U.S. patent application number 15/096907 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for imaging apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is RICOH COMPANY, LTD.. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Morohoshi, Junichi Shinohara, Mayu Takano, Koji Yokoyama.
Application Number | 20160227110 15/096907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40431928 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160227110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shinohara; Junichi ; et
al. |
August 4, 2016 |
IMAGING APPARATUS
Abstract
An imaging apparatus whose posture is easily adjustable is
provided. The imaging apparatus is configured to include an
inclination detector detecting a degree of inclination of one of
the imaging apparatus and an image captured by the imaging
apparatus relative to a horizontal direction orthogonal to a
direction of gravity; a display unit; a first inclination indicator
unit allowing the display unit to display an indicator to indicate
the degree of inclination according to a detection result from the
inclination detector; a second inclination indicator unit notifying
via sound according to a detection result from the inclination
detector that the degree of inclination is over a predetermined
value; and a selector unit allowing at least one of the first and
second inclination indicator units to operate.
Inventors: |
Shinohara; Junichi;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Yokoyama; Koji;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Takano; Mayu; (Kawasaki-shi,
JP) ; Morohoshi; Hiroshi; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RICOH COMPANY, LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
40431928 |
Appl. No.: |
15/096907 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14134486 |
Dec 19, 2013 |
9338360 |
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15096907 |
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13845681 |
Mar 18, 2013 |
8639103 |
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14134486 |
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13476040 |
May 21, 2012 |
8422873 |
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13845681 |
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13022446 |
Feb 7, 2011 |
8204369 |
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13476040 |
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12207930 |
Sep 10, 2008 |
7907836 |
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13022446 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23293 20130101;
H04N 5/23222 20130101; H04N 5/23245 20130101; G03B 17/18 20130101;
H04N 5/232939 20180801 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/232 20060101
H04N005/232 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 12, 2007 |
JP |
2007-236996 |
Oct 26, 2007 |
JP |
2007-279572 |
Dec 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-341128 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imager to capture an image
of a subject; and a display on which the image is displayed;
wherein an indicator to indicate inclination is displayed on the
display; wherein the indicator includes a plurality of indicator
portions arranged with an interval; a color of a portion adjacent
to an indicator portion is changed in accordance with a change in
inclination from a first inclination range to a second inclination
range; a color of the adjacent portion of the indicator portion in
the first inclination range is a first color; a color of the
adjacent portion of the indicator portion in the second inclination
range is a second color, and, even when the inclination changes in
the second inclination range, the portion adjacent to the indicator
portion maintains the second color; and the first color and the
second color are different from each other; and wherein the
plurality of indicator portions are arranged in a predetermined
direction; and the adjacent portion of the indicator portion is
arranged in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction
relative to the indicator portion.
22. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the
adjacent portion includes a first adjacent portion arranged on one
side of the indicator portion, wherein the apparatus includes a
second adjacent portion having a color that changes in accordance
with a change in inclination from the first inclination range to
the second inclination range, and wherein the first and second
adjacent portions maintain the second color in the second
inclination range.
23. The imaging apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first
and second adjacent portions and the indicator portion are arranged
in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.
24. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the second
inclination range includes an inclination of 0 degrees, and the
second inclination range has an absolute value of 1 degree or
more.
25. The imaging apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the second
inclination range includes an inclination of 0 degrees, and the
second inclination range has an absolute value of 1 degree or
more.
26. The imaging apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the second
inclination range includes an inclination of 0 degrees, and the
second inclination range has an absolute value of 1 degree or
more.
27. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the
plurality of indicator portions are arranged with an equal interval
in the predetermined direction.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 14/134,486, filed Dec. 19, 2013, which is a continuation
of application Ser. No. 13/845,681, filed on Mar. 18, 2013, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,639,103, which is a divisional of application Ser.
No. 13/022,446, filed on Feb. 7, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,204,369,
which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/207,930, filed
on Sep. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,907,836, the entire
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto,
and is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-236996, filed on Sep. 12, 2007, Japanese
Patent Application No. 2007-279572, filed on Oct. 26, 2007, and
Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-341128, filed on Dec. 28,
2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus which
comprises an indicator unit to notify a user of a degree of
inclination of the apparatus relative to a horizontal plane or
presence of inclination thereof, and automatically switching means
to notify them in accordance with a held state and/or fixed state
of the apparatus.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] There is a known imaging apparatus (camera) which has a
function as a spirit level to detect a posture of the apparatus and
notify a user of amount of inclination thereof and/or a direction
of the inclination relative to a horizontal direction (orthogonal
to direction of gravity). For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent
Application Publication No. 2006-287768 discloses an imaging
apparatus which notifies inclination of the apparatus to a user by
changing illumination patterns of an LED for focus adjustment.
[0006] Further, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication
No. 2004-343476 discloses an imaging apparatus which displays an
indicator of stick-like pattern superimposedly on a subject image
on a screen at shooting, to indicate a current inclination with a
moving index mark as a spirit level does and help a user know the
posture of the imaging apparatus (inclination of a captured image).
However, there is a problem in this imaging apparatus that since
the index mark continuously moves in the indicator in accordance
with the inclination of the apparatus unless the apparatus becomes
completely still, it is difficult for the user to know when it
becomes horizontal. In addition, the indicator can be a visual
annoyance to the user.
[0007] Further, Japanese Patent No. 3896505 discloses an imaging
apparatus which assists a user to know the posture of the apparatus
or the inclination of a captured image by displaying a referential
horizontal line and an assist line indicating a current posture of
the apparatus on a screen.
[0008] Moreover, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication
No. 2006-165941 discloses an imaging apparatus which assists a user
to know the posture of the apparatus or the inclination of a
captured image by displaying grid lines indicating a referential
horizontal state and a horizontal line indicating a current
horizontal direction of the apparatus in different colors and
displaying the grid lines in a different color from the original
colors of both of the lines when the horizontal line coincides with
one of the grid lines.
[0009] However, these imaging apparatuses have a similar problem
that the assist line (horizontal line) constantly moves in
accordance with the inclination of the apparatus unless the
apparatus becomes completely still. Therefore, it is difficult for
the user to know when the apparatus becomes horizontal, and the
assist line can be a visual annoyance to the user. In addition,
since the assist line (horizontal line) getting across the display
screen is inclined according to the inclination of the apparatus,
affected by resolution of a screen or the like, it may be an
unevenly stepwise line instead of a smooth straight line, which may
degrade visual quality of the display and cause the user to feel
annoyance.
[0010] Here, in terms of adjustability of an inclination relative
to a horizontal direction, how accurately the imaging apparatus can
be adjusted changes depending on a state of the apparatus, that is,
held state and/or fixed state (hand-held, fixed by a tripod, for
example).
[0011] However, the prior art imaging apparatuses above are
configured to notify the amount and/or direction of inclination of
the apparatus to the user with a constant resolution irrespective
of which of states, the held or fixed state or held and fixed state
the apparatus is in. The user adjusts the posture of the apparatus
based on the notified amount or direction. Because of this, when
the resolution of the notified amount or direction of inclination
exceeds the resolution at which the user can adjust it manually, it
may be difficult and take a lot of time for the user to adjust the
posture of the apparatus to a desirable level.
[0012] In contrast, when the resolution of the notified amount or
direction of inclination is far below the resolution at which the
user can adjust it manually, captured images with the adjusted
imaging apparatus may still have the amount or direction of
inclination and are not satisfiable for the user.
[0013] Thus, the prior art imaging apparatuses have another problem
that with a large difference in the amount and/or direction of
inclination which the user can adjust manually and which the
imaging apparatus notifies to the user, the user cannot adjust the
amount/direction of inclination, or the posture thereof in a short
time easily to capture a desirable image.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging
apparatus which is adjustable to be in a desirable posture with
ease.
[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging
apparatus comprises an inclination detector detecting a degree of
inclination of one of the imaging apparatus and an image captured
by the imaging apparatus relative to a horizontal direction
orthogonal to a direction of gravity; a display unit; a first
inclination indicator unit allowing the display unit to display an
indicator to indicate the degree of inclination according to a
detection result from the inclination detector; a second
inclination indicator unit notifying via sound according to a
detection result from the inclination detector that the degree of
inclination is over a predetermined value; and a selector unit
allowing at least one of the first and second inclination indicator
units to operate.
[0016] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the first inclination
indicator unit allows the display unit to display the indicator to
indicate the degree of inclination with a resolution less than the
predetermined value.
[0017] Preferably, the imaging apparatus further comprises a shake
amount detector detecting an amount of shake of the imaging
apparatus, in which the selector unit allows at least one of the
first and second inclination indicator units to operate according
to a detection result from the shake amount detector.
[0018] Preferably, the imaging apparatus further comprises a
stability detector detecting a postural stability of the imaging
apparatus, in which the selector unit allows at least one of the
first and second inclination indicator units to operate according
to a detection result from the stability detector.
[0019] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the stability detector
detects that the imaging apparatus is mounted on a tripod.
[0020] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the stability detector
detects that a bottom surface of the imaging apparatus is made in
contact with a physical object which has a shape stable enough to
have the imaging apparatus disposed thereon.
[0021] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the stability detector
detects that an operator holds the imaging apparatus.
[0022] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the selector unit
allows at least one of the first and second inclination indicator
units to operate according to a change in time of the detection
result from the inclination detector.
[0023] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the indicator comprises
a plurality of indicator portions arranged with an equal interval
and an index portion being any one of the indicator portions to be
highlighted. The imaging apparatus has a preset horizontal
criterion. Further, the first inclination indicator unit uses one
of the indicator portions located at a center as the index portion
to indicate that the imaging apparatus is in a horizontal state,
when an angle between the horizontal criterion and the horizontal
direction is within a predetermined range of angles. When the
imaging apparatus is inclined beyond the predetermined range of
angles, the first inclination indicator unit uses one of the
indicator portions as the index portion according to the
inclination, to indicate the degree of inclination.
[0024] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the indicator includes
a target indicator indicating one of the indicator portions located
at the center thereof.
[0025] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the first inclination
indicator unit highlights the index portion in different colors for
indicating the horizontal state and inclined state.
[0026] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus, the first inclination
indicator unit integrally highlights the indicator portion located
at the center, an upper edge line bridging upper ends of all the
indicator portions and a lower edge line bridging lower ends of all
the indicator portions, to indicate that the imaging apparatus is
in the horizontal state.
[0027] Preferably, when the imaging apparatus is greatly inclined
beyond a range of angles corresponding to an outermost one of the
indicator portions, the first inclination indicator unit uses, as
the index portion, one of two outermost indicator portions which is
in an upper position than the other, and highlights upper and lower
ends of indicator portions from the one located at the center to
the outermost one in the upper position, to indicate that the
imaging apparatus is in an extremely inclined state.
[0028] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the first inclination
indicator unit highlights the index portion in different colors for
indicating the horizontal state, inclined state and extremely
inclined state.
[0029] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the horizontal
criterion is set separately for a horizontal position and a
vertical position of the imaging apparatus.
[0030] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the first inclination
indicator unit allows the display unit to display the indicator
near a lower side thereof relative to the direction of gravity.
[0031] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the indicator is at
least partially transparent.
[0032] Preferably, in the imaging apparatus the predetermined range
of angles are set such that relative to the horizontal direction,
clockwise rotation angle of the horizontal criterion and
counterclockwise rotation angle thereof are to be equal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of an imaging apparatus
according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 shows directions of inclination of the imaging
apparatus according to the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for operation of an imaging apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a display example of degree of inclination of
the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment when it is
in high resolution level mode;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for operation of an imaging apparatus
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 a display example of degree of inclination of the
imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment when it is in
low resolution level mode;
[0039] FIGS. 7A, 7B show a tripod detector of the imaging apparatus
according to the second embodiment;
[0040] FIGS. 8A, 8B show another tripod detector of the imaging
apparatus according to the second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for operation of an imaging apparatus
according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIGS. 10A, 10B show an opposing object detector of an
imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0043] FIGS. 11A, 11B show another opposing object detector of the
imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 12 shows a left-hand detector of the imaging apparatus
according to the fourth embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 13A shows a level mode setting of an imaging apparatus
according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart for
operation thereof in the level mode;
[0046] FIG. 14A shows a level mode setting of an imaging apparatus
according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a flowchart for
operation thereof in the level mode;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a front view of an imaging apparatus according to
the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 16 is a back view of the imaging apparatus 10 according
to the seventh embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 17 is a plain view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a back view of the imaging apparatus 10 according
to the seventh embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a front view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 20 is a plain view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 22 is a left side view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the imaging apparatus 10
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 24 shows a display unit of the imaging apparatus 10
which displays the posture of the imaging apparatus 10 according to
the seventh embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 25 shows another example of a display unit of the
imaging apparatus 10 which displays the posture of the imaging
apparatus 10 according to the seventh embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 26 shows an inclination indicator I on the display unit
when the imaging apparatus 10 is in a horizontal state according to
the seventh embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 27 shows the inclination indicator I on the display
unit when the imaging apparatus 10 is in an inclined state
according to the seventh embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 28 shows another example of the inclination indicator I
when the imaging apparatus 10 is in an inclined state according to
the seventh embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 29 shows the inclination indicator I of the display
unit when the imaging apparatus 10 is extremely turned in a pitch
direction according to the seventh embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 30 shows a change in the inclination indicator I while
a body case 11 is turned in a roll direction according to the
seventh embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 31 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on a horizontal image Ps according to the seventh
embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 32 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the seventh
embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 33 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
extremely inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to
the seventh embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 34 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
extremely turned state in the pitch direction on the horizontal
image Ps according to the seventh embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 35 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on a vertical image Pv according to the seventh
embodiment;
[0068] FIG. 36 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the vertical image Pv according to the seventh
embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 37 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
extremely inclined state on the vertical image Pv according to the
seventh embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 38 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
extremely turned state in the pitch direction on the vertical image
Pv according to the seventh embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 39 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the eighth
embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 40 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the eighth
embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 41 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the ninth
embodiment;
[0074] FIG. 42 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the ninth
embodiment;
[0075] FIG. 43 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the tenth
embodiment;
[0076] FIG. 44 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the tenth
embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 45 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the
eleventh embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 46 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the eleventh
embodiment;
[0079] FIG. 47 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the
twelfth embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 48 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the twelfth
embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 49 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on a horizontal image Ps according to the
thirteenth embodiment;
[0082] FIG. 50 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the
thirteenth embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 51 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a
horizontal state on the horizontal image Ps according to the
fourteenth embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 52 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to the
fourteenth embodiment; and
[0085] FIG. 53 shows the inclination indicator I indicating an
extremely inclined state on the horizontal image Ps according to
the fourteenth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of an imaging apparatus (digital
camera) 10 according to the present invention.
[0087] In FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus comprises a lens barrel
unit 14 which is composed of an objective lens 141, a zoom lens
142, a shutter/aperture 143, a focus lens 144, a low pass filter
(LPF) 145, an image capturing device 146 and so on.
[0088] A zoom drive system 142a, a shutter/aperture drive system
143a, and a focus drive system 144a each having a motor drive the
zoom lens 142, shutter/aperture 143, focus lens 144, respectively.
A system controller 20 comprised of a microcomputer controls the
respective drive systems.
[0089] By manipulation to the shutter/aperture 143, a light from a
subject is incident on the image capturing device 146 via the
objective lens 141, zoom lens 142, shutter/aperture 143, focus lens
144, and low pass filter (LPF) 145, and converted into analog image
signals. The image capturing device 146 for photoelectric
conversion is a CCD (charge coupling device), for example.
[0090] An A/D converter 21 converts analog image signals from the
image capturing device 146 into digital image signals which are to
be compressed in an image processor 22 and stored in a memory group
23 comprised of a memory card, a flash memory, RAM and so on.
[0091] The imaging apparatus 10 also comprises a display unit 17
including an LCD monitor, an LED or the like to display captured
images, an operation menu, and the like, an operation unit 19
having mode buttons and so on, an audio unit 24 comprised of a
speaker and a buzzer and issuing an alarm sound to a user, a
stroboscopic unit 12 emitting strobe light, and a strobe controller
12a controlling the stroboscopic unit 12.
[0092] The system controller 20 controls operations of the lens
barrel unit 14, A/D controller 21 and others.
[0093] The above operation of the imaging apparatus 10 is similar
to that of a general imaging apparatus.
[0094] The imaging apparatus 10 according to the present invention
further comprises a not-shown inclination sensor 25 which detects a
direction of acceleration of gravity and is called an acceleration
sensor. Owing to the recent remarkable development of various types
of acceleration sensor such as MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical
System) sensor, piezoelectric element sensor, the price of the
sensor has been decreased enough to be installable in a consumer
product.
[0095] FIG. 2 is a view to describe posture of the imaging
apparatus 10. For photographing, the most crucial inclination of
the camera is an inclination relative to a horizontal direction
(horizontal line) (roll direction in FIG. 2). Therefore, the
embodiments of the present invention will focus on detection of an
inclination in the roll direction for warning and displaying.
However, the present invention is applicable to detection thereof
in elevation angle direction of the camera (pitch direction in FIG.
2) as well as in both of roll and pitch directions.
First Embodiment
[0096] The imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment
comprises three level modes, a level-off mode (flag=0), a high
resolution level mode (flag=1, first inclination indicator unit), a
low resolution level mode (flag=2, second inclination indicator
unit). FIG. 3 is a flowchart for basic operation thereof to
continuously switch over the three modes which is executed via mode
switch buttons of the imaging apparatus 10.
[0097] Upon power-on in S1, a previous level mode is read (S2) and
a sampling counter for inclination data is reset (S3). When the
previous level mode is a level-off mode (flag=0), the inclination
sensor 25 is not to be operated (Yes in S4). When it is a high or
low resolution level mode (flag=1 or 2), the inclination sensor 25
is activated in S5, and data (Data) is read therefrom. Numbers of
times for data sampling in the high resolution and low resolution
level modes are different in accordance with required resolution
(S7).
[0098] The low resolution level mode will be described in S8 to
S17. In S8, data from the inclination sensor are added to obtain
added data (SumData). After adding inclination sensor data from 5
samplings (Yes in S9), the mean value is calculated to obtain
degree of inclination in S10 (S9 to S14).
[0099] Then, when the current degree of inclination (mean value) is
over a predetermined value (Yes in S11), an alarm sound is issued
from the audio unit 17 (S12). In contrast, when it is equal to or
less than the predetermined value (No in S11), the alarm sound is
not issued. In S13, the sampling counter is reset for the next five
data samplings (S13).
[0100] In the present embodiment, the predetermined value is set to
5 degrees. It is preferable to set the predetermined value from
about 2 to 5 degrees which the user is likely to recognize as
inclination and wish for adjustment. Setting it to a very small
value means continuous issuance of alarm sound and setting it to a
very large value means a few issuances of alarm sound, which will
not function as warning.
[0101] Steps S15 to S17 concern an operation when the user
manipulates a level mode button (mode switch button) of the
operation unit 19. In the present embodiment, upon every press to
the mode button, the level mode is changed in order of the low
resolution level mode, high resolution level mode, and level-off
mode continuously.
[0102] When the level mode is changed to the high resolution level
mode (Yes in S15), the flag is changed from 2 to 1 in S16, and the
sampling counter is reset to zero (S17). In the flowchart it
appears that the level mode switching is done upon half-press to
the release button at a specific timing. However, the operational
flow is completed in a very short time so that the mode
determination as in S15 is surely made to change the level mode. In
designing an actual imaging apparatus, additional operation is
needed in order to prevent chattering of the release button or a
long-time press to any manipulation button.
[0103] Next, the high resolution level mode will be described in
S18 to S26. In the high resolution level mode according to the
present embodiment, the number of data samplings is set to 10 and
the data is averaged to obtain required data precision. Setting the
number to 5 in the low resolution level mode and to 10 in the high
resolution level mode is merely a way of showing an example. It can
be set to an arbitrary value in accordance with resolution of an
actual spirit level installed in the imaging apparatus 10, type of
issuance of alarm sound, or resolution required for display.
[0104] Steps S18 to S20 and S22 are the same as those in S8 to S10
and S13 in the low resolution level mode so that a description
thereon is omitted.
[0105] In S21, the display unit 17 displays the mean value (degree
of inclination) of inclination sensor data calculated in S20
(inclination indicator).
[0106] FIG. 4 shows an example of inclination indicator in the high
resolution level mode. In the high resolution level mode, degree of
inclination of the camera is indicated only with the inclination
indicator while in the low resolution level mode, presence of
inclination thereof is notified only via the alarm sound (S12).
[0107] In the high resolution level mode, it is preferable to
indicate the degree of inclination on the screen, allowing the user
to take sufficient time to adjust the posture of the imaging
apparatus 10 watching the screen, rather than to issue the alarm
sound and force the user to make the adjustment. In the present
embodiment, the imaging apparatus 10 is configured to detect the
degree of inclination with resolution of 0.2 degrees and display it
as in a bubble level. It is necessary to detect inclination with
resolution of 0.5 degrees and provide an indicator which can
indicate the inclination of 0.5 degree since the inclination of the
apparatus ignorable but recognizable for most users is considered
to be about 0.5 degrees.
[0108] The following steps S24 to S26 for changing the level mode
correspond to those S15 to 17 in the low resolution level mode.
Upon a user's press to the level mode button (Yes in S24), the
level flag is changed from 1 to 0 (level-off mode) (S25) and the
inclination sensor is turned off (S26).
[0109] The level-off mode steps S27 to S29 only includes the mode
change since it is unnecessary to calculate the degree of
inclination for displaying the indicator and issuing the alarm
sound.
[0110] When the user presses the level mode button to change the
mode to the low resolution level mode (Yes in S27), the flag is
changed from 0 to 2 (S28) and the sampling counter is reset to 0
(S29). Then, returning to S5, the inclination sensor is activated
at the flag being zero.
[0111] Lastly, after completion of the inclination calculation or
display of the inclination indicator, the imaging apparatus 10
while activated is in a standby state for the release button being
manipulated in any mode. In S30, it is placed into the standby
state for half press to the release button. It is set to be
constantly in the standby state for the half press to the release
button as for the level mode button. Upon detecting that the
release button is halfway pressed, the imaging apparatus 10 starts
shooting preparation including autofocus, auto exposure. Then, it
shifts to a standby state for full press to the release button. The
level mode function needs to operate while the release button is
being halfway pressed, so that the operation in S4 to S29 continues
even after completion of the shooting preparation.
[0112] Meanwhile, upon detecting full press to the release button
in S32, the level mode function becomes unnecessary; therefore, the
inclination sensor 25 is turned off in S33 for the purpose of power
saving and noise reduction. In S34, shooting operation is performed
in S34. After the shooting, the operation returns to S3 for
collecting inclination data.
[0113] According to the present embodiment, the level mode function
is started before half-press to the release button and continued
thereafter. However, it can be configured to start operating from
S4 to S29 only after the half press to the release button.
[0114] Thus, the present embodiment is configured to indicate the
degree of inclination at an appropriate resolution in accordance
with a user's requirement. In order to achieve that, the imaging
apparatus 10 comprises the low and high resolution level modes, the
former for notifying an inclined state of the apparatus to the user
via the alarm sound when the user needs to roughly make posture
adjustment, and the latter for displaying the inclination indicator
on the screen when the user needs to finely make the posture
adjustment.
[0115] Moreover, in the low resolution level mode, an interval (for
update) at which the posture of the apparatus is determined can be
set to be short because the required resolution is low. This
enables the user to know the degree of inclination of the imaging
apparatus 10 without delay even during a relatively high-speed
operation.
[0116] In the high resolution level mode in which the user is
likely to take sufficient time to decide the posture of the imaging
apparatus 10, the number of data samplings of the inclination
sensor is increased to obtain the degree of inclination at such a
level of precision that the user requires.
Second Embodiment
[0117] The second embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 5. The same steps of the flowchart
in FIG. 5 as those in FIG. 3 are given the same numerals and
description thereon will be omitted. The present embodiment is
configured that the user turns on and off the level mode, and at
turning-on of the mode the apparatus automatically sets high
resolution or low resolution level mode by detecting
presence/absence of a tripod. Also, in the low resolution level
mode the degree of inclination is notified to the user with the
inclination indicator on the screen instead of the alarm sound. In
the following only a portion different from the first embodiment
will be described.
[0118] After steps S1 to S3, whether the level mode is turned on
(flag=1) or off (flag=0) is determined in S104. In the present
embodiment flag indicates only 0 or 1 since only turning-on or off
of the mode need be determined. When the level mode is off, the
operation proceeds to S27, S128, and S29.
[0119] When the level mode is on (No in S104), detection is made on
whether a tripod is attached or not in S107 after S5 and S6. With a
tripod attached (Yes in S107), the imaging apparatus 10
automatically shifts to the high resolution level mode while
without the tripod (No in S107), it automatically shifts to the low
resolution level mode. How to detect the tripod will be described
in detail later.
[0120] As configured above, it is possible to adjust the posture of
the imaging apparatus 10 easily in a short time irrespective of a
held state and/or a fixed state of the apparatus.
[0121] Without detection of the tripod, the operation proceeds to
S8. The present embodiment is configured that in the low resolution
level mode requiring less number of data samplings, the sampling
counter is reset to 0 when the number of data samplings exceeds a
predetermined number (No in S112 and proceeding to S13). This is
because immediately after detaching the tripod from the apparatus,
the apparatus is automatically shifted from the high resolution to
the low resolution level mode (S107), so that there may be
inconsistency in the number of data samplings of the sampling
counter between the two modes.
[0122] Accordingly, level-mode setting is automatically done. When
the inclination needs to be indicated with a high resolution
(during use of the tripod in the present embodiment), the apparatus
is set in the high resolution level mode, and when the indication
with the high resolution is not needed, it is set in the low
resolution level mode. This can eliminate necessity for the user to
select the level mode. The user has only to turn on and off the
level mode.
[0123] Next, the low resolution level mode will be described. In
the second embodiment, the inclination indicator is displayed on
the upper part of the screen and indication of the inclination is
changed in accordance with a change of the degree of inclination
(S111). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the resolution of the
degree of inclination .theta. is set to 1 degree and the
inclination indicator indicates a current value on the upper part
of the display unit 17 as the bubble level does.
[0124] According to the present embodiment, the inclination
indicator is displayed in the low resolution level mode instead of
issuance of the alarm sound. Compared to the indicator in the high
resolution level mode (FIG. 4), the resolution is set widely so
that it is suitable for the low resolution mode. Further, both of
the indicators in the high resolution and low resolution level
modes are very similar, allowing simplification of the operation
program. Also, without the alarm sound, the user can ignore the
inclination indicator when unnecessary and will not be bothered by
the alarm sound.
[0125] In the following, detection of the tripod which triggers
automatic setting of the high resolution level mode will be
described. FIG. 7A shows an example of a tripod detector. The
tripod detector 121 comprises a tripod screw 122 as a female screw
in the bottom of the imaging apparatus 10, a tripod sensor 124
biased by a spring 123 to protrude into the tripod screw 122, and a
detection switch 125 detecting presence/absence of the tripod 126
in the tripod screw 122. The tripod sensor 124 moves in a direction
(indicated by the arrow A) of movement of a male screw 126a of the
tripod 126. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the male screw 126a of the
tripod 126 is inserted into the tripod screw 122, the detection
switch 125 is released from pressure from a protrusion 124a of the
tripod sensor 124 to thereby detect attachment of the tripod
126.
[0126] To simplify the structure of the tripod detector 121, the
detection switch 125 can be configured to directly detect the top
of the male screw 126a of the tripod 126, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B.
Specifically, the detection switch 125 is provided in the tripod
screw 122. As shown in FIG. 8B, the inserted male screw 126a pushes
the detection switch 125 and allows it to detect the attachment of
the tripod 126.
[0127] Generally, at photographing with a camera on the tripod, it
is unlikely that the inclination angle of the camera often varies.
Therefore, in the high resolution level mode, it is possible to
accurately adjust the posture of the apparatus without detecting
the inclination at high sensitivity. Automatically placing the
imaging apparatus 10 into the high resolution level mode during use
of the tripod makes it easier for the user to adjust the posture of
the apparatus and improve usability thereof.
Third Embodiment
[0128] The third embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 9. The same steps of the flowchart
in FIG. 9 as those in FIGS. 3, 5 are given the same numerals and
description thereon will be omitted. The present embodiment is
configured same as the second embodiment that the user turns on and
off the level mode, and at turning-on of the level mode the
apparatus automatically sets the high resolution or low resolution
level mode according to detection or non-detection of the tripod.
The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in
including steps S11, S12 in FIG. 3 in replace of S111 in FIG.
5.
[0129] In the present embodiment, automatically switching the high
resolution and low resolution level modes makes it possible to
properly change the resolution of inclination to a level the user
requires as well as to eliminate necessity for the user to set the
level mode. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the posture of
the imaging apparatus 10 easily in a short time irrespective of a
held state and/or a fixed state of the apparatus.
[0130] The present embodiment in which the high and low resolution
level modes are automatically switched over each other is
configured that the alarm sound is issued in the low resolution
level mode as in the first embodiment. How to notify a user, for
example, with the alarm sound or the inclination indicator, is
arbitrarily settable. Therefore, the first embodiment in which the
level mode setting is manually done can be configured to notify the
inclination with the inclination display only in the low resolution
level mode. Also, it can be configured to allow the user to select
either of the alarm sound and the inclination indicator.
[0131] Further, in the low resolution level mode, the user is
notified of the inclination over the predetermined value by the
alarm sound (S12). However, it can be configured to notify it to
the user with the inclination indicator on the display unit 17.
Fourth Embodiment
[0132] The present embodiment concerns automatic setting of the
high resolution level mode when the imaging apparatus 10 is placed
on a desk or is firmly held with both hands of the user, in replace
of when the tripod is detected in the second and third embodiments
(in S107 in FIGS. 5, 9). The operational flow of the present
embodiment is the same as in that in FIG. 5 except that in S107
detection is made on whether or not the imaging apparatus 10 is
placed on a desk or firmly held by the user.
[0133] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B show examples of detection of the
imaging apparatus 10 on a desk. The imaging apparatus 10 in FIG. 10
comprises a mechanism for determining whether or not an object is
in contact with the bottom surface of the apparatus, which is
similar to one for detection of the tripod (FIG. 7A, 7B). That is,
an opposing object detector 131 comprises an opposing object sensor
132 and an opposing object detection switch 133 determining whether
or not the imaging apparatus 10 is placed on the desk. The opposing
object sensor 132 is biased by a spring 134 to protrude towards the
bottom portion of the imaging apparatus 10 while it is not placed
on the desk. At the same time, a protrusion 132a of the opposing
object sensor 132 pushes the opposing object detection switch
133.
[0134] When the imaging apparatus 10 is placed on the desk, the
opposing object sensor 132 is contained in the imaging apparatus
10, thereby releasing the pressure to the opposing object detection
switch 133 from the protrusion 132a to detect the apparatus 10
being placed on the desk.
[0135] FIGS. 11A, 11B show an example of optically determining
whether or not an object is in contact with the bottom surface of
the apparatus 10. The imaging apparatus 10 comprises a photo
reflector 141 on the bottom. In FIG. 11B, with the imaging
apparatus 10 on the desk, light from a light emitting portion 141a
is reflected by the desk surface, and the reflected light is
incident on a light receiving portion 141b. Thereby, the imaging
apparatus 10 being placed on the desk is detected. This mechanism
does not need a movable mechanical member so that mechanical
failure or the like does not have to be concerned much. However, it
has a problem that detection accuracy depends on the reflectivity
of the desk surface.
[0136] FIG. 12 shows an example of detecting that the apparatus 10
is firmly held with hands. The imaging apparatus comprises a hand
detection sensor 151. In general, a shutter button is disposed on
the upper left of the imaging apparatus 10, seen from the front
side, and manipulated with the right hand of the user. In other
words, the user generally holds the apparatus 10 at least with
his/her right hand. Because of this, for the purpose of determining
whether or not the apparatus is held with both hands of the user,
the hand detection sensor is provided on the upper left of the
front surface of the apparatus.
[0137] The hand detection sensor 151 can be a mechanical sensor
comprising a spring, an opposing object sensor, and an opposing
object detection switch as shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively, it can
be a photo reflector as shown in FIG. 11, a pressure sensor for
detecting pressure from the hand holding the apparatus, or a
thermal sensor for detecting body temperature.
[0138] In order to prevent erroneous detection of the hand-held
state when the user is handling the imaging apparatus 10, in actual
operation the hand detection is preferably configured in such a
manner that the hand held state of the imaging apparatus 10 is
determined when the detection continues over a certain period of
time.
[0139] In addition, in replace of such physical sensors, the
imaging apparatus 10 can be configured to detect vibration applied
to the apparatus for determining a hand-held state or a fixed
state. For example, the system controller 20 can determine the
hand-held state or fixed state of the apparatus 10 according to
output from the inclination sensor 25. Specifically, it decides
that the apparatus is fixed on the tripod or firmly held with the
hands of the user when the output from the inclination sensor 25
does not vary or variation in the output is small in a
predetermined period. Then, the apparatus 10 is set to the high
resolution level mode.
[0140] Furthermore, it is possible to determine the hand-held state
or fixed state by use of a shake sensor (acceleration sensor) which
is incorporated in most of present imaging apparatuses. For
example, it can be configured that the system controller 20 decides
that the apparatus is fixed on the tripod or firmly held with the
hands of the user when an amount of shake detected by the shake
sensor is smaller than a predetermined amount. Then, the apparatus
10 is set to the high resolution level mode.
[0141] It is unnecessary to provide a new dedicated sensor for
detecting the vibration, achieving space saving and manufacture
cost-down. However, in case of using the inclination sensor 25 and
hand shake sensor, erroneous determination may occur when the
output values thereof is near the reference values, for example,
when the apparatus is firmly held by the hands of the user but it
is not completely in a still state, since the output values are
compared with the predetermined reference values to determine the
state of the apparatus, unlike the tripod detector 121, opposing
object detector 131, photo reflector 141, and hand detection sensor
151 each turning on and off to detect the hand-held or fixed state.
In order to prevent this from happening, it is preferable to allow
the user to select the reference value.
[0142] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it
is possible to adjust the posture of the imaging apparatus 10
easily in a short time irrespective of the state of the apparatus
10, held or fixed, without using additional cost or space since the
existing sensors (inclination sensor, shake sensor) therein
function to determine the hand-held state or not.
[0143] Further, when holding the imaging apparatus 10 with both
hands, generally, the user firmly holds it with intention to shoot.
In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 10 is
automatically shifted to the high resolution level mode upon the
detection of the hand-held state (held with a left hand) by the
hand detection sensor 151, thereby making it more accurate and
easier to adjust the posture of the imaging apparatus 10.
[0144] Further, the imaging apparatus 10 is configured to determine
that it is held with the hands when the detection of the left hand
continues over a certain period of time. This prevents erroneous
level-mode setting due to the user's shifting the apparatus from
one hand to the other or the like. As a result, stable automatic
level mode setting is achievable.
Fifth Embodiment
[0145] The imaging apparatus 10 according to the fifth embodiment
is different from that according to the above-mentioned embodiments
in that it executes both of the high resolution and low resolution
level modes together and not that it executes them selectively.
[0146] That is, according to the present embodiment, for notifying
the user of the degree of inclination of the imaging apparatus 10
with a high resolution, the notification is made visually on the
display unit while for notifying the same with a low resolution,
the notification is made auditorily with the alarm sound such as
beep sound. In such a manner, it is possible to operate both of the
high and low resolution level modes at the same time without the
need for a special mode switching operation, and issue the alarm
sound or display the inclination indicator with a proper resolution
without bothering the user to switch the level mode.
[0147] When largely inclined, the imaging apparatus 10 issues the
alarm sound to notify the user of the large inclination, while when
slightly inclined, it displays the amount and/or direction of
inclination on the screen to allow the user to make fine
adjustment. The present embodiment uses both of the visual and
auditory notification methods, however, it is not limited thereto.
As long as the large and small inclinations are distinctive, other
methods besides the combination of visual display and audio are
applicable.
[0148] The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 13A, 13B. FIG. 13A shows level modes and types of
notification, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart for operation according
to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus 10 according to
the present embodiment comprises five level modes, OFF, AUTO,
indicator ON, alarm ON, and enforced ON modes, as shown in FIG.
13A. The notification at the high resolution is made by inclination
indicator while that at the low resolution is made via the alarm
sound.
[0149] In the OFF mode (flag=0) both of the inclination indicator
and the alarm sound are set to OFF. In the AUTO mode (flag=1) both
of the inclination indicator and the alarm sound are generally set
to ON, however, under a certain condition either or both of them
are set to ON. The certain condition will be described in detail
later. In the indicator ON mode (flag=2) the inclination indicator
is always set to ON and the alarm sound is generally set to ON,
however, under a certain condition the alarm sound is set to OFF.
In the alarm ON mode (flag=3) the inclination indicator is
generally set to ON and the alarm sound is always set to ON,
however under a certain condition the inclination indicator is set
to OFF. In the enforced ON mode (flag=4) both of the inclination
indicator and alarm sound are always set to ON.
[0150] Besides the above modes, other level modes such as one in
which the inclination indicator is always set to ON and the alarm
sound is always set to OFF are feasible. Further, the intermediate
modes as the indicator ON (flag=2) and alarm ON modes (flag=3) can
be excluded to simplify the level mode configuration.
[0151] Next, with reference to FIG. 13B, operation of the present
embodiment will be described. Upon power-on of the imaging
apparatus (S201), a previously set level mode is read for initial
setting in S202. Then, whether or not the user manipulates a level
mode setting portion is determined in S203. With the manipulation
determined, the level mode is set according to the user's
manipulation in S204. In S203 and S204, how to set the level mode
can be arbitrary, and it can be set via a mode switch button as in
the first embodiment, for example.
[0152] In S205 whether or not the set level mode is the OFF mode
(flag=0) is determined. With the OFF mode set, both of the
inclination indicator and alarm sound (both of flags=0) are set to
OFF in S206. With any of the other level modes set (flag=1 to 4),
both of the inclination indicator and alarm sound are set to ON
(both of flags=1) in S207. According to the present embodiment,
both of the inclination indicator and alarm sound are set to ON by
default, except for the OFF mode.
[0153] In S208 to S214, either of the inclination indicator and
alarm sound is set to OFF under predetermined conditions. In
accordance with variation in outputs of the inclination sensor 25,
the system controller 20 determines stability of posture of the
imaging apparatus 10. While the apparatus 10 is in a stable
position spatially (fixed state such as placed on a desk), it sets
the alarm sound to OFF (flag=0). While the apparatus 10 is in an
unstable position spatially (manually held by a moving user), it
sets the inclination indicator to OFF (flag=0).
[0154] Specifically, the system controller 20 detects data
variation of the inclination sensor 25 in a unit time (S208), and
determines that the posture of the imaging apparatus 10 is
spatially unstable when the detected result is larger than a first
threshold value (Yes in S209).
[0155] In the AUTO mode (flag=1) or alarm ON mode (flag=3) (Yes in
S210), the inclination indicator set to ON is changed to OFF. Thus,
the user is notified of the inclination of the imaging apparatus 10
only via the alarm sound without the inclination indicator when the
posture of the imaging apparatus 10 is spatially unstable during
either the AUTO mode or the alarm ON mode. Neither in the AUTO mode
nor in the alarm ON mode (No in S210), setting of the inclination
indicator and the alarm sound is unchanged, proceeding to the next
step.
[0156] Meanwhile, when the data variation is smaller than the first
threshold value (Yes in S209), the system controller 20 compares it
with a predetermined second threshold value (S212 With the data
variation being larger than the second threshold value (No in
S212), the system controller 20 cannot determine whether the
posture of the imaging apparatus is stable or not so that it does
not change the setting of the inclination indicator and the alarm
sound, proceeding to the next step.
[0157] In another case where the data variation is smaller than the
first threshold value (No in S209) and than the second threshold
value (Yes in S212) neither in AUTO mode (flag=1) nor indicator ON
mode (flag=2) (No in S213), the system controller 20 does not
change the setting of the inclination indicator and the alarm sound
either.
[0158] In either AUTO mode (flag=1) or indicator ON mode (flag=2)
(Yes in S213), it determines that the posture of the imaging
apparatus 10 is spatially stable (fixed), and changes the set alarm
sound ON to OFF (S214). While the imaging apparatus 10 is in a
spatially stable position, the issuance of the alarm sound is
unnecessary and the user is notified of the degree of inclination
of the imaging apparatus via the inclination indicator on the
display unit only.
[0159] In the present embodiment variation in the outputs of the
inclination sensor 25 is determined based on the two threshold
values for the purpose of preventing erroneous indication of the
inclination or erroneous issuance of the alarm sound due to
erroneous determination on the spatial stability of the imaging
apparatus 10. An undetermined range of values is set between the
two threshold values, in which the spatial stability of the imaging
apparatus 10 is undetermined. While the data variation is in the
undetermined range, the default setting (S207) of the level mode is
maintained.
[0160] In the present embodiment, the stability of the imaging
apparatus 10 is determined according to the variation in outputs of
the inclination sensor 25, however, data from the tripod detector
121, the opposing object detector 131, or else can be also used as
in the second to fourth embodiments.
[0161] Through the steps above, the setting of the inclination
indicator and alarm sound according to the data variation of the
inclination sensor 25 is completed. The operation proceeds to steps
S215 to S220 in which the inclination indicator is displayed or the
alarm sound is issued.
[0162] In S215 data (Data) is read from the inclination sensor 25.
When the read data is over a predetermined inclination degree (Yes
in S216) and the alarm ON (flag=1) is set (Yes in S217), the alarm
sound is issued in S218. Then, a decision is made on whether or not
the inclination indicator is to be displayed in S219. In the alarm
sound OFF (No in S217), without issuance of the alarm sound,
display or non-display of the inclination indicator is determined
in S219.
[0163] In the inclination indicator ON (flag=1) (Yes in S219),
resolution of the inclination indicator on the display unit is
changed in accordance with the degree of inclination detected
(S220, FIG. 4). In the inclination indicator OFF (No in S219), the
inclination indicator is not displayed.
[0164] Lastly, upon determining the state of the release button in
S221 to S224, necessary operation is executed, then returning to
S203.
[0165] In the present embodiment, the degree of inclination is
determined according to a single data sampling from the inclination
sensor 25 in S215, S216. However, as in the first embodiment (S9 to
S11. S19 to S21) it can be determined according to a plural data
samplings therefrom.
[0166] As described above, with use of the inclination indicator
and the alarm sound, it is possible to notify the user of the
degree of inclination of the imaging apparatus 10 properly with the
two tiers, the alarm and indicator, without bothering the user to
switch the level mode.
[0167] Further, it is made possible for the user to surely
recognize the inclination of the imaging apparatus 10 with the
alarm sound if the imaging apparatus 10 is greatly inclined. For a
small inclination the inclination indicator is displayed in replace
of the alarm sound. The alarm sound is effective to notify the user
of an inclined imaging apparatus 10; however, it can be annoying
when the user does not need it. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 10
according to the present embodiment is configured to issue the
alarm sound for warning a large inclination and display the
inclination indicator for adjusting a small inclination, thereby
providing a useful system of notifying the degree of
inclination.
[0168] Further, the alarm sound and the inclination indicator can
be settable arbitrarily and independently so that the user is able
to select it as he/she wants.
[0169] The system controller 20 automatically determines which one
of the inclination indicator and the alarm sound is to operate,
eliminating necessity for the user to switch them and allowing the
user to perform shooting operation smoothly without
interruption.
Sixth Embodiment
[0170] The sixth embodiment of the present embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 14A, 14B, FIG. 14A shows level
modes and types of notification, and FIG. 14B is a flowchart for
operation according to the present embodiment. In the present
embodiment the inclination indicator can be set to OFF unless it is
necessary, for consideration for a user who feels that the
inclination indicator on the display is visually annoying. In
replace of the inclination sensor 25 in the fifth embodiment, the
tripod detector 121 is used for determining stability of the
spatial posture of the imaging apparatus 10.
[0171] Displaying the inclination indicator or not and using either
the inclination sensor 25 or the tripod detector 121 for detection
of stability of the imaging apparatus are irrelevant from each
other. According to the fifth embodiment, the postural stability of
the imaging apparatus 10 is determined according to data output
from the inclination sensor 25 during the indicator generally ON.
According to the sixth embodiment, that is determined according to
data output from the tripod detector 121 during the indicator
generally OFF. However, that can be determined according to data
output from the tripod detector in the indicator generally ON.
[0172] The level modes in the present embodiment are different from
those in the fifth embodiment in the AUTO mode (flag=1) and the
alarm ON mode (flag=3), as shown in FIG. 14A. In the AUTO mode the
inclination indicator is set to OFF and the alarm sound is set to
ON generally, but under a certain condition the former is set to ON
and the latter is set to OFF. The certain condition will be
described later. In the alarm ON mode the inclination indicator is
generally set to OFF and the alarm sound is always set to ON, but
under a certain condition the former is set to ON.
[0173] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be
described with reference to FIG. 14B. Steps S301 to S306 are the
same as those S201 to S206 in FIG. 13B so that a description
thereon will be omitted.
[0174] When any of the level modes other than the OFF mode is set
(flag=1 to 4) (No in S305), the set level mode is determined in
S307. With the AUTO or alarm ON (flag=1 or 3) set (Yes in S307),
the inclination indicator is set to OFF (flag=0), and the alarm
sound is set to ON (flag=1) in S308. This is a default setting for
the AUTO or alarm ON mode.
[0175] With the indicator ON or enforced ON mode set (No in S307),
both of the inclination indicator and the alarm sound are set to ON
(both flags=1), which is a default setting for the two modes.
[0176] Next, in S310 to S315 the above default settings are changed
under predetermined conditions. According to the tripod detector
121's detection or non-detection of the tripod, the postural
stability of the imaging apparatus 10 is determined. With the
tripod detected, the inclination indicator is displayed without
issuance of the alarm sound. The tripod detector 121 can only
detect presence or absence of the tripod, therefore, the
undetermined range in the fifth embodiment is not set in the
present embodiment.
[0177] Upon the tripod detector 121's detection of the tripod (Yes
in S311) in the AUTO mode or alarm ON mode (Yes in S312), the
inclination indicator is set to ON (flag=1) because the posture of
the imaging apparatus 10 is spatially stable. Also, the issuance of
the alarm sound is not effective in this case so that the alarm
sound is set to OFF (flag=0) in the AUTO mode or indicator ON mode
(Yes in S314). Steps S316 to S325 are the same as those S215 to
S224 in FIG. 13B, therefore, a description thereon will be
omitted.
[0178] In the present embodiment, the degree of inclination is
determined according to a single data sampling from the inclination
sensor 25 in S316, S317. However, as in the first embodiment (S9 to
S11, S19 to S21 in FIG. 3) it can be determined according to plural
data samplings therefrom.
[0179] As described above, with use of the inclination indicator
and the alarm sound, it is possible to notify the user of the
degree of inclination of the imaging apparatus 10 properly with the
two tiers, alarm and indicator, without bothering the user to
switch the level mode.
[0180] In the above embodiments, the postural stable state of the
imaging apparatus 10 refers to a substantially fixed state. In
placing the imaging apparatus 10 in a stable position, the user is
likely to make fine adjustment of the posture of the apparatus. In
view of improving usability of the apparatus for the user, the
imaging apparatus 10 is configured to automatically set the
inclination indicator to ON and the alarm sound to OFF. For
example, in a case where at shooting the user intentionally
inclines the imaging apparatus 10 but holds it firmly, or where the
imaging apparatus 10 is disposed on an inclined place or object,
the system controller 20 controls the audio unit 24 to stop the
alarm sound. When the imaging apparatus 10 is mounted on a tripod,
the system controller 20 controls the display unit 17 to
automatically display the inclination indicator.
[0181] Note that the inclination sensor 25 is equivalent to the
inclination detector, the system controller 20 and display unit 17
are equivalent to the first inclination indicator unit, and the
system controller 20 and audio unit 24 are equivalent to the second
inclination indicator unit. Further, the system controller 20 is
equivalent to the selector unit, the hand shake sensor is
equivalent to the shake amount detector, and the tripod detector,
opposing object detector 131, photo reflector 141, and left hand
detector 151 are equivalent to the stability detector.
[0182] Now, the following embodiments will describe how to display
the inclination indicator of the imaging apparatus without visually
annoying the user.
Seventh Embodiment
[0183] FIGS. 15 to 17 show another imaging apparatus 10 according
to the present invention. FIG. 15 shows a front view, FIG. 16 is a
back view, and FIG. 17 is a top view thereof. Hereinafter, an
optical axis direction of the imaging apparatus is to be a Z
direction, a vertical direction thereof is to be a Y direction, and
a direction orthogonal to a Y to Z plane is to be an X direction.
FIGS. 18 to 23 are hexagonal views of the imaging apparatus 10
indicated by broken lines. FIG. 18 is a back view thereof, FIG. 19
is a front view, FIG. 20 is a plain view, FIG. 21 is a right side
view, FIG. 22 is a left side view and FIG. 23 is a bottom view
thereof. In FIG. 18 only the display unit is indicated by solid
lines.
[0184] The imaging apparatus 10 comprises an outer body case 11 of
a rectangular solid shape, a stroboscopic unit 12, a lens barrel
unit 14 including a photographic lens on a front surface 11a. A
release button 15, a mode dial switch 16 and so on are provided on
the top surface 11c of the body case 11.
[0185] On the back surface 11b of the body case 11 provided are a
display unit 17, a direction indicator switch 18 and the like. The
display unit 17 comprises a screen 17a whose vertical and
horizontal directions match with X and Y directions respectively,
and which is long in X direction to display a captured image P, an
operation menu and so on to be described later.
[0186] The release button 15, mode dial switch 16, and direction
indicator switch 18 constitute an operation unit 19 to be
manipulated by a user.
[0187] In the imaging apparatus 10, various functions are
selectable via the direction indicator switch 18. Upon press to the
release button 15, a subject is photographed, and an image of the
subject is displayed on the screen 17a of the display unit 17. The
outer form of the imaging apparatus 10 is not limited to the one in
the above, and can be other forms.
[0188] The internal system of the imaging apparatus 10 is the same
as that in FIG. 1, therefore, a description thereon will be
omitted.
[0189] The image capturing device 146 captures an image and the A/D
converter 21 and the image processor 22 process the captured image
P which is to be displayed on the display unit 17 under the control
of the system controller 20. The captured image is inclined on the
screen 17a in accordance with an inclination of the body case 11.
The system controller 20 determines a degree of inclination of the
body case 11 according to an output signal from the inclination
sensor 25. It also determines whether the captured image P on the
screen 17a has a horizontally long composition whose bottom surface
11d or top surface 11c comes at top or bottom (hereinafter,
horizontal image Ps) or a vertically long composition whose left or
right side surface 11e, 11f comes at bottom or top (hereinafter,
vertical image Pv). It makes such determination for display of
inclination indicator I described later.
[0190] With reference to FIG. 2, the posture of the imaging
apparatus 10 will be described again.
[0191] In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention,
the inclination sensor 25 detects an inclination of the body case
11 relative to a direction of gravity around the optical axis
direction (Z direction) of the lens barrel unit 14 (hereinafter,
roll direction). Specifically, the imaging apparatus 10 is assumed
to be placed on a horizontal plane with the bottom surface 11d on
the bottom and capture an image. A horizontal direction of the
captured image P (horizontal image Ps) is set to be a horizontal
criterion. The inclination of the body case 11 is measured from the
horizontal criterion, as shown in FIG. 24. Likewise, the imaging
apparatus 10 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane with the
left side surface 11e on the bottom and capture an image. A
horizontal direction of the captured image P (vertical image Pv) is
set to be a horizontal criterion. The inclination of the body case
11 is measured from the horizontal criterion, as shown in FIG. 25.
Accordingly, in the imaging apparatus 10 the horizontal criterion
of the horizontal image Ps is to be the X direction while that of
the vertical image Pv is to be the Y direction. According to the
present embodiment, the frames of the rectangular screen 17a are in
the X and Y directions so that the respective horizontal criterions
are along the frames thereof.
[0192] The present embodiment is configured that the inclination
indicator I indicating the degree of inclination detected by the
inclination sensor 25 is displayed superimposedly on the captured
image P on the screen 17a of the display unit 17, as shown in FIGS.
24, 25. The inclination indicator I functions to assist the user to
capture an image without inclination relative to the horizontal
plane. The user needs to capture the image without inclination
because visual quality of the image may depend on the levelness,
for example, when the horizon is in the picture composition such as
when food on a dish on the table is captured.
[0193] Under the control of the system controller 20, the
inclination indicator I is displayed on the screen 17a in parallel
with the horizontal criterion. The system controller 20 determines
the captured image P as a horizontal image Ps or a vertical image
Pv. According to the determination, the inclination indicator I is
displayed in X direction (FIG. 24) on the horizontal image Ps while
it is displayed in Y direction (FIG. 25) on the vertical image Pv
on the screen 17a.
[0194] In the following the display of the inclination indicator I
on the horizontal image Ps will be described. The horizontal image
Ps and vertical image Pv are displayed in the same manner so that a
description on a vertical image Pv will be omitted.
[0195] FIG. 26 shows the structure of the inclination indicator I.
FIG. 27 shows the inclination indicator I when the imaging
apparatus 10 is inclined, and FIG. 28 shows the inclination
indicator I when the imaging apparatus 10 is extremely inclined.
FIG. 29 shows an example of the inclination indicator I when the
imaging apparatus 10 is aiming at the sky (when the optical axis
thereof is directed to the sky). In FIG. 29 the screen 17a displays
the sky as a captured image P'.
[0196] The inclination indicator I in FIG. 26 is comprised of a
plurality of indicator portions 30 extending in Y direction and
arranged with equal interval in X direction (horizontal criterion).
The indicator portions have the same size and one of them located
at the center in the X direction is set to a center portion 31. The
same numbers of indicator portions are arranged in both sides of
the center portion 31. The inclination indicator I also includes a
target indicator 33 with two portions to be disposed at upper and
lower ends of the center portion 31, thereby allowing the user to
know the center position at a glance. The plurality of indicator
portions 30 arranged are referred to as an inclination display
32.
[0197] The inclination display 32 is set to indicate the degree of
inclination of the body case 11 in a predetermined range of angles.
Specifically, the center portion 31 represents the center as the
inclination being zero degree at which the horizontal criterion
coincides with the horizontal direction, and the inclination
display 32 corresponds to a predetermined range of angles
.+-..alpha. from the center portion. Two of the indicator portions
adjacent to the center portion 31 correspond to a range of angles
from +.alpha. or more to +3.alpha. or less as well as to a range of
angles from -3.alpha. more to -.alpha. or less. Another two of them
second adjacent to the center portion 31 correspond to a range of
angles from one larger than +3.alpha. to +5.alpha. or less as well
as to a range of angles from -5.alpha. or more to -3.alpha. or
less, and the rest of the indicator portions are set similarly.
That is, the center portion 31 represents a range of angles
2.alpha. from the inclination at zero degree, and the interval of
the indicator portions 30 is set to an angle 2.alpha.. Each
indicator portion and its adjacent portion including the center
portion 31 represent consecutive ranges of angles.
[0198] The angle .alpha. is a value to cancel an inclination of the
captured image P with the body case 11 inclined at angle .alpha. so
that the user sees the captured image P as horizontal. The angle
.alpha. can be set to an arbitrary value, for example, to 0.5
degrees which is an inclination generally recognizable by users, to
2 degrees which is an inclination where users are likely to wish to
correct. It can be set to a proper value with pixel numbers of the
imaging apparatus 10 taken into consideration, for example. In the
inclination indicator I according to the present embodiment, the
range of angles 2.alpha. from the center portion 31 represents a
horizontal state of the body case 11.
[0199] In the present embodiment, the indicator portions 30 have a
transparent gray color and the captured image P behind them is
visible. The target indicator 33 is white-colored, making the
center portion 31 more distinctive. Further, the target indicator
33 is configured not to be displayed while the body case 11 is in a
horizontal state, extremely inclined state, and extremely turned
state in a pitch direction to be described later.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 27, the inclination indicator I indicates
the inclination of the body case 11 by highlighting one of the
indicator portions representing a current inclination detected by
the inclination sensor 25 with an index portion 34. Highlighting
with the index portion 34 makes the indicator portion in question
more distinct. In accordance with the inclination of the body case
11, the index portion 34 highlights only one of the indicator
portions located upward in the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 27, the
right side surface 11f is inclined upward in the Y-axis direction,
and one of the indicator portions on the right side of the screen
17a is highlighted with the index portion 34.
[0201] As above, the index portion 34 is moved along with the
inclination of the body case 11. The movement of the index portion
34 is similar to that of air bubble in a bubble level which is
generally known for inclination detector, which makes the user feel
familiar with the inclination indicator I and makes it easier for
the user to read the degree of inclination. In the present
embodiment the indicator portions 30 are colored in yellow, and the
index portion 34 in black color outlines the indicator portion in
question to highlight it. Thus, the highlighted indicator portion
in question becomes more distinct.
[0202] Moreover, while the body case 11 is in a horizontal state,
an H-shaped pattern 35 is displayed in replace of the index portion
34 to indicate the horizontal state. The H-shaped pattern 35 is
made of two horizontal lines bridging across the upper edges and
lower edges of all the indicator portions 30 in the X direction,
respectively and connecting to the center portion 31. In the
present embodiment, the two horizontal lines are green-colored,
thereby allowing the user to easily know that the body case 11 is
in the horizontal state. How to indicate the horizontal state of
the body case 11 is not limited to the one described above. Any
type of indication is applicable as long as the center portion 31
is highlighted.
[0203] Further, when the body case 11 is inclined beyond the range
of angles of the inclination display 32, an outermost indicator
portion is highlighted with the index portion 34 and at the same
time upper and lower edges of indicator portions 30 located at an
upward position in the Y-axis direction are highlighted, as shown
in FIG. 28. In such a manner, the inclination indicator I indicates
extreme inclination. Especially, in the present embodiment the
outermost indicator portion and the upper and lower edges of the
indicator portions 30 are colored in red, allowing the user to
easily recognize that the body case 11 is in the extremely inclined
state. How to indicate the extremely inclined state of the body
case 11 is not limited to the one described above. Any type of
indication is applicable as long as the horizontal state and
inclined state are distinguishable.
[0204] As shown in FIG. 29, when the body case 11 is turned
(inclined) beyond a predetermined angle in the pitch direction
(FIG. 2), highlighting the indicator portion 30 with the index
portion 34 is stopped. Instead, the upper and lower edges of all
the indicator portions 30 including the center portion 31 are
highlighted. In such a manner the inclination indicator I indicates
extreme turn (inclination) in the pitch direction. Especially, in
the present embodiment the upper and lower edges of the indicator
portions 30 are colored in red, allowing the user to easily
recognize that the body case 11 is in the extremely turned state in
the pitch direction.
[0205] Here, the predetermined angle refers to a limit angle for
the inclination sensor 25 to be able to properly detect an
inclination angle in the roll direction, and it is set to be an
arbitrary value. By the indication of the extreme turned state in
the pitch direction, the user can be notified of an extremely
upward or downward position of the body case 11, watching the
screen 17a during photo shooting. How to display the extreme turn
of the body case 11 is not limited to the one described above. Any
type of indication is applicable as long as it is distinguishable
from the horizontal state, inclined state and extremely inclined
state.
[0206] In the present embodiment, when the captured image P is a
horizontal image Ps, the inclination indicator I is displayed in
the X direction near the bottom of the screen 17a of the display
unit 17 as shown in FIG. 24 and FIGS. 26 to 29. Meanwhile, when the
captured image P is a vertical image Pv, the inclination indicator
I is displayed in the X direction near the left side surface 11e on
the screen 17a as shown in FIG. 25.
[0207] In a case where the body case 11 is placed on a horizontal
plane with the top surface 11c or the left side surface 11f at the
bottom, the inclination indicator I is displaced in the X direction
on the upper part of the captured image P. In such a case, the
inclination indicator I can be also displayed on the lower part of
the captured image P.
[0208] Hereinafter, how the display of the inclination indicator I
is changed in accordance with the turn of the body case 11 in the
roll direction will be described with reference to FIG. 30.
[0209] In capturing a horizontal image Ps, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the left side surface 11e moves upward beyond the
set range of angles, the upper and lower edges of the indicator
portions 30 on the left side of the center portion 31 are
highlighted in red. In such a manner the inclination indicator I
indicates the extremely inclined state of the body case 11 (state
S1).
[0210] Further, in capturing a horizontal image Ps, when the body
case 11 is inclined so that the left side surface 11e moves upward
within the set range of angles, the indicator portions 30 on the
left side of the center portion 31 and corresponding to the
inclination angle are displayed in yellow and outlined with the
index portion 34 in black. In such a manner the inclination
indicator I indicates the degree of inclination of the body case 11
(state S2). The state S2 and state S1 transit to each other (arrow
A1).
[0211] Similarly, in capturing a horizontal image Ps, when the
inclination of the body case 11 is within the range of angles
2.alpha. or less and considered to be horizontal, the inclination
indicator I heightens the H-shaped pattern in green to indicate the
horizontal state (state S3). The state S3 and state S2 transit to
each other (arrow A2).
[0212] In capturing a horizontal image Ps, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the right side surface 11f moves upward within the
set range of angles, the indicator portions 30 located on the right
side of the center portion 31 and corresponding to the inclination
angle are displayed in yellow and outlined with the black index
portion 34. In such a manner the inclination indicator I indicates
the degree of inclination (state S4). The state S4 and state S3
transit to each other (arrow A3).
[0213] In capturing a horizontal image Ps, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the right side surface 11f moves upward beyond the
set range of angles, the upper and lower edges of the indicator
portions 30 on the right side of the center portion 31 are
highlighted in red. In such a manner the inclination indicator I
shows the extremely inclined state of the body case 11 (state S5).
The state S5 and S4 transit to each other (arrow A4). When the body
case 11 is inclined further upward from the state S5, the
horizontal image Ps is changed to a vertical image Pv on the screen
17a of the display unit 17 (state S6).
[0214] In capturing a vertical image Pv, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the top surface 11c moves upward beyond the set
range of angles, the upper and lower edges of the inclination
display 32 on the left side of the center portion 31 are
highlighted in red. In such a manner the inclination indicator I
indicates the extremely inclined state of the body case 11 (S6).
The state S6 and state S5 transit to each other (arrow A5).
[0215] Further, in capturing a vertical image Pv, when the body
case 11 is inclined so that the top surface 11c moves upward within
the set range of angles, the indicator portions 30 on the left side
of the center portion 31 and corresponding to the inclination angle
are displayed in yellow and outlined with the black index portion
34. In such a manner the inclination indicator I indicates the
degree of inclination (state S7). The state S7 and state S6 transit
to each other (arrow A6).
[0216] Similarly, in capturing a vertical image Pv, when the
inclination of the body case 11 is within the range of angles
2.alpha. and considered to be horizontal, the inclination indicator
I heightens the H-shaped pattern 35 in green to indicate the
horizontal state (state S8). The state S8 and state S7 transit to
each other (arrow A7).
[0217] In capturing a vertical image Pv, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the bottom surface 11d moves upward within the set
range of angles, the indicator portions 30 on the right side of the
center portion 31 and corresponding to the inclination angle are
displayed in yellow and outlined with the black index portion 34.
In such a manner the inclination indicator I indicates the degree
of inclination (state S9). The state S9 and state S8 transit to
each other (arrow A8).
[0218] In capturing a vertical image Pv, when the body case 11 is
inclined so that the bottom surface 11d moves upward beyond the set
range of angles, the upper and lower edges of the indicator
portions on the right side of the center portion 31 are highlighted
in red. In such a manner the inclination indicator I indicates the
extremely inclined state of the body case 11 (state S10). The state
S10 and state S9 transit to each other (arrow A9).
[0219] For transition from the state S10 to S1 (arrow A10), the
body case 11 will be turned almost half in the roll direction.
Inverse transition from the state S10 to S1 is the same as
transition from the state S1 to S10, therefore, a description
thereof will be omitted.
[0220] As described above, the imaging apparatus 10 according to
the present invention is configured to notify the horizontal state
when the degree of inclination is in the range of angles 2.alpha.
which corresponds to the center portion 31 of the inclination
indicator I. This makes it easier for the user to know that the
apparatus is in the horizontal state without visual annoyance since
the indicator portion in question highlighted with the index
portion is preventable from moving without the body case 11 made
completely stationary. This is particularly effective in a
situation that it is difficult to make the imaging apparatus
completely stationary such as when the user holds the imaging
apparatus 10 with his/her hands.
[0221] The imaging apparatus 10 is configured that in the
inclination indicator I the plurality of indicator portions 30 are
arranged along the horizontal criterion of the body case 11, and
any one of them is highlighted with the index portion 34 in
accordance with the degree of inclination. This makes the movement
of the index portion 34 appear similarly to movement of an air
bubble in a generally known bubble level and accordingly makes the
inclination indicator I more familiar and recognizable to the
user.
[0222] In the imaging apparatus 10 the interval of the indicator
portions is set to the predetermined range of angles 2.alpha..
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the indicator portion
highlighted with the index portion 34 from moving in accordance
with fine movement of the body case 11. This makes it easier for
the user to know that the apparatus is in the horizontal state
without visual annoyance. This is particularly effective in a
situation that it is difficult to make the imaging apparatus
completely stationary such as when the user holds the imaging
apparatus 10 with his/her hands.
[0223] Further, all the indicator portions have the same size and
are arranged with an equal interval. This enables the user to
smoothly and easily adjust the posture of the imaging apparatus 10
because the movement of the index portion follows movement of the
body case 11 which the user is handling.
[0224] Moreover, the imaging apparatus 10 can notify the four
levels of inclination, horizontal state, inclined state, extremely
inclined state, and extremely turned state in the pitch direction,
in different manners and colors. Therefore, the user can easily
distinguish the states of inclination of the imaging apparatus 10
and know in which state, horizontal or inclined, the apparatus
is.
[0225] As described above, the imaging apparatus 10 according to
the present embodiment makes it possible for the user to adjust the
posture of the apparatus 10 and easily capture images without
unintended inclination and without visual annoyance.
[0226] In the present embodiment the horizontal state of the
apparatus is notified via the inclination indicator I on the
display unit. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. It can be notified via the alarm sound from the audio unit
24 in addition to the inclination indicator I as in the first to
sixth embodiments.
[0227] Further in the present embodiment, the index portion 34 and
the indicator portion 30 in question are displayed in different
colors for highlighting the indicator portion 30 as a way of
example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As
long as the indicator portion indicating the current inclination of
the body case is distinguishable, contrast or brightness thereof
can be differentiated.
[0228] Types of the inclination indicator I according to the
present embodiment will be shown in FIGS. 31 to 38. In FIGS. 31 to
38 the display unit 17 (screen 17a) and the inclination indicator I
thereon will be indicated by solid lines and the other parts of the
apparatus will be indicated by broken lines.
[0229] FIGS. 31 to 34 show a horizontal image Ps on the screen 17a.
FIG. 31 shows the inclination indicator I indicating the horizontal
state thereof, FIG. 32 shows the inclination indicator I indicating
the degree of inclination, FIG. 33 shows the inclination indicator
I indicating the extremely inclined state, and FIG. 34 shows the
inclination indicator I indicating the extremely turned state in
the pitch direction.
[0230] Likewise, FIGS. 35 to 38 show a vertical image Pv on the
screen 17a. FIG. 35 shows the inclination indicator I indicating
the horizontal state thereof, FIG. 36 shows the inclination
indicator I indicating the degree of inclination, FIG. 37 shows the
inclination indicator I indicating the extremely inclined state,
and FIG. 38 shows the inclination indicator I indicating the
extremely turned state in the pitch direction.
[0231] Other examples of the inclination indicator I will be
described with reference to FIGS. 39 to 53. The inclination
indicator I is to help the user obtain images without inclination
relative to a horizontal plane, and indicate the degree of
inclination of the body case relative to the optical axis direction
(Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). In FIGS. 39 to 53 the display unit 17
(screen 17a) and the inclination indicator I thereon will be
indicated by solid lines and the other parts of the apparatus will
be indicated by broken lines.
Eighth Embodiment
[0232] FIGS. 39 and 40 show a modified example of the inclination
indicator I. FIG. 39 shows the inclination indicator I indicating
that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG. 40 shows the
inclination indicator I indicating a degree of inclination of the
body case 11. The inclination indicator I according to the present
embodiment has a rectangular shape and extends along the horizontal
criterion. It includes a black circular index indicating the
center, and a white circular index smaller than the black circular
index.
[0233] In the inclination indicator I of the present embodiment,
the white circular index moves in accordance with the degree of
inclination. When the body case 11 is in the horizontal state, the
black and white circular indexes are concentrically superimposed on
the screen (FIG. 39). With a small inclination of the body case 11,
the white circular index locates at a position close to the black
circular index (FIG. 40). As inclination of the body case 11
increases, the white circular index moves away from the black
circular index in the inclination indicator I. FIG. 40 shows the
inclination indicator I when the right side surface of the body
case 11 is inclined upward.
Ninth Embodiment
[0234] FIGS. 41, 42 show another modified example of the
inclination indicator I. FIG. 41 shows the inclination indicator I
indicating that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG.
42 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a degree of
inclination of the body case 11. The inclination indicator I
according to the present embodiment includes a horizontal line
extending along the horizontal criterion and an index line to
indicate a degree of inclination of the body case 11 relative to
the horizontal line. The index line is turned around the center
position of the horizontal line to indicate the degree of
inclination.
[0235] In the inclination indicator I of the present embodiment,
the horizontal line and the index line are shifted from each other
to making fan-like areas therebetween. Both of the lines and the
fan-like areas are visually distinguishable. The inclination
indicator I indicates the horizontal state of the body case 11 with
a single line, the horizontal line and index line overlapped with
each other (FIG. 41). With a small inclination of the body case 11,
a shift between the horizontal line and index line (fan areas)
becomes small (FIG. 42). As the inclination increases, the index
line is turned and the size of the fan areas increases. FIG. 42
shows the inclination indicator I when the right side surface of
the body case 11 is inclined upward.
Tenth Embodiment
[0236] FIGS. 43, 44 show another modified example of the
inclination indicator I. FIG. 43 shows the inclination indicator I
indicating that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG.
44 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a degree of
inclination of the body case 11. The inclination indicator I
according to the present embodiment includes a black circular mark
at the center of the screen 17a. The black circular mark contains a
horizontal line extending along the horizontal criterion and an
index line to indicate a degree of inclination of the body case 11
relative to the horizontal line. The index line is turned around
the center position of the horizontal line to indicate the degree
of inclination.
[0237] In the inclination indicator I of the present embodiment,
the horizontal line and the index line are shifted from each other
to make white-colored fan-like areas. The inclination indicator I
indicates the horizontal state of the body case 11 by a H-shaped
white mark (initial of horizontal) on the black circular mark (FIG.
43). With a small inclination of the body case 11, the fan areas
between both lines become small (FIG. 44). As the inclination
increases, the index line is turned and the size of the fan areas
increases. FIG. 44 shows the inclination indicator I when the right
side surface of the body case 11 is inclined upward.
[0238] The inclination indicator I according to the present
embodiment indicates the degree of inclination inside the black
circular mark which locates at the center of the screen 17a.
Therefore, the position of the inclination indicator I does not
change on the screen irrespective of the horizontal or vertical
image Ps, Pv. The user will not be bothered by the positional
change of the inclination indicator I.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0239] FIGS. 45, 46 show another modified example of the
inclination indicator I. FIG. 45 shows the inclination indicator I
indicating that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG.
46 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a degree of
inclination of the body case 11. The inclination indicator I
according to the present embodiment includes a square box with two
vertical lines therein, and two index lines crossing the square box
in a lateral direction to indicate the degree of inclination of the
body case 11. The index lines are turned around the barycenter of
the square box to indicate the degree of inclination.
[0240] The inclination indicator I according to the present
embodiment indicates the horizontal state of the body case 11 by
the index lines orthogonal to the vertical lines (FIG. 45). As the
inclination of the body case 11 increases, the index lines are more
largely inclined relative to the vertical lines (FIG. 46). FIG. 46
shows the inclination indicator I when the right side surface of
the body case 11 is inclined upward.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0241] FIGS. 47, 48 show another modified example of the
inclination indicator I. FIG. 47 shows the inclination indicator I
indicating that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG.
48 shows the inclination indicator I indicating a degree of
inclination of the body case 11. The inclination indicator I
according to the present embodiment has a rectangular shape and
extends along the horizontal criterion. It includes two white
vertical lines indicating the center position and a white circular
mark.
[0242] In the inclination indicator I the white circular mark moves
in accordance with inclination of the body case 11. When the body
case 11 is in the horizontal state, the white circular mark comes
between the two vertical lines (FIG. 47). With a small inclination
of the body case 11, the white circular mark locates at a position
close to the two vertical lines (FIG. 48). As the inclination
increases, the white circular mark moves away from the two vertical
lines (FIG. 48). In the present embodiment the two vertical lines
and the circular mark therebetween are displayed in black while the
body case 11 is in the horizontal state (FIG. 47). FIG. 48 shows
the inclination indicator I when the right side surface of the body
case 11 is inclined upward.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0243] FIGS. 49, 50 show another example of the inclination
indicator I. FIG. 49 shows the inclination indicator I indicating
that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG. 50 shows the
inclination indicator I indicating a degree of inclination of the
body case 11. The inclination indicator I in the present embodiment
is the same in terms of structure and operation as that in the
twelfth embodiment except that the circular mark is replaced by a
rectangular mark.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0244] FIGS. 51 to 53 show another example of the inclination
indicator I. FIG. 51 shows the inclination indicator I indicating
that the body case 11 is in the horizontal state. FIG. 52 shows the
inclination indicator I indicating a degree of inclination of the
body case 11, and FIG. 53 the inclination indicator I indicating
the extremely inclined state of the body case 11. The inclination
indicator I according to the present embodiment includes vertically
long stick portions arranged with an equal interval along the
horizontal criterion, and a box portion to surround a stick portion
located at the center. One of the stick portions is highlighted in
accordance with the inclination of the body case 11. The
highlighting of the stick portion can be done in an arbitrary
manner as long as the one corresponding to the inclination of the
body case 11 is distinguishable from the other stick portions.
[0245] The inclination indicator I according to the present
embodiment indicates the horizontal state of the body case 11 by
highlighting a central stick portion surrounded by the box portion
(FIG. 51). With a small inclination of the body case 11, a stick
portion close to the box portion is highlighted. As the inclination
increases, the one to be highlighted moves outward. With the
inclination being over an angle corresponding to the outermost
stick portion, the outermost stick portion is highlighted (FIG.
53). For indicating the horizontal state, the central stick portion
is displayed in green while for indicating the degree of
inclination, the stick portion in question is displayed in yellow.
For indicating the extremely inclined state, the outermost stick
portion is displayed in red. Thus, highlighting the stick portion
in different colors and manners according to the degree of
inclination makes the state of the body case 11 more easily
recognizable.
[0246] Also, the inclination indicator I in the eighth to
fourteenth embodiments can be configured to indicate the horizontal
state and inclined state in different colors, to make the
horizontal state of the body case 11 more recognizable.
[0247] Further, the inclination indicator I in the eighth to
fourteenth embodiment is preferably transparent so that the
captured image P is visible on the display unit 17.
[0248] As described through the above embodiments, the imaging
apparatus can properly notify the degree of inclination with low
and high resolutions using both of the display and sound without
bothering the user.
[0249] Further, for a large inclination of the apparatus, it is
possible to have the user know the inclination certainly by warning
the user with the sound while for a small inclination, the user can
know the inclination via the display. Thus, the user can decide on
how to be notified of the inclination. Accordingly, the user can be
notified of a large inclination by the alarm sound and of a small
inclination with the inclination indicator on the display, thereby
providing a useful system of notifying the degree of
inclination.
[0250] Further, the alarm sound and the inclination indicator
display are arbitrarily and independently settable, allowing the
user to select it as he/she wishes.
[0251] Further, since the imaging apparatus includes the shake
amount detector, it can decide on which of a fixed state and held
state it is in without provision of an additional dedicated sensor,
resulting in saving space and manufacture cost.
[0252] Further, having the stability detector and selector unit,
the imaging apparatus can automatically determine on whether each
of the inclination indicator and the alarm sound are to be executed
or not. This can eliminate the necessity for the user to switch
them, so that the user can focus on shooting operation smoothly
without any interruption.
[0253] Further, the imaging apparatus is configured to indicate a
change of the degree of inclination in a similar manner to a
well-known bubble level which indicates inclination by a movement
of an air bubble. Such a way of indication is familiar to the user;
therefore, the user can know the degree of inclination of the
apparatus more easily.
[0254] Further, according to the present invention the imaging
apparatus is considered to be in a horizontal state while the
inclination thereof is within the predetermined range of angles.
Therefore, even without complete stillness of the apparatus, the
reading of the inclination indicator does not change, which enables
the user to easily know the horizontal state thereof without visual
annoyance.
[0255] Further, in the imaging apparatus according to the present
invention, each indicator portion of the inclination indicator is
set to correspond to the predetermined range of angles, which can
prevent the reading of the indicator from changing in accordance
with a minute movement of the apparatus. This also enables the user
to easily know the horizontal state thereof without visual
annoyance.
[0256] Further, the imaging apparatus indicates the horizontal
state, inclined state, extremely inclined state and extremely
turned state in the pitch direction in different colors and
manners, which makes it easier for the user to distinguish them and
know the horizontal state or inclined state of the apparatus.
[0257] As described above, according to the present invention, the
user can adjust the posture of the imaging apparatus without visual
annoyance and capture images with no unintended inclination without
visual annoyance.
[0258] The above embodiments have described the digital camera as
an example of the imaging apparatus. However, the present invention
is applicable to other types of imaging apparatus.
[0259] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. It should be
appreciated that variations may be made in the embodiments
described by persons skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention as defined by the following
claims.
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