2 formed
in the track 272b also corresponds to a gauge position of the
arcuate scale. The two tracks 272a, 272b corresponding to the same
scale are provided to make the rotating direction of the image
pickup unit 22 detectable and make an angle of rotation .alpha.
detectable at intervals of .DELTA..alpha./2. More specifically, an
rotation amount (or angle of rotation .alpha.) from a reference
position R can be detected by detecting the respective boundary
positions of the magnetic poles ml of the track 272a or the
respective boundary positions of the magnetic poles m2 of the track
272b. The rotation amount is detected at angular intervals of
.DELTA..alpha./2 by electrically phase-shifting the detection
timings of the former boundary positions and those of the latter
boundary positions by .pi./2.
[0101] If the position of the image pickup unit 22 where the
optical axis L thereof is oriented in the front direction is
referred to as "center position", the reference position R is such
a position attained when the image pickup unit 22 is rotated
downward by 40.degree. from the center position in the vertical
plane.
[0102] In the innermost track 272c, a magnetic pole m3 comprised of
a pair of S- and N-polarities is formed in a specified position at
one end. The magnetic pole m3 is formed in the track 272c to give
the reference position R for the scales of the tracks 272a, 272b.
Accordingly, the magnetic pole m3 also has the same polarities as
the adjacent magnetic poles m2 in the track 272b. The magnetic head
271 include magnetic resistors 271a, 271b, 271c for detecting the
magnetic poles formed in the respective tracks 272a, 272b and 272c
of the magnetic scale 272. The magnetic resistors 271a, 271c are so
arranged as to be in the same rotational position (rotational
position n in FIG. 12) on the magnetic scale 272, and the magnetic
resistor 271b is arranged in a position shifted clockwise by half
the angular interval of .DELTA. with respect to the magnetic
resistors 271a, 271c. The magnetic resistor 271b is displaced from
the magnetic resistor 271a to electrically phase-shift the
detection timings of the boundary positions of the magnetic poles
ml of the track 272a and those of the boundary positions of the
magnetic poles m2 of the track 272b by .pi./2. FIG. 13 is a block
diagram showing a position detecting circuit. A position detecting
circuit 273 includes three waveform shaping circuits 273a, 273b,
273c, a phase detecting circuit 273d, a signal change detecting
circuit 273e and a counter 273f. To the waveform shaping circuits
273a, 273b, 273c are inputted magnetic pole detection signals from
the resistors 271a, 271b, 271c, respectively. Output signals Sg1,
Sg2 of the waveform shaping circuits 273a, 273b are both inputted
to the phase detecting circuit 273d and the signal change detecting
circuit 273e, whereas an output signal Sg3 of the waveform shaping
circuit 273c is inputted to a reset terminal of the counter 273f.
Further, an output signal Sg4 of the phase detecting circuit 273 is
inputted to a (+/-)-terminal of the counter 273f, and an output
signal Sg5 of the signal change detecting circuit 273e is inputted
to a count terminal of the counter 273f. An angular data (i.e., a
data on the rotational angle .alpha. from the reference position R
in FIG. 12) is outputted from an output terminal of the counter
273f.
[0103] When the magnetic head 271 relatively moves on the magnetic
scale 272 as the image pickup unit 22 rotates, magnetic fields
formed by the magnetic poles m1, m2, m3 on the tracks 272a, 27ab,
272c are detected by the magnetic resistors 271a, 271b, 271c. Since
the N- and S-polarities are alternately formed in the magnetic
poles m1, m2 of the tracks 272a, 272b, signals which change like a
sine wave in specific cycles are outputted from the magnetic
resistors 271a, 271b. Further, since the pair of N- and
S-polarities are formed in the specified position of the track
272c, the magnetic resistor 271c outputs a signal which changes
like a sine wave only in one cycle when it passes the position
where the magnetic pole m3 is formed.
[0104] The waveform shaping circuits 273a, 372b, 372c shape the
signals having a sinusoidal waveform outputted from the magnetic
resistors 271a, 271b, 271c into signals having a rectangular
waveform. The phase detecting circuit 273d detects a phasic
relationship between the output signal Sg1 of the waveform shaping
circuit 273a and the output signal Sg2 of the waveform shaping
circuit 273b (e.g., whether the phase of the signal Sg1 is delayed
or advanced from that of the signal Sg2). The detection signal Sg4
of the phasic relationship indicates a relative moving direction of
the magnetic head 271 with respect to the magnetic scale 272 (i.e.,
the rotating direction of the image pickup unit 22).
[0105] The signal change detecting signal 273e detects changes in
the output signals Sg1, Sg2 (e.g., change in the detected polarity
from S-polarity to N-polarity), and the output signal Sg5 thereof
represents a moved amount of the magnetic head 271 with respect to
the magnetic scale 272 every 100 .mu.m (or every
.DELTA..alpha./2).
[0106] Since the detecting positions of the magnetic resistors
271a, 271b are set in the magnetic head 271 such that the phases of
the output signals thereof are shifted from each other by
90.degree., the phase of the output signal Sg1 of the waveform
shaping circuit 273a is shifted from that of the output signal Sg2
of the waveform shaping circuit 273b by .pi./2 as shown in FIG. 14.
Depending upon whether the magnetic head 271 moves clockwise or
counterclockwise with respect to the magnetic scale 272, the phasic
relationship of the signals Sg1, Sg2 is reversed. More
specifically, when the magnetic head 271 moves clockwise with
respect to the magnetic scale 272, the phase of the signal Sg1 is
delayed from that of the signal Sg2 (see the detection timing of
the reference position R in FIG. 14) since the magnetic head 271
moves on the magnetic scale 272 from the right to the left in FIG.
14. On the other hand, when the magnetic head 271 moves
counterclockwise with respect to the magnetic scale 272 (the
magnetic head 271 moves on the magnetic scale 272 from the left to
the right in FIG. 14), the phase of the signal Sg1 is advanced from
that of the signal Sg2.
[0107] Accordingly, the phase detecting circuit 273b outputs a
high-level signal, for example, when the phase of the signal Sg1 is
advanced from that of the signal Sg2 (when the image pickup unit 22
rotates counterclockwise), while outputting a low-level signal when
the phase of the signal Sg1 is delayed from that of the signal Sg2
(when the image pickup unit 22 rotates clockwise). It should be
noted that the phase detecting circuit 273d may output high-level
and low-level signals in reversed cases.
[0108] The signal change detecting circuit 273e detects the rise
and fall of the output signals Sg1, Sg2 of the waveform shaping
circuits 273a, 273b, and outputs pulse signals upon every
detection. Pulse trains representing changes in the signals Sg1,
Sg2 correspond the movement of the magnetic head 271 on the
magnetic scale 272 every 200 .mu.m. Since the pulse train
corresponding to the signal Sg1 and the one corresponding to the
signal Sg2 are shifted from each other by .pi./2, the pulse-train
signal Sg5 outputted from the signal change detecting circuit 273e
represents detection of the movement of the magnetic head 271 on
the magnetic scale 272 every 100 .mu.m (i.e., the rotation of the
image pickup unit 22 is detected every angle .DELTA..alpha./2).
[0109] Accordingly, the counter 273f counts a pulse number Nm
inputted to the count terminal after resetting the count value upon
receipt of the signal Sg3 detecting the reference position R from
the waveform shaping circuit 273c; multiplies this count value by
the angle .DELTA..alpha./2 to calculate the rotational angle a of
the image pickup unit 22 from the reference position R; and this
angle data is outputted from the output terminal. Further, the
rotating direction of the image pickup unit 22 is discriminated
based on the level of the signal Sg4 inputted to the
(+/-)-terminal, and the rotating direction data is also outputted
from the output terminal.
[0110] The position detecting member 28 has substantially the same
construction as the position detecting member 27 and detects the
rotational position of the image pickup unit 22 in the horizontal
plane by substantially the same mechanism as above. The reference
position R in the position detecting member 28 is a position which
the image pickup unit 22 reaches after rotating by 40.degree. to
the right from the center position in the horizontal plane.
[0111] In the above construction, when the main switch 21 is turned
on, the record mode is initially set and the image pickup unit 22
is automatically set in the center position (i.e., position where
the taking lens 231 is exposed through the opening 5 and the
optical axis L thereof is oriented in the front direction) as shown
in solid line in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. In the record mode, a
photographer performs photographing after setting the image pickup
unit 22 in a desired position within the range of
.+-.20.degree.(corresponding to the aforementioned permissible
range) to the above, below, right or left from the center position
by operating the optical axis changing lever 9 or the optical axis
changing buttons 19a to 19d.
[0112] When the main switch 21 is turned off, the image pickup unit
22 is automatically set in a position rotated downward by about
40.degree. from the center position as shown in phantom line in
FIG. 15, and the opening 5 is closed by a portion of the front
semispherical surface 23a of the unit main body 23. It should be
noted that the opening 5 may be covered by a portion of the front
semispherical surface 23a of the unit main body 23 by rotating the
image pickup unit 22 by about 40.degree. in a direction other than
the downward direction from the center position. In this
embodiment, in order to facilitate the drive control for the image
pickup unit 22, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated until the
reference positions R are detected by the position detecting
members 27, 28, and is set in a position attained by rotating the
image pickup unit 22 downward to the right by 40.degree. as shown
in FIG. 17.
[0113] Since the opening 5 is closed by the unit main body 23
without fitting it with a barrier or slide cover, a mechanism for
closing the opening 2 can be simplified and the unit main body 23
can be securely contained in the camera main body 2 when the camera
1 is stored. Therefore, adherence of smear and dirt to the taking
lens 231 and the entrance of unnecessary light into the image
pickup device through the taking lens 231 can be prevented by a
simple construction.
[0114] Although the piezoelectric devices are used as the driving
members for the image pickup unit 22 in this embodiment, a stepping
motor or like motor may be used for this purpose. In such a case,
the image pickup unit 22 may be directly driven by directly
coupling a rotor of a stepping motor with rotatable shafts of the
image pickup unit 22 in the vertical and horizontal planes.
Alternatively, a torque of the stepping motor may be transmitted to
the rotatable shafts via a torque switching/transmitting member
comprised of gear(s) and cam(s) to indirectly drive the image
pickup unit 22.
[0115] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a circuit construction of
the electronic camera 1. In FIG. 18, the same elements as those
described above are identified by the same reference numerals. An
image pickup device 239 in the unit main body 23 corresponds to the
aforementioned image pickup device provided with the image pickup
device and the signal processing circuit. A zooming driver 237
controls the driving of the focusing lens 231a of the taking lens
231 and corresponds to the aforementioned driving mechanism
comprised of the zoom motor 232, the screw member 233 and the nut
member 234. The zooming driver 237 controls the position of the
lens 231a by driving the zoom motor 232 in accordance with a
control signal from a controller 213.
[0116] A lens position detector 238 detects the position of the
lens 231a and includes the aforementioned encoder 235 and a decoder
for decoding a code outputted from the encoder 235 into a position
information. The position information outputted from the lens
position detector 238 is inputted to the controller 213.
[0117] A unit driver 201 controls the rotation of the image pickup
unit 22 and includes the aforementioned driving member 26 and a
driving circuit therefor. The unit driver 201 controls the position
of the image pickup unit 22 by driving the driving member 26 in
accordance with a control signal from the controller 213.
[0118] A unit position detector 202 detects the rotational position
of the image pickup unit 22 and includes the aforementioned
position detecting members 27, 28 and a position detecting circuit.
An information on the rotating direction and the rotating amount of
the image pickup unit 22 outputted from the detector 202 is
inputted to the controller 213.
[0119] A flash controller 203 controls the firing of the flash
device 4 in accordance with a control signal from the controller
213 and includes an emission energy storing circuit and a firing
timing control circuit. In the case of predetermined low brightness
photographing, a firing command signal is outputted from the
controller 213 and the flash controller 203 causes the flash device
4 to automatically fire at the time of photographing.
[0120] A power supply unit 204 includes a power supply battery and
dc-to-dc (DC/DC) converter and generates and supplies power
supplies necessary for various electric circuits. The power supply
unit 204 controls power supply in accordance with a control signal
from the controller 213.
[0121] A group of switches 205 detect the operative states of the
zooming buttons 6, 7, the release button 8 and the optical axis
changing lever 9, and send detection signals to the controller
213.
[0122] The switches 205 include switches S1, S2, SZI, SZO, SU, SD,
SR and SL. The functions of the respective switches S1 to SL are as
follows:
[0123] S1: a switch for detecting that the release button 8 has
been pressed halfway,
[0124] S2: a switch for detecting that the release button 8 has
been fully pressed,
[0125] SZI: a zoom-in switch for detecting that the zooming button
6 is being pushed,
[0126] SZO: a zoom-out switch for detecting that the zooming button
7 is being pushed,
[0127] SU: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
lever 9 is being inclined upward,
[0128] SD: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
lever 9 is being inclined downward,
[0129] SR: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
Lever 9 is being inclined rightward,
[0130] SL: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
lever is being inclined leftward.
[0131] An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 206 converts an image
signal (analog signal) outputted from the image pickup device 239
into, for example, an 8-bit digital signal (hereinafter, "image
data").
[0132] A timing generator 207 generates timing pulses used for the
image pickup operation by the image pickup device and for
time-series processing applied to pixel data constituting the
picked image in the image pickup device 239 and the A/D converter
206. The timing generator 207 has a reference clock, and generates
timing pulses having specified frequencies by frequency-dividing
this reference clock and sent them to the image pickup device 239
and the A/D converter 206. The timing generator 207 also generates
timing signals for the start and end of the integration of the CCD
and send them to the image pickup device 239. The timing generator
207 generates the timing signals in accordance with a control
signal from the controller 213 and send them to the image pickup
device 239 and the A/D converter 206.
[0133] The signal processing unit 208 has signal processing
circuits including a black level correcting circuit, a white
balance adjusting circuit and a .gamma.-correction circuit, and
applies specified signal processings such as black level
correction, white balance adjustment and gradation correction to
the image data outputted from the A/D converter 206.
[0134] A RAM (random access memory) 209 temporarily stores the
image data outputted from the signal processing unit 208. The RAM
209 has a storage capacity of five picked images. The RAM 209 is so
constructed as to store a plurality of picked images in order to
enable the photographing of partial images in the high-resolution
photographing mode described above. Since the RAM 209 has a spare
storage capacity, automatic bracket-photographing is performed in
the normal photographing mode.
[0135] A record/readout unit 211 records the image data stored in
the RAM 209 in the flash memory 212 and reads out the picked image
stored in the flash memory 212 to reproduce it on the LCD device 3.
This unit 211 records or reads out the image in accordance with a
control signal from the controller 213.
[0136] An expansion/compression unit 210 compresses the image data
stored in the RAM 209 when the image data is to be recorded in the
flash memory 212 and expands the image data (compressed data) read
from the flash memory 212. The unit 210 compresses or expands the
image data according to, for example JPEG (joint photographic
coding experts group) system in accordance with a control signal
from the controller 213. It should be noted that the compression
system used in the present invention is not limited to JPEG system,
but may be an other compression system such as MPEG (moving picture
coding experts group) system.
[0137] The flash memory 212 is an non-volatile reloadable external
storage medium. An other kind of storage medium such as MD, PC card
or hard disk card may be used as the external storage medium. The
flash memory 212 is detachably mountable in the camera main body
2.
[0138] In order to distinguish the temporary storage of the image
data in the RAM 209 and the storage thereof in the flash memory
212, the former is referred to as "storage" and the latter is
referred to as "record" in the description below.
[0139] The controller 213 centrally controls the photographing
operation of the electronic camera 1 by meaningfully controlling
the driving of the respective members in the camera main body 2 and
the LCD device 3 and includes a microcomputer. The controller 213
also has a focusing function (AF function) and an exposure
controlling function (AE function), so that it can detect a
focusing condition using the image data stored in the RAM 209 and
an object brightness and set an exposure time of the CCD
corresponding to a shutter speed based on the detected object
brightness.
[0140] In a photographing standby state, the controller 213 drives
the image pickup device 239 in specified cycles to store live-view
images (video images) in the RAM 209 and successively outputs the
stored images to the LCD device 3, causing it to display them on
the LCD panel 12. In other words, the controller 213 causes a
viewfinder display to be made on the LCD device 3. When the
photographer instructs photographing by operating the release
button 8 (or 18 ), the controller 213 causes an object to be
photographed during the exposure time after focusing and setting
the exposure time of the CCD, and causes the photographed image to
be recorded in the flash memory 212.
[0141] A display controller 301 in the LCD device 3 controls the
display of the image on the LCD panel 12. The display controller
301 has a display image memory corresponding to the number of
pixels of the LCD panel 12. The image data is transferred from the
controller 213 to the display controller 301 after compressing the
image data to be reproduced (i.e., weeding out pixel data
constituting the image data at predetermined intervals). The
display controller 301 reproduces the image on the LCD panel 12 by
writing the image data in the image memory. The display controller
301 also has a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for converting the
image data written in the image memory into a video signal. The
video signal generated by the D/A converter is outputted from a
VIDEO signal terminal. Thus, by connecting this VIDEO signal
terminal with a display device such as a CRT, the same image as the
one displayed on the LCD panel 12 can be reproduced and displayed
on this display device.
[0142] A group of switches 302 detect the operative states of the
record/reproduction mode switch 13, the photographing mode switch
14, the bracket-photographing confirmation button 15, the zooming
buttons 16, 17, the release button 18, the optical axis changing
buttons 19a to 19d, the delete button 20, and the main switch 21,
and input their detection signals to the controller 213 via the
cable 11.
[0143] Switches 302 include switches SM, S1, S2, SZI, SZO, SU, SD,
SR, SL, SCHG, SDEL, SR/P, SMOD. The functions of the respective
switches S1 to SMOD are as follows:
[0144] SM: a switch for detecting that the main switch 21 has been
pressed.
[0145] S1: a switch for detecting that the release button 18 has
been pressed halfway,
[0146] S2: a switch for detecting that the release button 18 has
been fully pressed,
[0147] SZI: a zoom-in switch for detecting that the zooming button
16 is being pushed,
[0148] SZO: a zoom-out switch for detecting that the zooming button
17 is being pushed,
[0149] SU: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
button 19a is being pressed
[0150] SD: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
button 19b is being pressed
[0151] SR: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
button 19c is being pressed
[0152] SL: a switch for detecting that the optical axis changing
button 19d is being pressed
[0153] SCHG: a switch for detecting that the bracket-photographing
confirmation button 15 has been pressed,
[0154] SDEL: a switch for detecting that the delete button 20 has
been pressed,
[0155] SR/P: a switch for detecting the set state of the
record/reproduction mode switch 13,
[0156] SMOD: a switch for detecting the set state of the
photographing mode switch 14.
[0157] As described above, in this embodiment, the camera main body
2 and the LCD device 3 are electrically connected via the cable 11
and power and the compressed image data are sent from the camera
main body 2 to the LCD device 3 while the detection signals of the
switches are sent from the LCD device 3 to the camera main body 2.
Accordingly, it is easier to handle the signals which transmit
through the cable and to deal with less amount of data as compared
to, for example, a construction in which an image pickup device and
a camera main body are connected via a cable. Therefore, the cable
11 and a circuit construction for transmitting and receiving the
signals can be simplified.
[0158] The record/reproduction unit 211 and the flash memory 212
may be provided in the LCD device 3. In such a case as well, since
the image data transmitted from the camera main body 2 to the LCD
device 3 is compressed in the expansion/compression unit 210, a
reduced amount of data is dealt with and the cable 11 and a circuit
construction for transmitting and receiving the signals can be
simplified. Although the camera main body 2 and the LCD device 3
are connected via the cable in this embodiment, they may be
connected wireless using infrared rays or radio waves.
[0159] Next, the photographing operation of the electronic camera 1
is specifically described with reference to flowcharts.
[0160] FIGS. 19 and 20 are a flowchart showing a main routine of
the photographing operation. This main routine is executed when the
power supply battery is mounted in the camera main body 2.
[0161] It is first discriminated whether the main switch 21 is on
or off (Step #2). If the main switch 21 is off (NO in Step #2), a
subroutine "SM OFF" shown in FIG. 21 is executed to set the image
pickup unit 22 in the predetermined reference position R where it
closes the opening 5.
[0162] Upon entering the subroutine "SM OFF", the image pickup unit
22 is rotated rightward with respect to the front direction in the
horizontal direction until the reference position R is detected by
the position detecting member 28 (loop of Steps #40 and #42). When
the image pickup unit 22 reaches its rightward rotation reference
position R, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated downward in the
vertical plane until the reference position R is detected by the
position detecting member 27 (loop of Steps #44, #46). When the
image pickup unit 22 reaches its downward rotation reference
position R (i.e., when the image pickup unit 22 reaches a position
where the optical axis thereof is oriented in a specified direction
extending downward to the right), the driving of the image pickup
unit 22 is stopped and this state is kept until the main switch SM
is turned on (loop of Step #48). This state corresponds to a state
where the power supply battery is mounted in the camera main body 2
and the main switch 21 is off (i.e., a state where the electronic
camera 1 is left unattended or stored in its case). In the state
where the electronic camera 1 is stored in its case and
photographing is not allowed, the image pickup unit 22 is set in
such a position as to close the opening 5 of the camera main body 2
as described above. Therefore, the prevention of light-exposure of
the CCD and protection of the taking lens 231 are suitably
realized.
[0163] Referring back to FIG. 19, if the main switch 21 is on (YES
in Step #2), the set state of the record/reproduction mode switch
13 is discriminated (Step #6). If the reproduction mode is set (NO
in Step #6), a subroutine "Reproduction Mode" shown in FIGS. 35 and
36 is executed to reproduce the recorded image on the LCD device 3.
Processing in the reproduction mode is described later.
[0164] On the other hand, if the record mode is set (YES in Step
#6), a subroutine "Image Pickup Unit Setting" shown in FIG. 22 is
executed to set the image pickup unit 22 in the center position
(i.e., a position where the taking lens 231 is exposed through the
opening 5 and the optical axis thereof is oriented in the front
direction). This operation enables the driving of the image pickup
unit 22 to be easily and highly accurately controlled by setting
the optical axis of the image pickup unit 22 in the front direction
when the main switch 21 is turned on and also enables normal
photographing to be immediately performed without the photographer
adjusting the image pickup unit 22.
[0165] Upon entering the subroutine "Image Pickup Unit Setting",
the image pickup unit 22 is rotated rightward with respect to the
front direction in the horizontal plane until the reference
position R is detected by the position detecting member 28 (loop of
Steps #50, #52). Upon reaching the right rotation reference
position R, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated downward in the
vertical plane until the reference position R is detected by the
position detecting member 27 (loop of Steps #54. #56). This
operation is performed to set the image pickup unit 22 in the
upper, lower, right or left rotation reference position R (a
specified position located downward to the right from the center
position in this embodiment) for the rotation control.
[0166] Upon reaching the lower rotation reference position R, the
image pickup unit 22 is rotated leftward by a specified amount in
the horizontal plane to be set in the center position in the
horizontal-plane (loop of. Steps #58, #60) and then rotated upward
by a specified amount in the vertical plane to be set in the center
position in the vertical plane (loop of Steps #62, #64). Then, this
subroutine returns to the main routine. In this embodiment, the
rotation reference position R is a position rotated downward by
40.degree. and rightward by 40.degree.. Thus, the image pickup unit
22 is set in the center position by being rotated upward by
40.degree. after being rotated leftward by 40.degree. in the
horizontal plane.
[0167] Referring back to FIG. 19, when the setting of the image
pickup unit 22 is completed, changes in the states of various
switches S1, S2, SZI, SZO, SU, SD, SR, SL, SMOD, SP/R, SM are
discriminated (Steps #10 to #30).
[0168] If there is a change in none of the switches (NO in Steps
#10 to #24, YES in Steps #28 and #30), it is discriminated whether
a display timer has counted up a display time (Step #32). This
display timer counts a specified time during which the photographed
image is displayed on the LCD device 3 when photographing is
performed in a subroutine "S1 ON" to be described later. The
display timer is built in the controller 213.
[0169] If the display timer has counted up the display time (YES in
Step #32), the display of the photographed image on the LCD device
3 is stopped (Step #34) and this routine returns to Step #10 to
discriminate changes in the states of the various switches S1 to SM
(hereinafter, "SW discrimination"). On the other hand, if the
display time has not elapsed yet (NO in Step #32), the content of a
flag FIAB is discriminated (Step #36). If the flag FIAB is reset to
"0" (NO in Step #36), this routine returns to Step #10 to perform
the SW discrimination. If the flag FIAB is set to "1" (YES in Step
#36), it is further discriminated whether the switch SCHG is on
(Step #38). Unless the switch SCHG has been turned by operating the
bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 (NO in Step #38), this
routine returns to Step #10 to perform the SW discrimination. If
the switch SCHG is on (YES in Step #38), a subroutine "Image
Selection" shown in FIG. 32 is entered.
[0170] The flag FIAB is a flag indicating whether or not the change
and addition of the recorded image in the automatic
bracket-photographing are possible. If the flag FIAB is set at "1",
the recorded image can be changed or added according to the
operation of the bracket-photographing confirmation button 15. If
the flag FIAB is reset at "0", the recorded image can be neither
changed nor added. Accordingly, the discrimination as to the switch
SCHG in Step #38 is discrimination as to whether the
bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 has been operated. The
processing in the subroutine "Image Selection" is performed to
select the recorded image to be changed or added. This is described
in detail later.
[0171] If the set state of the record/reproduction mode switch 13
is switched to the reproduction mode (NO in Step #28) or the main
switch SM is turned off (NO in Step #30) in the SW discrimination,
this routine returns to Step #2.
[0172] If the zooming button 6 or 7 (or 16 or 17) is operated to
turn the switch SZI or SZO on (YES in Step #12 or #14) in the SW
discrimination, a subroutine "Zooming" shown in FIG. 23 is executed
to zoom the taking lens 231.
[0173] Upon entering the subroutine "Zooming", it is discriminated
whether the zoom-in switch SZI or the zoom-out switch SZO is still
on (Steps #70, #86). If the zoom-in switch SZI is on (YES in Step
#70), it is discriminated whether the high-resolution photographing
mode has been set by operating the photographing mode switch 14
(Step #72).
[0174] If the normal photographing mode is set (NO in Step #72), it
is discriminated whether the focusing lens 231a of the taking lens
231 is at a telephoto limit position (Step #74). Unless the
focusing lens 231a is at the telephoto limit position (NO in Step
#74), it is driven toward the telephoto limit position (Step #76,
loop of Steps #70 to #76). The driving of the lens 231a is stopped
(Step #78) after the lens 231a reaches the telephoto limit position
(YES in Step #74). Specifically, if the zooming button 6 (or 16)
continues to be pressed in the normal photographing mode,
zooming-in is performed by moving the lens 231a of the taking lens
231 toward the telephoto limit position. If the zooming button 6
(or 16) still continues to be pressed even after the lens 231a
reaches the telephoto limit position, the lens 231a is stopped at
this limit position and the taking lens 231 is fixed to the
telephoto limit (f=15 mm in this embodiment).
[0175] On the other hand, if the high-resolution photographing mode
is set (YES in Step #72), it is discriminated whether a focal
length f of the taking lens 231 is 8 mm (Step #80). If f<8 mm
(NO in Step #80), the lens 231a of the taking lens 231 is driven
toward the telephoto side (loop of Steps #82, #70, #72, #80, #82).
The driving of the lens 231a is stopped (Step #84 ) when the focal
length f of the taking lens 231 reaches 8 mm (YES in Step #80). In
other words, the focal length f of the taking lens 231 is
controlled to be equal to or shorter than 8 mm in the
high-resolution photographing mode.
[0176] Zooming in the high-resolution photographing mode is
restricted such that the focal length f of the taking lens 231 does
not exceed 8 mm for the following reason. In this embodiment, a
focal length f2 at which partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D (see
FIG. 5) of the object Q are photographed is 1.8 to 1.9 times a
focal length f1 at which the whole image G of the object Q is
photographed as shown in TABLE-1 below. The photographing control
for the whole image G of the object Q photographed first is made
easier and more reliable by restricting the focal length f to
approximately 1/2 of a maximum focal length fmax=15 mm.
1TABLE 1 f1 .theta.v1 .theta.h1 f2 .theta.v2 .DELTA..theta.v
.theta.h2 .DELTA..theta.h K (mm) (DEG) (DEG) (mm) (DEG) (DEG) (DEG)
(DEG) (f2/f1) 5 39.6 51.3 9 22.6 11.3 29.9 14.9 1.80 6 33.4 43.6 11
18.6 9.3 24.6 12.3 1.83 7 28.8 37.8 13 15.8 7.9 20.9 10.4 1.86 8
25.4 33.4 15 13.7 6.3 18.2 9.1 1.88 f1: focal length at which the
whole image is photographed .theta.v1: vertical angle of view
.theta.h1: horizontal angle of view f2: focal length at which the
partial images are photographed .theta.v2: vertical angle of view
.DELTA..theta.v: vertical optical axis displacement .theta.h2:
horizontal angle of view .DELTA..theta.h: horizontal optical axis
displacement K(f2/f1): focal length ratio
[0177] TABLE-1 shows four typical focal lengths f1 at which the
whole image is photographed, horizontal and vertical angles of view
.theta.h1, .theta.v1 corresponding to these focal lengths f1,
horizontal and vertical angles of view .theta.h2, .theta.v2
corresponding focal lengths f2 at which the partial images are
photographed, displacements .DELTA..theta.h, .DELTA..theta.v of the
optical axis L from the front direction when the partial images are
photographed, and focal length ratios K(=f2/f1). Any desired focal
length f1 other than the typical values below 8 mm can be similarly
calculated and set.
[0178] Since the whole object is divided into four sections as
shown in FIG. 5 in this embodiment, the focal length f2 at which
the respective partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D are photographed
is about twice the focal length f1 at which the whole image G is
photographed. The focal length K(=f2/f1) is smaller than 2 in order
to facilitate the combination of the partial images by overlapping
the images at the boundaries and prevent the images from missing in
combination positions due to a camera shake during
photographing.
[0179] In TABLE-1, the horizontal and vertical angles of view
.theta.hi, .theta.vi (i=1, 2) are angles shown in FIGS. 24A and
24B. Since the CCD 239a of 4.8 mm.times.3.6 mm is used as the image
pickup device, the horizontal and vertical angles of view
.theta.hi, .theta.vi (i=1, 2) can be calculated by
.theta.hi=2,.multidot.tan.sup.-1(2.4/fi),
.theta.vi=2.multidot.tan.sup.-1(1.8/fi). The optical axis
displacements .DELTA..theta.h, .DELTA..theta.v are an horizontal
angle of inclination and a vertical angle of inclination,
respectively when the CCD 239a is inclined as shown in FIG. 25.
[0180] Referring back to FIG. 23, if the zoom-out switch SZO is on
(NO in Step #70, YES in Step #86), it is discriminated whether the
focusing lens 231a of the taking lens 231 is at a wide-angle limit
position (Step #88). Unless the lens 231a is at the wide-angle
limit position (NO in Step #88), it is driven toward the wide-angle
side (Step #90, loop of Steps #86 to #90), and the driving of the
lens 231a is stopped (Step #92) when the lens 231a reaches the
wide-angle limit position (YES in Step #88).
[0181] Specifically, if the zooming button 7 (or 17) continues to
be pressed, zooming-out is performed by moving the lens 231a of the
taking lens 231 toward the wide-angle limit position. If the
zooming button 7 (or 17) still continues to be pressed even after
the lens 231a reaches the wide-angle limit position, the lens 231a
is stopped at this limit position and the taking lens 231 is fixed
to the wide-angle limit (f=5 mm in this embodiment). Since the
focal length f of the taking lens does not exceed 8 mm in
zooming-out, no such restriction as in zooming-in is provided in
the high-resolution photographing mode.
[0182] Referring back to FIG. 19, if any of the switches SU to SL
has been turned on by operating the optical axis changing lever 9
or optical axis changing button 19a to 19d (YES in any of Steps #16
to #22), a subroutine "Image Pickup Unit Driving" shown in FIGS. 26
and 27 is executed to change the direction of the optical axis of
the image pickup unit 22.
[0183] Upon entering the subroutine "Image Pickup Unit Driving", it
is discriminated whether the switch SU has been turned on by
operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis
changing button 19a) (Step #100).
[0184] If the switch SU is on (YES in Step #100), it is
discriminated whether the high-resolution photographing mode has
been set by operating the photographing mode switch 14 (Step #102).
If the high-resolution photographing mode is set (YES in Step
#102), it is discriminated whether the image pickup unit 22 is in a
position displaced upward by .DELTA..theta.v smaller than
10.degree. from its center position (Step #104). If
.DELTA..theta.v<10.degree. (YES in Step #104), the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated upward in the vertical plane (Step #108, loop of
Steps #100 to #104, #108). When the image pickup unit 22 reaches
the position displaced upward by 10.degree. from its center
position (NO in Step #104), the rotation of the image pickup unit
22 is stopped (Step #110). In other words, the image pickup unit 22
is rotated upward in an angle range of 10.degree. or smaller from
the center position according to the operation of the optical axis
changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button 19a) in the
high-resolution photographing mode.
[0185] On the other hand, if the normal photographing mode is set
(NO in Step #102), it is discriminated whether the image pickup
unit 22 is in a position displaced upward by .DELTA..theta.v
smaller than 20.degree. from its center position (Step #106). If
.DELTA..theta.v<20.degree. (YES in Step #106), the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated upward in the vertical plane (Step #108, loop of
Steps #100, #102, #106, #108). When the image pickup unit 22
reaches the position displaced upward by 20.degree. from its center
position (NO in Step #106), the rotation of the image pickup unit
22 is stopped (Step #110). In other words, the image pickup unit 22
is rotated upward in an angle range of 20.degree. or smaller from
the center position according to the operation of the optical axis
changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button 19a) in the
normal photographing mode.
[0186] If the switch SU is off or has been turned of f (NO in Step
#100), the rotation of the image pickup unit 22 is stopped (Step
#112).
[0187] Subsequently, it is discriminated whether the switch SD has
been turned on by operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19b) (Step #114), and the rotation
of the image pickup unit 22 is controlled substantially in the same
manner as the case of the switch SU (Steps #114 to #126).
Specifically, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated downward in an
angle range of 10.degree. or smaller from the center position
according to the operation of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19b) in the high-resolution
photographing mode (Steps #114, #116, #118, #122, #124), and the
image pickup unit 22 is rotated downward in an angle range of
20.degree. or smaller from the center position according to the
operation of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis
changing button 19b) in the normal photographing mode (Steps #114,
#116, #120, #122, #124). If the switch SD is off or has been turned
off (NO in Step #114), the rotation of the image pickup unit 22 is
stopped (Step #126).
[0188] The upward and downward rotatable ranges of the image pickup
unit 22 in the high-resolution photographing mode are restricted to
.DELTA..theta.v<10.degree. because an absolute value
.vertline..DELTA..theta.v.vertline. of the displacement of the
optical axis L of the image pickup unit 22 will not exceed
10.degree. when the partial images are photographed at f1=8 mm. The
upward and downward rotatable ranges of the image pickup unit 22 in
the normal photographing mode are restricted to
.DELTA..theta.v<20.degree. because the taking lens 231 of the
image pickup unit 22 cannot be exposed through the opening 5 of the
camera main body 2 if the absolute value
.vertline..DELTA..theta.v.vertline. of the displacement of the
optical axis L of the image pickup unit 22 exceeds 20.degree. as
shown in TABLE-1, and therefore photographing cannot be performed.
Thus, meaningless operations are avoided by restricting the
rotation of the image pickup unit 22 in the vertical plane to the
ranges substantially necessary for the photographing in both
photographing modes.
[0189] Subsequently, it is discriminated whether the switch SL has
been turned on by operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19c) (Step #128). If the switch SL
is on (YES in Step #128), it is further discriminated whether the
high-resolution photographing mode has been set by operating the
photographing mode switch 14 (Step #130).
[0190] If the high-resolution photographing mode is set (YES in
Step #130), it is discriminated whether the image pickup unit 22 is
in a position displaced leftward by .DELTA..theta.h smaller than
7.degree. from its center position (Step #132). If
.DELTA..theta.h<7.degree. (YES in Step #132), the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated leftward in the horizontal plane (Step #136,
loop of Steps #128 to #132, #136). When the image pickup unit 22
reaches the position displaced leftward by 7.degree. from its
center position (NO in Step #132), the rotation of the image pickup
unit 22 is stopped (Step #138). In other words, the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated leftward in an angle range of 7.degree. or
smaller from the center position according to the operation of the
optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button
19c) in the high-resolution photographing mode.
[0191] On the other hand, if the normal photographing mode is set
(NO in Step #130), it is discriminated whether the image pickup
unit 22 is in a position displaced leftward by .DELTA..theta.h
smaller than 20.degree. from its center position (Step #134). If
.DELTA..theta.h<20.degree. (YES in Step #134), the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated leftward in the horizontal plane (Step #136,
loop of Steps #128, #130, #132, #136). When the image pickup unit
22 reaches the position displaced leftward by 20.degree. from its
center position (NO in Step #134), the rotation of the image pickup
unit 22 is stopped (Step #138). In other words, the image pickup
unit 22 is rotated leftward in an angle range of 7.degree. or
smaller from the center position according to the operation of the
optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button
19c) in the normal photographing mode.
[0192] If the switch SL is off or has been turned off (NO in Step
#128), the rotation of the image pickup unit 22 is stopped (Step
#140).
[0193] Subsequently, it is discriminated whether the switch SR has
been turned on by operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19d) (Step #142), and the rotation
of the image pickup unit 22 is controlled substantially in the same
manner as the case of the switch SL (Steps #142 to #154).
Specifically, the image pickup unit 22 is rotated rightward in an
angle range of 7.degree. or smaller from the center position
according to the operation of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19d) in the high-resolution
photographing mode (Steps #142 to #146, #150, #152), and the image
pickup unit 22 is rotated rightward in an angle range of 20.degree.
or smaller from the center position according to the operation of
the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing
button 19d) in the normal photographing mode (Steps #142, #144,
#148, #150, #152). If the switch SR is off or has been turned off
(NO in Step #142), the rotation of the image pickup unit 22 is
stopped (Step #154).
[0194] The leftward and rightward rotatable ranges of the image
pickup unit 22 in the high-resolution photographing mode are
restricted to .DELTA..theta.h<7.degree. because an absolute
value .vertline..DELTA..theta.h.vertline. of the displacement of
the optical axis L of the image pickup unit 22 will not exceed
7.degree. when the partial images are photographed at f1=8 mm as
shown in TABLE-1. The leftward and rightward rotatable ranges of
the image pickup unit 22 in the normal photographing mode are
restricted to .DELTA..theta.h<20.deg- ree. because the taking
lens 231 of the image pickup unit 22 cannot be exposed through the
opening 5 of the camera main body 2 if the absolute value
.vertline..DELTA..theta.h.vertline. of the displacement of the
optical axis L of the image pickup unit 22 exceeds 20.degree., and
therefore photographing cannot be performed. Thus, meaningless
operations are avoided by restricting the rotation of the image
pickup unit 22 in the horizontal plane to the ranges substantially
necessary for the photographing in both photographing modes.
[0195] Referring back to FIG. 19, if the switch S1 has been turned
on by pressing the release button 8 (or 18) halfway in the SW
discrimination (YES in Step #10), a subroutine "S1 ON" shown in
FIGS. 28 and 29 is executed to perform photographing.
[0196] Upon entering the subroutine "S1 ON", the flag FIAB is first
reset to "0" (Step #160). An image pickup operation is performed by
the image pickup device 239 (Step #162), and an image signal
outputted from the image pickup device is converted into an image
data in the A/D converter 206, subjected to specified signal
processings in the signal processing unit 208 and temporarily
stored in the RAM 209 (Step #164). The image data temporarily
stored in the RAM 209 is immediately read out, transferred to the
display controller 301 of the LCD device 3 via the cable 11 after
the image compression is applied thereto, and displayed on the LCD
panel 12 (Step #166). In other words, the live-view display is made
on the LCD device 3.
[0197] Subsequently, exposure adjustment is performed using the
image data temporarily stored in the RAM 209 (Step #168). In the
electronic camera 1 according to this embodiment, an aperture value
is fixed (e.g., Av=4.0 [Ev]) and the exposure control is performed
by controlling an exposure time (electric charge storing time) SS
of the CCD 239a. This exposure time SS is set based on an object
brightness Bv (e.g., an average level value of pixel data of green
component) calculated using the image data temporarily stored in
the RAM 209. Specifically, since the image is picked up in
predetermined cycles (e.g., {fraction (1/30)} sec.) set in advance
in the live-view display, the object brightness Bv is calculated
for each picked image and is determined whether it is within a
proper range. A next image pickup operation is performed by
shortening the presently set exposure time SS by one stage if the
object brightness Bv is excessively bright beyond the proper range,
while lengthening the presently set exposure time SS by one stage
if the object brightness Bv is excessively dark. In this way, such
an exposure time SS as to provide the object brightness Bv lying
within the proper range can be set.
[0198] TABLE-2 is a table used to control the exposure time SS. In
TABLE-2, the shaded exposure time SS (11 ms) is an initial value
which is set when the camera is activated. Further, minimum and
maximum values of the exposure time SS are 0.25 ms and 32 ms,
respectively.
2TABLE 2 Exposure Time SS [ms] Flash Firing 0.25 NO 0.35 NO 0.50 NO
1.00 NO 1.40 NO 2.00 NO 2.80 NO 4.00 NO 5.60 NO 8.00 NO 11.00 NO
16.00 NO 22.00 NO 32.00 NO 32.00 YES
[0199] TABLE-3 shows an example of the method for adjusting the
exposure time SS based on the object brightness Bv.
[0200] In TABLE-3, values of the object brightness Bv are
represented by 8-bit data. Brightness is classified into three
levels of "high", "medium" and "low". If the average value of the
pixel data of green component lies within a "medium" level range
(85 to 169), the object brightness Bv is assumed to lie within the
proper range and the exposure time SS is not changed. If the
average value lies within a "low" level range (0 to 84),
underexposure is assumed and the exposure time SS is lengthened by
one stage. On the other hand, if the average value lies within a
"high" level range (170 to 255), overexposure is assumed and the
exposure time SS is shorted by one stage. The flash device 4 is
automatically fired when the exposure time SS is 32 ms and the
object brightness lies within the "low" level range (Bv=84).
3 TABLE 3 Object Brightness Bv Exposure Time SS 170 to 255
Shortened by one stage 85 to 169 No change 0 to 84 Lengthened by
one stage
[0201] Accordingly, when the switch S1 is turned on, the first
image pickup operation is performed after setting the exposure time
SS at the initial value (11 ms). The exposure time SS is adjusted
based on the object brightness Bv calculated using the picked
image. In other words, the exposure time SS is changed to 8.0 [ms]
if 170.ltoreq.Bv.ltoreq.255 and to 16. 0 [ms] if
0.ltoreq.Bv.ltoreq.84, and is not changed if 85
.ltoreq.Bv.ltoreq.169.
[0202] It is then discriminated whether the switch S2 has been
turned on (Step #170). If the switch S2 is on, this subroutine
returns to Step #162 to repeat the respective operations including
the image pickup operation, display and exposure adjustment (loop
of Steps #162 to #172) as long as the switch S1 continues to be on
(YES in Step #172). If the switch S1 is turned off without the
switch S2 being turned on during this time (NO in Step #172), the
live-view display on the LCD device 3 is stopped (Step #174) and
this subroutine returns to the SW discrimination of the main
routine.
[0203] On the other hand, if the switch S2 is turned on by fully
pressing the release button 8 (or 18) during the live-view display
(YES in Step #170), this subroutine proceeds to Step #176 to pick
up the image and to record the picked image in the flash memory
212.
[0204] More specifically, the image pickup operation is performed
by the image pickup device 239 at the exposure time SS adjusted
immediately before (Step #176). The image signal outputted from the
image pickup device 239 is converted into an image data by the A/D
converter 206, and temporarily stored in the RAM 209 after being
subjected to the specified signal processings in the signal
processing unit 208 (Step #178). Since the RAM 209 has a storage
capacity of five frames of images as described above, this image
data is stored in the first image storage area.
[0205] The image data temporarily stored in the RAM 209 is
immediately read out, transferred to the display controller 301 of
the LCD device 3 via the cable 11 after the image compression is
applied thereto, and displayed on the LCD panel 12 (Step #180). In
other words, the picked image is displayed on the LCD device 3 so
that the photographer can monitor the picked image.
[0206] Subsequently, the set photographing mode is discriminated
(Step #182). The high-resolution photographing operation is
performed in Steps #184 to #216, and #232 if the high-resolution
photographing mode is set (YES in Step #182), while the normal
photographing operation is performed in Steps #218 to #232 if the
normal photographing mode is set.
[0207] Upon proceeding to the high-resolution photographing
operation, the taking lens 231 is zoomed toward the telephoto side
at a specified focal length ratio K (=f2/f1) (#184, see TABLE-1),
and photographing is performed four times for an upper left section
(partial image G.sub.A), an upper right section (partial image
G.sub.b), a lower right section (partial image G.sub.d) and a lower
left section (partial image G.sub.C) of the object Q of FIG. 5 in
this order (Steps #186 to #210).
[0208] More specifically, the driving direction and amount of the
image pickup unit 22 are determined for the respective partial
images G.sub.A to G.sub.D (Step #186). First, the image pickup unit
22 is so driven that the optical axis thereof is aligned with a
direction (a in FIG. 5) in which the partial image G.sub.A is
picked up (Step #188), and the partial image G.sub.A is picked up
by the image pickup device 239 (Step #190). This picked image is
converted into an image data by the A/D converter 206 and
temporarily stored in the second image storage area of the RAM 209
after being subjected to the specified signal processings in the
signal processing unit 208 (Step #192).
[0209] Secondly, the image pickup unit 22 is so driven that the
optical axis thereof is aligned with a direction (b in FIG. 5) in
which the partial image G.sub.B is picked up (Step #194), and the
partial image G.sub.B is picked up by the image pickup device 239
(Step #196). This picked image is converted into an image data by
the A/D converter 206 and temporarily stored in the third image
storage area of the RAM 209 after being subjected to the specified
signal processings in the signal processing unit 208 (Step #198).
Thirdly, the image pickup unit 22 is so driven that the optical
axis thereof is aligned with a direction (d in FIG. 5) in which the
partial image G.sub.D is picked up (Step #200), and the partial
image G.sub.D is picked up by the image pickup device 239 (Step
#202). This picked image is converted into an image data by the A/D
converter 206 and temporarily stored in the fourth image storage
area of the RAM 209 after being subjected to the specified signal
processings in the signal processing unit 208 (Step #204). Finally,
the image pickup unit 22 is so driven that the optical axis thereof
is aligned with a direction (c in FIG. 5) in which the partial
image G.sub.C is picked up (Step #206), and the partial image
G.sub.C is picked up by the image pickup device 239 (Step #208).
This picked image is converted into an image data by the A/D
converter 206 and temporarily stored in the fifth image storage
area of the RAM 209 after being subjected to the specified signal
processings in the signal processing unit 208 (Step #210).
[0210] After all partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.B are picked up,
the image pickup unit 22 is returned to its center position (Step
#212) and the five image data (the image G of the whole object
photographed first and image data of the four partial images
G.sub.A to G.sub.D) temporarily stored in the RAM 209 are recorded
in the flash memory 212 via the record/readout unit 211 after being
compressed by the expansion/compression unit 210. At this stage,
independent image files are generated for the whole image G and the
partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D and recorded in the flash memory
212 (Step #214). Further, the taking lens 213 is zoomed toward the
wide-angle side so as to attain the original focal length (i.e.,
from the focal length f2 for photographing the partial images to
the focal length f1 for photographing the whole image) (Step #216).
While the image data of the photographed image is being recorded,
non-image data concerning this photographed image (e.g., pieces of
information on the photographing mode information and the date of
photographing) are also recorded.
[0211] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the photographing operation
(Steps #160 to #170, #176 to #216) in the high-resolution
photographing mode described above.
[0212] In FIG. 30, A, B, C and D in the whole image G are images
included in the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D; the display
images are images displayed on the LCD device 3; and the stored
images are images temporarily stored in the RAM 209.
[0213] As shown in FIG. 30, the whole object image G is picked up
when the switch S1 is on and the picked image is displayed on the
LCD device 3. When exposure is instructed, the whole image G of the
object is picked up, stored in the RAM 209 and displayed on the LCD
device 3 for monitoring purpose. Subsequently, the partial images
G.sub.A to G.sub.D are picked up in the order of G.sub.A, G.sub.B,
G.sub.D, G.sub.C and stored in the RAM 209. On the other hand, the
whole image G continues to be displayed on the LCD device 3 without
displaying the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.C. The partial
images G.sub.A to G.sub.D are not displayed for monitoring purpose
because the photographer normally wishes to photograph the whole
object and monitor the photographed image (whole image of the
object) in the high-resolution mode.
[0214] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image
file of the whole image G or the partial image G.sub.A to G.sub.D
recorded in the flash memory 212.
[0215] Each image file is comprised of a header AR1 and an image
recording portion AR2. Various pieces of information (non-image
data) of the recorded image such as the information concerning the
photographing mode, the date of photographing, the title of the
image and the exposure time SS are recorded in the header AR1, and
the image data of the photographed image is recorded in the image
recording portion AR2.
[0216] As pieces of information concerning the photographing mode,
the photographing mode information, image type information, image
position information, frame number and focal length are recorded in
the form of bit-data as shown in TABLE-4.
4TABLE 4 PHOTO. MODE IMAGE POSITION FRAME FOCAL (N/HR) TYPE (W/P)
INFO. NUMBER LENGTH Normally 0 -- -- **** f1 Photographed Image HR
Whole Image 1 1 -- #### f1 (G) Partial 1 0 00 #### f2 Image
(G.sub.A) Image Partial 1 0 01 #### f2 Image (G.sub.B) Partial 1 0
10 #### f2 Image (G.sub.C) Partial 1 0 11 #### f2 Image (G.sub.D)
Note) Photographing Mode: "0" Normal Photographing "1"
High-Resolution Photographing Image Type: "1" Whole Image, "0"
Partial Image Focal Length: f1, f2 see TABLE-1 (4-bit data) "--":
unused data
[0217] The photographing mode information is a 1-bit data used to
distinguish the normal photographing mode and the high-resolution
photographing mode from each other. For example, it indicates the
high-resolution photographing mode when being set at "1" while
indicating the normal photographing mode when being set at "0". The
image type information is an information used to distinguish the
five images, i.e., one whole image and four partial images
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode from each
other. This information is also a 1-bit data. For example, it
indicates the whole image when being set at "1" while indicating
the partial image when being set at "0". The position information
is an information indicating to which position of the whole image
the partial image corresponds. Since the whole object is divided
into four sections in this embodiment, the position information is
comprised of a 2-bit data. For example, bit data "00", "01", "10"
and "11" are allotted to the upper left, upper right, lower left
and lower right sections of the whole image. It should be noted
that any desired method for allotting the bit data can be
employed.
[0218] The frame number is an information used to discriminate to
the whole image of which frame number the partial image belongs. A
frame number comprised of 4-bit data is given to each photographed
image. Since the frame number of the whole image G is "####" in
TABLE-4, the frame numbers of the corresponding partial images
G.sub.A to G.sub.D are also "####". The focal length information
indicates the focal length of the taking lens 231 at the time of
photographing. Since the whole image is photographed at the focal
length f1 and the partial images are photographed at the focal
length of f2 (=K.multidot.f1) as shown in TABLE-1 in the
high-resolution photographing mode, the corresponding focal length
f1 or f2 is recorded in the form of, e.g., 4-bit data in each image
file.
[0219] All image data are recorded as independent image files in
the flash memory 212 regardless of the photographing mode as
described above. However, since the photographing mode information
is recorded in the header AR1 of each image file, there is no
likelihood that the relation of the partial image G.sub.i (i=A, B,
C, D) photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode to the
other partial images Gi and the whole image G becomes unclear. The
images can be reliably searched, for example, in the case that a
whole image G' is generated by combining the partial images G.sub.A
to G.sub.D by a computer system.
[0220] Referring back to FIG. 29, upon the completion of the
zooming of the taking lens 231 toward the wide-angle side (Step
#216), the display timer starts counting a time during which the
photographed image is displayed on the LCD device 3 for monitoring
purpose (Step #232), and this subroutine returns to the SW
discrimination (see FIG. 19).
[0221] On the other hand, upon entering the normal photographing
operation in Step #182, photographing is successively performed
twice (Steps #218, #222). The respective photographed images are
converted into image data in the A/D converter 206, and temporarily
stored in the second and third image storage areas of the RAM 209
after being subjected to the specified signal processings in the
signal processing unit 208 (Steps #220, #224). This continuous
photographing is the aforementioned automatic
bracket-photographing.
[0222] Subsequently, the image pickup unit 22 is returned to its
center position (Step #226) and, among the three image data
temporarily stored in the RAM 209, the image data stored in the
first image storage area is recorded as an independent image file
in the flash memory 212 via the record/readout unit 211 (Step #228)
after being compressed in a specified manner in the
expansion/compression unit 210. Then, the flag FIAB is set to "1"
(Step #230) and this subroutine returns to the SW discrimination
(see FIG. 19) after counting by the display timer is started (Step
#232).
[0223] The flag FIAB is set to "1" in order to enter the subroutine
"Image Selection" shown in FIG. 32 in the aforementioned Step #38
and to enable a change or addition of the recorded image in the
flash memory 212 based on the operation of the
bracket-photographing confirmation button 15.
[0224] Here, the processing performed in the subroutine "Image
Selection" is described.
[0225] Upon entering the subroutine "Image Selection", it is
discriminated whether any of the switches SU, SD, SL, SR has been
turned on by operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the
optical axis changing buttons 19a to 19d) (Steps #240, #244, #248,
#254). If none of the switches is on, it is discriminated whether
the switch SCHG has been turned on by operating the
bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 (Step #258). Unless
the switch SCHG is on (NO in Step #258), this subroutine returns to
Step #240 to repeat the discrimination as to the change in the
state of the switches SU, SD, SL, SR. If the switch SCHG is on (YES
in Step #258), this subroutine returns to the SW discrimination
(see FIG. 19).
[0226] If the switch SU is on (YES in Step #240), the image
displayed on the LCD device 3 is changed to one preceding picked
image (Step #242). If the switch SD is on (YES in Step #244), the
image displayed on the LCD device 3 is changed to one succeeding
picked image (Step #256).
[0227] If the switch SL is on (YES in Step #248), the first image
file recorded in the flash memory 212 is deleted (Step #250), and
the photographed image displayed on the LCD panel 12 is recorded in
this image file (Step #252). Further, if the switch SR is on (YES
in Step #254), the photographed image displayed on the LCD panel 12
is newly recorded in addition to the first image file recorded in
the flash memory 212 (Step #256).
[0228] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the processing performed in the
subroutine "Image Selection". Upon the completion of photographing
in the normal photographing mode, the first picked image stored in
the RAM 209 is displayed on the LCD panel 12 for monitoring purpose
and is recorded in the flash memory 212 (see operations in Steps
#180 and #228). If the switch SD is turned on by pressing the
downward extending part of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19b) in this state, the image
displayed on the LCD panel 12 is changed in the order of
1.sup.st.fwdarw.2.sup.nd.fwdarw.3.sup.rd.fwdarw.1.sup.st
(descending order) as shown by white arrows in FIG. 33 every time
the switch SD is turned on. On the other hand, if the switch SU is
turned on by pressing the upward extending part of the optical axis
changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button 19a), the
image displayed on the LCD panel 12 is changed in the order of
1.sup.st.fwdarw.3.sup.rd.fwdarw.2- .sup.nd.fwdarw.1.sup.st
(ascending order) as shown in black arrows in FIG. 33 every time
the switch SU is turned on.
[0229] For example, if the switch SL is turned on by operating the
leftward extending part of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing button 19c) with the second photographed
image displayed on the LCD panel 12, the first photographed image
recorded in the flash memory 212 is deleted and the second
photographed image is recorded in the flash memory 212 instead.
Further, if the switch SR is turned on by operating the rightward
extending part of the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical
axis changing button 19d) with the third photographed image
displayed on the LCD panel 12, the first photographed image
recorded in the flash memory 212 is deleted and the third
photographed image is recorded in the flash memory 212 instead.
[0230] As described above, photographing is successively performed
three times even if the photographer instructs the exposure once.
The photographed images are temporarily stored in the RAM 209 and
the first photographed image is recorded in the flash memory 212.
If the photographer instructs the next exposure without operating
the bracket-photographing confirmation button 15, photographing is
successively performed three times again. The photographed images
are temporarily stored in the RAM 209 and the first photographed
image is recorded in the flash memory 212.
[0231] Accordingly, the first photographed image is recorded in the
flash memory 212 as long as the photographer operates the release
button 8 (or 18) without operating the bracket-photographing
confirmation button 15. Thus, the automatic bracket-photographing
function is substantially hidden and an operation similar to the
normal photographing operation (one photographing during one
exposure) is performed. On the other hand, if the photographer
operates the bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 after the
completion of photographing, thereby setting the confirmation mode
in which the recorded image can be changed or added, the automatic
bracket-photographing function starts acting, and the content
recorded in the flash memory 212 can be changed or added as the
photographer operates the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the
optical axis changing buttons 19a to 19d).
[0232] Specifically, the photographer can decide whether the
photographed image is satisfactory if necessary since he can choose
the use of the automatic bracket-photographing function immediately
after the completion of photographing. A more satisfactory
photographed image can replace the recorded image or can be added
according to the result of decision. Therefore, photographing
failure occurs at a reduced frequency and operability can be
improved.
[0233] Although three consecutive photographing operations are
simply performed in the automatic bracket-photographing in this
embodiment, photographing may be successively performed while
slightly changing the exposure time SS in each photographing
operation. Alternatively, photographing may be successively
performed while changing the in-focus condition or the focal length
of the taking lens 231 or changing the direction of the optical
axis of the image pickup unit 22. Since the RAM 209 has a storage
capacity capable of storing five images, photographing may be
performed five times one after another and the images to be
recorded may be selected from the photographed images.
[0234] Referring back to FIG. 20, if the high-resolution
photographing mode has been set by operating the photographing mode
switch 14 in the SW discrimination (YES in Step #24), a subroutine
"Lens Check" shown in FIG. 34 is executed to adjust the position of
the image pickup unit 22 and the focal length of the taking lens
231 (Step #26).
[0235] Upon entering the subroutine "Lens Check", it is
discriminated whether the focal length f of the taking lens 231
exceeds 8 mm (Step #260). If f>8 mm (YES in Step #260), the
focusing lens 231a of the taking lens 231 is driven toward the
wide-angle side until f=8 mm (Steps #262, #264, #266).
[0236] If f=8 mm (NO in Step #260), it is discriminated whether the
position of the image pickup unit 22 is displaced in the horizontal
plane by .+-.7.degree. or larger with respect to a vertical plane
including the center position (Step #268). If the displacement is
larger than .+-.7.degree. (YES in Step #268), the image pickup unit
22 is driven in the horizontal plane so as to be set in the
vertical plane including the center position (Steps #270, #272,
#274).
[0237] Subsequently, it is discriminated whether the position of
the image pickup unit 22 is displaced in the vertical plane by
.+-.10.degree. or larger with respect to the horizontal plane
including the center position (Step #276). If the displacement is
larger than .+-.10.degree. (YES in Step #276), the image pickup
unit 22 is driven in the vertical plane so as to be set in the
horizontal plane including the center position (Steps #278, #280,
#282). Then, this subroutine returns to the main routine.
[0238] This processing in the subroutine "Lens Check" is performed
to adjust the position of the image pickup unit 22 and the focal
length f of the taking lens 231 so as to enable photographing in
the high-resolution photographing mode since the whole image G of
the object is picked up by setting the image pickup unit 22 in its
center position and setting the focal length f of the taking lens
231 to 8 mm or shorter as shown in TABLE1 in the high-resolution
photographing mode. Specifically, the focal length f of the taking
lens 231 is set at its maximum value of 8 mm, and the image pickup
unit 22 is set in its center position (where the optical axis L
extends in the front direction) if displacements of the optical
axis L of the image pickup unit 22 lie beyond the ranges
.DELTA..theta.h, .DELTA..theta.v when f=8 mm. Thus, high-resolution
photographing can be securely performed by automatically setting
the position of the image pickup unit 22 and the focal length f of
the taking lens 231 even in the case that the photographer has not
changed the focal length f.
[0239] Next, processing performed in the reproduction mode is
described. Upon entering the subroutine "Reproduction Mode" shown
in FIG. 35 in Step #6, the photographed image of frame No. 1
recorded in the flash memory 212 is read by the record/readout unit
211, expanded in the expansion/compression unit 210, transferred to
the display controller 301 in the LCD device 3 via the cable 11,
and reproduced and displayed on the LCD panel 12 (Step #290).
[0240] Subsequently, changes in the states of the switches SM,
SP/R, SU, SD, SR, SL, SCHG, SDEL are successively discriminated
(Steps #292, #294, #296, #300, #304, #314, #322, #336).
[0241] If the change in the state is discriminated for none of the
switches, this subroutine returns to Step #292 to repeat the
discrimination as to the changes in the states of the switches SM
to SDEL (hereinafter, "RSW discrimination") (loop of Steps #292,
#294, #296, #300, #304, #314, #322, #336).
[0242] In the RSW discrimination, this subroutine returns to Step
#2 of the main routine (see FIG. 19) if the main switch SM is
turned off (Step #292) or the set state of the record/reproduction
mode switch 13 is changed (YES in Step #294).
[0243] If the switch SU is turned on by operating the optical axis
changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button 19a) (YES in
Step #296) while the reproduction mode is set, the photographed
image of the next frame number is read from the flash memory 212 by
the record/readout unit 211, expanded in the expansion/compression
unit 210, transferred to the display controller 301 in the LCD
device 3 via the cable 11, and reproduced and displayed on the LCD
panel 12 (Step #298).
[0244] If the switch SD is turned on by operating the optical axis
changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing button 19b) (YES in
Step #300), the photographed image of the preceding frame number is
read from the flash memory 212 by the record/readout unit 211,
expanded in the expansion/compression unit 210, transferred to the
display controller 301 in the LCD device 3 via the cable 11, and
reproduced and displayed on the LCD panel 12 (Step #302).
[0245] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the photographed images
recorded in the flash memory 212 are successively reproduced on the
LCD panel 12 in an increasing order of the frame numbers (ascending
direction) every time the switch SU is turned on or in a decreasing
order of the frame numbers (descending direction) every time the
switch SD is turned on. In this case, among the images of No. 4 and
No. 5 photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode, only
the whole images G are reproduced on the LCD panel 12, but the
partial images G.sub.i (No. 4-1 to 4-4, No. 5-1 to 5-4) are not
reproduced thereon. The partial images G.sub.i planned to be
combined are not reproduced since an operator is thought to be
demanding to monitor the photographed images (i.e., whole object
images in the high-resolution photographing mode). Further, the
images to be reproduced on the LCD panel 12 are fitted with frames
W1, W2 (see frames in No. 1 and No. 4). The operator is enabled to
distinguish in which photographing mode the image was photographed
by differing the color of the frame W1 for the image photographed
in the normal photographing mode and that of the frame W2 for the
image photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode from
each other.
[0246] Referring back to FIG. 35, if the switch SR is turned on by
operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis
changing button 19d (YES in Step #304), it is discriminated whether
the image displayed on the LDC panel 12 was photographed in the
high-resolution photographing mode based on the photographing mode
information thereof (Step #306). If this image is not an image
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode (NO in Step
#306), this subroutine proceeds to Step #314. Unless otherwise (YES
in step #306), it is discriminated whether this image is a whole
image G based on the photographing mode information (Step
#308).
[0247] If the reproduced image is a whole image G (YES in step
#308), the first picked partial image G.sub.A is read from the
flash memory 212 by the record/readout unit 211, expanded in the
expansion/compression unit 210, transferred to the display
controller 301 in the LCD device 3 via the cable 11, and reproduced
and displayed on the LCD panel 12 (Step #310). If the reproduced
image is a partial image G.sub.i (i=A, B, C, D) (NO in Step #308),
the partial image G.sub.i photographed next to the reproduced
partial image G.sub.i is read from the flash memory 212 by the
record/readout unit 211, expanded in the expansion/compression unit
210, transferred to the display controller 301 in the LCD device 3
via the cable 11, and reproduced and displayed on the LCD panel 12
(Step #312).
[0248] Specifically, if the image reproduced and displayed on the
LCD panel 12 is an image photographed in the high-resolution
photographing mode, the partial images Gi are cyclically reproduced
on the LCD panel 2 in the order of G.sub.A (upper left image),
G.sub.b (upper right image), G.sub.D (lower right image) and
G.sub.C (lower left image) every time the switch SR is turned on.
For example, if the operator inclines the optical axis changing
lever 9 toward the right (or presses the optical axis changing
button 19d) with the whole image G of No. 4 in FIG. 37 displayed on
the LCD panel 12, the partial images G.sub.i are cyclically
reproduced on the LCD panel 2 in the order of No. 4-1.fwdarw.No.
4-2.fwdarw.No. 4-3.fwdarw.No. 4-4.fwdarw.No. 4-1 every time the
operator operates the lever 9 (or the button 19d).
[0249] Framing is also applied when the partial images G.sub.i are
displayed on the LCD panel 12. The operator is enabled to
distinguish the reproduced partial images from the reproduced whole
images by differing the color of the frames from those of the
images photographed in the normal and high-resolution photographing
modes.
[0250] Although the content of the reproduced image is made
distinguishable by providing the images displayed on the LCD panel
12 with the frames W1, W2 of different colors in this embodiment,
it may be done so by displaying, for example, the frame numbers,
the character information of the photographing mode or pictorial
symbols.
[0251] Referring back to FIG. 36, if the switch SL is turned on by
operating the optical axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis
changing button 19c) (YES in Step #314), it is discriminated
whether the image displayed on the LCD panel 12 is an image
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode based on its
photographing mode information (Step #316). Unless this image is an
image photographing in the high-resolution photographing mode (NO
in Step #316), this subroutine proceeds to Step #322. If so (YES in
Step #316), it is discriminated whether the image reproduced on the
LCD panel 12 is a partial image G.sub.i based on the photographing
mode information (Step #318).
[0252] This subroutine proceeds to Step #322 if the reproduced
image is the whole image G (No in Step #318). If the reproduced
image is a partial image G.sub.i (YES in Step #318), the whole
image G corresponding to this partial image G.sub.i is read from
the flash memory 212 by the record/readout unit 211, expanded in
the expansion/compression unit 210, transferred to the display
controller 301 in the LCD device 3 via the cable 11, and reproduced
and displayed on the LCD panel 12 (Step #320).
[0253] Specifically, if the image reproduced on the LCD panel 12 is
a partial image G.sub.i photographed in the high-resolution
photographing mode, the partial image G.sub.i reproduced on the LCD
panel 12 is switched to its corresponding whole image G when the
switch SL is turned on. For example, if the operator inclines the
optical axis changing lever 9 to the left (or presses the optical
axis changing button 19c) with the partial image G.sub.A of No. 4-1
in the example of FIG. 37 displayed on the LCD panel 12, the whole
image G of No. 4 is reproduced on the LCD panel 12. Even if the
operator inclines the optical axis changing lever 9 to the left (or
presses the optical axis changing button 19c) with the whole image
G of No. 4 reproduced on the LCD panel 12, the whole image G of No.
4 continues to be displayed without changing the display content of
the LCD panel 12.
[0254] If the switch SCHG is turned on by operating the
bracket-photographing confirmation button 15 with the reproduction
mode set (YES in step #322), it is discriminated whether the image
displayed on the LCD panel 12 is an image photographed in the
high-resolution photographing mode based on its photographing mode
information (Step #324). Unless this image is an image photographed
in the high-resolution photographing mode (NO in Step #324), this
subroutine proceeds to Step #336. If so (YES in Step #324), it is
discriminated whether the image reproduced on the LCD panel 12 is a
whole image G based on the photographing mode information (Step
#326).
[0255] If the reproduced image is a whole image G (YES in Step
#326), the content of the "photographing mode information" recorded
in the header of the corresponding image file of the flash memory
212 is changed from "high-resolution photographing mode" to "normal
photographing mode" (Step #328). In other words, the bit data
representing the photographing mode information is changed from "1"
to "0" (see TABLE-4).
[0256] Further, the image files of the four partial images G.sub.i
corresponding to the whole image G in the flash memory 212 are all
deleted (Step #330). If the reproduced image is a partial image
G.sub.i (NO in Step #326), the image of this partial image G.sub.i
is copied in the flash memory 212 (Step #332), and the content of
the "photographing mode information" recorded in the header of the
copied image file is changed from "high-resolution photographing
mode" to "normal photographing mode" (Step #334).
[0257] Specifically, if the image reproduced and displayed on the
LCD panel 12 is the whole image G photographing in the
high-resolution photographing mode, a group of the image files in
the high-resolution photographing mode comprised of the whole image
G recorded in the flash memory 212 and the partial images G.sub.i
corresponding thereto are changed to the image files in the normal
photographing mode by changing the image file of the whole image G
to that in the normal photographing mode and deleting the image
files of the partial images G.sub.i.
[0258] If the switch SDEL is turned on by operating the delete
button 20 with the reproduction mode set (YES in Step #336), it is
discriminated whether the image reproduced and displayed on the LCD
panel 12 is an image photographed in the high-resolution
photographing mode based on its photographing mode information
(Step #338). Unless this image is an image photographed in the
high-resolution photographing mode (NO in Step #338), the image
file corresponding to the reproduced image is deleted from the
flash memory 212 (Step #340).
[0259] If the reproduced image is an image photographed in the
high-resolution photographing mode (YES in Step #338), it is
discriminated whether this image is a whole image G based on the
photographing mode information (Step #342). If so (YES in Step
#342), the image file of this whole image G and those of the four
partial images Gi corresponding thereto are deleted from the flash
memory 212 (Steps #344, #346). If the image reproduced on the LCD
panel 12 is a partial image G.sub.i (NO in Step #342), the image
file of this partial image is deleted from the flash memory 212
(Step #348), and the content of the "photographing mode
information" recorded in the headers of the image files of the
remaining three partial images G.sub.i and its corresponding whole
image G is changed from "high-resolution photographing mode" to
"normal photographing mode" in the flash memory 212 (Steps #350,
#352).
[0260] For example, if the image reproduced on the LCD panel 12 is
the partial image G.sub.A of No. 4-1 in the example of FIG. 37, the
image file of the partial image G.sub.A is deleted from the flash
memory 212, and the content of the "photographing mode information"
recorded in the headers of the image files of the remaining partial
images G.sub.B, G.sub.D, G.sub.C of No. 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 and of the
image file of the whole image G is changed from "high-resolution
photographing mode" to "normal photographing mode".
[0261] Next, a method for generating a whole image having a higher
resolution than the whole image G by image adhesion and combination
using the whole image G and the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode is
described.
[0262] In this embodiment, image combination is performed by a
special image processing apparatus or an image processing apparatus
constructed by a computer system after photographing in order to
reduce a burden of image combination at the time of photographing.
Accordingly, a high-resolution image generating system is
constructed by the aforementioned electronic camera 1 and the image
processing apparatus. It should be noted that the high-resolution
image generating system may be constructed only by the electronic
camera 1 by providing an image combining function described below
in the electronic camera 1. In such an electronic camera 1, a whole
image having a higher resolution than the whole image G is
generated by adhering and combining the whole image G and the
partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D stored in the RAM 209 after
photographing, and this high-resolution image is recorded in the
flash memory 212.
[0263] FIG. 38 is a block construction diagram of an image
processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus shown in FIG.
38 is provided with a controller 31, a ROM (read only memory) 32, a
RAM (random access memory) 33, an image memory 34, a GUI (graphical
user interface) 35, an interface 36, an input device 37, a display
device 38 and an external storage device 39. The controller 31, the
ROM 32, the RAM 33, the image memory 34, the GUI 35 and the
interface 36 are built in an apparatus main body 31, whereas the
input device 37 and the display device 38 are connected with the
controller 31 via the GUI 35 and the external storage device 39 is
connected with the controller 31 via the interface 36.
[0264] The controller 31 is provided with an image file
input/output device 311 and an image combining device 312 in order
to perform the image combination using the whole image G and the
partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D.
[0265] The image file input/output device 311 reads a color image
(electric image) of an image file inputted from the input device 37
from a storage medium (e.g., the external storage device 39 or an
internal storage device if there is) in which this image file is
stored, and outputs an image data after image combination to a
specified output end (storage medium, printer or other peripheral
equipment) designated by the input device 37.
[0266] The image combining device 312 performs image
adhesion/combination using the whole image G and the partial image
G.sub.A to G.sub.D read from the flash memory 212 via the external
storage device 39 to generate a photographed image of the whole
object having a high resolution. This device 312 generates a whole
image G" of high resolution by extracting image sections in
specified areas to be combined from the respective partial images
G.sub.A to G.sub.D while enlarging the whole image G into a whole
image G' as described later to determine the size of the image
(i.e., frame of the combined image) after the image combination,
and adhering the extracted images of the partial images G.sub.A to
G.sub.D to the enlarged whole image G' in the determined frame to
combine them together.
[0267] The ROM 32 is a memory for storing a program for the image
combination to be described later. The RAM 33 is a memory for
temporarily storing various data calculated during the image
combination. The image memory 34 stores the image data read from
the flash memory 212 for the image combination. The image memory 34
has a capacity for storing at least 15 frames of image data, and
image data constituting the whole image G and the partial images
G.sub.A to G.sub.D are stored therein while being separated into
respective color components of R (red), G (green) and B (blue).
[0268] The display device 38 operates to make various displays
including a work menu, processed states and processed results (also
including the display of the high-resolution image for monitoring
after image combination), and is comprised of a CRT (cathode-ray
tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) or like electronic display. On
the display device 38, an image correction item is displayed in the
form of an icon in the work menu. An operator can cause the image
processing apparatus to perform the image combination described
later by selecting this icon.
[0269] The external storage device 39 is constructed such that the
flash memory 212 is detachably mountable therein, and adapted to
read the image files recorded in the flash memory 212 and write a
newly generated image file in the flash memory 212.
[0270] FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the image combination
performed in the image combining device 312, and FIG. 40 is a
diagram showing a procedure of the image combination. In FIG. 40,
the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D are obtained by enlargedly
photographing areas a, b, c, d enclosed by dotted lines for the
whole image G. Hatched sections of the respective images show
sections outside the frame of the whole image G.
[0271] During the image combination, the image files of the images
photographed in the high-resolution photographing mode and recorded
in the flash memory 212 (i.e., five image files of the whole image
G and the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D) are transferred to the
image memory 34 in the image combining device 312, and a combined
image of high resolution is generated in accordance with the
procedure shown in FIG. 39.
[0272] First, the image data is read from the image file of the
whole image G and enlarged (Step #360, see FIG. 40(a)). This
enlargement is adapted to conform the size of the whole image G to
that of the partial images G.sub.i, i.e., to determine the frame of
the combined image. In other words, the size of the combined image
is determined in advance.
[0273] Since the partial images G.sub.i are photographed while
being enlarged in relation to the whole image G at a magnification
equal to the focal length ratio K as shown in TABLE-4, the whole
image G is enlarged at the focal length ratio K in this
enlargement.
[0274] The focal length ratio K can be obtained by reading the
photographing mode information recorded in the image files of the
partial images G.sub.i. In the case that the focal length ratio K
recorded in the image files of the partial images G.sub.i is not
used or the focal length ratio K is not recorded in the image files
of the partial images G.sub.i, the enlarging magnification of the
whole image G can be set by performing a correlation calculation
while changing the size of the partial images G.sub.i or the whole
image G. This method has an advantage of suitably calculating
matching positions and performing the image combination even if the
sizes of the respective partial images G.sub.i slightly differ from
each other due to a variation in the distance to the object caused
by the movement of the electronic camera 1 for a certain reason
while the partial images G.sub.i are picked up.
[0275] Subsequently, the image data is read from the image file of
the partial image G.sub.A, and correlation between this partial
image G.sub.A and the enlarged whole image G' is calculated. Based
on this calculation result, a position where the partial image
G.sub.A matches the enlarged whole image G' (hereinafter, "matching
position") is calculated (Step #362). The image combination is
performed in such a manner that a corresponding section of the
partial image G.sub.A is adhered in the calculated matching
position of the enlarged whole image G' (Step #364, see FIG.
40(b)). In other words, the image data in this matching position of
the enlarged whole image G' is replaced by the image data in a
corresponding position of the partial image G.sub.A.
[0276] The correlation calculation is, for example, such that a
plurality of characteristic points included in the enlarged whole
image G' are extracted and the partial image G.sub.A is compared
with the enlarged whole image G' while performing a geometric
transformation such as parallel displacement, rotation, or size
enlargement/reduction, and an amount of geometric transformation
where the characteristic points overlap with the maximum degree is
calculated. Since the combined image is generated by replacing the
image data in the matching positions of the enlarged whole image G'
by the image data of the respective partial images G.sub.A to
G.sub.D as described above, the amount of geometric transformation
calculated by the correlation calculation serves as an information
for providing positions where the partial images G.sub.A to GD are
combined (i.e., matching positions).
[0277] In FIG. 41, g1, g2, g3, g4 denote positions where upper
left, upper right, lower right and lower left partial images G1,
G2, G3, G4 match an enlarged whole image G0 with maximum degrees
(i.e., matching positions). For the upper left partial image G1,
the matching position g1 is calculated by parallel displacement
method using a character sequence "ABC" or a rectangle C as a
characteristic point. For the upper right partial image G2, the
matching position g2 is calculated by size enlargement/reduction
method using a square C3 as a characteristic point. For the upper
right partial image G3, the matching position g3 is calculated by
rotation method using a bold line C4 or the edge of the bold line
C4 as a characteristic point. For the lower left partial image G4,
the matching position g4 is calculated by luminance conversion
method using a rectangle C2 or a bold line as a characteristic
point.
[0278] The characteristic point is an image data of an area having
a characteristic image information such as a sequence of specific
characters, specific line, specific geometric shape (e.g.,
triangle, circle, ellipse, or the like), or a specific edge
portion. The characters or character sequence as a characteristic
point are extracted by known character recognition method; the
geometric shape as such is extracted by known texture analysis; and
the edge portion as such is extracted by known edge detecting
method.
[0279] The matching degree of the characteristic point is
determined using a correlational value of the image data
constituting the characteristic point of the enlarged whole image
G0 and the image data of the pixel positions of the geometrically
transformed partial image G1 to G4 corresponding to the
characteristic points, or an absolute value of a sum of the two
image data or a square of a difference between the two image
data.
[0280] Referring back to FIG. 39, the image data is read from the
image file of the partial image G.sub.B, and correlation between
this partial image G.sub.B and the enlarged whole image G' is
calculated. Based on this calculation result, the matching position
of the partial image G.sub.B with the enlarged whole image G' is
calculated (Step #366). The image combination is performed in such
a manner that a corresponding section of the partial image G.sub.B
is adhered in the calculated matching position of the enlarged
whole image G' (Step #368, see FIG. 40(c)). In other words, the
image data in this matching position of the enlarged whole image G'
is replaced by the image data in a corresponding position of the
partial image G.sub.B.
[0281] Hereafter, the matching positions of the partial images
G.sub.C, G.sub.D with the enlarged whole image G' are successively
calculated by similar method (Steps #370, #374). A combined image
G" of high resolution (photographed image of the whole object) is
generated by replacing the image data of the enlarged whole image
G' in the calculated matching positions by the image data of
corresponding sections of the partial images G.sub.C, G.sub.D
(Steps #372, #376, see FIGS. 40(d), 40 (e)).
[0282] In this embodiment, the image combination is performed by,
after the size of the combined image G" is determined (i.e., the
frame of the combined image G") by enlarging the whole image G,
adhering the partial images Gi together within the frame.
Alternatively, the size of the combined image G" may be determined
by deleting an unnecessary peripheral portion (hatched portions of
the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D in FIG. 40) using the
enlarged whole image G' after combining the partial images
G.sub.i.
[0283] According to the former method, unnecessary image data
(hatched portions of the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D in FIG.
40) located outside the frame of the combined image G" are deleted
when the image data are replaced since the whole image G" of high
resolution is generated by replacing the image data of the enlarged
whole image G' by the image data of the partial images G.sub.A to
G.sub.D. Thus, the image combination can be more easily performed
according to this method than according to the latter method.
[0284] Further, if there is a portion P where images are not
overlapped at a boundary, for example, between the partial images
G.sub.C and G.sub.D as shown in FIG. 42, image data are missing in
this boundary portion P and the combined image cannot be actually
generated according to the latter method. However, according to the
method of this embodiment, the image data in the matching positions
of the enlarged whole image G' are replaced by the image data of
the partial images G.sub.A to G.sub.D in corresponding positions,
and the image data (hatched portion in FIG. 43) of the enlarged
whole image G' remain in the boundary portion P of the combined
image G" between the partial images G.sub.C and G.sub.D as shown in
FIG. 43. Although the boundary portion P has a slightly lower
resolution than the remaining part, this method does not experience
such an inconvenience that no combined image can be generated due
to missing image data.
[0285] Some taking lens has such a characteristic that a light
amount is less in its middle part than in its peripheral part. If
an object is photographed using a taking lens having such a
characteristic, the photographed image has lower luminance in its
peripheral portion than in its middle portion, i.e., has a large
luminance variation as shown in FIG. 44.
[0286] If photographing is performed in the high-resolution
photographing mode, each partial image G.sub.i has a luminance
distribution as shown in FIG. 44. A whole image G" of high
resolution generated by combining these partial images Gi has such
a luminance distribution that bright and dark areas alternately
appear in its frame as shown in FIG. 45, and accordingly has an
unnatural luminance distribution although having an improved
resolution. Thus, image quality is considerably reduced as a whole.
Further, if there is a difference in white balance between the
partial images Gi, color difference may occur in the boundary
portions, thereby reducing image quality.
[0287] Since the image deterioration of the photographed image
resulting from the light transmitting characteristic of the taking
lens becomes more evident by the image combination in the
high-resolution photographing mode, it is desirable to suppress the
image deterioration by correcting the luminance distribution of the
combined image G" to at least equal that of the whole image G. By
providing an image correcting device 313 in the controller 31 as
shown by phantom line in FIG. 38, the luminance distribution of the
image G" combined by the image combining device 312 can be
corrected by the image correcting device 313 if necessary.
[0288] FIG. 46 is a concept diagram showing an image correcting
method for suppressing the aforementioned image deterioration.
[0289] The image correction is made as follows. First, the enlarged
whole image G' and the combined image G" are divided into small
blocks BLK of (8.times.8) pixels (see (a) in FIG. 46), and average
values R1.sub.AV, G1.sub.Av, B1.sub.AV, R2.sub.AV, G2.sub.AV,
B2.sub.AV of pixel data g.sub.R, g.sub.G, g.sub.B are calculated
block by block for the respective color components of R, G, B (see
(b) in FIG. 46). Subsequently, shift amounts of the image data
g.sub.R, g.sub.G, g.sub.B of the combined image G" are calculated
so that the average values become substantially equal to each other
between the corresponding blocks BLK of the enlarged whole image G'
and the combined image G" (see (c) in FIG. 46). The shift amounts
may be differences .DELTA.R.sub.AV, .DELTA.G.sub.AV,
.DELTA.B.sub.AV between the average values of the corresponding
blocks BK of the enlarged whole image G' and the combined image
G".
[0290] Finally, the combined image G" is corrected by adding the
shift amounts .DELTA.R.sub.AV, .DELTA.G.sub.AV, .DELTA.B.sub.AV to
the respective pixel data g.sub.R, g.sub.G, g.sub.B of the combined
image G" (see (d) in FIG. 46). By this correction, since the
average value of the pixel data of each small block of the combined
image G" becomes substantially equal to that of the pixel data of
each small block of the enlarged whole image G', the luminance
distribution of the combined image G" after the correction
approximates to that of the enlarged whole image G' as shown in (e)
in FIG. 46.
[0291] Although the size of the small blocks BLK is (8.times.8)
pixels in this embodiment, the size and shape thereof can be
desirably set. If the size of the small blocks BLK is excessively
large, discontinuity of luminance at the boundaries of the blocks
BLK becomes evident since differences in the pixel data between
individual pixels are not taken account of in the same block BLK.
Conversely, if the size of the small blocks BLK is excessively
small, the pixel data are largely changed by the image correction
when there is a displacement between the enlarged whole image G'
and the combined image G", thereby undesirably deteriorating the
quality of the combined image G". Therefore, the size and shape of
the small blocks BLK may be suitably decided in view of the above
problems and the light transmitting characteristic of the taking
lens.
[0292] Next, a procedure of the image correction performed by the
image correcting device 313 is described with reference to a
flowchart of FIG. 47.
[0293] First, the enlarge whole image G' is divided into (xxy)
small blocks BLK (Step #380), and the combined image G" is divided
into (xxy) small blocks BLK (Step #382). Then, count values a, b
counting a row number x and a column number y of the small blocks
BLK are set to "1", respectively (Step #384).
[0294] Subsequently, average values R1.sub.AV(1,1), G1.sub.AV(1,1),
B1.sub.AV(1,1) of the pixel data g.sub.i(i=R, G, B) included in the
small block BLK (1,1) located in the first row, first column of the
enlarged whole image G' are calculated for the respective color
components R, G, B (Step #386). Similarly, average values
R2.sub.AV(1,1), G2.sub.AV(1,1), B2.sub.AV(1,1) of the pixel data
g.sub.i(i=R, G, B) included in the small block BLK (1,1) are
calculated for the respective color components R, G, B (Step #388).
It should be noted that (1,1) denotes the small block in the first
row, first column. Hereinafter, (a, b) is affixed to the small
block BLK in the a-th row, b-th column.
[0295] Subsequently, the shift amounts .DELTA.R.sub.AV(1,1),
.DELTA.G.sub.AV(1,1), .DELTA.B.sub.AV(1,1) are calculated using the
averages values R1.sub.AV(1,1), G1.sub.AV(1,1), B1.sub.AV(1,1) and
R2.sub.AV(1,1), G2.sub.AV(1,1), B2.sub.AV(1,1) (Step #390). The
shift amounts .DELTA.R.sub.AV(1,1), .DELTA.G.sub.AV(1,1),
.DELTA.B.sub.AV(1,1) are calculated, for example, by
.DELTA.R.sub.AV(1,1)=R2.sub.AV(1,1)=R.sub- .AV(1,1),
.DELTA.G.sub.AV(1,1)=G2.sub.AV(1,1)-G1.sub.AV(1,1)
.DELTA.B.sub.AV(1,1)=B2.sub.AV(1,1)-B1.sub.AV(1,1),
respectively.
[0296] Subsequently, the pixel data gi(1,1) of the respective color
components of the small block BLK(1,1) of the combined image G" are
corrected using the shift amounts .DELTA.R.sub.AV(1,1),
.DELTA.G.sub.AV(1,1), .DELTA.B.sub.AV(1,1) (Step #392). Correction
data g.sub.R.multidot.(a,b), g.sub.g.multidot.(a,b),
g.sub.b.multidot.(a,b) are calculated by
g.sub.R.multidot.(a,b)=g.sub.R(a,b)+.DELTA.R.sub.AV(a,b- ),
.DELTA.G.sub.AV(a,b)=g.sub.G(a,b)+.DELTA.G.sub.AV(a,b),
g.sub.b.multidot.(a,b)=g.sub.B(a,b)+.DELTA.B.sub.AV(a,b),
respectively.
[0297] It is then discriminated whether the count value a has
reached the row number x (Step #394). If a<x (NO in Step #394),
the count value a is incremented by 1 and this routine returns to
Step #386 to perform the aforementioned correction for the small
block BLK (a+1, b) located in the (a+1)th row, b-th column. Since
a+1=2 at the present stage, this routine returns to Step #386 and
the above correction is performed for the small block BLK(2,1)
located in the second row, first column. Hereafter, the above
correction is successively performed in the same manner for the
respective small blocks BLK(a,1)(a=3, 4, . . . x).
[0298] Upon completion of the image correction for the small blocks
BLK(a,1) in the first column, a=x in Step #394 and this routine
proceeds to Step #398 in which it is discriminated whether the
count value b has reached the column number y. If b<y (NO in
Step #398), this routine returns to Step #386 after setting the
count value a to "1" and incrementing the count value b by "1" in
order to perform the above correction for the small block BLK
(1,b+1) located in the first row, (b+1)th column. Since b+1=2 at
the present stage, this routine returns to Step #386 and the above
correction is successively performed for the small block BLK(a,2)
(a=1, 2, . . . x) (loop of Steps #386 to #396).
[0299] Hereafter, the above correction is successively performed
for the small blocks BLK(a,b) in the respective columns by the same
method (loop of Steps #386 to #402). Upon completion of the image
correction for all small blocks BLK(a,b)(a=1, 2, . . . x; b=1, 2, .
. . y) (YES in Step #398), this processing is completed.
[0300] The special image processing apparatus installed with the
image combination program is described in the foregoing embodiment.
In an alternative embodiment, the image combination program and the
image correction program may be stored in an external storage
medium 43 which could be a magnetic storage medium such as a floppy
disk or a magnetic tape, or an optical storage medium such as
CD-ROM, an optical disk card or a photomagnetic disk, and be
transferred to a computer main body 41 via an external storage
driving device 42 or via a network such as Internet. In other
words, an image processing apparatus 40 may be constructed by a
computer system.
[0301] As described above, in the electronic camera 1 in which the
image pickup unit 22 is rotatable upward, downward, leftward and
rightward and the direction of the optical axis of the image pickup
unit 22 is made adjustable by the optical axis changing lever 9 (or
the optical axis changing buttons 19a to 19d), the image pickup
unit 22 is automatically set in its center position when the main
switch 21 is turned on. Accordingly, photographing can be
immediately performed in the front direction, and the rotation of
the image pickup unit 22 according to the operation of the optical
axis changing lever 9 (or the optical axis changing buttons 19a to
19d) can be easily and accurately controlled.
[0302] Further, when the main switch 21 is turned off, the image
pickup unit 22 is rotated to the specified position where the
taking lens 231 is not exposed through the opening 5 to close the
opening 5 by the unit main body 23 of the image pickup unit 22.
Accordingly, the opening 5 can be securely closed without providing
a special closing member to reliably prevent the adherence of dirt
and smear to the taking lens 231 and the exposure of the image
pickup device to light.
[0303] As described above, in the inventive electronic camera in
which the image pickup unit is rotatable to the position where it
faces the opening formed in the front surface of the camera main
body to let an object light image in, the optical means of the
image pickup unit is exposed through the opening, and the direction
of the optical axis thereof is automatically set in the front
direction when the state of the camera is changed from the
photographing impossible state to the photographing enabled state.
Accordingly, even if the camera is in the photographing impossible
state with the image pickup unit oriented in a desired direction,
photographing can be immediately performed without adjusting the
direction of the optical axis of the image pickup unit when the
state of the camera is changed to the photographing possible
state.
[0304] Further, when the state of the camera is changed from the
photographing possible state to the photographing impossible state,
the optical means of the image pickup unit is set in the position
where it is not exposed through the opening to thereby close the
opening by the image pickup unit. Accordingly, a mechanism for
automatically closing the opening can be simplified and the
adherence of dirt and smear to the optical means of the image
pickup unit and the exposure of the image pickup device to light
can be securely prevented.
[0305] As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative an not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such
metes and bounds are therefore intended to embraced by the
claims.
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