U.S. patent application number 11/210706 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for digital still camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Nobuhiro Fujinawa.
Application Number | 20060050151 11/210706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35464165 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060050151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fujinawa; Nobuhiro |
March 9, 2006 |
Digital still camera
Abstract
A digital still camera includes an image-capturing device, a
recording device that records a subject image captured by the
image-capturing device into an image recording medium, a first
monitor device and a second monitor device. The images repeatedly
captured by the image-capturing device are displayed in real time
at the first monitor device and, at the same time, a photographic
support image having been captured by the image-capturing device is
displayed at the second monitor device. A single image or a
plurality of images recorded in the image recording medium, for
instance, may be displayed at the second monitor device as the
photographic support image. Alternatively, an image obtained by
partially enlarging the image displayed at the first monitor device
may be displayed at the second monitor device.
Inventors: |
Fujinawa; Nobuhiro;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
TOKYO
JP
|
Family ID: |
35464165 |
Appl. No.: |
11/210706 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.99 ;
348/E5.025; 348/E5.047; 386/E5.072 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00461 20130101;
H04N 1/2133 20130101; H04N 9/8047 20130101; H04N 5/907 20130101;
H04N 1/00469 20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101; H04N 1/00442
20130101; H04N 1/00453 20130101; H04N 1/2112 20130101; H04N
5/232411 20180801; H04N 5/225251 20180801; H04N 5/23245 20130101;
H04N 5/232939 20180801; H04N 5/772 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.99 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 19, 2004 |
JP |
2004-335426 |
Sep 3, 2004 |
JP |
2004-256878 |
Claims
1. A digital still camera comprising: an image-capturing device; a
recording device that records a subject image captured by the
image-capturing device into an image recording medium; a
reproducing device that reproduces a subject image recorded in the
image recording medium; a first monitor device; a second monitor
device; and a display control device that displays the subject
image captured by the image-capturing device at the first monitor
device and displays at the second monitor device an image other
than the image displayed at the first monitor device.
2. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: the
display control device displays in real time at the first monitor
device subject images repeatedly captured by the image-capturing
device simultaneously as the display control device displays at the
second monitor device a photographic support image having been
captured by the image-capturing device.
3. A digital still camera according to claim 2, wherein: the
photographic support image displayed at the second monitor device
is the subject image reproduced by the reproducing device.
4. A digital still camera according to claim 2, wherein: a
plurality of subject images reproduced by the reproducing device
are displayed at the second monitor device as the photographic
support image.
5. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: the
display control device displays at the first monitor device the
subject image reproduced by the reproducing device simultaneously
as the display control device displays at the second monitor device
one of an image related to the subject image displayed at the first
monitor device and an image to be used to aid selection of an image
to be displayed at the first monitor device.
6. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: the image
displayed at the second monitor device is an enlarged image of part
of the subject image displayed at the first monitor device.
7. A digital still camera according to claim 6, wherein: the
enlarged image on display contains a focus area of the subject
image displayed at the first monitor device.
8. A digital still camera according to claim 6, wherein: the
display control device displays at the first monitor device a frame
indicating an area displayed as the enlarged image over the subject
image.
9. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: the image
displayed at the second monitor device is an image created by
executing white balance adjustment processing on the subject image
displayed at the first monitor device.
10. A digital still camera according to claim 9, further
comprising: a selection device that selects an image displayed at
the second monitor device; wherein: the display control device
displays a plurality of images corresponding to varying white
balance settings at the second monitor device and as one image
among the plurality of images is selected through the selection
device, the display control device uses the white balance setting
of the selected image in a subsequent photographing operation or in
data of the subject image displayed at the first monitor
device.
11. A digital still camera according to claim 5, further
comprising: a selection device that selects an image displayed at
the second monitor device; wherein: the display control device
displays a plurality of thumbnail images reproduced by the
reproducing device at the second monitor device and as one image
among the plurality of thumbnail images on display is selected
through the selection device, the display control device displays a
subject image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image over a
screen of the first monitor device.
12. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: the
display control device displays in real time at the first monitor
device subject images repeatedly captured by the image-capturing
device or displays at the first monitor device an image reproduced
by the reproducing device simultaneously as the display control
device displays at the second monitor device information indicating
at least one of characteristics of the subject image displayed at
the first monitor device and photographing conditions under which
the subject image displayed at the first monitor device has been
photographed.
13. A digital still camera according to claim 12, wherein: the
information displayed at the second monitor device contains a
histogram indicating a brightness distribution in the subject image
displayed at the first monitor device.
14. A digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein: one of
the first monitor device and the second monitor device includes a
display screen that turns to a desired angle and by adjusting the
angle of the display screen, a display screen of the first monitor
device and a display screen of the second monitor device are
aligned next to one another so as to be viewed simultaneously.
15. A digital camera according to claim 14, wherein: by adjusting
the angle of the display screen, the display screen of the first
monitor device and the display screen of the second monitor device
are set in a closed state in which the display screens face
opposite each other so as to conceal each other.
16. A digital still camera according to claim 14, further
comprising: a detection device that detects whether the first
monitor device and the second monitor device have an angular
relationship that allows an operator to view the first monitor
device and the second monitor device simultaneously, wherein: if
detection results provided by the detection device indicate that
the first monitor device and the second monitor device do not have
the angular relationship which allows the first monitor device and
the second monitor device to be viewed simultaneously, the display
control device turns off one of the first monitor device and the
second monitor device.
17. A digital still camera comprising: an image-capturing device; a
recording device that records a subject image captured by the
image-capturing device into an image recording medium; a first
monitor device; a second monitor device; and a display control
device that displays in real time subject images repeatedly
captured by the image-capturing device at a display screen of the
first monitor device and also at a display screen of the second
monitor device when the display screen of the first monitor device
is turned toward a photographer and the display screen of the
second monitor device is turned toward a photographic subject.
18. A digital still camera comprising: an image-capturing device; a
recording device that records a subject image captured by the
image-capturing device into an image recording medium; a first
monitor device; a second monitor device; and a display control
device that displays in real time at a display screen of the first
monitor device subject images repeatedly captured by the
image-capturing device and brings up a countdown display of a self
timer at a display screen of the second monitor device when the
display screen of the first monitor device is turned toward a
photographer and the display screen of the second monitor device is
turned toward a photographic subject in a self timer mode.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The disclosures of the following priority applications are
herein incorporated by reference: [0002] Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004-256878 filed Sep. 3, 2004 [0003] Japanese
Patent Application No. 2004-335426 filed Nov. 19, 2004
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a digital still camera
having a monitor device at which an image can be displayed.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] A liquid crystal monitor disposed at the rear surface of the
body of a digital still camera may be utilized as a viewfinder by
displaying in real time at the liquid crystal monitor subject
images captured repeatedly by an image-capturing element. In this
type of camera, an image that has been captured and recorded
previously may also be displayed at the liquid crystal monitor by
selecting a replay mode.
[0008] Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. 2002-94625
discloses a cellular phone capable of photography, which includes
two liquid crystal monitors.
[0009] However, the two monitors disclosed in the publication are
not utilized to facilitate a subsequent photographing operation or
to provide better convenience in the replay mode that may be
subsequently selected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A digital still camera according to a first aspect of the
present invention includes an image-capturing device; a recording
device that records a subject image captured by the image-capturing
device into an image recording medium; a reproducing device that
reproduces a subject image recorded in the image recording medium;
a first monitor device; a second monitor device; and a display
control device that displays the subject image captured by the
image-capturing device at the first monitor device and displays at
the second monitor device an image other than the image displayed
at the first monitor device.
[0011] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that the display control device displays in real
time at the first monitor device subject images repeatedly captured
by the image-capturing device simultaneously as the display control
device displays at the second monitor device a photographic support
image having been captured by the image-capturing device. It is
preferable that the photographic support image displayed at the
second monitor device is the subject image reproduced by the
reproducing device. A plurality of subject images reproduced by the
reproducing device may be displayed at the second monitor device as
the photographic support image.
[0012] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that the display control device displays at the
first monitor device the subject image reproduced by the
reproducing device simultaneously as the display control device
displays at the second monitor device one of an image related to
the subject image displayed at the first monitor device and an
image to be used to aid selection of an image to be displayed at
the first monitor device.
[0013] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that the image displayed at the second monitor
device is an enlarged image of part of the subject image displayed
at the first monitor device. It is preferable that the enlarged
image on display contains a focus area of the subject image
displayed at the first monitor device. The display control device
may display at the first monitor device a frame indicating an area
displayed as the enlarged image over the subject image.
[0014] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that the image displayed at the second monitor
device is an image created by executing white balance adjustment
processing on the subject image displayed at the first monitor
device. A selection device that selects an image displayed at the
second monitor device may be further provided, and it is possible
that the display control device displays a plurality of images
corresponding to varying white balance settings at the second
monitor device and as one image among the plurality of images is
selected through the selection device, the display control device
uses the white balance setting of the selected image in a
subsequent photographing operation or in data of the subject image
displayed at the first monitor device.
[0015] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect, a
selection device that selects an image displayed at the second
monitor device may be further provided, and it is also possible
that the display control device displays a plurality of thumbnail
images reproduced by the reproducing device at the second monitor
device and as one image among the plurality of thumbnail images on
display is selected through the selection device, the display
control device displays a subject image corresponding to the
selected thumbnail image over a screen of the first monitor
device.
[0016] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that the display control device displays in real
time at the first monitor device subject images repeatedly captured
by the image-capturing device or displays at the first monitor
device an image reproduced by the reproducing device simultaneously
as the display control device displays at the second monitor device
information indicating at least one of characteristics of the
subject image displayed at the first monitor device and
photographing conditions under which the subject image displayed at
the first monitor device has been photographed. The information
displayed at the second monitor device may contain a histogram
indicating a brightness distribution in the subject image displayed
at the first monitor device.
[0017] In the digital still camera according to the first aspect,
it is preferable that one of the first monitor device and the
second monitor device includes a display screen that turns to a
desired angle and by adjusting the angle of the display screen, a
display screen of the first monitor device and a display screen of
the second monitor device are aligned next to one another so as to
be viewed simultaneously. By adjusting the angle of the display
screen, the display screen of the first monitor device and the
display screen of the second monitor device may be set in a closed
state in which the display screens face opposite each other so as
to conceal each other. The digital still camera according to the
first aspect may further includes a detection device that detects
whether the first monitor device and the second monitor device have
an angular relationship that allows an operator to view the first
monitor device and the second monitor device simultaneously, and if
detection results provided by the detection device indicate that
the first monitor device and the second monitor device do not have
the angular relationship which allows the first monitor device and
the second monitor device to be viewed simultaneously, the display
control device may turn off one of the first monitor device and the
second monitor device.
[0018] A digital still camera according to a second aspect of the
present invention includes an image-capturing device; a recording
device that records a subject image captured by the image-capturing
device into an image recording medium; a first monitor device; a
second monitor device; and a display control device that displays
in real time subject images repeatedly captured by the
image-capturing device at a display screen of the first monitor
device and also at a display screen of the second monitor device
when the display screen of the first monitor device is turned
toward a photographer and the display screen of the second monitor
device is turned toward a photographic subject.
[0019] A digital still camera according to a third aspect of the
present invention includes an image-capturing device; a recording
device that records a subject image captured by the image-capturing
device into an image recording medium; a first monitor device; a
second monitor device; and a display control device that displays
in real time at a display screen of the first monitor device
subject images repeatedly captured by the image-capturing device
and brings up a countdown display of a self timer at a display
screen of the second monitor device when the display screen of the
first monitor device is turned toward a photographer and the
display screen of the second monitor device is turned toward a
photographic subject in a self timer mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital still camera achieved in
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 provides a rear view of the digital still camera with
its flip-out monitor in a closed state;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear view similar to that provided in FIG. 2
with the flip-out monitor in an open state;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a camera control system;
[0024] FIG. 5 presents an example of simultaneous display of
through image/reproduced images;
[0025] FIG. 6 presents an example of simultaneous display of
through image/histogram;
[0026] FIG. 7 presents an example of simultaneous display of
through image/enlarged image;
[0027] FIG. 8 presents an example of simultaneous display of
through image/WB variations;
[0028] FIG. 9 presents an example of a bidirectional display of a
through image;
[0029] FIG. 10 presents an example of simultaneous display of
through image/countdown;
[0030] FIG. 11 presents an example of simultaneous display of main
image/thumbnails that may be brought up in the replay mode;
[0031] FIG. 12 presents an example of a double-screen display of
thumbnails that may be brought up in the replay mode;
[0032] FIG. 13 presents an example of simultaneous display of main
image/enlarged image that may be brought up in the replay mode;
and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of control achieved by
incorporating an angle sensor.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] An embodiment of the present invention is now explained in
reference to FIGS. 1 through 14.
[0035] FIGS. 1 to 3 provide front view and rear views of a digital
still camera achieved in the embodiment. A photographic lens 11 is
disposed at the front surface of a camera body 10 and a shutter
release button 12 is disposed at the top surface of the camera body
10. In addition, at the rear surface of the camera body 10, a
flip-out color liquid crystal monitor 15 and a fixed color liquid
crystal monitor 16 are disposed, in addition to a viewfinder
eyepiece unit 13 and a plurality of operating members 14. The
monitors 15 and 16 respectively include rectangular liquid crystal
screens 15a and 16a having substantially equal dimensions.
[0036] The flip-out monitor 15 is a free angle monitor, which is
allowed to rotate via hinge portions 17 relative to an axis (a Y
axis) extending through the top and the bottom of the camera and is
also allowed to rotate relative to an X axis extending
perpendicular to the Y axis. Accordingly, as the flip-out monitor
15 rotates around the X axis and the Y axis, the orientation of the
screen 15a can be adjusted freely. The fixed monitor 16, on the
other hand, is fixed at the rear surface of the camera, and its
screen 16a is thus always set on the rear surface toward the
photographer.
[0037] When the flip-out monitor 15 is in a closed state, as shown
in FIG. 2, the screen 15a is placed over the screen 16a of the
fixed monitor 16 and the two screens 15a and 16a are both
concealed. In FIG. 3 showing the flip-out monitor 15 having been
opened by approximately 180.degree. around the Y axis, the two
screens 15a and 16a are exposed, one set next to the other along
the horizontal direction.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the digital
still camera. A subject light flux having been transmitted through
the photographic lens 11 forms an image at a light receiving
surface of an image-capturing element (image-capturing device) 21
constituted with a CCD or the like, and the image-capturing element
21, in turn, outputs an electrical signal (image capturing signal)
corresponding to the light intensity of the subject image having
been formed. The image capturing signal is then converted to a
digital signal at an A/D converter 22 and then undergoes various
types of image processing at a signal processing circuit 23. Image
data resulting from the signal processing are stored into a buffer
memory 24 and these are recorded into a memory card MC via a
recording circuit 25. When the image data are recorded, they are
compressed as necessary in a predetermined compression format at an
image compression circuit 26. The various circuits described above
are all controlled by a CPU 27.
[0039] In addition to the screens 15a and 16a, the flip-out monitor
15 and the fixed monitor 16 each include a liquid crystal drive
unit, a backlight, a backlight control unit and the like. The CPU
27 issues instructions to the liquid crystal drive units and the
backlight control units in response to which images are displayed
based upon image data and other types of information are displayed
at the screens 15a and 16a. Image display modes include a display
mode in which subject images repeatedly captured at the
image-capturing element 21 are displayed in real time (hereafter
referred to as a through image display mode) and a display mode in
which an image recorded in the memory card MC is read out and
displayed (hereafter referred to as a reproduced image display
mode).
[0040] It is to be noted that an operating unit 28, which includes
the shutter release button 12 and the operating members 14
described earlier, and a memory 29 such as a ROM or a RAM in which
information used when implementing the control is stored are
connected to the CPU 27.
[0041] Next, an explanation is given on photographic support
functions achieved by using the flip-out monitor 15 and the fixed
monitor 16. The camera has all the functions (1) through (6)
explained below, and the photographer is allowed to select a
desired function through, for instance, custom setting.
Alternatively, the camera may automatically select a specific
function based upon a judgment made with regard to the current
operating conditions.
(1) Simultaneous Display of Through Image/Reproduced Images (See
FIG. 5)
[0042] In a regular photographing mode, the CPU 27 brings up the
through image display described above at the fixed monitor 16 and
also brings up a reproduced image display at the flip-out monitor
15. The reproduced image display is a thumbnail display, and if
there is a plurality of images having already been recorded, the
plurality of images are displayed by splitting the screen. While
the photographer determines the composition by viewing the through
image at the screen 16a, he is able to check the plurality of
images having already been photographed (having already been
recorded) on display close-by at the screen 15a at all times. Thus,
he is able to decide on a specific composition with ease by taking
into consideration the compositions of the images having already
been photographed. For instance, he may decide to try a different
composition from those of the images having already been
photographed or he may decide to photograph several more images
with a composition he particularly likes. When the flip-out monitor
15 is opened by 180.degree. in particular, the two screens 15a and
16a are set side-by-side on a substantially single plane, namely,
they are aligned next to one another, which allows the two screens
to be viewed together with ease. However, the open angle does not
need to be exactly 180.degree..
[0043] Once the composition is determined, the image can be
photographed simply by operating the shutter release button 12 and
the photographed image is recorded into the memory card MC through
the procedure explained earlier. It is desirable that once the
image is recorded, the thumbnail image display at the screen 15a be
updated so that the latest recorded images are displayed at all
times.
[0044] It is to be noted that if the user of an existing camera
having only a single monitor wishes to check recorded images when
deciding on a composition, he needs to first switch from the
photographing mode to the replay mode and then he needs to reselect
the photographing mode after checking the reproduced images. This
procedure is time-consuming and moreover, since the through image
is not displayed while the reproduced image display is up, the user
cannot make a comparison by viewing the reproduced images and the
through image at the same time. For this reason, the composition
cannot be determined with ease and in some cases, he may have to
switch between the photographing mode and the replay mode several
times.
(2) Simultaneous Display of Through Image/Histogram (See FIG.
6)
[0045] A histogram of an image indicates the brightness
distribution in the image in a graph as image characteristics. The
image histogram normally indicates the brightness along the
horizontal axis and the frequency along the vertical axis. The
graph reflects the exposure value set in the camera, and the center
of the graph shifts further to the left if the image is
under-exposed and shifts further to the right if the image is
over-exposed. Accordingly, a real-time display of the histogram of
the through image allows the photographer to correct the exposure
by checking the state of the histogram so as to minimize the
occurrence of under-exposure or over-exposure (in particular
blackouts or whiteouts).
[0046] When this function is selected, the through image display is
brought up at the fixed monitor 16 and, at the same time, a
real-time display of the histogram of the through image is brought
up at the flip-out monitor 15. Reference numeral 31 in FIG. 6
indicates the histogram display. By selecting this function, the
histogram can be displayed over a large display area while keeping
the through image intact and without having to display the through
image in a reduced form, and thus, the optimal exposure can be
selected smoothly without affecting the process of decision-making
with regard to the composition. As reference numeral 32 indicates,
the photographing conditions such as the file mode, the aperture
value and the shutter speed and other information may be displayed
in addition to the histogram.
[0047] It is to be noted that in an existing camera having only a
single monitor, the histogram is displayed over part of the image
or in a blank area created by reducing the image. In either case,
the image is not as easy to views which makes it more difficult to
determine the composition. In addition, the histogram on display is
smaller and not as easy to read.
(3) Simultaneous Display of Through Image/Enlarged Image (See FIG.
7)
[0048] Since a liquid crystal monitor is normally a compact unit
with a relatively small number of pixels, it is difficult to verify
the focus state simply by viewing the through image. Accordingly,
this function is selected so as to simultaneously bring up the
through image display at the fixed monitor 16 and a display of an
enlarged image of an area around a focus area in the through image
at the flip-out monitor 15. The term "area around a focus area"
refers to an area containing the focus area at the center thereof
within the image plane (containing a selected focus area if there
is a plurality of focus areas). The CPU 27 engages a focal
adjustment device (not shown) to execute a focal adjustment in the
area and also brings up the display of the enlarged image of the
area around the focus area explained above at the flip-out monitor
15. The display of the enlarged image facilitates verification of
the focus state (whether or not the image is focused) even with the
liquid crystal monitor, and thus, defocusing can be prevented.
Since the entire through image is concurrently displayed at a
separate screen, the process of composition decision-making is not
affected at all.
(4) Simultaneous Display of Through Image/WB Variations (See FIG.
8)
[0049] Under normal circumstances, a digital still camera allows
white balance adjustment (WB) and the adjustment is executed
through menu selection. While the color tone of the image is
altered through white balance adjustment, the exact results can
only be verified after the adjustment is actually executed. For
this reason, the photographer needs to have a great deal of
experience to be able to produce an image in the exact color tone
he desires. Accordingly, this function is selected to bring up the
through image display at the fixed monitor 16 and, at the same
time, a plurality of through images in reduced size in
correspondence to varying white balance settings are displayed at
the flip-out monitor 15. The photographer is then able to select
via an operating member 14 the most desirable image (e.g., the
image that is the closest in color tone to the actual subject)
among the reduced images. Once the selection is made, the CPU 27
sets the white balance of the selected image as the white balance
setting for the photographing operation. Namely, the white balance
setting of the selected image is used in subsequent photographing
operations. This function allows even a novice photographer to take
pictures in desired color tones with ease.
[0050] While the through image is displayed at the fixed monitor 16
and a photographic support display is brought up at the flip-out
monitor 15 in each of the functions (1) through (4) described
above, the through image display and the photographic support
display may be respectively brought up at the flip-out monitor 15
and the fixed monitor 16, instead. In addition, the photographer
may be allowed to select the monitor at which the through image is
to be displayed as well.
(5) Bidirectional Display of Through Image (See FIG. 9)
[0051] When this function is selected, a given through image is
displayed both at the flip-out monitor 15 and the fixed monitor 16.
As explained earlier, the flip-out monitor 15 is allowed to assume
any angular position. Accordingly, by rotating the monitor 15
around the X axis in the state shown in FIG. 3, the screen 15a can
be turned toward the subject. By selecting this function when the
screen is turned toward the subject, the through image can be
checked by both the subject, i.e., the person being photographed,
and the photographer. The photographic subject is able to decide on
the optimal facial expression or posture by checking the through
image and is also able to make a specific request with regard to
the composition. This establishes a completely new photographing
concept that allows more active participation of the photographic
subject as well as the photographer in the photographing
operation.
(6) Simultaneous Display of Through Image/Countdown (See FIG.
10)
[0052] When this function is selected, the through image display is
brought up at the fixed monitor 16 and the self timer countdown is
displayed at the flip-out monitor 15 in a self timer mode. The self
timer countdown display can be viewed from the photographic subject
side if the screen 15a of the monitor 15 is turned toward the
subject. For instance, if the camera is set to take the picture in
five seconds following the shutter release operation, the countdown
display may indicate numerals in the order of "5"->"4"-> . .
. >"1"->"0" and a photograph is taken at "0". With large
numerals displayed at the screen 15a, the photographic subject can
know when the shutter will actually be released. This function
allows the photographic subject to be ready for the shutter release
and, as a result, the photographic subject is never caught unawares
when the picture is taken. It is desirable that this function be
automatically selected as the camera is set in the self timer
mode.
[0053] If the camera is set in a mode (e.g., a multiple self timer
function), in which a plurality of pictures are taken on the self
timer in response to a single operation, a message such as "another
picture" may be brought up during the interval between the
individual photographing operations and the countdown display may
then be brought up again. In addition, since the display at the
fixed monitor 16 is less likely to be visually checked during a
self timer photographing operation, a function of automatically
turning off the fixed monitor 16 may be made available.
[0054] It is to be noted that in addition to the functions (1)
through (6) described above, additional functions of displaying,
for instance, instructions on the camera use or map information at
one of the monitors may be provided.
[0055] While examples of displays that may be brought up in the
regular photographing mode have been explained earlier, displays
that may be brought up in the replay mode are now explained.
[0056] When the camera is switched from the photographing mode to
the replay mode, an image having already been recorded in the
memory card MC can be read out and displayed at a monitor screen
(reproduced image display). The image files having been recorded in
the memory card MC each contain a thumbnail image in addition to
the main image, and in general, a plurality of thumbnail images are
simultaneously displayed at the screen and once one of the
thumbnail images is selected, the main image corresponding to the
selected thumbnail image is displayed over the entire screen.
[0057] The following display functions (7) through (11) are
available in the replay mode in the camera achieved in the
embodiment. The photographer may be allowed to select a desired
function through, for instance, custom setting.
(7) Simultaneous Display of Reproduced Image/Photographic
Information
[0058] When this function is selected, a reproduced image (main
image) is displayed at one of the monitors with information related
to the reproduced image displayed at the other monitor. The
information related to the reproduced image includes the
photographing conditions such as the file mode, the aperture value
and the shutter speed as well as the histogram. Such information
saved together with the image in an Exif format is read out and
displayed. Other types of information are also saved as the Exif
information, and thus, it will be convenient to handle all types of
information as display options and allow whichever type of
information that is selected to be displayed. Alternatively,
several types of information which are pre-selected may be brought
up on display. If the reproduced image is brought up at the fixed
monitor 16 and the information is brought up on display at the
flip-out monitor 15, the monitors may provide displays similar to
those in FIG. 6, for instance. However, while the image displayed
at the fixed monitor 15 is a through image in FIG. 6, a reproduced
image will be displayed at the fixed monitor 16 when this function
is selected.
[0059] It is to be noted that in an existing camera having only a
single monitor, an image and information related to the image can
be displayed simultaneously only by displaying the information over
the image, which makes it harder to view both the image and the
information. In contrast, the image and the information are
displayed simultaneously at separate positions in the embodiment,
and thus, both the image and the information can be viewed with
ease.
(8) Simultaneous Display of Main Image/Thumbnails (See FIG. 11)
[0060] When this function is selected, one of the monitors is
exclusively used for main image display and the other monitor is
exclusively used for thumbnail display in the replay mode. FIG. 11
shows an example in which the main image display is brought up at
the fixed monitor 16 and the thumbnail display is brought up at the
flip-out monitor 15. As a specific image among the thumbnail images
on display at the flip-out monitor 15 is selected, the main image
corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is brought up on
display at the fixed monitor 16. Since this function allows the
thumb nail display to remain on while the main image is brought up
on display, the next image for display can be selected quickly.
[0061] It is to be noted that an existing camera having only a
single monitor necessitates that the thumbnail display be turned
off once an image is selected for display to allow the main image
display to be brought up and thus, the display needs to be switched
back to the thumbnail display when the next image for display is to
be selected, which compromises the operability.
(9) Double-Screen Display of Thumbnails (See FIG. 12)
[0062] When this function is selected, thumbnail images are
displayed at both monitors 15 and 16. While only up to 3.times.3=9
thumbnail images can be displayed at an existing camera, two
screens are used with 9 thumbnail images displayed at each so as to
enable display of a total of 18 thumbnail images. Since a greater
number of options can be simultaneously displayed for image
selection, the process of image selection is facilitated. Once an
image is selected, either of the monitors is switched from the
thumbnail display to a display of the selected image (main
image).
(10) Simultaneous Display of Main Image/Enlarged Image (See FIG.
13)
[0063] When this function is selected, the main image having been
selected in the thumbnail display is brought up on display at the
standard magnification factor at one of the monitors and an
enlarged image of a portion of the main image is displayed at the
other monitor. FIG. 13 presents a display example in which the main
image is displayed at the fixed monitor 16 and the enlarged image
is displayed at the flip-out monitor 15, with lines 51 framing the
area corresponding to the enlarged display superimposed on the main
image. This allows the photographer to ascertain with ease which
part of the main image is currently displayed as the enlarged
image. While it is necessary to switch one of the monitors back to
the thumbnail display when selecting the next image, it is not
necessary to reset the magnification factor of the enlarged image
to the standard magnification factor. It is to be noted that the
frame lines 51 may be allowed to move within the screen in response
to a specific operation so as to alter the image area for
enlargement, i.e., the image displayed at the flip-out monitor 15,
by interlocking with the movement of the frame lines 51.
[0064] It is to be noted that as an instruction for image
enlargement is issued in an existing camera having only a single
monitor, the enlarged image is displayed in place of the main image
having been displayed at the standard magnification factor and
thus, the two images cannot be viewed at the same time. For this
reason, it is not as easy to ascertain the exact portion of the
main image that is enlarged. In addition, since it is necessary to
switch from the enlarged image display back to image display at the
standard magnification factor when selecting the next image, the
operability is poor.
(11) Simultaneous Display of the Main Image/WB Variations
[0065] When this function is selected, the main image having been
selected is brought up on display at one of the monitors and a
plurality of thumbnail images of the main image, each corresponding
to one of various white balance settings, are concurrently brought
up on display at the other monitor. For instance, the main image
may be displayed at the fixed monitor 16, as shown in FIG. 8.
However, while the image displayed in FIG. 8 is the through image,
the image displayed when this function is selected is a reproduced
image. As an image with a desired white balance setting is selected
from the thumbnails displayed at the flip-out monitor 15, the image
data undergo digital processing so as to reflect the white balance
setting in the main image. This function allows the white balance
of the photographed image to be adjusted on the camera.
[0066] The functions (7) to (11) explained above each bring up a
reproduced image of the main image on display at the fixed monitor
16 and brings up an image related to the main image displayed at
the fixed monitor 16 or images used to aid in the selection of an
image to be displayed at the fixed monitor 16 on display at the
flip-out monitor 15. However, the reproduced image and the related
image or the aiding images may be respectively displayed at the
flip-out monitor 15 and the fixed monitor 16, instead. In addition,
the photographer may be allowed to select the monitor at which the
main image is to be displayed.
[0067] While an explanation is given above on functions that may be
selected when the two monitors are utilized at the same time, it is
desirable to make available options of using the two monitors
concurrently and using only one of the monitors, as in the related
art, so as to minimize power consumption. In addition, one of the
monitors may automatically go off if the remaining battery power
becomes lower than a predetermined level. Furthermore, if the
flip-out monitor 15 is folded in, as shown in FIG. 2, while it is
turned toward the photographer, the screen 16a of the fixed monitor
16 becomes concealed, leaving the screen 15a alone in a visible
state. In such a situation, the fixed monitor 16 may be made to
turn itself off.
[0068] It is to be noted that in the replay mode, the monitors 15
and 16 are never viewed by the photographer and the photographic
subject together as in (5) and (6) described earlier. Accordingly,
it is desirable to judge that one of the monitors is not used for
viewing and to turn off the monitor as a power saving measure if
the viewing angles of the two monitors 15 and 16 are greatly
different in the replay mode.
[0069] Such power saving measures may be realized by disposing an
angle sensor 61 (see FIG. 14) along the X axis so as to detect the
angle of the flip-out monitor 15 relative to the fixed monitor 16.
Once the replay mode is selected, the CPU 27 sequentially monitors
the output from the angle sensor 61 and turns off one of the
monitors if the detected angle is in an angle range over which the
two monitors cannot be viewed simultaneously or the two monitors
can only be viewed simultaneously with significant difficulty.
Either monitor may be turned off in this case. It is desirable to
turn off the fixed monitor 16 if the camera body 10 is set down for
reproduced image display since the free angle flip-out monitor 15
can be adjusted to the optimal angle for easy viewing. If, on the
other hand, a reproduced image is being displayed while the user is
holding the camera, the fixed monitor 16 is likely to be easier to
view, and accordingly, the flip-out monitor 15 should be turned
off. Thus, it is ultimately desirable to allow the photographer to
select which monitor is to be turned off.
[0070] In addition, while an explanation is given above on an
example in which the camera includes a flip-out monitor and a fixed
monitor, the present invention may be adopted in a camera having
two fixed monitors disposed side by side. It is to be noted
however, that, such a configuration is bound to increase the bulk
of the camera and the functions (5) and (6) cannot be offered in
the camera. Furthermore, the camera does not need to have all the
functions (1) to (11) described above and may have only one of
these functions.
[0071] It is to be noted that the expression "and, at the same
time, . . . " used in the explanation of the embodiments refers to
simultaneity rather than mere parallelism.
[0072] They above described embodiments are examples, and various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *