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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera equipped with a projector, includes a photographing
device; a projector device that projects an optical image; a mode
switching operation member that outputs a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to one of a photographing operation mode
in which image data photographed by the photographing device are
saved as a photographic image file in a recording medium and a projection
operation mode in which a reproduced image is projected by the projector
device; a top surface operation member disposed at an upper surface
of a casing; and a projection control device that controls the projector
device based upon an operation signal provided by the top surface
operation member upon receiving a switching operation signal indicating
a changeover to the projection operation mode from the mode switching
operation member.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera equipped with a projector, comprising: a photographing
device; a projector device that projects an optical image; a mode
switching operation member that outputs a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to one of a photographing operation mode
in which image data photographed by the photographing device are
saved as a photographic image file in a recording medium and a projection
operation mode in which a reproduced image is projected by the projector
device; a top surface operation member disposed at an upper surface
of a casing; and a projection control device that controls the projector
device based upon an operation signal provided by the top surface
operation member upon receiving a switching operation signal indicating
a changeover to the projection operation mode from the mode switching
operation member.
2. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member, wherein: the top surface operation
member includes a shutter release operation member that outputs
operation signals each corresponding to a halfway press operation
mode or a full press operation mode; and the photographing control
device controls the photographing device so as to execute photographing
processing in correspondence to a signal indicating one of the halfway
press operation mode and the full press operation mode provided
by the shutter release operation member.
3. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
2, wherein: the projection control device issues one of a focus
adjustment start instruction, a reproduced image projection instruction,
a projection image rotation instruction and a projection pause instruction
for the projector device based upon a signal indicating one of the
halfway press operation mode and the full press operation mode provided
by the shutter release operation member and a length of time over
which the signal is sustained.
4. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member, wherein: the top surface operation
member includes a selective operation member that selectively outputs
one of various operation signals; the photographing control device
controls the photographing device so as to execute zoom adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member; and the projection control device controls the
projector device so as to execute zoom adjustment in correspondence
to an operation signal provided by the selective operation member.
5. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member, wherein: the top surface operation
member includes a selective operation member that selectively outputs
one of various operation signals; the photographing control device
controls the photographing device so as to execute zoom adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member; and the projection control device controls the
projector device so as to execute focus adjustment in correspondence
to an operation signal provided by the selective operation member.
6. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member, wherein: the top surface operation
member includes a selective operation member that selectively outputs
one of various operation signals; the photographing control device
controls the photographing device so as to execute zoom adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member; and the projection control device controls the
projector device so as to forward or reverse a frame of a projection
image in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member.
7. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member, wherein: the top surface operation
member includes a selective operation member that selectively outputs
one of various operation signals; the photographing control device
controls the photographing device so as to execute zoom adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member; and the projection control device controls the
projector device so as to execute keystone correction adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member.
8. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, wherein: upon receiving a switching operation signal indicating
a changeover to the projection operation mode from the mode switching
operation member, the projection control device controls the projector
device so as to automatically reproduce and project in sequence
a plurality of photographic image files saved in the recording medium
after executing projection adjustment processing corresponding to
an operation signal provided from the top surface operation member.
9. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a retracting device that retracts a photographic
optical system, wherein: upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the projection operation mode from the
mode switching operation member, the projection control device issues
an instruction for the retracting device to retract the photographic
optical system.
10. A digital camera system comprising: a photographing device;
a top surface operation member disposed at an upper surface of a
casing of a digital camera; a projector device that projects an
optical image; and a projection control device that controls the
projector device based upon an operation signal provided from the
top surface operation member.
11. A digital camera system according to claim 10, comprising:
the digital camera that comprises the photographing device and the
top surface operation member; and a digital camera auxiliary device
that comprises the projector device, the projection control device
and an interface device engaged in communication with the digital
camera mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, wherein:
upon detecting that the digital camera is mounted, the projection
control device automatically sets the projector device in a projection-ready
state and engages the projector device to sequentially project images
reproduced based upon a plurality of photographic image files saved
in a recording medium in the digital camera.
12. A digital camera system according to claim 11, wherein: as
the digital camera is mounted, the digital camera auxiliary device
outputs an instruction signal for the digital camera to retract
a photographic optical system.
13. A digital camera system according to claim 10, comprising:
the digital camera that comprises the photographing device and the
top surface operation member; and a digital camera auxiliary device
that comprises the projector device, the projection control device
and an interface device engaged in communication with the digital
camera electrically connected to the digital camera auxiliary device,
wherein: upon receiving a signal indicating that the digital camera
is set in a reproduction mode, the projection control device automatically
sets the projector device in a projection-ready state and engages
the projector device to sequentially project images reproduced based
upon a plurality of photographic image files saved in a recording
medium in the digital camera.
14. A digital camera system according to claim 10, comprising:
the digital camera that comprises the photographing device, the
top surface operation member, the projector device and the projection
control device; and a digital camera auxiliary device that comprises
an interface device used to at least either communicate with the
digital camera mounted thereat or supply power to the digital camera
mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, wherein: upon detecting
that the digital camera is mounted at the digital camera auxiliary
device, the projection control device automatically engages the
projector device to sequentially project images reproduced based
upon a plurality of photographic image files saved in a recording
medium.
15. A digital camera system according to claim 10, comprising:
a digital camera auxiliary device that comprises an interface device
used to at least either communicate with the digital camera mounted
at the digital camera auxiliary device or to supply power to the
digital camera mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device; and
the digital camera that comprises the photographing device, the
top surface operation member, the projector device, the projection
control device, a retracting device that retracts a photographic
optical system and a retraction control device that issues an instruction
for the retracting device to retract the photographic optical system
upon detecting that the digital camera is mounted at the digital
camera auxiliary device, wherein: upon detecting that the digital
camera is mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, the projection
control device issues an instruction for the projector device to
start projection.
16. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, wherein: the top surface operation member includes a shutter
release operation member that outputs operation signals each corresponding
to a halfway press operation mode or a full press operation mode
and a rotary selective operation member that selectively outputs
one of various operation signals.
17. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
16, further comprising: a function adjustment device that individually
adjusts functions of the shutter release operation member and the
selective operation member in response to a switching operation
signal provided by the mode switching operation member.
18. A digital camera equipped with a projector according to claim
1, further comprising: a photographing control device that controls
the photographing device upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the photographing operation mode from
the mode switching operation member; and a side surface operation
member disposed at a side surface of the casing, wherein: the photographing
control device controls the photographing device in response to
operation signals provided by the top surface operation member and
the side surface operation member.
Digital Camera Patent Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The disclosures of the following priority applications are
herein incorporated by reference:
Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-031943 filed Feb. 8, 2005
Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-257694 filed Sep. 6, 2005
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera equipped
with a projector that projects an optical image, and a digital camera
system.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. H8-146512 discloses
a composite camera equipped with a projector function. As a projection
mode switch or a video play button is operated, the composite camera
shifts into a mode in which the projector is engaged in operation.
[0006] However, after the composite camera disclosed in the publication
is switched to the projection operation mode to engage the projector
device in operation, further operations such as a selection of an
image to be projected must be executed before the image is actually
projected and thus, the camera does not assure the maximum operability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A digital camera equipped with a projector according to
a first aspect of the present invention includes a photographing
device; a projector device that projects an optical image; a mode
switching operation member that outputs a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to one of a photographing operation mode
in which image data photographed by the photographing device are
saved as a photographic image file in a recording medium and a projection
operation mode in which a reproduced image is projected by the projector
device; a top surface operation member disposed at an upper surface
of a casing; and a projection control device that controls the projector
device based upon an operation signal provided by the top surface
operation member upon receiving a switching operation signal indicating
a changeover to the projection operation mode from the mode switching
operation member.
[0008] A digital camera equipped with a projector according to
the first aspect may further include a photographing control device
that controls the photographing device upon receiving a switching
operation signal indicating a changeover to the photographing operation
mode from the mode switching operation member, and it is preferable
that the top surface operation member includes a shutter release
operation member that outputs operation signals each corresponding
to a halfway press operation mode or a full press operation mode;
and the photographing control device controls the photographing
device so as to execute photographing processing in correspondence
to a signal indicating one of the halfway press operation mode and
the full press operation mode provided by the shutter release operation
member. The projection control device may issue one of a focus adjustment
start instruction, a reproduced image projection instruction, a
projection image rotation instruction and a projection pause instruction
for the projector device based upon a signal indicating one of the
halfway press operation mode and the full press operation mode provided
by the shutter release operation member and a length of time over
which the signal is sustained.
[0009] A digital camera equipped with a projector according to
the first aspect may further include a photographing control device
that controls the photographing device upon receiving a switching
operation signal indicating a changeover to the photographing operation
mode from the mode switching operation member, and it is preferable
that the top surface operation member includes a selective operation
member that selectively outputs one of various operation signals;
the photographing control device controls the photographing device
so as to execute zoom adjustment in correspondence to an operation
signal provided by the selective operation member; and the projection
control device controls the projector device so as to execute zoom
adjustment in correspondence to an operation signal provided by
the selective operation member. The photographing control device
may control the photographing device so as to execute zoom adjustment
in correspondence to an operation signal provided by the selective
operation member; and the projection control device may control
the projector device so as to execute focus adjustment in correspondence
to an operation signal provided by the selective operation member.
The photographing control device may control the photographing device
so as to execute zoom adjustment in correspondence to an operation
signal provided by the selective operation member; and the projection
control device may control the projector device so as to forward
or reverse a frame of a projection image in correspondence to an
operation signal provided by the selective operation member. The
photographing control device may control the photographing device
so as to execute zoom adjustment in correspondence to an operation
signal provided by the selective operation member; and the projection
control device may control the projector device so as to execute
keystone correction adjustment in correspondence to an operation
signal provided by the selective operation member.
[0010] In a digital camera equipped with a projector according
to the first aspect, upon receiving a switching operation signal
indicating a changeover to the projection operation mode from the
mode switching operation member, the projection control device may
control the projector device so as to automatically reproduce and
project in sequence a plurality of photographic image files saved
in the recording medium after executing projection adjustment processing
corresponding to an operation signal provided from the top surface
operation member.
[0011] A digital camera equipped with a projector according to
the first aspect may further include a retracting device that retracts
a photographic optical system, and it is preferable that upon receiving
a switching operation signal indicating a changeover to the projection
operation mode from the mode switching operation member, the projection
control device issues an instruction for the retracting device to
retract the photographic optical system.
[0012] A digital camera system according to a second aspect of
the present invention includes a photographing device; a top surface
operation member disposed at an upper surface of a casing of a digital
camera; a projector device that projects an optical image; and a
projection control device that controls the projector device based
upon an operation signal provided from the top surface operation
member.
[0013] A digital camera system according to the second aspect may
include the digital camera that includes the photographing device
and the top surface operation member; and a digital camera auxiliary
device that comprises the projector device, the projection control
device and an interface device engaged in communication with the
digital camera mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, and
it is preferable that upon detecting that the digital camera is
mounted, the projection control device automatically sets the projector
device in a projection-ready state and engages the projector device
to sequentially project images reproduced based upon a plurality
of photographic image files saved in a recording medium in the digital
camera. As the digital camera is mounted, the digital camera auxiliary
device may output an instruction signal for the digital camera to
retract a photographic optical system.
[0014] A digital camera system according to the second aspect may
include the digital camera that includes the photographing device
and the top surface operation member; and a digital camera auxiliary
device that comprises the projector device, the projection control
device and an interface device engaged in communication with the
digital camera electrically connected to the digital camera auxiliary
device, and it is preferable that upon receiving a signal indicating
that the digital camera is set in a reproduction mode, the projection
control device automatically sets the projector device in a projection-ready
state and engages the projector device to sequentially project images
reproduced based upon a plurality of photographic image files saved
in a recording medium in the digital camera.
[0015] A digital camera system according to the second aspect may
include the digital camera that includes the photographing device,
the top surface operation member, the projector device and the projection
control device; and a digital camera auxiliary device that comprises
an interface device used to at least either communicate with the
digital camera mounted thereat or supply power to the digital camera
mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, and upon detecting
that the digital camera is mounted at the digital camera auxiliary
device, the projection control device may automatically engage the
projector device to sequentially project images reproduced based
upon a plurality of photographic image files saved in a recording
medium.
[0016] A digital camera system according to the second aspect may
include a digital camera auxiliary device that comprises an interface
device used to at least either communicate with the digital camera
mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device or to supply power
to the digital camera mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device;
and the digital camera that includes the photographing device, the
top surface operation member, the projector device, the projection
control device, a retracting device that retracts a photographic
optical system and a retraction control device that issues an instruction
for the retracting device to retract the photographic optical system
upon detecting that the digital camera is mounted at the digital
camera auxiliary device, and upon detecting that the digital camera
is mounted at the digital camera auxiliary device, the projection
control device may issue an instruction for the projector device
to start projection.
[0017] In a digital camera equipped with a projector according
to the first aspect, it is preferable that the top surface operation
member includes a shutter release operation member that outputs
operation signals each corresponding to a halfway press operation
mode or a full press operation mode and a rotary selective operation
member that selectively outputs one of various operation signals.
A function adjustment device may be further provided that individually
adjusts functions of the shutter release operation member and the
selective operation member in response to a switching operation
signal provided by the mode switching operation member.
[0018] A digital camera equipped with a projector according to
the first aspect may further include a photographing control device
that controls the photographing device upon receiving a switching
operation signal indicating a changeover to the photographing operation
mode from the mode switching operation member; and a side surface
operation member disposed at a side surface of the casing, and it
is preferable that the photographing control device controls the
photographing device in response to operation signals provided by
the top surface operation member and the side surface operation
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a digital camera equipped with
a projector achieved in a first embodiment of the present invention,
viewed from the front side;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the digital camera equipped with
the projector in FIG. 1, viewed from the rear side;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in the
digital camera equipped with the projector;
[0022] FIG. 4 presents a flowchart of program processing executed
by a CPU in a projection mode;
[0023] FIG. 5 presents an example of projection of a laterally
oriented image;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a projection image having undergone rotation
processing and reduction processing;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in a
digital camera system achieved in a second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in a
digital camera system achieved in a third embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective of a digital camera equipped with
a projector achieved in a fourth embodiment of the present invention,
viewed from the front side;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective of the digital camera equipped
with the projector in FIG. 9, viewed from the rear side;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in the
digital camera equipped with the projector;
[0030] FIG. 12 presents a flowchart of program processing executed
by a CPU in a projection mode; and
[0031] FIG. 13 presents a detailed flowchart of the projection
adjustment processing.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The following is an explanation of the preferred embodiments
for carrying out the present invention, given in reference to the
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a digital camera equipped with
a projector, which is achieved in the first embodiment of the present
invention, viewed from the front side of the digital camera (toward
the subject). As shown in FIG. 1, a photographic lens 11, an illuminating
light window 12 and a projection window 13 are disposed at the front
of an digital camera 10 equipped with the projector. At the top
surface (the surface of the casing turned to the upper side when
the digital camera 10 is held sideways) of the digital camera 10
equipped with the projector, a shutter release button 14, a mode
selector dial 15 and a main switch 16 are disposed.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the digital camera equipped with
the projector in FIG. 1, viewed from the rear side (toward the photographer).
As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display unit 17, an electronic
viewfinder 18, operation members 19 and speaker holes 20 are disposed
at the rear surface of the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector.
It is to be noted that the operation members 19 may be referred
to as a side-surface operation member disposed at a surface (side
surface) other than the top surface of the casing.
[0035] The digital camera 10 equipped with the projector includes
a projector device (projector unit) to be detailed later. The projector
device projects information such as images through the projection
window 13 toward a screen or the like disposed to the front of the
digital camera 10 equipped with the projector, which may be set
on, for instance, a desk. In addition, the digital camera 10 equipped
with the projector includes a built-in speaker 21 disposed behind
the speaker holes 20 so as to reproduce information such as sound
toward the rear of the digital camera 10.
[0036] The mode selector dial 15 is a mode switching operation
member operated to switch the operation mode of the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector to a photographing mode, a projection
mode or the like. In the photographing mode, a subject image is
photographed and the photographic image data are saved into a recording
medium constituted with a memory card or the like as a photographic
image file. If a still image has been photographed, a still image
file is generated, whereas if a dynamic image has been photographed,
a dynamic image file is generated. In the photographing operation
mode, the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector is most
likely to be hand held by the photographer. An operation signal
output in response to a depression of the shutter release button
14 is equivalent to a photographing start instruction. An illuminating
device to be detailed later is mounted at the digital camera 10
equipped with the projector and light emitted from a light emitting
member such as a xenon tube is output toward the front side of the
digital camera 10 equipped with the projector through the illuminating
light window 12. Audio data collected via a built-in microphone
disposed together with the speaker 21 behind the speaker holes 20,
too, can be saved into the recording medium in the photographing
mode.
[0037] In the projection mode, an image reproduced by using image
data that may have been obtained through a previous photographing
operation and read out from a recording medium (e.g., a memory card
250 to be detailed later or an internal memory (not shown)) is projected
by the projector unit through the projection window 13. The corresponding
audio data are reproduced via the speaker 21 mentioned earlier in
the projection mode. It is to be noted that an image reproduced
by using image data read out from a source other than a recording
medium or image data provided from a source outside the digital
camera 10 equipped with the projector can also be projected in the
projection mode.
[0038] The digital camera 10 equipped with the projector includes
a retracting mechanism for retracting a lens barrel P into the camera
casing so as to ensure that light projected through the projection
window 13 does not become eclipsed at the lens barrel P of the photographic
lens 11.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in the
digital camera 10 equipped with the projector described above. As
shown in FIG. 3, the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector
includes a projector unit 120, an imaging unit 220, a CPU 101, a
memory 102, an operation member 103, a liquid crystal display unit
104, a speaker 105, a microphone 106, an external interface (I/F)
107 and an illuminating device 108. A memory card 250 and an optional
tuner card 255 are loaded in card slots (not shown). These cards
can be loaded/unloaded freely.
[0040] The CPU 101 controls the photographing operation and the
projection operation based upon a control program by executing specific
arithmetic operations based upon signals input from the individual
units constituting the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector
and providing the resulting control signals to the various units
of the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector. It is to be
noted that the control program is stored in a nonvolatile memory
(not shown) within the CPU 101.
[0041] The memory 102 is utilized as a work area by the CPU 101.
The operation member 103 corresponds to the main switch 16, the
shutter release button 14 and the mode selector dial 15 in FIG.
1 and also corresponds to the operation members 19 in FIG. 2. Operation
signals corresponding to specific operation details are transmitted
from the operation member 103 to the CPU 101.
[0042] The memory card 250 is constituted with a nonvolatile memory
such as a flash memory, and data such as image data obtained by
the imaging unit 220 through a photographing operation can be written
and saved into the memory card 250 or such image data can be read
out from the memory card 250 in response to a command issued by
the CPU 101. The tuner card 255 receives and modulates television
broadcast signals and the image data and the audio data having undergone
the modulation process are then output to the CPU 101.
[0043] The illuminating device 108 engages the light emission member
in light emission in response to a light emission instruction output
by the CPU 101 and radiates illuminating light to be used to illuminate
the subject toward the area out in front of the digital camera 10
equipped with the projector through the illuminating light window
12.
[0044] At the liquid crystal display unit 104 (which corresponds
to reference numeral 17 in FIG. 2), information such as an image
or text is displayed in response to a command issued by the CPU
101. The text information displayed at the liquid crystal display
unit 104 may indicate the operating state of the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector, or it may be an operation menu or
the like. Sound is reproduced through the speaker 105 (corresponds
to reference numeral 21 in FIG. 2) by using audio data output by
the CPU 101.
[0045] The microphone 106 converts sound having been collected
to electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the
CPU 101. The audio signal data are recorded into the memory card
250 in the photographing mode.
[0046] In order to enable the liquid crystal display unit 104 to
display an image reproduced based upon video signals transmitted
from an external apparatus such as a video camera or enable the
projector unit 120 to project the reproduced image, the video signals
are converted to image data and the image data resulting from the
conversion are output to the CPU 101 via the external interface
(I/F) 107. In addition, the external interface (I/F) 107 converts
sound constituted with audio signals transmitted from an external
apparatus to audio data for audio reproduction at the speaker 105
and outputs the audio data resulting from the conversion to the
CPU 101.
[0047] (Projector Unit)
[0048] The projector unit 120 includes a projection lens 121, a
liquid crystal panel 122, an LED light source 123, a projection
control circuit 124 and a lens drive circuit 125. The projection
control circuit 124 supplies a drive current to the LED light source
123 in response to a projection command output by the CPU 101. The
LED light source 123 illuminates the liquid crystal panel 122 with
a brightness that corresponds to the supplied current.
[0049] In addition, the projection control circuit 124 generates
a liquid crystal panel drive signal in correspondence to image data
output from the CPU 101 and drives the liquid crystal panel 122
with the drive signals thus generated. More specifically, a voltage
corresponding to the image signal is applied to each of the pixels
at the liquid crystal layer. The voltage applied to the liquid crystal
layer alters the liquid crystal molecular arrangement thereby changing
the light transmittance at the liquid crystal layer. By modulating
the light from the LED light source 123 in correspondence to the
image signal as described above, an optical image is generated through
the liquid crystal panel 122.
[0050] Based upon a control signal output from the projection control
circuit 124, the lens drive circuit 125 drives the projection lens
121 forward/backward along the direction perpendicular to the optical
axis. The optical image emitted from the liquid crystal panel 122
is projected toward a screen or the like through the projection
lens 121. It is to be noted that the projection adjustment processing
for adjusting the offset, the focus and the like of the projection
image is to be explained in detail in reference to a fourth embodiment.
[0051] In response to a command issued by the CPU 101, the projector
unit 120 projects an image (content) corresponding to a specific
source among (source 1) through (source 4) described below. The
CPU 101 outputs image data to be used to project an image corresponding
to a specific source so that each time an operation signal is input
from a projection changeover switch (such as that indicated by reference
numeral 19A in FIG. 2) constituting the operation member 103, the
image projection is switched cyclically to project images corresponding
to sources (1) through (4) in the order of (1)->(2)->(3)->(4)->(1)
. . . . However, the source (1) is skipped if the memory card 250
is not loaded in the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector
and the source (2) is skipped if the tuner card 255 is not loaded.
In addition, the source (4) is skipped if no external apparatus
is connected to the external interface (I/F) 107.
(1) An image reproduced based upon image data recorded in the memory
card 250
(2) A broadcast image received and modulated at the tuner card
255
(3) An image reproduced based upon image data recorded in the internal
memory (such as a nonvolatile memory within the CPU 101)
(4) An image reproduced based upon video signals input through
the external interface (I/F) 107.
[0052] When an image corresponding to the source (1) or the source
(3) is to be projected, the CPU 101 reads out the image data corresponding
to the most recent recording date (the image data most recently
photographed among the recorded image data) from the memory card
250 (or the internal memory) and outputs the image data thus read
out to the projector unit 120.
[0053] When a mode for reproducing a single-frame still image is
selected for the projector unit 120 and an image corresponding to
the source (1) or the source (3) is currently projected, the CPU
101 reads out the image data in the frame immediately preceding
the frame of the currently projection image from the memory card
250 (or the internal memory) and outputs the image data to the projector
unit 120 in response to an operation signal (e.g., a leftward operation
on a cross-shaped key) input thereto from a reverse switch constituting
the operation member 103. As a result, the image in the frame immediately
preceding the currently projection image is projected by the projector
unit 120, replacing the initial projection image.
[0054] When an image corresponding to the source (1) or the source
(3) is currently projected, the CPU 101 reads out the image data
in the frame immediately following the frame of the currently projection
image from the memory card 250 (or the internal memory) and outputs
the image data to the projector unit 120 in response to an operation
signal (e.g., a rightward operation on the cross-shaped key) input
thereto from a forward switch constituting the operation member
103. As a result, the image in the frame immediately following the
currently projection image is projected by the projector unit 120,
replacing the initial projection image. By disposing the forward
switch and the reverse switch at the top surface of the digital
camera 10 equipped with the projector, the extent of camera movement
attributable to an operation of either switch is reduced and thus,
the likelihood of a significant displacement of the projection image
is reduced as well.
[0055] (Imaging Unit)
[0056] The imaging unit 220 includes a photographic lens 221 (corresponds
to reference numeral 11 in FIG. 1), an image sensor 222, a lens
drive circuit 223, a photographing control circuit 224 and a lens
barrel retracting mechanism 225. The image sensor 222 may be a CCD
or CMOS imaging element. The photographing control circuit 224 controls
the drive of the image sensor 222 and the lens drive circuit 223
based upon commands issued by the CPU 101 and executes specific
types of image processing on imaging signals (electrical charge
storage signals) output from the image sensor 222. The image processing
includes white balance processing and gamma processing.
[0057] Upon receiving a zoom control signal provided by the photographing
control circuit 224, the lens drive circuit 223 drives the zoom
lens (not shown), which constitutes the photographic lens 221, toward
the telephoto side or the wide-angle side, as indicated by the control
signal. The photographic lens 221 forms a subject image onto the
imaging surface of the image sensor 222. The photographing control
circuit 224 engages the image sensor 222 to start an imaging operation,
reads out the electrical charge storage signals from the image sensor
222 once the imaging operation is completed and outputs the image
data resulting from the image processing described above to the
CPU 101.
[0058] In addition, in response to a command issued by the CPU
101, the photographing control circuit 224 outputs a command to
the lens barrel retracting mechanism 225 so as to retract the lens
barrel P (see FIG. 1) of the photographic lens 221 into the casing
of the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector or extend the
lens barrel P currently retracted in the casing to the photographing
position (see FIG. 1).
[0059] Since the present invention is characterized by the operations
executed when the projection mode is selected in the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector, the following explanation focuses
on the control executed by the CPU 101 as the projection mode is
selected.
[0060] FIG. 4 presents a flowchart of the processing executed in
conformance to the program by the CPU 101 of the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector in the projection mode. The processing
shown in FIG. 4 starts as an operation signal indicating a changeover
to the projection mode is input to the CPU 101 from the mode selector
dial 15.
[0061] In step S1 in FIG. 4, the CPU 101 outputs an imaging unit
OFF instruction to the photographing control circuit 224 and also
issues a display OFF instruction for the liquid crystal display
unit 104 before the operation proceeds to step S2. As a result,
the imaging operation at the imaging unit 220 stops and the display
at the liquid crystal display unit 104 is turned off.
[0062] In step S2, the CPU 101 makes a decision as to whether or
not the lens barrel P is currently in a retracted state. If a signal
indicating a retracted state is received from the photographing
control circuit 224, the CPU 101 makes an affirmative decision in
step S2 to proceed to step S4, whereas it makes a negative decision
in step S2 if a signal indicating a non-retracted state is received
to proceed to step S3.
[0063] The CPU 101 outputs a retract command (instruction) to the
photographing control circuit 224 in step S3, and then the operation
proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the CPU 101 issues a projection
start instruction to the projection control circuit 124 and also
effects a functional adjustment for the shutter release button 14
(see FIG. 1), before the operation proceeds to step S5. In response,
the LED light source 123 is turned on at the projector unit 120.
[0064] After the function adjustment is effected by the CPU 101
in step S4, the shutter release button 14 functions as an operation
member for rotating the orientation of the projection image instead
of the operation member through which photographing instructions
are issued, until the function adjustment for the shutter release
button 14 (see FIG. 1) is cleared in step S11 as detailed later.
[0065] The projection image is rotated as explained below. FIG.
5 present an example of a laterally oriented projection image. If
a photographic image photographed with the digital camera 10 equipped
with the projector held upright (vertically) is projected by setting
the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector sideways (horizontally
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the reproduced image is projected with
the lateral orientation, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0066] In response to an operation signal input thereto from the
shutter release button 14 while an image is projected, the CPU 101
rotates the image data in the memory 102 by, for instance, 90.degree.
in the clockwise direction and outputs the image data having undergone
the rotation processing to the projector unit 120. It is to be noted
that the CPU 101 also executes size conversion processing in correspondence
to the aspect ratio of the projection image so that the image having
undergone the rotation processing is contained in the projection
range of the projector unit 120. For instance, assuming the aspect
ratio of the projection image in FIG. 5 is 4 (lateral):3 (longitudinal),
the CPU 101 executes data size reduction processing so as to express
the image resulting from the rotation processing with pixels, the
numbers of which are reduced to 3/4 of the initial numbers of pixels
both along the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.
As a result, an image having undergone both the rotation processing
and the reduction processing is projected, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0067] The CPU 101 repeatedly executes the size conversion processing
and the rotation processing described above each time an operation
signal is input from the shutter release button 14. As the size
conversion processing, reduction processing for reducing the numbers
of pixels along the longitudinal and the lateral directions both
by a factor of 3/4 and enlargement processing for increasing the
numbers of pixels along the longitudinal direction and the lateral
direction by a factor of 4/3 are alternately executed in correspondence
to the aspect ratio mentioned earlier. Accordingly, if the shutter
release button 14 is operated four times in a row, the projection
image rotates a full cycle in the clockwise direction and after
the fourth operation of the shutter release button 14, the size
of the projection image is reset to the size it assumed before the
shutter release button 14 was operated.
[0068] In step S5 in FIG. 4, the CPU 101 reads out the image data
with the most recent recording date from the memory card 250 and
outputs the image data thus read out to the projector unit 120 before
the operation proceeds to step S6. Thus, an image reproduced by
using the image data output by the CPU 101 to the projector unit
120 is projected. It is to be noted that while image data are read
out from the memory card 250 at the default setting, the default
setting may be modified so as to read out image data from the internal
memory at the CPU 101. It is also to be noted that if audio data
are stored in correspondence to the data file of the currently projection
image, the CPU 101 reproduces sound through the speaker 105 by using
the audio data. The stored image data may contain both still image
data files and dynamic image data files.
[0069] In step S6, the CPU 101 makes a decision as to whether or
not a user operation has been performed. The CPU 101 makes an affirmative
decision in step S6 if an operation signal has been input through
the operation member 103 (see FIG. 3) to proceed to step S7, whereas
it makes a negative decision in step S6 if no operation signal has
been input through the operation member 103 to proceed to step S10.
[0070] In step S10, the CPU 101 makes a decision as to whether
or not the time is up. If a specific length of time (e.g., 5 seconds)
has been counted on an internal timer, the CPU 101 makes an affirmative
decision in step S10 to return to step S5. If, on the other hand,
the specific length of time has not elapsed, a negative decision
is made in step S10 to return to step S6.
[0071] The operation returns to step S5 to execute a slide-show
projection. Namely, an image reproduced by using image data read
out from the memory card 250 (or the internal memory) is projected.
After 5 seconds elapses, the next image data are read out from the
memory card 250 (or the internal memory) and the image projection
is updated with the image reproduced by using the most recently
read-out image data. It is to be noted that the length of the projection
time per image during the slide-show projection is not necessarily
5 seconds, and the length of the projection time can be adjusted
as desired.
[0072] In step S7, the CPU 101 makes a decision as to whether or
not the user operation is a mode switching operation. The CPU 101
makes an affirmative decision in step S7 if the user has operated
the projection changeover switch 19A (see FIG. 2) to proceed to
step S8, whereas it makes a negative decision in step S7 if the
user has performed a projection mode end operation instead of operating
the projection changeover switch 19A (see FIG. 2) to proceed to
step S11.
[0073] In step S8, the CPU 101 switches the source of the image
data to be output to the projector unit 120 by one setting so that
the sources are switched in the order of; (source 1)->(source
2)->(source 3)->(source 4)->(source 1) . . . , and then
the operation proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the CPU 101 makes
a decision as to whether or not the image data to be output to the
projector unit 120 originate from either the source (1) or the source
(3) (i.e., whether or not a recorded image is to be output to the
projector unit 120). The CPU 101 makes an affirmative decision in
step S9 if the image data to be output to the projector unit 120
are a recorded image and, in this case, the operation returns to
step S5. However, it makes a negative decision in step S9 if the
image data to be output to the projector unit 120 are an image from
either the source (2) or the source (4), e.g., an unrecorded image,
to return to step S7.
[0074] In step S11, the CPU 101 issues a projection end instruction
to the projection control circuit 124 and clears the function adjustment
at the shutter release button 14 (see FIG. 1), thereby ending the
processing in FIG. 4. As the processing ends, the LED light source
123 at the projector unit 120 goes off.
[0075] The following operational effects can be achieved in the
first embodiment described above.
[0076] (a) As the projection mode is selected in the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector, the lens barrel P (see FIG. 1) of
the photographic lens 11 (221) is retracted into the casing (step
S3). Since the lens barrel P thus moves out of the range of the
angle of projection field of the light projected by the projector
unit 120, a full projection image is obtained.
[0077] (b) As the projection mode is selected in the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector, the function of the shutter release
button 14 is altered so as to allow the shutter release button 14
to function as an operation member operated to rotate the orientation
of the projection image (step S4). As an operation signal is input
from the shutter release button 14, the digital camera 10 equipped
with the projector first rotates the image data by 90.degree. in
the clockwise direction in the memory 102, executes the size conversion
processing in correspondence to the aspect ratio of the projection
image so as to ensure that the image having undergone the rotation
processing is contained within the range of the projection by the
projector unit 120 and projects the resulting image through the
projector unit 120. Accordingly, even when the projection contents
include both laterally (horizontally) oriented images and longitudinally
(vertically) oriented images, an upright projection image is obtained
at all times simply by pressing down the shutter release button
14 without having to adjust the direction along which the digital
camera 10 equipped with the projector is set, in correspondence
to each set of contents. It is to be noted that the projection image
may be rotated along the counterclockwise direction instead. Since
the projection image is made to rotate via a switch (the shutter
release button 14) disposed at the top surface of the camera 10,
the projection image can be rotated without having to hold the camera
by hand during a projection operation. In other words, the projection
image is rotated without using a switch disposed at a surface (e.g.,
the rear surface) other than the top surface of the camera, and
thus, the camera is less likely to move while the rotation operation
member is operated, which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of the
projection image displacement.
[0078] (c) As the projection mode is selected in the digital camera
10 equipped with the projector, it automatically projects images
reproduced by using image data recorded in the memory card 250 in
a slide-show (steps S4 through S10). This means that after the camera
is set in the projection mode, the user does not need to turn on
the projection lamp (the LED light source 123) or select an image
to be projected. As a result, a higher level of operability of the
digital camera 10 equipped with the projector is assured in the
projection mode.
[0079] (d) As an operation signal is input from the projection
changeover switch 19A (see FIG. 2), while an image is projected
in the projection mode, the digital camera 10 equipped with the
projector cyclically switches the projection images so as to project
an image originating from a specific source among the sources (1)
through (4). Thus, a reproduced image can be projected via the projector
unit 120 regardless of the format of the image data or the image
signals input to the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector.
In addition, the image to be projected can be selected through a
simple operation.
[0080] In the example explained above, image data recorded in the
memory card 250 are selected and images reproduced by using the
selected image data are automatically projected in a slide-show
when the digital camera 10 equipped with the projector is set to
the projection mode. More specifically, when the processing in step
S5 in FIG. 4 is executed for the first time, image data are read
out from the memory card 250. Alternatively, images reproduced by
using image data recorded in the internal memory corresponding to
the source (3) may be projected.
[0081] In addition, when the projection mode is selected in the
digital camera 10 equipped with the projector, an image corresponding
to either the source (2) or the source (4) may be selected and projected
instead.
Second Embodiment
[0082] The present invention may also be adopted in a system in
which a rechargeable battery is used as a power source in a digital
camera and a projector device is built into a digital camera auxiliary
device that supplies the electrical current to the digital camera
to charge the rechargeable battery. The digital camera auxiliary
device is constituted as a cradle through which the charging current
(power) may be supplied to the digital camera and which may project
a reproduced image. Under normal circumstances, a photographing
operation is not performed while the digital camera is mounted at
the cradle.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a digital camera 10 constituting
the digital camera system mounted at a cradle 20.
[0084] (Cradle)
[0085] The cradle 20 in FIG. 7 includes a projector unit 120, a
CPU 151, a memory 152, an operation member 153, a video interface
(VIDEO I/F) 155, a LAN interface (LAN I/F) 156, a USB interface
(USB I/F) 157, an external power source circuit 158, a camera interface
160 and a speaker 159. A detachable memory card 154 is loaded in
a memory slot (not shown) formed at the casing of the cradle 20.
[0086] The CPU 151 controls the communication operation and the
projector operation by executing specific arithmetic operations
on signals input from the individual units constituting the cradle
20 and providing the resulting control signals to the various units
of the cradle 20 based upon a cradle control program. It is to be
noted that the cradle control program is stored in a nonvolatile
memory (not shown) within the CPU 151.
[0087] The memory 152 is utilized as a work memory by the CPU 151.
At the memory card 154 constituted with a nonvolatile memory such
as a flash memory, data can be written, saved and read out in response
to commands issued by the CPU 151.
[0088] The video interface (VIDEO I/F) 155 generates video signals
to be used to display at an external television monitor or the like
an image reproduced by using image data or video signals transmitted
from the digital camera 10A via the camera interface 160 when the
digital camera 10A is set on the cradle 20 or an image reproduced
by image data read out from the memory card 154 when the digital
camera 10A is not set on the cradle 20. The reproduced image is
displayed at the external television monitor or the like connected
with the video interface (VIDEO I/F) 155.
[0089] In response to a command issued by the CPU 151, the LAN
interface (LAN I/F) 156 engages in data exchange with another external
apparatus (e.g., a DVD recording/reproducing apparatus, a security
camera or the like) connected thereto via a LAN cable (not shown).
The USB interface (USB I/F) 157 engages in data exchange with another
external apparatus (e.g., a personal computer, a printer or a photo
data storage device) connected thereto via a USB cable (not shown)
in response to a command issued by the CPU 151.
[0090] The external power source circuit 158, constituted with
an AC/DC conversion circuit or the like, converts an AC voltage
input via a power cable (not shown) to a DC voltage required by
the various units within the cradle 20 and supplies the voltage
resulting from the conversion to the various blocks. In addition,
the external power source circuit 158 supplies the digital camera
10A with a charging current to be used to charge the rechargeable
battery in the digital camera 10A via the camera interface 160.
[0091] When the digital camera 10A is set on the cradle 20, the
camera interface 160 engages in data communication with the digital
camera 10A or supplies the charging current to the digital camera
10A in response to a command from the CPU 151. The camera interface
160 includes a control interface (Control I/F) line through which
control signals are exchanged, a video interface (VIDEO I/F) line
through which video signals are exchanged, a digital interface (Digital
I/F) line through which image data and audio data (digital signals)
are exchanged and a power line through which the charging current
is supplied.
[0092] In response to a command issued by the CPU 151, sound is
reproduced through the speaker 159 by using audio data output from
the CPU 151 or transmitted from the digital camera 10A via the camera
interface 160. The operation member 153 outputs an operation signal
corresponding to a specific switch having been operated to the CPU
151.
[0093] Since the projector unit 120 assumes a structure similar
to that shown in FIG. 3, its explanation is omitted. The projector
unit 120 starts a projection operation upon receiving a projection
command output from the CPU 151 in response to a projection start
operation signal input to the CPU 151 from the operation member
153 or a projection start instruction signal input to the CPU 151
from the digital camera 10A via the camera interface 160.
[0094] In response to a command from the CPU 151, an image originating
from a specific source among sources (1) through (3) described below
is projected via the projector unit 120.
(1) An image reproduced by using image data originating from the
memory card 250 or the internal memory (not shown) in the digital
camera 10A transmitted from the digital interface (Digital I/F)
line at the camera interface 160
(2) An image reproduced by using video signals transmitted from
the digital camera 10A via the video interface (VIDEO I/F) line
at the camera interface 160.
(3) An image reproduced by using image data recorded in the memory
card 154 at the cradle 20.
[0095] (Electronic Camera)
[0096] The digital camera 10A in FIG. 7 includes an imaging unit
220, a CPU 101A, a memory 102, an operation member 103, an external
interface (I/F) 107, a microphone 106, a speaker 105, a liquid crystal
display unit 104, a battery 109, a charging circuit 108 and a cradle
interface 110. The memory card 250 and the tuner card 255 are loaded
and unloaded at memory slots (not shown), as necessary. The external
structure of the digital camera 10A is similar to that of the digital
camera 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and it adopts a structure that allows
the cradle interface 110 to be exposed to the outside as necessary.
However, it does not include a projector unit and accordingly, it
is not equipped with a projection window 13 either. The same reference
numerals are assigned to blocks constituting the digital camera
10A that are similar to the blocks in the structure shown in FIG.
3 to preclude the necessity for a repeated explanation thereof.
[0097] The CPU 101A controls the camera operations by executing
specific arithmetic operations on signals input from the individual
units constituting the digital camera 10A and providing the resulting
control signals to the various units of the digital camera 10A based
upon a camera control program. It is to be noted that the camera
control program is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) within
the CPU 101A.
[0098] The battery 109 is a rechargeable battery that supplies
power to various units where power is required in the digital camera
10A. The charging circuit 108 charges the battery 109 with the charging
current supplied from the cradle 20 via the cradle interface 110.
[0099] The cradle interface 110 engages in data communication with
the cradle 20 and/or receives the charging current from the cradle
while the digital camera 10A is mounted at the cradle 20. The cradle
interface 110 includes a control interface (Control I/F) line through
which control signals are exchanged, a video interface (VIDEO I/F)
line through which video signals are exchanged, a digital interface
(Digital I/F) line through which image data and audio data are exchanged
and a power line through which the charging current is supplied.
[0100] Video signals are generated by the CPU 101A to display an
image, menu information or the like at the liquid crystal display
unit 104. Image data obtained at the imaging unit 220 can be recorded
into the memory card 250 or transmitted to the cradle 20 via the
cradle interface 110. Audio data collected at the microphone 106,
too, can be recorded into the memory card 250 or transmitted to
the cradle 20 via the cradle interface 110 together with the image
data.
[0101] The operation modes of the digital camera 10A include a
photographing mode and a reproduction operation mode for reproducing
images by using photographic image data. Since the digital camera
is not equipped with a projector unit, a projection mode does not
need to be available. The digital camera 10A is switched from a
given operation mode to another in response to an operation of the
mode selector dial 15 at the operation member 103.
[0102] As the digital camera 10A mounted at the cradle 20 is switched
to the reproduction operation mode in the digital camera system
described above, the CPU 101A of the digital camera 10A sets the
projector unit 120 at the cradle 20 in an operation-enabled state
(by supplying power and turning on the LED light source 123 to enter
a projection-ready state). The CPU 101A also transmits a projection
start instruction signal to the cradle 20 via the cradle interface
110. In response, the CPU 151 at the cradle 20 engages the projector
unit 120 to sequentially project a plurality of reproduced images
originating from the source (1) described above (images reproduced
by using image data corresponding to a plurality of image files
stored in the memory card 250 or the internal memory (not shown)
at the digital camera 10A) in a slide-show. It is to be noted that
the image data used for the image reproduction may include both
still images and dynamic images. Alternatively, reproduced images
originating from the source (2) or the source (3) may be projected
in a slide-show. As a further alternative, instead of sequentially
projecting a plurality of reproduced images in a slide-show, a specific
image (e.g., the image most recently photographed with the digital
camera 10A) stored in the memory card 250 or the internal memory
(not shown) at the digital camera 10A may be projected.
[0103] While the digital camera 10A is set on the cradle 20 which
is used to charge the battery 109 in the digital camera 10A and
also includes the projector unit 120 for projecting reproduced images
in the explanation given above, the present invention may also be
adopted in a system in which the digital camera 10A is connected
to a projection display device instead of the cradle 20, which is
equipped with the projector unit 120 but does not include a charging
circuit.
[0104] As the operation mode of the cradle 20 is switched from
a charge mode for supplying the charging current to the digital
camera 10A to a projection mode for projecting a reproduced image
via the projector unit 120, the CPU 151 at the cradle 20 transmits
a signal constituting an instruction to retract the lens barrel
P (see FIG. 1) to the digital camera 10A via the camera interface
160 at the projection start. In response, the CPU 101A at the digital
camera 10A outputs a retract command (instruction) to the photographing
control circuit 224 so as to retract the lens barrel P.
[0105] The cradle 20 may adopt a structure that allows it to concurrently
charge the battery 109 built into the digital camera 10A and project
images via the projector unit 120. In addition, the projector unit
120 may be driven on power supplied by the external power source
circuit 158 instead of the battery 109 built into the digital camera
10A to reduce the power consumption at the battery 109.
[0106] (Variation 1)
[0107] The cradle 20 may automatically shift from the charge mode
to the projection mode once the battery 109 in the digital camera
10A becomes fully charged. In such a case, upon receiving a signal
indicating a charge end provided by the CPU 101A of the digital
camera 10A, the CPU 151 should transmit to the digital camera 10A
a signal instructing that the lens barrel P (see FIG. 1) be retracted
and should also sequentially project a plurality of reproduced images
originating from the source (1) in a slide-show via the projector
unit 120. Alternatively, it may project reproduced images corresponding
to the source (2) or the source (3) in a slide-show. As a further
alternative, instead of sequentially projecting a plurality of reproduced
images in a slide-show, a specific image (e.g., the image most recently
photographed with the digital camera 10A) stored in the memory card
250 or the internal memory (not shown) at the digital camera 10A
may be projected.
[0108] (Variation 2)
[0109] Alternatively, the cradle 20 may automatically shift into
the projection mode as the digital camera 10A is placed on the cradle
20. For instance, the signal level at a specific terminal within
the camera interface 160 may be detected over predetermined time
intervals and a decision may be made as to whether or not the digital
camera 10A is currently set on the cradle 20 based upon the detected
signal value. In such a case, upon detecting that the digital camera
10A is currently set on the cradle 20, the CPU 151 should transmit
to the digital camera 10A a signal instructing that the lens barrel
P (see FIG. 1) be retracted, set the projector unit 120 in a projection-ready
state and sequentially project a plurality of reproduced images
originating from the source (1) in a slide-show. It may instead
project reproduced images corresponding to the source (2) or the
source (3) in a slide-show. As a further alternative, instead of
sequentially projecting a plurality of reproduced images in a slide-show,
a specific image (e.g., the image most recently photographed with
the digital camera 10A) stored in the memory card 250 or the internal
memory (not shown) at the digital camera 10A may be projected. By
adopting a structure that automatically retracts the lens barrel
P as described above, the camera operations can be simplified and,
at the same time, it is ensured that the lens barrel P is never
present within the range of the angle of field of the projected
light when the lens barrel P is set along the direction in which
images are projected via the projector unit.
[0110] (Variation 3)
[0111] The presence of the digital camera 10A on the cradle 20
may be detected via a detection switch 1000 which may be, for instance
a microswitch (see FIG. 7). In this case, the CPU 151 detects the
level of a signal output from the microswitch 1000 and makes a decision
as to whether or not the digital camera 10A is currently set on
the cradle 20 based upon the detected signal value. If it is determined
that the digital camera 10A is set on the cradle 20, the CPU 151
transmits a signal constituting an instruction that the lens barrel
P (see FIG. 1) be retracted to the digital camera 10A, selects the
projection mode as the operation mode and sequentially projects
a plurality of reproduced images originating from the source (1)
in a slide-show via the projector unit 120. Alternatively, it may
project reproduced images corresponding to the source (2) or the
source (3) in a slide-show. As a further alternative, instead of
sequentially projecting a plurality of reproduced images in a slide-show,
a specific image (e.g., the image most recently photographed with
the digital camera 10A) stored in the memory card 250 or the internal
memory (not shown) at the digital camera 10A may be projected.
Third Embodiment
[0112] The present invention may be adopted in a digital camera
system that includes a digital camera equipped with a projector
and a digital camera auxiliary device which is not equipped with
a built-in projector device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of such a
digital camera system with a digital camera 10B equipped with a
projector set on a cradle 20A. The same reference numerals are assigned
to members in FIG. 8 identical to those in FIG. 7 in reference to
which the second embodiment has been explained and their explanation
is omitted. The digital camera 10B adopts an external structure
similar to that of the digital camera 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and includes
a cradle interface 110 that can be exposed to the outside as necessary.
[0113] A CPU 101B of the digital camera 10B makes a decision as
to whether or not the digital camera 10B is currently set on the
cradle 20A. The presence/absence of the digital camera 10B on the
cradle may be judged based upon the signal value detected at a specific
terminal within the cradle interface 110. A signal indicating the
operating state of the microswitch 1000 disposed at the cradle 20A
is transmitted to the specific terminal from a CPU 151A of the cradle
20A.
[0114] Upon judging that the digital camera 10B is currently set
on the cradle 20A, the CPU 101B transmits to the imaging unit 220
a signal instructing that the lens barrel P (see FIG. 1) be retracted,
also transmits a projection start instruction signal to the projector
unit 120 and sequentially projects a plurality of reproduced images
originating from the source (1) in a slide-show. More specifically,
the CPU 101B engages the projector unit 120 to sequentially project
a plurality of reproduced images originating from the source (1)
described above (images reproduced by using image data corresponding
to a plurality of image files stored in the memory card 250 or the
internal memory (not shown) at the digital camera 10B) in a slide-show.
It is to be noted that the image data used for the image reproduction
may include both still images and dynamic images. Alternatively,
reproduced images originating from the source (2) or the source
(3) may be projected in a slide-show. As a further alternative,
instead of sequentially projecting a plurality of reproduced images
in a slide-show, a specific image (e.g., the image most recently
photographed with the digital camera 10B) stored in the memory card
250 or the internal memory (not shown) at the digital camera 10B
may be projected.
[0115] The detection switch 1000 used to judge whether or not the
digital camera 10B is set on the cradle 20A may be disposed at the
digital camera 10B instead. In such a case, the CPU 101B directly
detects the level of the signal from the detection switch 1000 instead
of checking the signal level via the specific terminal in the cradle
interface 110 and makes a decision as to whether or not the digital
camera 10B is set on the cradle based upon the detected signal value.
Fourth Embodiment
[0116] The following is an explanation of the fourth embodiment
of the present invention given in reference to drawings. FIG. 9
is a perspective of a digital camera equipped with a projector achieved
in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the
front side. As shown in FIG. 9, a photographic lens 11, an illuminating
light window 12 and a projection window 13 are disposed at the front
side of an digital camera 10C equipped with the projector. At the
top surface (the surface of the casing turned to the upper side
when the digital camera 10C is held sideways) of the digital camera
10C equipped with the projector, a shutter release button 14, a
zoom switch 23, a mode selector dial 15 and a main switch 22 are
disposed.
[0117] FIG. 10 is a perspective of the digital camera 10C equipped
with the projector in FIG. 9, viewed from the rear side. As shown
in FIG. 10, a liquid crystal display unit 17, an electronic viewfinder
18, operation members 19 and speaker holes 20 are disposed at the
rear surface (toward the photographer) of the digital camera 10C
equipped with the projector.
[0118] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the structure adopted in the
digital camera 10C equipped with the projector described above.
As shown in FIG. 11, the digital camera 10C equipped with the projector
includes a projector unit 120, an imaging unit 220, a CPU 10C, a
memory 102, an operation member 103, a liquid crystal display unit
104, a speaker 105, a microphone 106, an external interface (I/F)
107 and an illuminating device 108. A memory card 200 and a wireless
communication unit 210 are loaded in card slots (not shown). The
memory card 200 and the wireless communication unit 210 can both
be loaded and unloaded freely.
[0119] It is to be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned
to components in FIGS. 9 through 11 with functions similar to those
in FIGS. 1 through 3 in reference to which the first through third
embodiments have been explained, so as to preclude the necessity
for a detailed explanation thereof.
[0120] The CPU 101C controls the photographing operation and the
projection operation by executing specific arithmetic operations
on signals input from the individual units constituting the digital
camera 10C equipped with the projector and providing the resulting
control signals to the various units of the digital camera 10C equipped
with the projector, based upon a control program. It is to be noted
that the control program is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not
shown) within the CPU 101C.
[0121] The memory 102 is utilized as a work area by the CPU 101C.
The operation member 103 corresponds to the main switch 22, the
shutter release button 14, the zoom switch 23 and the mode selector
dial 15 in FIG. 9 and also corresponds to the operation members
19 in FIG. 10. The operation member 103 includes a halfway press
switch and a full press switch (neither shown) that enter an ON
state by interlocking with depression of the shutter release button
14. The halfway press switch enters an ON state as the shutter release
button 14 is depressed to an extent corresponding to a halfway press
operation, whereas the full press switch enters an ON state when
the shutter release button 14 is depressed to an extent corresponding
to a full press operation, which is greater than the extent corresponding
to the halfway press operation. Operation signals corresponding
to specific operation details are transmitted from the operation
member 103 to the CPU 101C.
[0122] The memory card 200 is constituted with a nonvolatile memory
such as a flash memory, and data such as image data obtained by
the imaging unit 220 through a photographing operation can be written
and saved into the memory card 200 or such image data can be read
out from the memory card 200 in response to a command issued by
the CPU 101C. The wireless communication unit 210 receives data
transmitted from an external apparatus (not shown), modulates the
received data and outputs the image data and the audio data having
undergone the modulation process to the CPU 101C.
[0123] (Imaging Unit)
[0124] The imaging unit 220 includes a photographic lens 221 (corresponds
to reference numeral 11 in FIG. 9), an image sensor 222, a lens
drive circuit 223, a photographing control circuit 224 and a lens
barrel retracting mechanism 225. The image sensor 222 may be a CCD
or CMOS imaging element. The photographing control circuit 224 controls
the drive of the image sensor 222 and the lens drive circuit 223
based upon commands issued by the CPU 101C and executes specific
types of image processing on imaging signals (electrical charge
storage signals) output from the image sensor 222. The image processing
includes white balance processing and gamma processing.
[0125] The photographic lens 221 forms a subject image onto the
imaging surface of the image sensor 222. The photographing control
circuit 224 engages the image sensor 222 to start an imaging operation
in response to a photographing start instruction, reads out the
electrical charge storage signals from the image sensor 222 once
the imaging operation is completed and outputs the image data resulting
from the image processing described above to the CPU 101C.
[0126] The lens drive circuit 223 drives forward/backward the focus
lens (not shown) constituting part of the photographic lens 221
along the optical axis based upon a focus adjustment signal output
from the photographing control circuit 224. In addition, upon receiving
a zoom adjustment signal provided by the photographing control circuit
224, the lens drive circuit 223 drives the zoom lens (not shown)
constituting the photographic lens 221 along the optical axis (toward
the telephoto side or the wide-angle side), as indicated by the
zoom adjustment signal. Extents of focus adjustment and zoom adjustment
to be achieved are indicated to the photographing control circuit
224 by the CPU 101C.
[0127] (Focus Adjustment in the Camera)
[0128] The imaging unit 220 adjusts the focus of the photographic
lens 221 by shifting the focus lens constituting the photographic
lens 221 along the optical axis. For auto focus adjustment, the
CPU 101C outputs to the photographing control circuit 224 a focus
adjustment signal so as to achieve a maximum cumulative value (a
focal point evaluation value) of the values of the high-frequency
component indicated in the image signals corresponding to a focus
detection area (e.g., the central area of the photographic image
plane) among the image signals obtained by capturing an image at
the image sensor 222. The focus lens position at which the focal
point evaluation value peaks is equivalent to the focus-match position
at which the highest contrast is achieved in the image captured
by the image sensor 222 with the minimum level of blurring around
the edges in the image.
[0129] (Zoom Adjustment in the Camera)
[0130] The imaging unit 220 executes an optical zoom adjustment
for the photographic lens 221 by shifting the zoom lens constituting
part of the photographic lens 221 along the optical axis. In response
to an operation signal output via the zoom switch 23, the CPU 101C
transmits a zoom adjustment signal to the photographing control
circuit 224. The CPU 101C transmits a zoom adjustment signal indicating
a zoom up if a right turn operation signal has been input from the
zoom switch 23 and transmits a zoom adjustment signal indicating
a zoom down if a left turn operation signal has been input from
the zoom switch 23. The zoom switch 23 assumes a structure that
allows it to selectively output either of the two different operation
signals.
[0131] In addition, in response to a command issued by the CPU
10C, the photographing control circuit 224 outputs a command to
the lens barrel retracting mechanism 225 so as to retract the lens
barrel P (see FIG. 9) of the photographic lens 221 into the casing
of the digital camera 10C equipped with the projector or extend
the lens barrel P currently retracted in the casing to the photographing
position (see FIG. 9).
[0132] (Projector Unit)
[0133] The projector unit 120 includes a projection lens 121, a
liquid crystal panel 122, an LED light source 123, a projection
control circuit 124 and a lens drive circuit 125. The projection
control circuit 124 supplies a drive current to the LED light source
123 in response to a projection command output by the CPU 101C.
The LED light source 123 illuminates the liquid crystal panel 122
with a brightness that corresponds to the supplied current.
[0134] In addition, the projection control circuit 124 generates
a liquid crystal panel drive signal in correspondence to image data
output from the CPU 101C and drives the liquid crystal panel 122
with the drive signals thus generated. More specifically, a voltage
corresponding to the image signal is applied to each of the pixels
at the liquid crystal layer. By modulating the voltage applied to
the liquid crystal layer alters the liquid crystal molecular arrangement
thereby changing the light transmittance at the liquid crystal layer.
By modulating the light from the LED light source 123 in correspondence
to the image signal as described above, an optical image is generated
through the liquid crystal panel 122.
[0135] The optical image originating from the liquid crystal panel
122 is projected via the projection lens 121 toward a screen or
the like disposed outside the digital camera 10C equipped with the
projector. The lens drive circuit 125 drives forward/backward the
projection lens 121 along a direction perpendicular to the optical
axis based upon an offset adjustment signal output from the projection
control circuit 124. In addition, the lens drive circuit 125 drives
forward/backward the focus lens (not shown) constituting part of
the projection lens 121 along the optical axis based upon a focus
adjustment signal output from the projection control circuit 124.
The lens drive circuit 125 also drives forward/backward the zoom
lens (not shown) constituting part of the projection lens 121 along
the optical axis based upon a zoom adjustment signal output from
the projection control circuit 124. The extents of offset adjustment,
focus adjustment and zoom adjustment to be achieved are indicated
by the CPU 101C to the projection control circuit 124.
[0136] (Offset of Projection Image)
[0137] As the projection lens 121 is shifted along the direction
perpendicular to the optical axis, the direction along which the
light flux from the projector unit 120 advances changes, thereby
offsetting the projection image. The projection image may be offset
by shifting the liquid crystal panel 122 and the LED light source
123 along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, instead
of by shifting the projection lens 121. Namely, the projection image
may be offset by altering the positional relationship between the
projection lens 121 and the liquid crystal panel 122 along the direction
perpendicular to the optical axis.
[0138] (Keystone Correction of Projection Image)
[0139] When shifting the projection lens 121, the liquid crystal
panel 122 or the LED light source 123 along the direction perpendicular
to the optical axis, the projection data undergo keystone correction
in correspondence to the extent of the shift. If the projection
image is simply offset as described above, the projection image
will assume a trapezoidal shape, and for this reason, the CPU 101C
needs to execute electrical keystone correction through image processing
so as to correct the shape of the projection image, i.e., so as
to adjust it from the trapezoidal shape to a rectangular shape.
Initial correction values to be used to correct the shapes of projection
images to a rectangular shape are stored in advance in the memory
in the CPU 101C. The CPU 101C reads out the initial correction value
corresponding to the extent of the offset adjustment, executes keystone
correction processing for the projection image data in the memory
102 based upon the initial correction value thus read out and outputs
the image data having undergone the keystone correction processing
to the projection control circuit 124.
[0140] (Focus Adjustment for Projection Image)
[0141] As the focus lens constituting part of the projection lens
121 is shifted along the optical axis, the projector unit 120 adjusts
the focus of the projection image. The CPU 101C transmits a focus
adjustment signal corresponding to an operation signal from the
operation member 103 to the projection control circuit 124 for manual
focus adjustment.
[0142] For auto focus adjustment, the CPU 101C outputs to the projection
control circuit 124 a focus adjustment signal so as to achieve a
maximum cumulative value (a focal point evaluation value) of the
values of the high-frequency component indicated in the image signals
corresponding to a focus detection area (e.g., the central area
of the photographic image plane) among the image signals obtained
by capturing an image at the imaging unit 220. The focus lens position
at which the focal point evaluation value peaks is equivalent to
the focus adjustment position at which the highest contrast is achieved
in the projection subject image with the minimum level of blurring
around the edges in the image.
[0143] (Zoom Adjustment for Projection Image)
[0144] As the zoom lens constituting part of the projection lens
121 is shifted along the optical axis, the projector unit 120 executes
zoom adjustment for the projection image. The CPU 101C transmits
a zoom adjustment signal corresponding to an operation signal from
the operation member 103 to the projection control circuit 124.
[0145] (Projection Sources)
[0146] In response to a command issued by the CPU 101C, the projector
unit 120 reproduces and projects content corresponding to a specific
source among (source 1) through (source 5) described below. The
CPU 101C outputs image data to be used to project an image corresponding
to a specific source so that each time a source changeover operation
signal is input from the operation member 103, the image projection
is switched cyclically to project images corresponding to sources
(1) through (4) in the order of (1)->(2)->(3)->(4)->(1)
. . . . However, the source (1) is skipped if the memory card 200
is not loaded in the digital camera 10C equipped with the projector
and the source (2) is skipped if the wireless communication unit
210 is not loaded. In addition, the source (4) is skipped if no
external apparatus is connected to the external interface (I/F)
107.
[0147] Also, in response to a changeover operation signal indicating
a changeover to chart projection, which is input from the operation
member 103, the CPU 101C outputs image data originating from the
source (5) detailed below to the projector unit 120.
(source 1) An image reproduced by using data read out from the
memory card 200
(source 2) An image reproduced by using data received at the wireless
communication unit 210
(source 3) An image reproduced by using image data recorded in
the internal memory (such as the non-volatile memory in the CPU
10C)
(source 4) An image reproduced by using data input through the
external interface (I/F) 107
(source 5) A chart used in the focus adjustment, such as an image
of a black and white stripe pattern
[0148] When an image corresponding to the source (1) or the source
(3) is to be projected, the CPU 101C reads out the image data corresponding
to the most recent recording date (the image data most recently
photographed among the recorded image data) from the memory card
200 (or the internal memory) and outputs the image data thus read
out to the projector unit 120.
[0149] Since the present invention is characterized by the operations
executed when the projection mode is selected in the digital camera
10C equipped with the projector, the following explanation focuses
on the control executed by the CPU 101C as the projection mode is
selected.
[0150] FIG. 12 presents a flowchart of the processing executed
in conformance to the program by the CPU 101C of the digital camera
10C equipped with the projector in the projection mode. The processing
shown in FIG. 12 starts as an operation signal indicating a changeover
to the projection mode is input to the CPU 101C from the mode selector
dial 15.
[0151] In step S1 in FIG. 12, the CPU 101C outputs an imaging unit
OFF instruction to the photographing control circuit 224 and also
issues a display OFF instruction for the liquid crystal display
unit 104 before the operation proceeds to step S2. As a result,
the imaging operation at the imaging unit 220 stops and the display
at the liquid crystal display unit 104 is turned off.
[0152] In step S2, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the lens barrel P is currently in a retracted state. If a
signal indicating a retracted state is received from the photographing
control circuit 224, the CPU 101C makes an affirmative decision
in step S2 to proceed to step S4A, whereas it makes a negative decision
in step S2 if a signal indicating a non-retracted state is received
to proceed to step S3.
[0153] In step S3, the CPU 101C outputs a retract command (instruction)
to the photographing control circuit 224, and then the operation
proceeds to step S4A. In step S4A, the CPU 101C issues a projection
start instruction to the projection control circuit 124 and effects
function adjustments at the shutter release button 14 and the zoom
switch 23 constituting the operation member 103 and disposed at
the top surface of the digital camera 10C equipped with the projector
before the operation proceeds to step S5. In response to the projection
start instruction, the LED light source 123 is turned on at the
projector unit 120.
[0154] Following step S4A, the shutter release button 14 and the
zoom switch 23 are used as operation members with functions different
from those in the photographing mode until the function adjustments
are cleared in step S11 as described later. While the function adjustments
are in effect, the shutter release button 14 does not function as
an operation member operated to issue a photographing instruction,
but instead functions as an operation member operated to start autofocus
adjustment for the projection image, switch to project a chart image
corresponding to the source (5) for focus adjustment, rotate the
projection image or pause the projection operation. Instead of functioning
as the zoom adjustment operation member operated to adjust the zoom
at the photographic lens 221, the zoom switch 23 functions as an
operation member operated for zoom adjustment at the projection
lens 121, i.e., for zoom adjustment of the projection image.
[0155] In step S5, the CPU 101C reads out the image data with the
most recent recording date from the memory card 200 and outputs
the image data thus read out to the projector unit 120 before the
operation proceeds to step S6. It is to be noted that while image
data are read out from the memory card 200 at the default setting,
the default setting may be modified so as to read out image data
from the internal memory at the CPU 101C. As a result, an image
reproduced by using the image data output by the CPU 101C to the
projector unit 120 is projected. It is also to be noted that if
audio data are stored in correspondence to the data file of the
currently projection image, the CPU 101C reproduces sound through
the speaker 105 by using the audio data. The stored image data may
contain both still image data files and dynamic image data files.
[0156] In step S6, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not a user operation has been performed. The CPU 101C makes an
affirmative decision in step S6 if an operation signal has been
input through the operation member 103 (see FIG. 11) to proceed
to step S7, whereas it makes a negative decision in step S6 if no
operation signal has been input through the operation member 103
to proceed to step S9.
[0157] In step S9, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the image data output to the projector unit 120 originate
from either the source (1) or the source (3) (i.e., whether or not
the image data output to the projector unit are a recorded image.
The CPU 101C makes an affirmative decision in step S9 if the image
data output to the projector unit 120 are a recorded image to proceed
to step S10, whereas it makes a negative decision in step S9 if
the image data output to the projector unit 120 are an image from
either the source (2) or the source (4), i.e., an unrecorded image
to return to step S6.
[0158] In step S10, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the time is up. If a specific length of time (e.g., 5 seconds)
has been counted on an internal timer, the CPU 101C makes an affirmative
decision in step S10 to return to step S5. If, on the other hand,
the specific length of time has not elapsed, a negative decision
is made in step S10 to return to step S6. It is to be noted that
the length of time counted prior to the time-up indicates the length
of time having elapsed after reading out the data corresponding
to the currently projection image.
[0159] The operation returns to step S5 from step S10 to execute
a slide-show projection. Namely, an image reproduced by using image
data read out from the memory card 200 (or the internal memory)
is projected, after 5 seconds elapses, the next image data are read
out from the memory card 200 (or the internal memory) and the image
projection is updated with the image reproduced by using the most
recently read out image data. It is to be noted that the length
of the projection time per image during the slide-show projection
does not need to be 5 seconds, and the length of the projection
time can be adjusted as necessary.
[0160] In step S7, to which the operation proceeds after making
an affirmative decision in step S6, the CPU 101C makes a decision
as to whether or not the user has performed a mode switching operation.
The CPU 101C makes an affirmative decision in step S7 if the operation
signal has been input from the mode selector dial 15, indicating
a changeover to the photographing mode, and in this case, the operation
proceeds to step S11. If source changeover operation signals from
the shutter release button 14 and the zoom switch 23 have been input,
e.g., if an operation signal from the zoom switch 23 and a halfway
press operation signal from the shutter release button 14 have been
input simultaneously, the CPU 101C makes a negative decision in
step S7 to proceed to step S8. Moreover, if an operation signal
has been input either from the shutter release button 14 or the
zoom switch 23, the CPU 101C also makes a negative decision in step
S7 and in this case, the operation proceeds to step S12. The operation
proceeds to step S8 on the assumption that a source changeover instruction
has been issued, whereas the operation proceeds to step S12 on the
assumption that a projection adjustment instruction has been issued.
[0161] In step S11, the CPU 101C issues a projection end instruction
to the projection control circuit 124 and clears the function adjustments
at the shutter release button 14 and the zoom switch 23, thereby
ending the processing in FIG. 12. As the processing ends, the LED
light source 123 at the projector unit 120 goes off. It is to be
noted that if the projection contents have originated from the source
(1), the data having been read out from the memory card 200 are
not saved in the memory 102. If the projection contents have originated
from the source (2), the data having been received at the wireless
communication unit 210 are not saved in the memory 102. In addition,
if the projection contents have originated from the source (4),
the data having been received via the external interface 107 are
not saved in the memory 102.
[0162] In step S8, the CPU 101C switches the source of the image
data to be output to the projector unit 120 by one setting so that
the sources are switched in the order of; (source 1)->(source
2)->(source 3)->(source 4)->(source 1) . . . , each time
an operation signal from the zoom switch 23 and a halfway press
operation signal from the shutter release button 14 are simultaneously
input. Then the operation proceeds to step S9.
[0163] In step S12, the CPU 101C executes projection adjustment
processing and then the operation proceeds to step S9. The projection
adjustment processing is now explained in detail in reference to
the flowchart presented in FIG. 13. In step S51 in FIG. 13, the
CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether or not the user has operated
the zoom switch 23 at the operation member 103. The CPU 101C makes
an affirmative decision in step S51 if the operation signal input
thereto has originated from the zoom switch 23 to proceed to step
S52, whereas it makes a negative decision in step S51 if the operation
signal has not originated from the zoom switch 23 to proceed to
step S53.
[0164] In step S52, the CPU 101C executes optical zoom processing,
before returning to step S51. The CPU 101C may execute the optical
zoom processing by, for instance, outputting a zoom adjustment signal
to the projection control circuit 124 so as to zoom up the projection
image if the zoom switch 23 has been turned to the right and outputting
a zoom adjustment signal to the projection control circuit 124 so
as to zoom down the projection image if the zoom switch 23 has been
turned to the left.
[0165] In step S53, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the user has pressed the shutter release button 14 halfway
down (i.e., whether or not an operation signal has been output from
the halfway press switch). The CPU 101C makes an affirmative decision
in step S53 if the operation signal input thereto is a halfway press
operation signal to proceed to step S54, but makes a negative decision
in step S53 if a halfway press operation signal has not been input
to proceed to step S56.
[0166] In step S54, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the shutter release switch has been held down. The CPU 101C
makes a negative decision in step S54 if the halfway press operation
signal has been cleared within a predetermined length of time (e.g.,
3 seconds) to proceed to step S55, whereas it makes an affirmative
decision in step S54 if the halfway press operation signal has been
sustained over a length of time equal to or greater than the predetermined
length of time to proceed to step S59.
[0167] A halfway press operation signal generated when the shutter
release button 14 has been pressed halfway down without being held
down over a significant length of time is equivalent to an autofocus
(AF) instruction. In step S55, the CPU 101C starts AF processing,
and then the operation returns to step S51. More specifically, it
issues an imaging unit ON instruction to the photographing control
circuit 224 and also transmits a focus adjustment signal to the
projection control circuit 124 so as to achieve the maximum value
for the focal point evaluation value calculated based upon image
signals provided by the imaging unit 220. It is to be noted that
once the AF processing is completed, the CPU 101C issues an imaging
unit OFF instruction to the photographing control circuit 224.
[0168] A halfway press operation signal generated when the shutter
release button 14 has been pressed halfway down and held at the
halfway press position is equivalent to a chart projection ON/OFF
switching instruction. In step S59, the CPU 101C makes a decision
as to whether or not the chart for the focus adjustment originating
from the source (5) is currently projected. If the chart image is
being projected, i.e., if the focus adjustment chart image data
have already been output to the projector unit 120, the CPU 101C
makes an affirmative decision in step S59 to proceed to step S60,
whereas it makes a negative decision in step S59 if a reproduced
image originating from any source among the source (1) through the
source (4) is currently being projected to proceed to step S61.
[0169] In step S60, the CPU 101C turns off the chart projection.
Namely, it outputs to the projector unit 120 the image data originating
from a specific source among the source (1) through the source (4),
which have been most recently projected prior to the chart image
projection, so as to project a reproduced image by using the image
data instead of the chart image. The operation then returns to step
S51.
[0170] In step S61, the CPU 101C turns on chart projection. Namely,
it outputs to the projector unit 120 the chart image data from the
source (5) so as to project the chart image instead of the currently
projected reproduced image originating from a source among the source
(1) through the source (4), before returning to step S51.
[0171] In step S56, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the user has pressed the shutter release button 14 all the
way down, i.e., whether or not an operation signal has been output
from the full press switch. The CPU 101C makes an affirmative decision
in step S56 if the operation signal input thereto is a full press
operation signal to proceed to step S57. However, it makes a negative
decision in step S56 if a full press operation signal has not been
input, ends the processing in FIG. 13 and proceeds to step S9 in
FIG. 12.
[0172] In step S57, the CPU 101C makes a decision as to whether
or not the shutter release switch has been held down. The CPU 101C
makes a negative decision in step S57 if the full press operation
signal has been cleared within a predetermined length of time (e.g.,
3 seconds) to proceed to step S58, whereas it makes an affirmative
decision in step S57 if the full press operation signal has been
sustained over a length of time equal to or greater than the predetermined
length of time to proceed to step S62.
[0173] A full press operation signal generated when the shutter
release button 14 has been pressed all the way down without holding
it at the full press position over a significant length of time
is equivalent to a projection image rotation instruction. In step
S58, the CPU 101C rotates the projection image as explained below,
before returning to step S51.
[0174] (Rotation of Projection Image)
[0175] The CPU 101C rotates the image data by 90.degree. in the
clockwise direction in the memory 102 and outputs the i |