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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera in this invention includes a rotary member, display
unit, and display control unit. The display unit displays a selection
screen on which a predetermined number of selection candidates are
aligned, and identifies and displays the predetermined selection
target of the predetermined number of selection candidates. The
display control unit controls the transition direction of an identification
display target on the basis of the rotational direction of the rotary
member, identifies and displays an immediately succeeding selection
candidate of the predetermined selection candidate on the basis
of the first rotational speed of the rotary member, and identifies
and displays an at least second succeeding selection candidate of
the predetermined selection candidate on the basis of the second
rotational speed of the rotary member.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera comprising: a photographing unit configured
to photograph a video; a recording unit configured to record the
video photographed by the photographing unit; a rotary member; a
display unit configured to display the video photographed by the
photographing unit, display, in response to a display switching
operation, a selection screen on which a predetermined number of
successive selection candidates of a plurality of selection candidates
are aligned, and identify and display a predetermined selection
target of the predetermined number of selection candidates; and
a display control unit configured to control a transition direction
of an identification display target on the basis of a rotational
direction of the rotary member, identify and display an immediately
succeeding selection candidate or an immediately preceding selection
candidate of a predetermined selection candidate on the basis of
a first rotational speed of the rotary member, and identify and
display an at least second succeeding selection candidate or an
at least second preceding selection candidate of the predetermined
selection candidate on the basis of a second rotational speed of
the rotary member.
2. An electronic device comprising: a rotary member; a display
unit configured to display a selection screen on which a predetermined
number of successive selection candidates of a plurality of selection
candidates are aligned, and identify and display a predetermined
selection target of the predetermined number of selection candidates;
and a display control unit configured to control a transition direction
of an identification display target on the basis of a rotational
direction of the rotary member, identify and display an immediately
succeeding selection candidate or an immediately preceding selection
candidate of a predetermined selection candidate on the basis of
a first rotational speed of the rotary member, and identify and
display an at least second succeeding selection candidate or an
at least second preceding selection candidate of the predetermined
selection candidate on the basis of a second rotational speed of
the rotary member.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged in m rows.times.n columns,
and the display control unit transits the predetermined number of
selection candidates aligned in the selection screen when a selection
candidate belonging to a row different from a row to which the predetermined
selection candidate belongs is changed to an identification display
target upon rotation of the rotary member.
4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged in m rows.times.n columns,
and the display control unit controls, on the basis of the rotational
speed of the rotary member, a scroll speed of the predetermined
number of selection candidates aligned in the selection screen.
5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged in m rows.times.n columns,
and the display control unit identifies and displays, on the basis
of the second rotational speed of the rotary member, a selection
candidate belonging to a row different from a row to which the predetermined
selection candidate belongs and belonging to a column which is the
same as a column to which the predetermined selection candidate
belongs.
6. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged in m rows.times.n columns,
and the display control unit identifies and displays, on the basis
of the second rotational speed of the rotary member, a selection
candidate belonging to an Xth row from a row to which the predetermined
selection candidate belongs and belonging a column which is the
same as a column to which the predetermined selection candidate
belongs, and identifies and displays, on the basis of a third rotational
speed of the rotary member, a selection candidate belonging to a
Yth row from a row to which the predetermined selection candidate
belongs and belonging to a column which is the same as a column
to which the predetermined selection candidate belongs.
7. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit
does not display the identification display target during rotation
of the rotary member on the basis of the rotational speed of the
rotary member.
8. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged on an arc, and the display
control unit transits the predetermined number of selection candidates
aligned in a selection screen when a selection candidate different
from the predetermined selection candidate is changed to an identification
display target upon rotation of the rotary member.
9. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged on an arc, and the display
control unit controls a scroll speed of the predetermined number
of selection candidates aligned in the selection screen on the basis
of the rotational speed of the rotary member.
10. A device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays
the selection screen on which the predetermined number of selection
candidates are successively arranged on an arc, and the display
control unit excludes a selection candidate displayed at one end
of the arc from display targets upon rotation of the rotary member,
and additionally displays a new selection candidate as the display
target at the other end of the arc.
11. A digital camera comprising: a rotary member; a photoelectric
conversion unit configured to convert an optical image into an electrical
signal; a recording unit configured to record an image on the basis
of the electrical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion
unit; and a focus distance control unit configured to control a
changeable range of a focus distance between a focus adjustment
lens and the photoelectric conversion unit on the basis of an object
distance and a rotational speed of the rotary member.
12. A camera according to claim 11, wherein the focus distance
control unit controls the focus distance in a first changeable range
on the basis of a first object distance and a predetermined rotational
speed of the rotary member, and controls the focus distance in a
second changeable range which is wider than the first changeable
range on the basis of a second object distance which is smaller
than the first object distance and the predetermined rotational
speed.
13. A camera according to claim 11, wherein the focus distance
control unit controls the focus distance in a first changeable range
on the basis of a predetermined object distance and a first rotational
speed of the rotary member, and controls the focus distance in a
second changeable range which is wider than the first changeable
range on the basis of the predetermined object distance and a second
rotational speed which is higher than the first rotational speed.
14. A camera according to claim 11, wherein the focus distance
control unit determines a defined number of steps from the detected
object distance on the basis of a relationship between the object
distance and a defined number of steps, the relationship representing
an increase in the defined number of steps along with a decrease
in the object distance, determines an actual number of steps from
the detected rotational speed on the basis of a relationship between
the rotational speed and the defined number of steps, the relationship
representing an increase in the defined number of steps along with
an increase in the rotational speed of the rotary member, and controls
the focus distance on the basis of the actual number of steps.
15. A camera according to claim 11, wherein the focus distance
control unit determines the predetermined number of steps from the
detected object distance on the basis of a relationship between
the object distance and a defined number of steps, the relationship
representing an increase in the defined number of steps along with
a decrease in the object distance, sets the predetermined number
of steps in accordance with a first rotational speed of the rotary
member, sets the defined number of steps in accordance with a second
rotational speed which is higher than the first rotational speed
of the rotary member, sets the predetermined multiple of the defined
number of steps in accordance with a third rotational speed which
is higher than the second rotational speed of the rotary member,
and controls the focus distance on the basis of the set number of
steps.
Digital Camera Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-000841,
filed Jan. 5, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic device such
as a video photographing device (digital camera) for photographing
still and moving images.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, a multi-functional digital device such
as a video photographing device has prevailed. Since the digital
device implements multi-functions, its operations are sometimes
complicated. In order to easily perform these complex operations,
in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-80477, a proposal
has been made about the operation of a cross key. The cross key
is used to select items in a vertical direction in addition to a
horizontal direction. Accordingly, one key called "cross key"
can relatively easily select many items.
[0006] For example, in a digital camera, a list of thumbnail images
such as still images or representative frames of a moving image
is displayed. More specifically, on the liquid crystal display of
the digital camera, a list of nine images is displayed in the form
of a matrix. In order to select a desired image from the display
list, the above-described cross key (four-direction key) is used.
When the cross key is used to input an instruction once (pressed
once), an image adjacent to the currently selected image is newly
selected. When the cross key is used to repeatedly input instructions
(repeatedly pressed), images are successively selected at a constant
speed, and a screen is scrolled. When the cross key is continuously
used to repeatedly input instructions, an image selection speed
and a screen scroll speed are increased.
[0007] In the digital camera, a menu screen for various settings
is also displayed. In this menu screen, for example, about six selection
items are aligned and displayed. In order to select a desired selection
item from this menu screen, the above-described cross key is used.
When the cross key is used to input an instruction once (pressed
once), a selection item adjacent to the currently selected selection
item is newly selected. When the cross key is used to repeatedly
input instructions (repeatedly pressed), the selection items are
successively selected at a constant speed, and the screen is scrolled.
When the cross key is continuously used to repeatedly input instructions,
the selection speed of the selection item and the screen scroll
speed are increased.
[0008] In addition to this, in the digital camera, manual focus
adjustment can be attained. For example, "left" or "right"
key is used to attain this adjustment. When the "left"
or "right" key is used to input an instruction once (pressed
once), a focus adjustment lens is moved by one step (fixed number
of steps).
[0009] When the cross key is used to select the image as described
above, the time until a target image is displayed becomes longer
along with an increase in the number of images, thus posing a problem.
Furthermore, since the scroll speed is changed in repeatedly inputting
instructions, the scroll speed cannot be controlled at an optimal
value required by a user. Additionally, since the scroll speed becomes
too high, the target image is missed, or it takes a little long
time to reach the optimal scroll speed.
[0010] The above-described problems are also posed in a case wherein
the item is selected on the menu screen.
[0011] In the manual focus adjustment, a pulse count for driving
the focus adjustment lens is changed in accordance with an object
distance. Hence, when changing the fixed number of steps, the moving
speeds with respect to the distances in a long focus and a short
focus decrease.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a digital camera comprising a photographing unit configured
to photograph a video, a recording unit configured to record the
video photographed by the photographing unit, a rotary member, a
display unit configured to display the video photographed by the
photographing unit, display, in response to a display switching
operation, a selection screen on which a predetermined number of
successive selection candidates of a plurality of selection candidates
are aligned, and identify and display a predetermined selection
target of the predetermined number of selection candidates, and
a display control unit configured to control a transition direction
of an identification display target on the basis of a rotational
direction of the rotary member, identify and display an immediately
succeeding selection candidate or an immediately preceding selection
candidate of a predetermined selection candidate on the basis of
a first rotational speed of the rotary member, and identify and
display an at least second succeeding selection candidate or an
at least second preceding selection candidate of the predetermined
selection candidate on the basis of a second rotational speed of
the rotary member.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an electronic device comprising a rotary member, a display
unit configured to display a selection screen on which a predetermined
number of successive selection candidates of a plurality of selection
candidates are aligned, and identify and display a predetermined
selection target of the predetermined number of selection candidates,
and a display control unit configured to control a transition direction
of an identification display target on the basis of a rotational
direction of the rotary member, identify and display an immediately
succeeding selection candidate or an immediately preceding selection
candidate of a predetermined selection candidate on the basis of
a first rotational speed of the rotary member, and identify and
display an at least second succeeding selection candidate or an
at least second preceding selection candidate of the predetermined
selection candidate on the basis of a second rotational speed of
the rotary member.
[0014] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will
be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of
the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given above
and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a video photographing
device of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a state wherein a
video on a display unit in the video photographing device shown
in FIG. 1 is made visible;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a detailed example of a
jog dial and a determination button in the video photographing device
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining an example
of the main function of the video photographing device shown in
FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a selection screen
on which a list of thumbnail images such as still images or representative
frames of a moving image which are captured by the video photographing
device is displayed;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a selection
operation performed on the selection screen in FIG. 5 on which the
list of thumbnail images is displayed;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of the relationship
between a pulse count per unit time and a rotational amount in the
selection operation shown in FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the menu screen of
the video photographing device;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the selection
operation performed on the menu screen shown in FIG. 8;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of the relationship
between a pulse count per unit time and a rotational amount in the
selection operation shown in FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the relationship
between the number of focus steps and an object distance;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of focus distance
control corresponding to the operation of a jog dial;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of the relationship
between the object distance and the defined number of steps, the
relationship representing an increase in the defined number of steps
along with a decrease in the object distance; and
[0029] FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of the relationship
between the pulse count per unit time and the rotational amount
in the focus distance control shown in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
below with reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing the example of a video photographing
device (digital camera) of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view
showing the state wherein a display unit is housed in a housing
unit arranged in the main body of the video photographing device.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the state wherein a video on the display
unit is made visible.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the video photographing device
has a main body 1. The main body 1 includes a lens 2, flush 3, shutter
button 4, display unit 5, moving image recording button 6, jog dial
(rotary member) 7, direction key 8, menu button 9, zoom bar 10,
mode lever 11, power button 12, and the like.
[0033] The main body 1 also includes a housing portion 21 in which
the display unit 5 can be housed. The display unit 5 is movable
so that the display unit 5 can be opened from the housing portion
21, and the angle of a display surface can be arbitrarily adjusted.
The display unit 5 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 51 and
loudspeaker 52.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the jog dial and the determination
button in detail.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the jog dial 7 has a ring shape. The
jog dial 7 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. Note that
the shape of the jog dial 7 is not limited to the ring shape. The
jog dial 7 may have a polygonal ring shape such that a finger can
easily catch the jog dial.
[0036] The circular determination button 8 is arranged in the jog
dial 7. The direction button 8 has a determination key 81 at the
center position, an UP key 82 at the upper position, a DOWN key
83 at the lower position, a RIGHT key 84 at the right position,
and a LEFT key 85 at the left position.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement
of the video photographing device explained with reference to FIGS.
1 to 3.
[0038] The video photographing device includes a CCD 200 serving
as a photoelectric conversion unit, a front end processor (FEP)
201, an SDRAM 202, a digital signal processor (DSP) 203, an LCD
driver 204, a memory controller 205, a memory card 206, a lens unit
207 serving as a focus distance control unit, a motor driver 208
serving as the focus distance control unit, a sub-CPU 209, an HDD
210, and the like. The lens unit 207 includes a focus adjustment
lens and a focus adjustment motor for moving this focus adjustment
lens.
[0039] Upon operation of the shutter button 4, the CCD 200 converts
light (still image) obtained via the lens 2 and the focus adjustment
lens included in the lens unit 207 into an electrical signal. Alternatively,
upon operation of the moving image recording button 6, the CCD 200
converts light (moving image) obtained via the lens 2 and the focal
adjustment lens included in the lens unit 207 into the electrical
signal. The FEP 201 converts the electrical signal output from the
CCD 200 into the digital signal. The DSP 203 supplies the digital
signal of the still or moving image to the LCD driver 204. The DSP
203 encodes the still image digital signal into a JPEG image signal.
The DSP 203 also encodes the moving image digital signal into an
MPEG image signal. Note that the DSP 203 uses the SDRAM 202 as a
signal processing external memory. The HDD 210 stores the encoded
image signal. The detachable memory card 206 also stores the encoded
image signal via the memory card controller 205. The LCD driver
204 controls to drive the LCD 51 on the basis of the digital signal
of the still or moving image, and displays the image on the LCD
51. When playing back the recorded image, the DSP 203 decodes the
encoded image signal output from the HDD 210 or the memory card
206. The decoded image signal is supplied to the LCD driver 204.
[0040] A user input operation is accepted by the jog dial 7 and
direction key 8. The input operation accepted by the jog dial 7
or the direction key 8 is detected by the sub-CPU 209. The sub-CPU
209 transmits the signal corresponding to the input operation to
the DSP 203. For example, upon rotation of the jog dial 7, the jog
dial 7 outputs the pulse in accordance with a predetermined rotational
angle. For example, when the jog dial 7 is rotated n.degree., the
jog dial 7 outputs one pulse. At the same time, the jog dial 7 also
outputs a signal indicating a rotational direction. The sub-CPU
209 detects the rotational direction of the jog dial 7 on the basis
of the signal indicating the rotational direction. The sub-CPU 209
also checks a pulse count, and detects the rotational amount of
the jog dial 7. Additionally, the sub-CPU 209 detects the rotational
angle (rotational speed) per unit time from the pulse count per
unit time.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 14, various operations of the
jog dial 7 will be explained.
[0042] The thumbnail image selection operation of the jog dial
7 will be described below.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a selection screen
on which the list of thumbnail images such as still images or representative
frames of a moving image captured by the video photographing device
is displayed. For example, the LCD 51 displays the selection screen
on which successive nine of the thumbnail images (selection candidates)
stored in the HDD 210 are arranged in 3 rows.times.3 columns (matrix).
On this screen, thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9 are successively arranged,
and the thumbnail image Thu4 serving as a selection target is identified
and displayed. On the right end of the selection screen, a scroll
bar SB is displayed.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the selection
operation performed on the selection screen in FIG. 5 on which the
list of thumbnail images is displayed.
[0045] Upon rotation of the jog dial 7 (ST101, YES), the sub-CPU
209 detects the rotational direction, rotational amount, and rotational
speed (ST102).
[0046] In a case wherein clockwise rotation (forward rotation)
is detected (ST103, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is small (the rotational speed is low) (ST104, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
an immediately succeeding thumbnail image (ST107). That is, the
thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu5) immediately succeeding
the currently selected (currently identified and displayed) thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4) is selected (identified and
displayed). Similarly, in a case wherein one more succeeding thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu6) is selected, and one more
succeeding thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu7) is then
selected, at this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and
LCD driver 204 perform display control to transit the nine thumbnail
images (e.g., the thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the
selection screen. That is, on the basis of rotation of the jog dial
7, the nine thumbnail images (e.g., thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9)
aligned in the selection screen are transited when a thumbnail image
(e.g., the thumbnail image Thu7) belonging to a row (third row)
different from that (second row) to which the currently selected
(currently identified and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the
thumbnail image Thu6) belongs is selected. By this transition, for
example, the thumbnail images Thu4 to Thu6 are aligned on the first
row, the thumbnail images Thu7 to Thu9 are aligned on the second
row, and thumbnail images Thu10 to Thu12 (not shown) are aligned
on the third row.
[0047] In a case wherein clockwise rotation (forward rotation)
is detected (ST103, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is medium (the rotational speed is slightly high) (ST105, YES),
the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control
to select a third succeeding thumbnail image (ST108). That is, the
thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu7) third succeeding
the currently selected (currently identified and displayed) thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4) is selected (identified and
displayed). As described above, when the rotational speed of the
jog dial 7 is slightly high, a thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail
image Thu7) belonging to the row (third row) different from that
(second row) to which the currently selected (currently identified
and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4)
belongs, and belonging to a column (first column) which is the same
as that (first column) to which the currently selected (currently
identified and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image
Thu4) belongs is selected (identified and displayed). Furthermore,
at this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver
204 perform display control to transit the nine thumbnail images
(e.g., the thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the selection
screen. That is, on the basis of rotation of the jog dial 7, the
nine thumbnail images (e.g., thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned
in the selection screen are transited when the thumbnail image (e.g.,
the thumbnail image Thu7) belonging to the row (third row) different
from that (second row) to which the currently selected (currently
identified and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image
Thu4) belongs is selected. By this transition, for example, the
thumbnail images Thu4 to Thu6 are aligned on the first row, the
thumbnail images Thu7 to Thu9 are aligned on the second row, and
the thumbnail images Thu10 to Thu12 (not shown) are aligned on the
third row.
[0048] In a case wherein clockwise rotation (forward rotation)
is detected (ST103, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is large (the rotational speed is very high) (ST106, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
a ninth (one screen) succeeding thumbnail image (ST108). That is,
the thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu13) (not shown)
ninth succeeding the currently selected (currently identified and
displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4) is selected
(identified and displayed). As described above, when the rotational
speed of the jog dial 7 is very high, a thumbnail image (e.g., the
thumbnail image Thu13) (not shown) belonging to a row (fifth row)
different from that (second row) to which the currently selected
(currently identified and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g., the
thumbnail image Thu4) belongs, and belonging to the column (first
column) which is the same as that (first column) to which the currently
selected (currently identified and displayed) thumbnail image (e.g.,
the thumbnail image Thu4) belongs is selected (identified and displayed).
Furthermore, at this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203,
and LCD driver 204 perform display control to transit the nine thumbnail
images (e.g., the thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the
selection screen. That is, on the basis of rotation of the jog dial
7, all the nine thumbnail images (e.g., thumbnail images Thu1 to
Thu9) aligned in the selection screen are transited when a thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu13) (not shown) belonging to
the row (fifth row) different from that (second row) to which the
currently selected (currently identified and displayed) thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4) belongs is selected. By this
transition, for example, the thumbnail images Thu10 to Thu12 (not
shown) are aligned on the first row, the thumbnail images Thu13
to Thu15 (not shown) are aligned on the second row, and thumbnail
images Thu16 to Thu18 (not shown) are aligned on the third row.
[0049] As described above, when the rotational speed of the jog
dial 7 is low, the screen transition speed (scroll speed) also becomes
low. When the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 is slightly high,
the screen transition speed (scroll speed) also becomes slightly
high. When the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 is very high,
the screen transition speed (scroll speed) also becomes very high.
[0050] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation (backward rotation)
is detected (ST103, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time
is small (the rotational speed is low) (ST110, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
an immediately preceding thumbnail image (ST113). That is, the thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu3) immediately preceding the
currently selected (currently identified and displayed) thumbnail
image (e.g., the thumbnail image Thu4) is selected (identified and
displayed). At this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203,
and LCD driver 204 perform display control to transit the nine thumbnail
images (e.g., the thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the
selection screen.
[0051] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation (backward rotation)
is detected (ST103, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time
is medium (the rotational speed is slightly high) (ST111, YES),
the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control
to select a third preceding thumbnail image (ST114). At this selection
timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display
control to transit the nine thumbnail images (e.g., the thumbnail
images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the selection screen.
[0052] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation (backward rotation)
is detected (ST103, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time
is large (the rotational speed is very high) (ST112, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
a ninth (one screen) preceding thumbnail image (ST115). At this
selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform
display control to transit all the nine thumbnail images (e.g.,
the thumbnail images Thu1 to Thu9) aligned in the selection screen.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a table showing the relationship between the pulse
count per unit time and the rotational amount. The sub-CPU 209 holds
information indicating the relationship between the pulse count
per unit time and the rotational amount. On the basis of the information,
the sub-CPU 209 determines whether the rotational amount per unit
time is small (the rotational speed is low), medium (the rotational
speed is slightly high), or large (the rotational speed is very
high).
[0054] The sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display
control not to identify and display a specific thumbnail image during
rotation of the jog dial 7, when the rotational speed of the jog
dial 7 is very high. Hence, the visibility can be increased.
[0055] As described above, in large movement from a predetermined
thumbnail image to a target thumbnail image, the rotational speed
of the jog dial 7 increases. To the contrary, the rotational speed
of the jog dial 7 decreases near the target thumbnail image. Hence,
the thumbnail image can be seamlessly selected without stopping
rotation of the jog dial 7, thus improving user's convenience.
[0056] Next, an item selection operation of the jog dial 7 will
be described.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the menu screen of
the video photographing device. For example, on the menu screen
of the LCD 51, the plurality of selection candidates (items 1 to
5) are displayed as icons and sequentially aligned on an arc. On
the menu screen, only one (e.g., the item 3) of the selection candidates
is identified and displayed by a cursor or the like. The jog dial
7 is arranged visually concentrically with the arc on the menu screen.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the selection
operation performed on the menu screen shown in FIG. 8. Upon rotation
of the jog dial 7 (ST201, YES), the sub-CPU 209 detects the rotational
direction, rotational amount, and rotational speed (ST202).
[0059] In a case wherein clockwise rotation (forward rotation)
is detected (ST203, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is small (the rotational speed is low) (ST204, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
an immediately succeeding item (ST206). That is, the item (e.g.,
the item 4) immediately succeeding the currently selected (currently
identified and displayed) item (e.g., the item 3) is selected (identified
and displayed). At this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203,
and LCD driver 204 perform display control to transit the five items
(e.g., the items 1 to 5) aligned in the selection screen. By this
transition, for example, the items 2 to 6 (not shown) are aligned.
[0060] In a case wherein clockwise rotation (forward rotation)
is detected (ST203, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is large (the rotational speed is high) (ST205, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
a fifth (one screen) succeeding item (ST207). That is, the item
(e.g., the item 8 (not shown)) fifth succeeding the currently selected
(currently identified and displayed) item (e.g., the item 3) is
selected (identified and displayed). At this selection timing, the
sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control
to transit all the five items (e.g., the items 1 to 5) aligned in
the selection screen. By this transition, for example, the items
6 (not shown) to 10 (not shown) are aligned.
[0061] As described above, when the rotational speed of the jog
dial 7 is low, the screen transition speed (scroll speed) becomes
low. When the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 is high, the screen
transition speed (scroll speed) becomes high.
[0062] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation (backward rotation)
is detected (ST203, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time
is small (the rotational speed is low) (ST208, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
an immediately preceding item (ST210). That is, the item (e.g.,
the item 2) immediately preceding the currently selected (currently
identified and displayed) item (e.g., the item 3) is selected (identified
and displayed). At this selection timing, the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203,
and LCD driver 204 perform display control to transit the five items
(e.g., the items 1 to 5) aligned in the selection screen.
[0063] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation (backward rotation)
is detected (ST203, YES), and the rotational amount per unit time
is large (the rotational speed is high) (ST209, YES), the sub-CPU
209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control to select
a fifth (one screen) preceding item (ST211). At this selection timing,
the sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display control
to transit all the five items (e.g., the items 1 to 5) aligned in
the selection screen.
[0064] FIG. 10 is a table showing the relationship between the
pulse count per unit time and the rotational amount. The sub-CPU
209 holds information indicating the relationship between the pulse
count per unit time and the rotational amount. On the basis of the
information, the sub-CPU 209 determines whether the rotational amount
per unit time is small (the rotational speed is low) or large (the
rotational speed is high).
[0065] The sub-CPU 209, DSP 203, and LCD driver 204 perform display
control not to identify and display a specific item during rotation
of the jog dial 7 when the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 is
high. Hence, the visibility of the menu screen can be increased.
[0066] As described above, in large transition from a predetermined
item to a target item, the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 increases.
To the contrary, the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 decreases
near the target item. Hence, the item can be seamlessly selected
without stopping rotation of the jog dial 7, thus improving user's
convenience.
[0067] Next, a manual focus operation of the jog dial 7 will be
described.
[0068] When a general single-lens reflex camera lens is used, upon
rotation of a ring called a focus ring, a focus lens can be manually
moved to a focus distance in accordance with user's intention. In
this video photographing device, upon rotation of the jog dial 7,
the motor of the lens unit 207 is driven to move the focus adjustment
lens of the lens unit 207. As a result, the focus distance (the
distance between the focus adjustment lens and the CCD 200) is changed.
[0069] In the conventional digital camera or the like, when the
left or right position of the cross key is pressed, the motor is
driven, and the focus distance changes. That is, when the left or
right position of the cross key is pressed, the focus distance changes.
For example, when the left or right position of the cross key is
pressed once, the motor is driven by one step. Similarly, when the
left or right position of the cross key is pressed twice, the motor
is driven by two steps. Alternatively, when the left or right position
of the cross key is pressed for a period of time n, the motor is
driven by n steps. When the left or right position of the cross
key is pressed for a period of time 2n, the motor is driven by 2n
steps.
[0070] However, the relationship between the number of focus steps
and the object distance is as follows shown in FIG. 11. For example,
while an object distance of 50 cm (=1 m-1.5 m) corresponds to the
six focus steps, an object distance of 50 cm (=0.35 m-0.85 m) corresponds
to the 36 focus steps. That is, the number of focus steps corresponding
to an object distance of 50 cm in a minimum object distance range
is about 100.times. of that in an infinity range. Hence, when the
lens is moved by the same number of steps in the infinity range
and the minimum object distance range, the focus distance change
is very large in the infinity range, and the focus distance change
is very small in the minimum object distance range. Therefore, as
in the conventional case, since the lens position moves in proportion
to the number (or the period of time) of depressions for the left
or right position of the cross key, user's operability is decreased
(the focus adjustment becomes difficult).
[0071] In the video photographing device of this invention, as
shown in FIG. 12, since the focus distance is adjusted with respect
to the operation of the jog dial 7, the operability is largely improved
(the focus adjustment becomes easy). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing
an example of focus distance control with respect to the operation
of a jog dial 7.
[0072] Upon rotation of the jog dial 7 (ST301, YES), for example,
the DSP detects the object distance on the basis of the electrical
signal from the CCD 200, and determines the defined number of steps
on the basis of the detected object distance (ST302). For example,
the defined number of steps is determined on the basis of the relationship
between the object distance and the defined number of steps, which
relationship represents an increase in the defined number of steps
along with a decrease in the object distance as shown in FIG. 13.
Furthermore, the sub-CPU 209 detects the rotational direction, rotational
amount, and rotational speed of the jog dial 7 (ST303).
[0073] In a case wherein clockwise rotation is detected (ST304,
YES), and the rotational amount per unit time is small (the rotational
speed is low) (ST305, YES), the DSP 203 sets one step (+) (ST305).
The motor driver 208 drives the motor of the lens unit 207 by one
step (+) on the basis of the set one step (+) Upon driving this
motor by one step (+), the focus adjustment lens is moved by one
step (+).
[0074] In a case wherein clockwise rotation is detected (ST304,
YES), and the rotational amount per unit time is medium (the rotational
speed is slightly high) (ST306, YES), the DSP 203 sets the defined
number of steps (+) (ST309). The motor driver 208 drives the motor
of the lens unit 207 by the defined number of steps (+) on the basis
of the set defined number of steps (+). Upon driving this motor
by the defined number of steps (+), the focus adjustment lens is
moved by the defined number of steps (+).
[0075] In a case wherein clockwise rotation is detected (ST304,
YES), and the rotational amount per unit time is large (the rotational
speed is very high) (ST307, YES), the DSP 203 sets a predetermined
multiple (e.g., twice) of the defined number of steps (+) (ST309).
The motor driver 208 drives the motor of the lens unit 207 by the
predetermined multiple of the defined number of steps (+) on the
basis of the set predetermined multiple of the defined number of
steps (+). Upon driving this motor by the predetermined multiple
of the defined number of steps (+), the focus adjustment lens is
moved by the predetermined multiple of the defined number of steps
(+).
[0076] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation is detected
(ST304, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time is small (the
rotational speed is low) (ST311, YES), the DSP 203 sets one step
(-) (ST314). The motor driver 208 drives the motor of the lens unit
207 by one step (-) on the basis of the set one step (-). Upon driving
this motor by one step (-), the focus adjustment lens is moved by
one step (-).
[0077] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation is detected
(ST304, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time is medium (the
rotational speed is slightly high) (ST312, YES), the DSP 203 sets
one step (-) (ST315). The motor driver 208 drives the motor of the
lens unit 207 by the defined number of steps (-) on the basis of
the set defined number of steps (-). Upon driving this motor by
the defined number of steps (-), the focus adjustment lens is moved
by the defined number of steps (-).
[0078] In a case wherein counterclockwise rotation is detected
(ST304, NO), and the rotational amount per unit time is large (the
rotational speed is very high) (ST313, YES), the DSP 203 sets a
predetermined multiple (e.g., twice) of the defined number of steps
(-) (ST316). The motor driver 208 drives the motor of the lens unit
207 by the predetermined multiple of the defined number of steps
(-) on the basis of the set predetermined multiple of the defined
number of steps (-). Upon driving this motor by the predetermined
multiple of the defined number of steps (-), the focus adjustment
lens is moved by the predetermined multiple of the defined number
of steps (-).
[0079] FIG. 14 is a table showing the relationship between the
pulse count per unit time and the rotational amount. The sub-CPU
209 holds information indicating the relationship between the pulse
count per unit time and the rotational amount. On the basis of the
information, the sub-CPU 209 determines whether the rotational amount
per unit time is small (the rotational speed is low), medium (the
rotational speed is slightly high), or large (the rotational speed
is very high).
[0080] As described above, in this video photographing device,
on the basis of the object distance and the rotational speed of
the jog dial 7, the changeable range of the focus distance between
the focus adjustment lens and the CCD 200 is controlled. That is,
when the object distance is small and the rotational speed is high,
the changeable range of the focus distance becomes large. When the
object distance is large, the changeable range of the focus distance
becomes small even if the rotational speed is high.
[0081] For example, when the object distance is 100 cm or more
and the rotational speed of the jog dial 7 is slightly high, the
changeable range of the focus distance is controlled by two steps.
When the object distance is 20 cm or less and the rotational speed
of the jog dial 7 is slightly high, the changeable range of the
focus distance is controlled by 14 steps. Additionally, when the
object distance is 80 cm-50 cm and the rotational speed of the jog
dial 7 is low, the changeable range of the focus distance is controlled
by one step. When the object distance is 80 cm-50 cm and the rotational
speed of the jog dial 7 is slightly high, the changeable range of
the focus distance is controlled by four steps. When the object
distance is 80 cm-50 cm and the rotational speed of the jog dial
7 is very high, the changeable range of the focus distance is controlled
by eight steps.
[0082] As described above, when the rotational amount per unit
time is small (the rotational speed is low), focus operation must
be executed with high precision. Hence, regardless of the object
distance, the lens is controlled to be moved by one step. When the
rotational amount per unit time is medium (the rotational speed
is slightly high), the focus adjustment lens is moved on the basis
of the defined number of steps set in accordance with the object
distance. When the rotational amount per unit time is large (the
rotational speed is high), the focus adjustment lens is moved on
the basis of the twice of the defined number of steps set in accordance
with the object distance. Hence, the focus distance selection can
be quickly executed. In addition to this, the focus distance can
be seamlessly selected with high precision only by decreasing the
rotational speed. As described above, the focus distance can be
adjusted with good operability, thus improving user's convenience.
[0083] The functional effects of the present invention will be
summarized below.
[0084] In the present invention, on the basis of the rotational
speed of the jog dial 7, various switching speeds can be implemented.
Hence, the operability is improved, thus improving user's convenience.
[0085] 1. Other than the direction key, the rotary switch such
as the jog dial 7 can be used to perform display at the scroll speed
corresponding to the rotational speed. Hence, the scroll speed in
accordance with user's intention can easily be obtained.
[0086] 2. When the user finds the target image during rotation
of the jog dial 7, the target image can be displayed by the cursor
or the like only by stopping rotation of the jog dial 7. Hence,
when the thumbnail image is selected from the thumbnail list display
screen, or when the item is selected from the menu screen, the time
until the target thumbnail image or item is displayed can be reduced.
[0087] 3. In the manual focus adjustment, the number of operation
steps can be changed in accordance with the object distance. Hence,
the focus distance adjustment can be performed in accordance with
the object distance. When the rotational speed is high, the number
of lens driving steps is largely increased. When the rotational
speed is low, the number of lens driving steps is largely decreased.
When the rotation of the jog dial 7 is stopped, the lens is immediately
stopped. With this operation, the manual focus distance adjustment
can be speedily performed, and the focus distance adjustment can
be performed in accordance with the user's intention. As a result,
user's convenience can be improved.
[0088] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader
aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative
embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
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