U.S. patent application number 13/243535 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for image processing apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nikon Corporation. Invention is credited to Hisato Ide, Osamu Ikeda, MASAHIRO JUEN, Kenji Toyoda.
Application Number | 20120105700 13/243535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18347633 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120105700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUEN; MASAHIRO ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An image processing apparatus provided with a display unit for
displaying an operation picture, showing control indicia (e.g.,
icons) corresponding to multiple image processing functions, is
operated to display the operation picture on an external display
device. The operator selects one of the indicia shown on the
external display device by operating an input device, such as touch
screen of the apparatus or a remote control, to indicate the
position of the desired one of the indicia. The operator can
thereby quickly and reliably select an image processing function to
be executed, without any need to view an operation picture on the
display unit when making the selection.
Inventors: |
JUEN; MASAHIRO;
(Yokoham-shi, JP) ; Toyoda; Kenji; (Chigasaki-shi,
JP) ; Ikeda; Osamu; (Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Ide;
Hisato; (Ageo-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Nikon Corporation
|
Family ID: |
18347633 |
Appl. No.: |
13/243535 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12898570 |
Oct 5, 2010 |
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13243535 |
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12100186 |
Apr 9, 2008 |
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12898570 |
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11118430 |
May 2, 2005 |
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12100186 |
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09741042 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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11118430 |
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09492182 |
Jan 27, 2000 |
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09741042 |
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08994756 |
Dec 19, 1997 |
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09492182 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.01 ;
345/156; 345/173; 348/E5.022 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/033 20130101;
G06F 3/04845 20130101; G06T 1/00 20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101;
H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N 1/00397 20130101; H04N 1/00352
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/333.01 ;
345/173; 345/156; 348/E05.022 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222; G09G 5/00 20060101 G09G005/00; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 1996 |
JP |
08-341636 |
Claims
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: operation picture
producing means for producing an operation picture containing
indicia corresponding to a plurality of image processing functions
among which a selection can be made by an external operation;
display means for displaying said operation picture; position input
means, including a portion placed over a screen of said display
means to detect a touch operation as said external operation, said
position input means having a first operating mode to enter a
position designated by the touch operation as an absolute position
on the operation picture displayed on said display means, the
position of the external operation being the same as the position
on the operation picture displayed on said display means;
identifying means for identifying a selected image processing
function, among said plurality of image processing functions, based
on the position entered through said position input means; image
processing means for carrying out the image processing function
identified by said identifying means; output means for outputting
the operation picture produced by said operation picture producing
means to an external display device; image adding means for adding
a cursor indicating the position entered through said position
input means to the operation picture; and determination means for
determining whether the external display device is connected to
said output means, wherein, when said determination means
determines that the external display device is not connected to
said output means, said position input means operates in the first
operating mode, and when said determination means determines that
the external display device is connected to said output means, the
operation picture with the cursor is output to the external display
device through said output means, said display means does not
display said operation picture, and said position input means
operates in a second operating mode to enter the position
designated by the touch operation as a relative position on the
operation picture displayed on the external display device, and the
second operating mode determines a next cursor position of the
operation picture based on a recent cursor position and a
displacement vector of the touch operation.
2-3. (canceled)
4. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 1, further
comprising: remote input means for allowing the external operation
to be performed by a remote operation, and wherein, when the
operation picture is output to the external display device through
said output means, said position input means operates in said
second mode to enter the position designated by the remote
operation as a relative position on the operation picture displayed
on the external display device, and said identifying means
identifies a selected image processing function among said
plurality of image processing functions, based on the position
entered through said remote input means.
5. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 4, further
comprising: image adding means for adding a cursor, indicating the
position entered through said remote input means, to the operation
picture produced by said operation picture producing means and
supplied to said output means.
6. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 1, and which
is constituted by an electronic camera.
7. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an operation picture
producing portion which produces an operation picture containing
indicia corresponding to a plurality of image processing functions
among which a selection can be made by an operator; an image
display unit which displays said operation picture; an output unit
which outputs said operation picture to an external display device;
a position input portion which inputs a position designated by the
operator on the operation picture displayed on the external display
device; an image adding portion which adds a cursor indicating the
position entered through said position input portion to the
operation picture; an identifying portion which identifies a
selected image processing function, among said plurality of image
processing functions, based on the designated position input by
said position input portion; an image processing portion which
carries out the selected image processing function; and a
determining portion which determines whether the external display
device is connected to said output unit, wherein, when said
determining portion determines that the external display device is
connected to said output unit, the operation picture with the
cursor is output to the external display device through said output
unit, said image display unit does not display said operation
picture, and the position input portion determines a next cursor
position of the operation picture based on a recent cursor position
and a displacement vector of the position designated by the
operator.
8. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein
said position input portion is constructed to input a position
designated by the operator, on the operation picture displayed on
the external display device, with a remote control which provides a
signal to said position input portion.
9. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein
said position input portion includes a touch-responsive unit,
having a portion placed over a screen of said image display unit,
with which the operator can designate a position on the operating
picture displayed on the external display device by touch
operation.
10. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein
said position input portion has a first operating mode to input a
position designated by the operator via said touch-responsive unit
on the operation picture displayed on said image display unit, and
a second operating mode to input a position designated by the
operator via said touch-responsive unit on the operation picture
displayed on the external display device.
11. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein
said position input portion is constructed to input a position
designated by the operator, on the operation picture displayed on
the external display device, with a remote control which provides a
signal to the position input portion.
12. An image processing apparatus as defined in claim 7, and which
is constituted by an electronic camera.
13. An operating method of an image processing apparatus having an
image display unit and an output unit which is to be connected to
an external display device, said method comprising: producing an
operation picture containing indicia corresponding to a plurality
of image processing functions among which a selection can be made;
outputting the operation picture to the external display device;
inputting a position designated by an the operator on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device; adding a cursor
indicating the position designated by the operator on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device; identifying a
selected image processing function, among said plurality of image
processing functions, based on the input position; performing the
selected image processing function; and determining whether the
external display device is connected to said output unit, wherein,
when it is determined that the external display device is connected
to said output unit, the operation picture with the cursor is
displayed on the external display device, the image display unit
does not display said operation picture, and a next cursor position
of the operation picture is determined based on a recent cursor
position and a displacement vector of the position designated by
the operator.
14. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein said position is
designated by the operator performing a touch operation of a
touch-responsive unit having a touch portion placed over a screen
of said image display unit.
15. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein said position is
designated by the operator with a remote control unit which
provides a signal to the image processing apparatus.
16. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein said inputting
constitutes one of two selectable inputting modes, the other of
said inputting modes including inputting a position designated by
the operator on the operation picture displayed on said image
display unit.
17. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein said image processing
apparatus is an electronic camera.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/050,849, filed Jun. 26, 1997, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application also claims the priority of Japanese Patent
Application No. 08-341636 filed Dec. 20, 1996, also incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an image processing
apparatus including a display unit on which an operation picture
having indicia corresponding to a plurality of image processing
functions is displayed, and to an operating method of such an
apparatus, wherein image processing to be executed is selected by
an external operation for entering a corresponding position on the
display unit.
[0005] 2. Related Background Art
[0006] In recent years, electronic cameras as one form of image
processing apparatus provided with a display unit for displaying a
photographed image have been practically used. Also,
multi-functional electronic cameras have been developed, in view of
a wide variety of operator's demands, wherein a list of a plurality
of functions is displayed on the display unit, permitting the
operator to select a desired function by means of a touch
screen.
[0007] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of such a multi-functional
electronic camera.
[0008] In FIG. 12, a control unit 50 is connected, through a
control bus 52, to an imago pickup unit 54, a recording and
reproducing unit 56, a video display processing unit 58, an editing
unit 60, an overlay processing unit 62, a frame memory 64 for an
operation picture, a display unit 66, and a touch screen 68.
[0009] In the electronic camera thus constructed, the control unit
50 performs timing control, through the control bus 52, with
respect to the image pickup unit 54, recording and reproducing unit
56, video display processing unit 58, editing unit 60, overlay
processing unit 62, frame memory 64 for the operation picture,
display unit 66, and touch screen 68.
[0010] The image pickup unit 54 transmits a still image: or a movie
image (both hereinafter referred simply as "image"), to the
recording and reproducing unit 56 and video display processing unit
58.
[0011] The recording and reproducing unit 56 compresses the image
provided by the image pickup unit 54, and writes the compressed
image into a recording medium, such as a magnetic disk. The
recording and reproducing unit 56 also reads out the image recorded
in the recording medium, decompresses or expands it, and transmits
the decompressed image to the editing unit 60.
[0012] The video display processing unit 58 processes the image
provided by the image pickup unit 54 by converting its pixel
density, so as to produce an image to be projected on a finder
portion F in a camera window, which is included in an operation
picture OP displayed on the display unit 66, as shown in FIG. 13,
and transmits the image to the overlay processing unit 62.
[0013] The frame memory 64 for the operation picture stores a
predetermined image displayed in the form of windows, including a
window menu bar (not shown) and icons (corresponding to a RECORD
button, an EDIT button and others in this example), which are
included in the operation picture displayed on the display unit 66.
This image displayed in the form of windows is transmitted to the
overlay processing unit 62 with the timing directed by the control
unit 50.
[0014] The overlay processing unit 62 superimposes or overlays the
image of the finder, received from the video display processing
unit 58, on the image displayed as windows that is received from
the frame memory 64, so as to produce the operation picture (more
precisely, an image signal representing the operation picture)
which is in turn transmitted to the display unit 66.
[0015] The display unit 66 displays the operation picture provided
by the overlay processing unit 62.
[0016] A position on the display unit 66 is entered through the
touch screen 68, which is operated by an operator who touches the
screen 68 (pushes down the screen with a pen-like device or
directly pushes down the screen).
[0017] The control unit 50 specifies an icon displayed at the
position entered through the touch screen 68, among the icons on
the operation picture, and instructs respective units of the camera
to carry out the processing represented by the specified icon.
Where the icon located at the above position is the RECORD button,
for example, the control unit 50 instructs the recording and
reproducing unit 56 to record the image.
[0018] Thus, by displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to
respective functions, such as image recording and image editing, on
the display unit 66, the processing of a selected function can be
achieved when the operator selects the corresponding icon through
the touch screen 68.
[0019] While the electronic camera is provided with many functions
as described above, it is desirable that the size and weight of the
electronic camera be small. This means that the size of the display
unit 66 must be limited. To accommodate this limitation, an
external display device of larger size (such as a television) may
be used for displaying an image similar to the image displayed on
the display unit 66, to allow the operator to confirm details of a
photographed image or an image to be edited.
[0020] Even if an image similar to that on the display unit 66 is
displayed on a larger external display device as mentioned above,
however, the operator still needs to select an icon through the
touch screen 68, referring to the operation picture displayed on
the display unit 66. In such case, because of the small size of the
display unit 66 and touch screen 68, the desired icon may not be
easily and quickly specified by the operator, or an icon close to
the desired icon may be pushed down by mistake, resulting in a poor
efficiency of operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an image processing apparatus which is adapted to display
an operation picture on an external display device, and to enable
the operator to surely select the processing to be executed without
referring to the operation. picture displayed on a display unit of
the apparatus.
[0022] Briefly stated, in one of its broader aspects, the present
invention provides an imaging processing apparatus comprising an
operation picture producing portion which produces an operation
picture containing indicia corresponding to a plurality of image
processing functions among which a selection can be made by an
operator; an image display unit; an output unit which outputs the
operation picture to an external display device; a position input
portion which. inputs a position designated by the operator on the
operation picture displayed on the external display device; an
identifying portion which identifies a selected image processing
function, among the plurality of image processing functions, based
on the designated position input by the position input portion; and
an image processing portion which carries out the selected image
processing function. In a preferred form of the apparatus, the
position input portion includes a touch-responsive unit having a
portion placed over a screen of the image display unit, and the
position input portion has a first operating mode to input a
position designated by the operator via the touch-responsive unit
on the operation picture displayed on the image display unit and a
second operating mode to input a position designated by the
operator, on the operation picture displayed on the external
display device, via the touch-responsive unit or a remote control
which provides a signal to the position input portion.
[0023] By providing for selection among the plurality of image
processing functions by position designation on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device, the image
processing apparatus of the invention allows the operator to
quickly and reliably select an image. processing function to be
executed, without any need for the operator to view an operation
picture on the display unit of the apparatus when making the
selection.
[0024] The foregoing and additional aspects of the invention, as
well as its various features and advantages, will be better
understood from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an illustrative implementation
of the invention in an electronic camera.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the camera of
FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a view showing the electronic camera of FIG. 5
connected to a television.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another implementation of the
invention in an electronic camera.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an operation sequence of the
camera of FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a view showing the electronic camera of FIG. 8
connected to a television.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a view showing another electronic camera of the
invention connected to a television.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a known electronic camera.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a view showing an appearance of the electronic
camera of FIG. 12, from the rear, and an example of the display on
a display unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0039] The image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises operation
picture producing means 10 for producing an operation picture
including indicia corresponding to a plurality of image processing
functions that can be selected by an external operation; display
means 12 for displaying the operation picture; position input means
14 placed over a screen of the display means 12, for detecting a
touch operation as the external operation, and entering a position
designated by the touch operation as an absolute position on the
operation picture displayed on the display means; processing
identifying means 16 for identifying a corresponding image
processing function from the plurality of image processing
functions, based on the position on the operation picture that is
entered through the position input means 14; and image processing
means 18 for carrying out the image processing function identified
by the processing identifying means 16, with respect to an image
provided to the apparatus. The image processing apparatus
additionally comprises output means 20 for outputting the operation
picture produced by the operation picture producing means 10 to an
external display device, and is characterized in that when the
operation picture is transmitted to the external display device
through the output means 20, the position input means 14 enters the
position designated by the touch operation as a relative position
on the operation picture displayed on the external display
device.
[0040] In the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1, the operation
picture produced by the operation picture producing means 10 is
displayed on the display means 12, and transmitted via the output
means 20 to the external display device and displayed on the
display device.
[0041] When the operation picture is displayed only on the display
means 12, the position input means 14 enters the position
designated by the touch operation as an absolute position on the
operation picture. Where the operation picture is displayed on the
external display device, the position input means 14 permits the
touch operation for pointing to a position on the operation picture
on the external display device, which position is entered as a
relative position on the operation picture.
[0042] Since a relative position with respect to a position
designated by the operator is indicated on the operation picture
displayed on the external display device, desired image processing
can be surely selected, and the operating efficiency will not be
deteriorated even if the size of the display means 12 is
reduced.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an image
processing apparatus according to the invention.
[0044] In the image processing apparatus as shown in FIG. 2, the
apparatus of FIG. 1 is additionally provided with display control
means 22 for turning off a display of the operation picture on the
display means 12 when the operation picture is output to the
external display device through the output means 20.
[0045] The display control means 22 turns off or eliminates display
of the operation picture on the display means 12 when the operation
picture is output to the external display device through the output
means 20.
[0046] Accordingly, when the relative position on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device is entered through
the position input means 14, the operation picture is not displayed
on the display means 12, thus preventing the operator from being
confused by a display provided on the display means 12 in which the
position is entered as the absolute position.
[0047] Further, by turning off the display of the operation picture
on the display means 12, the operator is surely informed of the
fact that the external operation to be performed through the
position input means 14 is intended for designating a relative
position on the operation picture displayed on the external display
device.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of an image
processing apparatus according to the invention.
[0049] In the image processing apparatus as shown in FIG. 3, the
apparatus of FIG. 1 is additionally provided with remote input
means 24 for allowing the external operation also to be performed
by a remote operation, so as to enter the position designated by
the remote operation as a relative position on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device. The processing
identifying means 16 identifies a corresponding image processing
from the plurality of image processing functions, based on the
position on the operation picture that is entered through the
remote input means 24.
[0050] The remote input means 24 permits the external operation,
for entering a position on the operation image displayed on the
external display device as a relative position, to be performed by
a remote operation.
[0051] Since a remote controller capable of designating the
relative position may be used for selecting desired image
processing, the selection can be accomplished at a reduced cost
compared to a case where a remote controller provided with
individual operating parts corresponding to respective image
processing functions is used.
[0052] It is preferred that when remote operation capability is
provided, the apparatus be constructed to allow the external
operation to be performed as a touch operation or as a remote
operation at the operator's discretion, as in the present
embodiment. However, the remote operation capability may be
provided without the touch operation capability.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an image
processing apparatus according to the invention.
[0054] In the image processing apparatus as shown in FIG. 4, the
apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3 is further provided with
image adding means 26 for adding a cursor, indicating the position
entered through the position input means 14 or the remote input
means 24, to the operation picture produced by the operation
picture producing means 10 and supplied to the output means 20.
[0055] The image adding means 26 adds a cursor indicating the
position entered through the position input means 14 or remote
input means 24 to the operation picture produced by the operation
picture producing means 10 and transmitted to the output means 20.
Thus, the cursor as well as the operation picture is displayed on
the external display device, so that the operator can surely
recognize the relative position on the operation picture
corresponding to the position entered by the operator, and quickly
select desired image processing.
[0056] Several illustrative implementations of the invention in
which the image processing apparatus is constituted by an
electronic camera are described below.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic camera
implementing the principles of the invention according to FIGS. 1,
2, and 4.
[0058] In FIG. 5, a control unit 30 is connected, through a control
bus 52, to a position detecting unit 32, an output unit 34, a
cursor processing unit 36, an image pickup unit 54, a recording and
reproducing unit 56, a video display processing unit 58, an editing
unit 60, an overlay processing unit 62, a frame memory 64 for an
operation picture, a display unit 66, and a touch screen 68.
[0059] The data output of the image pickup unit 54 is connected to
the data inputs of the recording and producing unit 56 and video
display processing unit 58. The data output of the recording and
reproducing unit 56 is connected to the data input of the editing
unit 60, and the data outputs of the video display processing unit
58 and frame memory 64 for the operation picture are connected to
the data input of the overlay processing unit 62. The data output
of the overlay processing unit 62 is connected to the data inputs
of the display unit 66 and cursor processing unit 36, and the data
output of the cursor processing unit 36 is connected to the data
input of the output unit 34.
[0060] In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as used in the block
diagram of FIG. 12 are used for identifying functionally
corresponding elements, of which no further explanation will be
provided herein.
[0061] The construction shown in FIG. 5 is different from that of
FIG. 12 in that the control unit 30 is provided in place of the
control unit 50 shown in FIG. 12, and in that the position
detecting unit 32, output unit 34 and cursor processing unit 36 are
newly provided.
[0062] With regard to the relationship or correspondence between
the block diagrams of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 and that of FIG. 5, the
operation picture producing means 10 corresponds to the video
display processing unit 58, frame memory 64 for the operation
picture, and overlay processing unit 62. The display means 12
corresponds to the display unit 66, and the position input means 14
corresponds to the touch screen 68 and position detecting unit 32.
The processing identifying means 16 and display control means 22
correspond to the control unit 30. The image processing means 18
corresponds to the image pickup unit 54, recording and reproducing
unit 56, and editing unit 60. The output means 20 corresponds to
the output unit 34, and the image adding means 26 corresponds to
the cursor processing unit 36.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
electronic camera of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a view showing the
camera connected to television. In FIG. 7, the camera is designated
as 100a, and the television is designated as 110.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the operation of the camera will now
be described.
[0065] The control unit 30 monitors the condition of a contact
point of an image output terminal through the output unit 34, to
determine whether a TV (television) is connected to the output
terminal (step S1 in FIG. 6).
[0066] If the television is not connected to the image output
terminal (if NO is obtained in step S1 of FIG. 6), the control unit
30 informs the position detecting unit 32 that a position on the
operating picture which is externally designated is entered in a
mode (hereinafter referred to as "absolute position input mode") in
which the designated position represents or indicates an absolute
position on the operating picture (step S2 in FIG. 6). The control
unit 30 also instructs respective units to display the operation
picture on the display unit 66 in the same manner as in the known
example (step S3 in FIG. 6).
[0067] If the electronic camera 100a is connected to the television
110 through the output unit 34 as shown in FIG. 7 (if YES is
obtained in step S1 of FIG. 6), the control unit 30 informs the
position detecting unit 32 that a position that is externally
designated is entered in a position input mode (hereinafter
referred to as "relative position input mode") in which the
designated position indicates a relative position on the operating
picture (step S4 in FIG. 6), and also instructs the cursor
processing unit 36 to add a cursor to the operation picture (step
S5 in FIG. 6).
[0068] Further, the control unit 30 instructs the display unit 66
to turn off its light source, and instructs the output unit 34 to
transmit the operation picture, to which the cursor is added, to
the television 110 (step S6 in FIG. 6). At the same time, the
control unit 30 informs the cursor processing unit 36 of the
position on the operation picture to which the cursor is to be
added (hereinafter referred simply as "cursor position").
[0069] The initial value of the cursor position is set in a main
memory of the control unit 30 upon its start, and the cursor
position is updated if the position detecting unit 32 obtains a new
position on the operation picture which is established by an
external operation, as described later.
[0070] The cursor processing unit 36 retrieves the operation
picture (produced by the overlay processing unit 62 in the same
manner as in the known example) in response to a command from the
control unit 30, and it stores the retrieved operation picture in
an internal frame memory (not shown). The cursor processing unit 36
also superimposes an Image of an oblique arrow, representing a
cursor, on the operation picture stored in its frame memory and
outputs the resulting image to the output unit 34.
[0071] The operation picture to which the cursor is added in the
above manner is output to the television 110 through the output
unit 34, and is displayed on a display screen of the television
110.
[0072] When the operation picture is displayed on the display unit
66 or on the display screen of the television 110, the control unit
30 instructs the touch screen 68 to receive information entered by
an external operation (step S7 in FIG. 6), and instructs the
position detecting unit 32 to specify an icon designated by the
external operation (step S8 in FIG. 6). When the position input
mode is the relative position input mode, the control unit 30
informs the position detecting unit 32 of the cursor position
stored in the main memory, and instructs this unit 32 to update the
cursor position.
[0073] The touch screen 68 allows the external operation to be
performed thereon, and the position designated by the external
operation is entered through the touch screen 68.
[0074] When the position input mode is the absolute position input
mode, the position detecting unit 32 assumes that the position on
the display unit 66 is the same as the position on the operation
picture, and specifies the icon located at the position entered
through the touch screen 68. The position detecting unit 32 also
informs the control unit 30 of an identification code of the icon
thus specified.
[0075] When the position input mode is the relative position input
mode, the position detecting unit 32 serially receives the position
entered through the touch screen 68, and measures displacement
(corresponding to relative position) of the received position per
unit time (for example, frame rate of the television 110). The
position detecting unit 32 also adds a vector indicative of the
measured displacement to the cursor position provided by the
control unit 30, so as to update the cursor position, and informs
the control unit 30 of the updated cursor position.
[0076] If a command to move the cursor is not generated for a given
time while the icon is present at the cursor position, or if the
icon is clicked (by pressing the touch screen), the position
detecting unit 32 determines that the selection of the icon is
completed, and informs the control unit 30 of the identification
code of the selected icon.
[0077] Upon receipt of the identification code of the selected icon
from the position detecting unit 32, the control unit 30 instructs
respective units of the camera to execute the processing
represented by the icon (step S9 in FIG. 6).
[0078] Each time the control unit 30 is informed by the position
detecting unit 32 of the cursor position, the cursor position
stored in its main memory is updated. When the cursor position is
updated in this manner, the control unit 30 instructs the cursor
processing unit 36 and output unit 34 to add the updated cursor to
the operation picture, and output the resulting image to the
television 110.
[0079] In the present implementation as described above, where the
electronic camera is connected to the television 110 through the
output unit 34, the external operation performed on the touch
screen 68 is regarded as a command to move the cursor on the
operation picture displayed on the display screen of the television
110. Accordingly, the operator can select a desired icon without
fail by operating the touch screen 68 while referring to the
operation picture displayed on the display screen of the TV 110, so
as to achieve a desired amount of movement of the cursor on the
display screen.
[0080] While the operation picture is displayed either on the
display unit 66 or the display screen of the television 110 in the
camera just described, the construction may, of course, be made
such that the operation picture may be displayed on the display
unit 66 as well as the display screen of the television 110 when
the electronic camera is connected to the television 110.
[0081] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic camera
implementing the principles of the invention according to FIGS. 1,
3, and 4. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as used in the
block diagram of FIG. 5 are used for identifying functionally
corresponding elements, of which no further explanation will be
provided herein.
[0082] The construction shown in FIG. 8 is different from that of
FIG. 5 in that a control unit 40 and a position detecting unit 42
are provided in place of the control unit 30 and position detecting
unit 32, and further in that a remote operation receiving unit 44
connected to the control unit 40 through the control bus 52 is
provided.
[0083] With regard to the relationship or correspondence between
the block diagrams of FIGS. 1, 3,. and 4 and .that of FIG. 8, the
operation picture producing means 10 corresponds to the video
display processing unit 58, frame memory 64 for storing the
operation picture, and overlay processing unit 62. The display
means 12 corresponds to the display unit 66, and the position input
means 14 corresponds to the touch screen 68 and position detecting
unit 42. The processing identifying means 16 corresponds to the
control unit 40, and the image processing means 18 corresponds to
the image pickup unit 54, recording and reproducing unit 56 and
editing unit 60. The output means 20 corresponds to the output unit
34, the remote input means 24 corresponds to the remote operation
receiving unit 44, and the image adding means 26 corresponds to the
cursor processing unit 36.
[0084] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
electronic camera of FIG. 8 in the relative position input mode.
FIG. 10 is a view showing the camera connected to a television. In
FIG. 10, the camera is designated as 100b, and the television is
designated as 110. A remote control 120 for the camera is also
shown.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the operation of the camera in the
relative position input mode will now be explained. The operation
in the absolute position input mode is the same as that in the
camera of FIG. 5.
[0086] The control unit 40 determines whether the electronic camera
100b is connected to the television 110 through the output unit 34,
in the same manner as in the camera of FIG. 5. If the control unit
40 determines that the. electronic camera is connected to the
television 110 as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 40 instructs
the cursor processing unit 36 and the output unit 34 to add a
cursor to the operation picture and output the resulting image to
the television 110 (step S11 in FIG. 9), in the same manner as in
the camera of FIG. 5.
[0087] At this time, the control unit 40 informs the cursor
processing unit 36 of the cursor position. The initial value of the
cursor position is set in a main memory of the control unit 40 upon
its start, and is updated if the position detecting unit 42 obtains
a new cursor position on the operation picture which is established
by a remote operation, as described later.
[0088] The cursor processing unit 36 superimposes an image of an
oblique arrow, representing the cursor, on the operation picture
produced by the overlay processing unit 62, and outputs the
resulting image to the output unit 34, in the same manner as in the
camera of FIG. 5.
[0089] The operation picture to which the cursor is added in the
above manner is output to the television through the output unit
34, and is displayed on a display screen of the television 110.
[0090] When the operation picture is displayed on the display
screen of the television 110 in this manner, the control unit 40
instructs the remote operation receiving unit 44 to allow a remote
operation to be performed thereon (step S12 in FIG. 9), and
instructs the position detecting unit 42 to specify an icon
designated either by the remote operation or by operation of the
touch screen (step S13 in FIG. 9). At the same time, the control
unit 40 informs the position detecting unit 42 of the cursor
position stored in the main memory, and instructs the detecting
unit 42 to update the cursor position.
[0091] In addition to allowing position entry based on operation of
the touch screen as previously described in connection with the
position detecting unit 32 and control unit 30 of FIG. 5, the
position detecting unit 42 and control unit 40 allow position entry
based on the remote operation. Of course, the relative position
detection capability based on operation of the touch screen may be
omitted if desired, but this will reduce the operating flexibility
of the system.
[0092] The remote operation is performed using the remote
controller 120 shown in FIG. 10. The remote controller 120 is
provided with four buttons C1-C4 (hereinafter referred to as
"cursor move" buttons) for indicating up, right, down, and left
directions of movement of the cursor, respectively, and a button E
(hereinafter referred to as "execute" button) for executing the
processing represented by the icon pointed to by the cursor. This
remote controller 120 produces an electric signal representing an
identification code corresponding to the button pushed down by the
operator, converts the electric signal into an infrared signal, and
transmits the infrared signal.
[0093] The remote operation receiving unit 44 receives the infrared
signal transmitted by the remote controller 120 in the above
manner, coverts it into an electric signal, and gives the
identification code of the button corresponding to the electric
signal to the position detecting unit 42.
[0094] The position detecting unit 42 reads the identification code
of the button given by the remote operation receiving unit 44 for
every unit time (for example, the frame rate of the television
110), and serially specifies the type of the button that has been
pushed down.
[0095] Where the position detecting unit 42 determines that one of
the cursor move buttons C1-C4 has been pushed down, this unit 42
updates the cursor position based on the direction and amount
(corresponding to relative position) of movement of the cursor that
are entered with the button. The position detecting unit 42 also
informs the control unit 40 of the cursor position thus updated.
When the position detecting unit 42 determines that the execute
button E has been pushed down, this unit 42 informs the control
unit 40 of the identification code of the icon located at the
cursor position.
[0096] Upon receipt of the identification code of the icon from the
position detecting unit 42, the control unit 40 instructs
respective units of the camera to carry out the processing
represented by the icon (step S14 in FIG. 9).
[0097] Accordingly, the operator can surely select a desired icon
by operating the remote controller 120 while referring to the
operation picture displayed on the display screen of the TV 110, so
as to achieve desired direction and amount of movement of the
cursor.
[0098] While an infrared signal is used as the medium for
transmitting the identification code of the button selected on the
remote controller 120, any medium, such as an ultrasonic wave, etc.
may be used, provided that the identification code can be surely
received by the remote operation receiving unit 44.
[0099] While the remote operation is conducted by means of the
remote controller 120 provided with the cursor move buttons in the
present implementation, the remote controller 120 may take any form
or configuration, provided that the direction and amount of
movement of the cursor can be surely designated.
[0100] While the processing performed by the image pickup unit 54,
recording and reproducing unit 56 and editing unit 60 is executed
by the remote operation in the present implementation, the
electronic camera may be additionally provided with such functions
as controlling zooming of a zoom lens, controlling the state of a
diaphragm, and controlling the focal point of the lens. The
additional functions may be accessible via, for example, a window
or windows selectable from the window menu bar of the operation
picture. FIG. 11 shows an example of an operation picture displayed
on TV 110 by a camera 110c having a zoom lens 130, the operating
picture including a "Lens" window with control icons for the
aforementioned functions. These icons are selectable by operation
of the cursor with, at the user's discretion, the remote control
120 or the touch screen 68.
[0101] While the position input mode is set to be the relative
position input mode upon connection of the electronic camera to the
television 110 in the illustrative implementations, a select switch
may be provided on a case, for example, to allow the operator to
select the position input mode.
[0102] While the cursor in the form of an oblique arrow is added to
the operation picture in the illustrative implementations, an
I-shaped or cross-shaped cursor, or a cursor having any other shape
may be used. Of course, a cursor need not be displayed, provided
that the position designated by the operator can be surely
indicated or recognized in some other manner. For example, the
color of the icon located at the position designated by the
external operation may be changed.
[0103] Although an electronic camera is used as the image
processing apparatus in the illustrative implementations, the
present invention may be applied in a similar manner to other types
of image processing apparatus that can be connected to an external
display device and achieve desired functions upon selection of
icons.
[0104] According to the invention as described herein, a relative
position with respect to the position designated by the operator is
indicated on the operation picture displayed on the external
display device, thus enabling the operator to select desired image
processing without fail. In this case, the operation efficiency is
not deteriorated even if the size of the display of the image
processing apparatus is reduced.
[0105] Also, in a mode where the relative position on the operation
picture displayed on the external display device is entered through
the position input means, the display of the operation picture on
the display means may be inhibited. Therefore, the operator will
not be confused by the operation picture that would be otherwise
displayed on the display means in a mode where the position entered
by the operator is as the absolute position.
[0106] Further according to the invention, the remote controller
that is operated to designate a relative position on the operation
picture can be used for selecting desired image processing. Such a
remote controller can be made at a reduced cost compared to a
remote controller having individual operating parts corresponding
to respective image processing functions.
[0107] Further still, the cursor as well as the operation picture
can be displayed on the external display device, so that the
operator can surely recognize the relative position on the
operation picture corresponding to the position entered by the
operator, and quickly select desired image processing.
[0108] The image processing apparatus of the invention
advantageously allows the operator to quickly and surely select the
desired image processing, thus assuring improved reliability and
operating efficiency.
[0109] It will be appreciated, of course, that numerous variations
of the invention are possible in keeping with the basic principles
described herein, the scope of the invention being defined in the
appended claims.
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