Electronic device and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof. The electronic device includes: a first display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit; and a control unit configured to rotate an image to be displayed on the first display unit according to a rotation angle in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit, and to rotate an image to be output to the external device according to the rotation angle of the first display unit and a rotation angle in a plane parallel to a screen of the second display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a technology for displaying an image on a display unit capable of rotating the image. Background Art

[0002] So-called vertical shooting, which captures an image with a composition in which the long side of the image corresponds to the vertical direction, is becoming popular. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-35219 discusses a technique for displaying a captured image on a display unit with an inverted aspect ratio by rotating a first housing for capturing an image of a subject and a second housing including a display unit 90 degrees relative to each other about a connecting axis that relatively rotatably connects the first and second housings. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic device includes: a first display unit; and a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit; and a control unit configured to rotate an image to be displayed on the first display unit according to a rotation angle in a plane parallel to the screen of the first display unit, and to rotate an image to be output to the external device according to the rotation angle of the first display unit and a rotation angle in a plane parallel to the screen of the second display unit.

[0004] A control method for an electronic device, the electronic device including a first display unit and configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit, the control method comprising: rotating an image to be displayed on the first display unit according to a rotation angle in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit; and rotating an image to be output to the external device according to the rotation angle of the first display unit and a rotation angle in a plane parallel to the screen of the second display unit.

[0005] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 : is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video camera serving as an example of an apparatus to which the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment can be applied.

[0007] Figure 2A 、 2B 2C are external appearance diagrams of a video camera serving as an example of a device to which the structure of the present exemplary embodiment can be applied.

[0008] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4A 、 4B 4A and 4B are diagrams each illustrating an example of a menu screen according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating liquid crystal display (LCD) display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the orientation of images displayed on the LCD and the monitor based on the combination of the orientations of the camera and the monitor.

[0013] Figure 8A 、 8B 8C, 8D, and 8E are diagrams each showing a display example of a captured image and imaging information in the state of each orientation of the camera and the monitor.

[0014] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between video random access memory (VRAM) and read direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the video camera 100 .

[0016] The lens mount 102 is an external lens connection unit. The image sensor 110 is an image sensor including a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, which converts a light beam that has passed through the external lens attached to the lens mount 102 into an electronic signal.

[0017] The video signal processing unit 121 generates image data by performing predetermined computational processing using the signal converted by the image sensor 110. Based on the computational results obtained by the video signal processing unit 121, the central processing unit (CPU) 131 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. Consequently, through-the-lens (TTL) system autofocus (AF) and automatic exposure (AE) processing are performed. The video signal processing unit 121 also performs predetermined computational processing and, based on the obtained computational results, performs TTL system automatic white balance (AWB) processing.

[0018] The image data processed by the video signal processing unit 121 is stored in the memory 132 and then written to the recording medium 173 via the interface (I / F) 172. The image data stored in the memory 132 can be output from the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output terminal 154 via the display control unit 151.

[0019] The nonvolatile memory 133 is a memory used as an electrically erasable and programmable recording medium. For example, a flash read-only memory (ROM) is used as the nonvolatile memory 133. The nonvolatile memory 133 stores operating constants for the CPU 131 and programs. The program is a computer program for executing the various flowcharts described below in this exemplary embodiment.

[0020] The CPU 131 is a control unit including at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire video camera 100 via the bus 150. By executing the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 133 described above, the CPU 131 implements each process according to the present exemplary embodiment to be described below.

[0021] For example, a random access memory (RAM) is used as the memory 132. Operation constants and variables of the CPU 131 are loaded into the memory 132. The memory 132 is also used as an image display memory (video RAM (VRAM)). The CPU 131 also performs display control by controlling the memory 132 and the display control unit 151.

[0022] The graphics processing unit (GPU) 152 reads character font data and icon image data from the nonvolatile memory 133 and draws the on-screen display (OSD) data onto the VRAM in the memory 132. By drawing icons and characters in a 90-degree rotated state or a 270-degree rotated state, it is also possible to draw in the VRAM dedicated to portrait photography. In other words, it is possible to draw in the VRAM in a display orientation that differs by 90 degrees from the reference orientation.

[0023] The display control unit 151 reads the VRAM of the image and OSD from the memory 132, performs predetermined calculations such as VRAM synthesis, and then outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal display (LCD) 153 and the HDMI output terminal 154. As described below, the display control unit 151 can read the VRAM upside down and left and right to display 180 degrees. The display control unit 151 can also output a control signal for controlling the external monitor 301 connected to the camera 100 from the HDMI output terminal 154.

[0024] Hinge 155 is a connection unit having a biaxial rotation mechanism and is disposed between LCD 153 and housing 101. Hinge 155 can realize at least two movable configurations, including a state in which hinge 155 is operated to place LCD 153 in contact with housing 101 with the screen facing outward, and a state in which hinge 155 is operated to place LCD 153 away from housing 101 with the screen facing inward. Hinge 155 also has a function of detecting whether the current state is in either of these states.

[0025] The touch panel 156 can detect a finger touch on the LCD 153 , and the CPU 131 can read the coordinates of the touched position.

[0026] The power supply unit 157 supplies power to the entire video camera 100 .

[0027] The operation unit 164 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches and buttons for receiving various operations from the user. The operation unit 164 includes at least a power switch, a menu key, a direction key, a determination key, and an assignment button.

[0028] The external monitor 301 is an external monitor (external device) that can be connected to the camera 100 via the HDMI input terminal 303 and a cable connected to the HDMI output terminal 154. The display unit 302 is the display unit of the external monitor 301. Under the control of the CPU 304, the display unit 302 can display (or output) the video signal output from the camera 100. The external monitor 301 includes a support and legs adapted to be oriented so that the long side of the display unit 302 corresponds to the horizontal direction. In this exemplary embodiment, this orientation is considered to be the reference orientation of the external monitor 301. The external monitor 301 may include a support that can be rotated so that the long side of the display unit 302 corresponds to the vertical direction. Optionally, the external monitor 301 may include an attachment unit that can be attached to the camera 100 via the accessory shoe 104 described below.

[0029] A direction detection unit ( Figure 1(not shown) may be arranged in the camera 100. In this case, the CPU 131 obtains the display direction of the LCD 153 based on the detection result of the orientation detection unit. When the reference orientation (reference orientation) refers to a state in which the long side of the screen of the LCD 153 corresponds to the horizontal direction and the screen faces the back of the camera 100, the display direction is defined as the rotation angle relative to the reference orientation in a plane parallel to the screen of the LCD 153. In other words, the display direction is defined as the rotation angle in a plane parallel to the screen of the LCD 153. The same applies to the external monitor 301, and the display direction of the external monitor 301 is defined as the rotation angle in a plane parallel to the screen of the external monitor 301.

[0030] Figure 2A and 2B is an external view of the video camera 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 2C FIG. 3 is an external view of the external monitor 301 .

[0031] Figure 2A The hinge 155 is operated to position the LCD 153 in contact with the housing 101, with the screen facing outward. In this orientation, the image sensor 110 and LCD 153 are both oriented with their longer sides aligned with the horizontal direction, and the image displayed on the LCD 153 is also oriented in landscape orientation. In this state, the same landscape image as that displayed on the LCD 153 is displayed on the display unit 302 of the external monitor 301. Since both the LCD 153 and the display unit 302 include landscape display areas, landscape images can be displayed by effectively utilizing each display area. In this exemplary embodiment, the orientation of the camera 100 in the above-described state (i.e., with the longer side of the LCD 153 aligned with the horizontal direction) is considered to be the reference orientation of the camera 100.

[0032] When the camera 100 is set to an orientation rotated 90 degrees from the reference orientation on the display surface of LCD 153, both the image sensor 110 and LCD 153 are oriented with their long sides aligned with the vertical direction. This orientation is desirable for capturing higher-resolution images of vertically elongated subjects (such as a person standing upright), i.e., for portrait photography. The same applies when the camera 100 is set to an orientation rotated 270 degrees from the reference orientation on the display surface of LCD 153. The user selects either the 90-degree or 270-degree rotation orientation for portrait photography, taking into account obstacles near the camera 100, the operability of the operation unit 164, the layout of accessories and cables attached to the camera 100, and the user's tolerance for fatigue when capturing images. Depending on the shooting situation, it can be assumed that a series of shooting processes are performed when the user frequently switches between the 90-degree and 270-degree rotation orientations.

[0033] On the other hand, when external monitor 301 is positioned 90 degrees from the reference orientation on the display surface of display unit 302, the screen of external monitor 301 is oriented so that its long side is vertical. This orientation is desirable for monitoring images captured by camera 100 in a vertical orientation. The same applies to a case where external monitor 301 is positioned 270 degrees from the reference orientation on the display surface of external monitor 301. The user selects either the 90-degree or 270-degree rotation orientation as the orientation of external monitor 301, taking into account the orientation suitable for the rotation mechanism included in the bracket of external monitor 301 or the orientation of the screen of the operating unit suitable for external monitor 301.

[0034] The housing 101 is a housing unit of the video camera 100 , and contains components other than the LCD 153 .

[0035] An external monitor 301, which is larger than the LCD 153, is attached to the accessory shoe 104, and images output from the HDMI output terminal 154 can be monitored on the external monitor 301. This configuration eliminates the need for a separate installation location for the external monitor from the camera 100, allowing monitoring using a large monitor in a reduced space. With this configuration, when the camera 100 is positioned in a 90-degree rotation, the external monitor 301 is also positioned in a 90-degree rotation. Similarly, when the camera 100 is positioned in a 270-degree rotation, the external monitor 301 is also positioned in a 270-degree rotation.

[0036] Figure 2BThe hinge 155 is shown in the reference orientation of the camera 100. Figure 2A The state shown is rotated 180 degrees and the LCD 153 is rotated to face the Figure 2A The LCD 153 is in the same direction as the state.

[0037] In this state, Figure 2A In the case where the image displayed in the reference direction is displayed as it is on the LCD 153, a vertically and horizontally inverted image is displayed on the LCD 153. In order to realize the desired display mode, the CPU 131 causes the display control unit 151 to output the image rotated 180 degrees to the LCD 153 based on the rotation state of the hinge 155. Therefore, the CPU 131 can display the image in a manner that looks the same as the image in the reference direction. Figure 2A In this exemplary embodiment, Figure 2A The direction and Figure 2B These two directions are regarded as directions in the reference direction of the camera 100.

[0038] Will refer to Figure 3 The display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below. This processing is implemented by the CPU 131 loading a program recorded on the nonvolatile memory 133 onto the memory 132 and executing the program. This processing is started when the power of the video camera 100 is turned on by operating the power switch included in the operation unit 164 and display on the LCD 153 and the external monitor 301 becomes executable.

[0039] In step S301, the CPU 131 determines whether a menu display request is made by pressing a menu key included in the operation unit 164. If the CPU 131 determines that the menu screen needs to be displayed ("YES" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302. If the CPU 131 determines that the menu screen does not need to be displayed ("NO" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S319.

[0040] In step S302, the CPU 131 displays a menu screen on the LCD 153. The menu screen displays, for each page, items indicating time settings, settings related to autofocus (AF) processing, and settings indicating whether to superimpose information display on the live view (LV) screen. The menu screen also displays items indicating settings related to the display orientation of the LCD 153 and settings related to the display orientation of the external monitor 301 via HDMI, as described below. On the menu screen, the user can select an item to be set using the direction keys included in the operation unit 164. Each menu setting can be assigned to an assignment button included in the operation unit 164. By pressing the assignment button to which the menu setting is assigned, the setting can be changed at any time according to the processing procedure (not shown) without opening the menu screen.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 4A 、 4B and 4C to describe the items to be displayed on the menu screen. Figure 4A As shown, the menu screen includes the following setting items. More specifically, item 401 and item 402 are displayed. Item 401 is used to set the display direction of LCD 153 (hereinafter referred to as LCD display direction), and item 402 is used to set the display direction of the video signal to be output from HDMI output terminal 154 (hereinafter referred to as HDMI display direction). By selecting either of these items, the display direction can be set.

[0042] The display direction refers to the rotation direction of the display of the image and characters to be output, and refers to the display angle or rotation angle based on the display orientation set when no rotation processing is performed. For example, the display direction set to standard refers to the orientation when the camera 100 and the external monitor 301 are set to the reference orientation (the camera 100 is in the reference orientation). Figure 2A The state shown, and the external monitor 301 is in Figure 2C The displayed images and characters viewed from the user are in an easy-to-read orientation when the monitor is in the state shown in the figure). Each reference direction indicates a situation in which the longer direction of the display surface extends in the horizontal direction and the bottom surface of each device faces the direction of gravity. The reference direction of the monitor corresponds to an orientation in which the monitor is set in such a manner that the longer direction becomes horizontal in the orientation in which the legs are attached. In short, the standard display orientation is a direction in which display output is performed without rotation processing. When the display direction is set to a 90-degree rotation, images, characters and icons are output in a manner as if displayed on a display unit rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the standard display state. With this structure, when the display unit is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, images and characters are displayed in a direction that is easy for the user to read. The standard setting indicates the reference direction, and indicates the display direction of 0-degree rotation (output without rotation processing).

[0043] In step S303, the CPU 131 determines whether the display orientation of the LCD 153 is set to the standard. The display orientation of the LCD 153 and the HDMI display orientation are recorded in the memory 132. The CPU 131 makes this determination by referring to the memory 132. If the CPU 131 determines that the display orientation of the LCD 153 is set to the standard ("Yes" in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. If the CPU 131 determines that the display orientation of the LCD 153 is not set to the standard ("No" in step S303), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0044] In step S304, the CPU 131 grays out item 402 on the menu screen currently displayed on the LCD 153. A grayed-out item becomes visually distinguishable from other items and indicates that the item is not accepting setting changes. The standard LCD display orientation can be rewritten to correspond to the camera 100's orientation in the reference orientation and the orientation for capturing landscape images. Therefore, if the external monitor 301 is also set to the reference orientation, the user can check the captured image in the direction in which the camera 100 is capturing images. In other words, since there is no need to set the display orientation to 90 degrees or 270 degrees, the HDMI display orientation is also set to the reference orientation when the LCD display orientation is set to standard. By graying out item 402 as described above, the user is prevented from selecting unnecessary settings, thereby avoiding confusion and an increase in the number of setting operations. While item 402 is grayed out, the setting cannot be changed even if the assigned button to item 402 is pressed. For example, when the camera 100 is shooting in portrait orientation, there is a possibility that the HDMI display orientation may be set to 90 degrees or 270 degrees, as described below. When the shooting orientation is changed from this state to landscape orientation, the user is likely to change the display orientation of the LCD 153 to the standard orientation and further change the orientation of the external monitor 301 to the reference orientation. In this case, since it is desirable to set the HDMI display orientation to the standard orientation similar to the display orientation of the LCD 153, after item 402 is grayed out, the image is output without rotation processing, regardless of the state of the HDMI display setting, as described above. With this structure, the number of setting operations required by the user can be reduced while outputting the image in an orientation that is easy for the user to read.

[0045] In step S305 , the CPU 131 enables the grayed-out item on the menu screen being displayed on the LCD 153 , that is, the item 402 .

[0046] In step S306, CPU 131 determines whether an instruction for changing the LCD display direction has been issued on the menu screen. In other words, CPU 131 determines whether item 401 has been selected on the menu screen. Selection of item 401 or 402 can be performed by operating the direction keys and the OK key included in operation unit 164 or by touching LCD 153. If CPU 131 determines that an instruction for changing the LCD display direction has been issued ("Yes" in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307. If CPU 131 determines that an instruction for changing the LCD display direction has not been issued ("No" in step S306), the process proceeds to step S311.

[0047] In step S307, the CPU 131 displays selection candidates of the LCD display direction on the LCD 153. More specifically, the CPU 131 displays standard, 90-degree rotation, and 270-degree rotation as selection candidates. Figure 4B Examples of selection options indicating the LCD display orientation are shown. Item 403 indicates that the LCD display orientation is set to standard, item 404 indicates that the LCD display orientation is set to 90-degree rotation, and item 405 indicates that the LCD display orientation is set to 270-degree rotation. The user can select any of these items. Both the 90-degree rotation and the 270-degree rotation correspond to rotation angles that differ by 90 degrees from the standard orientation. Item selection can be performed by operating the direction keys and the OK key included in operation unit 164. Setting the LCD 153 display orientation to standard allows for capturing landscape images with the camera 100 oriented in the reference orientation. Setting the LCD 153 display orientation to 90-degree rotation allows for capturing portrait images with the camera 100 oriented 90 degrees clockwise from the reference orientation. Furthermore, setting the LCD 153 display orientation to 270-degree rotation allows for capturing portrait images with the camera 100 oriented 270 degrees clockwise from the reference orientation. In other words, when the setting of the display direction follows the orientation of the camera 100, since the user can be aware of the imaging setting, it becomes easier to correctly set other related items by enabling the user to set the imaging orientation on the menu screen in the imaging location.

[0048] In step S308, the CPU 131 determines whether the user has changed the setting based on the currently set LCD display orientation. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation setting has been changed ("Yes" in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation setting has not been changed ("No" in step S308), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0049] In step S309 , the CPU 131 records the LCD display direction setting on the memory 132 .

[0050] In step S310, the CPU 131 determines whether to terminate the LCD display orientation setting. This can be done by pressing the return button 73. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation setting is to be terminated ("YES" in step S310), the process returns to step S303. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation setting is not to be terminated ("NO" in step S310), the process returns to step S307. The process in step S310 need not be performed. Instead of setting the LCD 153 display orientation, a configuration could be considered in which the LCD 153 display orientation is automatically changed according to the process from steps S306 to S310. For example, if the camera 100 includes an orientation detection unit such as a gravity sensor, the orientation can be identified. Based on the orientation detection result, the CPU 131 can determine whether the camera 100 is in the reference orientation, in the orientation rotated 90 degrees, or in the orientation rotated 270 degrees, and automatically set the display orientation appropriate for that orientation.

[0051] In step S311, the CPU 131 determines whether an instruction to change the HDMI display direction has been issued on the menu screen. In other words, the CPU 131 determines whether item 402 has been selected on the menu screen. If the CPU 131 determines that an instruction to change the HDMI display direction has been issued ("Yes" in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312. If the CPU 131 determines that an instruction to change the HDMI display direction has not been issued ("No" in step S311), the process proceeds to step S317.

[0052] In step S312, the CPU 131 determines whether the current setting of the LCD display direction is set to standard. If the LCD display direction is set to standard ("Yes" in step S312), the process proceeds to step S306. If the LCD display direction is not set to standard ("No" in step S312), the process proceeds to step S313. If the LCD display direction is set to standard, since the setting of the HDMI display direction is grayed out as described above, the setting change process is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S306.

[0053] In step S313, the CPU 131 displays selection candidates of the HDMI display direction on the LCD 153. More specifically, the CPU 131 displays LCD synchronization, 90-degree rotation, and 270-degree rotation as selection candidates. Figure 4C Examples of selection options indicating the HDMI display direction are shown. Item 406 indicates that the HDMI display direction is set to LCD synchronization, item 407 indicates that the HDMI display direction is set to 90-degree rotation, and item 408 indicates that the HDMI display direction is set to 270-degree rotation. The user can select any of these items. The 90-degree rotation and the 270-degree rotation both correspond to rotation angles that differ by 90 degrees from the reference direction and indicate that the image is displayed in a portrait orientation. The selection operation in step S313 can be performed by operating the direction keys and the OK key included in the operation unit 164. Setting the HDMI display direction to 90-degree rotation is used to display the image in a portrait orientation, with the external monitor 301 rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the reference direction. Setting the HDMI display direction to 270-degree rotation is used to display the image in a portrait orientation, with the external monitor 301 rotated 270 degrees clockwise from the reference direction. In other words, the HDMI display direction setting indicates the orientation of the external monitor 301. In this manner, by making the orientation of the external monitor 301 selectable from camera synchronization, 90-degree rotation, and 270-degree rotation, and further performing display output according to the selected orientation, the number of setting operations performed when the external monitor 301 is attached integrally with the video camera 100 or when the orientation is changed in synchronization with the video camera 100 can be reduced. In other words, by setting the orientation of the external monitor 301 to camera synchronization, the burden of resetting the display orientation of the external monitor 301 each time the orientation of the video camera 100 is changed can be eliminated. By setting the display orientation in other circumstances, images can be appropriately output according to the orientation of the external monitor 301.

[0054] In step S314, the CPU 131 determines whether the user has changed the setting based on the currently set HDMI display direction. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction setting has been changed ("Yes" in step S314), the process proceeds to step S315. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction setting has not been changed ("No" in step S314), the process proceeds to step S316.

[0055] In step S315 , the CPU 131 records the HDMI display direction setting on the memory 132 .

[0056] In step S316, the CPU 131 determines whether to end the HDMI display direction setting. The HDMI display direction setting can be ended by pressing the return button 73. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction setting is to be ended ("Yes" in step S316), the process returns to step S306. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction setting is not to be ended ("No" in step S316), the process returns to step S313. The process in step S316 does not need to be performed. In step S317, the CPU 131 determines whether to end the display of the menu screen. The menu screen end instruction can be issued by pressing the menu key included in the operation unit 164. If the CPU 131 determines that the display of the menu screen is to be ended ("Yes" in step S317), the process returns to step S301. If the CPU 131 determines that the display of the menu screen is not to be ended ("No" in step S317), the process proceeds to step S318.

[0057] In step S318, the CPU 131 changes the setting items to other items. For example, the CPU 131 changes the setting items such as the setting related to the white balance (WB) processing and the setting related to the imaging resolution.

[0058] In step S319, the CPU 131 determines whether the mode has been switched to the image capture mode. The image capture mode can be switched by pressing the shutter button or the mode selector switch. If the CPU 131 determines that the mode has been switched to the image capture mode ("YES" in step S319), the process proceeds to step S320. If the CPU 131 determines that the mode has not been switched to the image capture mode ("NO" in step S319), the process proceeds to step S323.

[0059] In step S320, the CPU 131 performs Figure 5 HDMI display processing shown.

[0060] In step S321, the CPU 131 performs Figure 6 More specifically, the CPU 131 displays the captured image on the LCD 153 without performing the rotation process.

[0061] In step S322, the CPU 131 performs image capture processing. In the image capture processing, the CPU 131 can capture a still image or a moving image.

[0062] In step S323, the CPU 131 determines whether to end the display process. In the case where a power-off instruction is issued by operating the power switch included in the operation unit 164, the display process is ended. In the case where the CPU 131 determines that the display process is to be ended ("Yes" in step S323), Figure 3 If the CPU 131 determines that the display processing is not to be terminated (NO in step S323 ), the process returns to step S301 .

[0063] In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the user can set the LCD display direction and the HDMI display direction on the menu screen.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 5 HDMI display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. This processing is achieved by the CPU 131 controlling the various components of the video camera 100 based on the program recorded on the nonvolatile memory 133. Figure 3 In step S320, HDMI display processing is started.

[0065] In step S501 , the CPU 131 acquires the LCD display direction and the HDMI display direction from the memory 132 .

[0066] In step S502, the CPU 131 determines whether the LCD display orientation is set to standard. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation is set to standard ("Yes" in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display orientation is not set to standard ("No" in step S502), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0067] In step S503, the CPU 131 outputs the image and OSD (information displayed superimposed on the image) to the HDMI without rotation. Figure 8A As shown, a captured image 801 and imaging information 802 are displayed on the external monitor 301 . Figure 8A The LCD 153 of the video camera 100 and the external monitor 301 are both shown in a reference orientation. When viewed from the user, both the captured image 801 and the imaging information 802 are displayed in the same orientation.

[0068] In step S504, the CPU 131 determines whether the LCD display direction is set to rotate 90 degrees. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display direction is set to rotate 90 degrees ("YES" in step S504), the process proceeds to step S505. If the CPU 131 determines that the LCD display direction is not set to rotate 90 degrees ("NO" in step S504), the process proceeds to step S509.

[0069] In step S505, the CPU 131 determines whether the HDMI display direction is set to LCD synchronization. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is set to LCD synchronization ("Yes" in step S505), the process proceeds to step S507. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is not set to LCD synchronization ("No" in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506.

[0070] In step S506, the CPU 131 determines whether the HDMI display direction is set to 90-degree rotation. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is set to 90-degree rotation ("Yes" in step S506), the process proceeds to step S507. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is not set to 90-degree rotation ("No" in step S506), the process proceeds to step S508.

[0071] In step S507, while drawing the imaging information 802 in a 90-degree rotation state, the CPU 131 outputs the image to the HDMI output terminal 154 in the same display direction as the LCD 153 without performing rotation processing. The display mode at this time is as follows: Figure 8B The mode shown. Figure 8B The camera 100 and the external monitor 301 are both shown in an orientation rotated 270 degrees clockwise from a reference orientation. When viewed from the user, both the captured image 801 and the imaging information 802 are displayed in the same orientation.

[0072] In step S508, while drawing the imaging information 802 in a 90-degree rotation state, the CPU 131 outputs the image in a 180-degree rotation state to the HDMI output terminal 154. The display mode at this time is as follows: Figure 8C The mode shown. Figure 8C The camera 100 is shown in an orientation rotated 270 degrees relative to the reference direction, and the external monitor 301 is shown in an orientation rotated 90 degrees relative to the reference direction. When viewed from the user, both the captured image 801 and the camera information 802 are displayed in the same orientation. The camera information 802 changes in the display position as follows: when viewed from the user, the camera information 802 changes in the same orientation as the external monitor 301. Figure 8ASimilarly, instead of simply displaying the image information 802 in a rotated state, the image information 802 is located in the upper right corner of the screen. Rotating the HDMI display orientation by 180 degrees can be achieved by changing the VRAM readout order, as described below. Instead of rotating the image by changing the VRAM readout order, a control signal for rotating the image by 180 degrees can be output from the display control unit 151 to the HDMI output terminal 154. If an external monitor connected to the HDMI output terminal 154 supports a 180-degree rotation signal, the image can be displayed in a 180-degree rotated state using the external monitor's function. This configuration eliminates the need for the camera 100 to change the VRAM readout order for HDMI output. On the other hand, when rotating the image by changing the VRAM readout order, since the external monitor does not need to have the function to receive the 180-degree rotation signal and display the rotated image, a general-purpose monitor can be used to achieve 180-degree rotated display. In step S509, the CPU 131 determines whether the HDMI display orientation is set to LCD synchronization. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is set to LCD synchronization (YES in step S509), the process proceeds to step S511. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is not set to LCD synchronization (NO in step S509), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0073] In step S510, the CPU 131 determines whether the HDMI display direction is set to 270-degree rotation. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is set to 270-degree rotation ("Yes" in step S510), the process proceeds to step S511. If the CPU 131 determines that the HDMI display direction is not set to 270-degree rotation ("No" in step S510), the process proceeds to step S512.

[0074] In step S511, while drawing the imaging information 802 in a 270-degree rotation state, the CPU 131 outputs an image including the same contents as the image displayed on the LCD 153 to the HDMI output terminal 154 without performing rotation processing. The display mode at this time is as follows: Figure 8D The mode shown. Figure 8D The camera 100 and the external monitor 301 are both shown in an orientation rotated 90 degrees clockwise from a reference orientation. When viewed from the user, both the captured image 801 and the imaging information 802 are displayed in the same orientation.

[0075] In step S512, while drawing the imaging information 802 in a 270-degree rotation state, the CPU 131 outputs the image to the HDMI output terminal 154 in a 180-degree rotation state. The display mode at this time is as follows: Figure 8E The mode shown. Figure 8E The camera 100 is shown in an orientation rotated 90 degrees relative to the reference direction, and the external monitor 301 is shown in an orientation rotated 270 degrees relative to the reference direction. When viewed from the user, both the captured image 801 and the camera information 802 are displayed in the same orientation. Figure 6 The LCD display processing according to the present exemplary embodiment is described below. This processing is achieved by the CPU 131 controlling the various components of the video camera 100 based on the program recorded on the nonvolatile memory 133. Figure 3 In step S321, LCD display processing is started.

[0076] In step S601, the CPU 131 obtains the operating state of the hinge 155 and determines whether the hinge 155 is in Figure 2A When CPU 131 determines that hinge 155 is in Figure 2A If the state shown is (YES in step S601), the process proceeds to step S602. When the CPU 131 determines that the hinge 155 is not in the state shown Figure 2A In the case of the state shown (NO in step S601), the process proceeds to step S603.

[0077] In step S602 , the CPU 131 displays the captured image on the LCD 153 without rotation.

[0078] In step S603 , the CPU 131 displays the captured image on the LCD 153 in a 180-degree rotated state.

[0079] Through the above process, no matter the LCD 153 is Figure 2A and 2B In any of the states shown, an image can be displayed on the LCD 153 in a direction desired by the user.

[0080] Figure 9is a diagram showing the relationship between VRAM and the readout direction. VRAM can be represented as a two-dimensional surface 901 (a) like a screen. In the case of moving image data, VRAM is usually read out from the upper left pixel 902 (a) to the right, and when the readout position reaches the right end pixel, the readout position moves to the left end pixel of the following row immediately below the current row. When the readout position reaches the lower right pixel 903 (a) through repeated scanning, the readout of the VRAM corresponding to one screen is completed. When the readout scan is performed in the same order as the drawing and the image is displayed on the external monitor 301, a normal display 901 (b) without rotation is obtained. On the other hand, when the readout scan is performed by reading out the VRAM from the lower right pixel 903 (a) toward the upper left pixel 902 (a) in the opposite order to the drawing, a screen 901 (c) obtained by rotating the entire screen 180 degrees can be displayed on the external monitor 301. In other words, by reading out the VRAM upside down and left to right, the screen to be displayed can be output in a 180-degree rotated state to the external monitor 301. Control can be performed in such a manner that the CPU 304 side of the external monitor 301 performs rotation processing.

[0081] According to the exemplary embodiment described above, whether to rotate an image when outputting it to HDMI is determined based on the LCD display direction and HDMI display direction set by the user. If rotation is required, the image is output in a 180-degree rotated state.

[0082] In other words, if the judgment is "No" in step S506 or "No" in step S510, the image is output to the HDMI output terminal 154 in a 180-degree rotated state. With this configuration, even when the camera 100 and the external monitor 301 differ by 180 degrees, the image can be displayed on the external monitor 301 without being reversed. Whether the image is output in a 180-degree rotated state is controlled based on whether the display orientation is rotated 90 degrees from the base orientation or 270 degrees, which differs from 90 degrees. If the image is not rotated 180 degrees, image rotation processing is not performed. In other words, the camera 100 and external monitor 301 orientations can be selected on the menu screen, and whether the image is rotated 180 degrees is changed based on the selection. With this configuration, even when the user sets the orientation to either a 90-degree or 270-degree rotation for portrait-oriented video or display, the image can be displayed in an orientation that is easy for the user to read.

[0083] In addition, when it is determined as “YES” in step S506 or “YES” in step S510 , the image is output to the HDMI output terminal 154 without being rotated. Figure 7 The table shows the case where the image is output to HDMI in a 180-degree rotated state and other cases. Since the HDMI display direction is preset to 90 degrees or 270 degrees depending on the installation orientation of the external monitor 301, even if the user frequently changes the LCD display direction between 90 degrees and 270 degrees depending on the shooting situation, there is no need to reset the HDMI display direction. It is also possible to continuously display images and OSD on the external monitor 301 in the desired orientation without reinstalling the external monitor 301.

[0084] Furthermore, if the judgment in step S502 is "yes," the image is output to the HDMI display without being rotated, regardless of the HDMI display orientation setting. With this configuration, even if landscape orientation is desired during portrait recording, the same image displayed on LCD 153 can be output to external monitor 301 without changing the HDMI display orientation setting. On the other hand, if the judgment in step S502 is "no," that is, if the LCD display orientation is portrait, the external monitor 301 is likely set to portrait orientation because the user is recording in portrait orientation. When using external monitor 301 in landscape orientation, it is installed so that its legs face the ground. On the other hand, if external monitor 301 is set to portrait orientation, it is uncertain whether it is rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees from the reference orientation. If the LCD display orientation is set to 90 degrees and the HDMI display orientation is set to 270 degrees, or if the LCD display orientation is set to 270 degrees and the HDMI display orientation is set to 90 degrees, then if image rotation processing is not performed, there is a possibility that the captured image and camera information will appear upside down when viewed from the user. Therefore, when the LCD display orientation is set to a portrait orientation, the setting state of the HDMI display orientation is determined, and rotation processing is performed based on the determined setting state, so that the captured image and camera information can be displayed in an orientation that is easy for the user to read.

[0085] Regardless of the display orientation setting, the image is output to HDMI without rotation. This configuration improves operability even when the external monitor 301 is mounted in the accessory shoe 104 and the camera 100 and the external monitor 301 are always set to the same orientation. In other words, there is no need to reset the HDMI display orientation each time the LCD 153's display orientation is changed, and images can always be displayed on the external monitor 301 in the desired orientation.

[0086] When outputting an image to HDMI, instead of performing rotation processing on the video camera 100 , the image may be output to HDMI together with an instruction for rotation display, and the image may be displayed after performing rotation processing on the external monitor 301 .

[0087] The above-described various types of control performed by the CPU 131 may be performed by a single hardware component, or a plurality of hardware components may control the entire apparatus while sharing the processing.

[0088] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these specific exemplary embodiments, and the present invention also includes various structures without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above exemplary embodiments each only indicate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the exemplary embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0089] The HDMI output terminal 154 may be replaced by a terminal suitable for a different video output standard, such as a serial digital interface (SDI), etc. In addition, the present invention can be applied when transmitting images to an external monitor via an Internet Protocol (IP) using Ethernet or a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment described above, a description has been given of an example case in which the present invention is applied to an imaging control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device as long as the electronic device can output an external video. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone terminal, a portable image viewer, a printer device including a viewfinder, a digital photo frame, a music player, a game console, or an e-book reader.

[0091] Other embodiments

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0093] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: a first display unit; as well as a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit; as well as A control unit configured to: in a case where a portrait image is captured, rotating the image according to a difference between a first angle indicating a rotation angle of the first display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit and a second angle indicating a rotation angle of the second display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to a screen of the second display unit, and outputting the rotated image to the external device; In the case of capturing a landscape image, the image is not rotated regardless of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, and the non-rotated image is output to the external device.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein In the case of capturing the longitudinal image, the control unit rotates the image by 180 degrees when the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 270 degrees, and outputs the rotated image to the external device.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein In the case of capturing the longitudinal image, the control unit rotates the image by 180 degrees when the first angle is 270 degrees and the second angle is 90 degrees, and outputs the rotated image to the external device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein In the case of capturing the longitudinal image, if the first angle and the second angle are the same, the control unit controls not to rotate the image and outputs the non-rotated image to the external device.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising: an orientation detection unit configured to detect the orientation of the first display unit, The control unit acquires the first angle according to the direction detected by the direction detection unit. 6 . The camera apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting unit configured to set the second angle according to a user's selection.

7. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising: lens unit; as well as Imaging unit, The camera device generates the image by performing imaging processing using the lens unit and the imaging unit.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein When the longitudinal image is captured, the first angle is 90 degrees or 270 degrees.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein When the horizontal image is captured, the first angle is 0 degrees.

10. A method for controlling an imaging device, the imaging device including a first display unit and configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit, the method comprising: in a case where a portrait image is captured, rotating the image according to a difference between a first angle indicating a rotation angle of the first display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit and a second angle indicating a rotation angle of the second display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to the screen of the second display unit, and outputting the rotated image to the external device; as well as In the case of capturing a landscape image, the image is not rotated regardless of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, and the non-rotated image is output to the external device.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling an imaging device, the imaging device including a first display unit and configured to communicate with an external device including a second display unit, the method comprising: in a case where a portrait image is captured, rotating the image according to a difference between a first angle indicating a rotation angle of the first display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit and a second angle indicating a rotation angle of the second display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to the screen of the second display unit, and outputting the rotated image to the external device; as well as In the case of capturing a landscape image, the image is not rotated regardless of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, and the non-rotated image is output to the external device.

12. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute, when executed by the computer, a method for controlling an imaging device, the imaging device comprising a first display unit and configured to communicate with an external device comprising a second display unit, the method comprising: in a case where a portrait image is captured, rotating the image according to a difference between a first angle indicating a rotation angle of the first display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to a screen of the first display unit and a second angle indicating a rotation angle of the second display unit relative to a reference position in a plane parallel to the screen of the second display unit, and outputting the rotated image to the external device; as well as In the case of capturing a landscape image, the image is not rotated regardless of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, and the non-rotated image is output to the external device.

Images