Camera device

Abstract

A camera device is realized that can achieve good usability and the operational feel of both a wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera while reducing costs. A portable terminal (1) as a camera device has: an ultra-wide-angle camera (10) with a focal length of less than 20 mm converted from 35 mm; a display unit (2) for displaying a captured image; an image processing unit (14) for performing zoom processing on the captured image; and an operating unit (4) for accepting input of the processing amount of the zoom processing. When the image processing unit performs default photography through the camera, the zoom processing is performed with the focal length converted from 35 mm to a specified value between 23 mm and 26 mm, and the angle of view after the zoom processing is used as the default angle of view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices such as smartphones and mobile phones equipped with wide-angle cameras are known (for example, Patent Document 1). The 35 mm-equivalent focal length corresponding to the angle of view of a wide-angle camera is approximately 23 mm to 26 mm.

[0003] In addition, in addition to wide-angle cameras, camera devices equipped with ultra-wide-angle cameras, telephoto cameras, or both are now available on the market. The 35mm-equivalent focal length of ultra-wide-angle cameras is generally less than 20mm. The 35mm-equivalent focal length of telephoto cameras varies from 50mm, 70mm, 120mm, and the type of device, but is generally more than 50mm.

[0004] Even in an imaging device equipped with a plurality of cameras having different angles of view, the default angle of view during shooting is the full angle of view of the wide-angle camera, similar to conventional products equipped with only a wide-angle camera.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 070114 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In a configuration in which both a wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera are mounted as a plurality of cameras having different viewing angles, the cost inevitably increases due to the provision of two cameras.

[0010] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is easy to use and has both a wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, while being cost-effective.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a camera device of one embodiment of the present invention includes: a camera unit with a 35mm converted focal length of less than 20mm; a display unit, which displays the image captured by the camera unit; a zoom processing unit, which performs zoom processing on the image captured by the camera unit; and an acceptance unit, which accepts the input of the processing amount of the zoom processing unit, and when the zoom processing unit uses the camera unit for default photography, the zoom processing unit performs zoom processing in a manner such that the 35mm converted focal length is a specified value between 23mm and 26mm, and uses the angle of view after the zoom processing as the default angle of view.

[0013] Beneficial Effects

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a good usability and operational feel of having both a wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera while reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the portable terminal according to the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a portable terminal shown. Figure 3 To indicate that it is carried on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of the structure of a camera of a portable terminal shown.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 The imaging area of ​​the portable terminal shown in the figure and the imaging area of ​​a portable terminal of the related art equipped with three ultra wide-angle cameras, a wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera.

[0018] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 A diagram showing the full viewing angle and the default viewing angle of a camera in a portable terminal is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a table showing the relationship between the internal zoom factor of a camera and the UI display zoom factor in a portable terminal.

[0020] Figure 7 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 A diagram showing the flow of image capture processing by a portable terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the imaging device of each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are marked on the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] The imaging device is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a digital camera, etc. Hereinafter, as an example, a portable terminal having an imaging function will be described.

[0023] (1. Configuration of portable terminal)

[0024] Figure 1 It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance of the portable terminal 1 of this embodiment. Reference numeral 1001 is a front view of the portable terminal 1, and reference numeral 1002 is a rear view of the portable terminal 1.

[0025] As shown by reference numeral 1001, the portable terminal 1 includes a display unit 2 and an operation unit 4 on the front side of the housing 1A. The display unit 2 has a touch panel function and includes an operation unit (accepting unit) 4. As shown by reference numeral 1002, the portable terminal 1 includes a camera (camera unit) 10 on the back side opposite to the front side of the housing 1A. The camera 10 captures a subject as seen by the user (photographer).

[0026] When the user starts an application for realizing a camera function (hereinafter referred to as a "camera application") in the portable terminal 1, the camera 10 starts to capture images, and the display unit 2 displays the image captured by the camera 10 and the camera switch 8. Hereinafter, starting the application for realizing a camera function is referred to as starting the camera 10. In addition, terminating the application is referred to as terminating the camera 10.

[0027] When the user touches the camera switch 8, the portable terminal 1 can take a picture of the image displayed on the display unit 2. In the case of a moving image, the moving image can be started. In addition, when the user performs a zoom-in operation of touching the display unit 2 and enlarging the image of the touched portion, the display unit 2 displays the enlarged image. In addition, when the user performs a zoom-out operation of touching the display unit 2 and reducing the image of the touched portion, the display unit 2 displays the reduced image.

[0028] The magnification of the image is corresponding to the operation amount of the zoom-in operation. Similarly, the magnification of the image is corresponding to the operation amount of the zoom-out operation. A limit magnification is set for each of the magnification of the image and the reduction magnification, and the image is enlarged or reduced up to the limit magnification.

[0029] (2. Functional blocks of portable terminal)

[0030] Figure 2 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the portable terminal 1. The portable terminal 1 includes a control unit 5 and a storage unit 6 in addition to the camera 10, the display unit 2, and the operation unit 4 described above.

[0031] The control unit 5 controls the camera 10 and the display unit 2 by executing a control program. The control unit 5 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 6 into a temporary storage unit (not shown) composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and executes the program, thereby performing various processes. The control unit 5 has a function of a zoom processing unit that performs zoom processing on an image captured by the camera 10.

[0032] The operation unit 4 receives input of various operation commands from the user including operation commands for the camera 10. The operation unit 4 is also a receiving unit for receiving input of the processing amount of the image processing unit (zoom processing unit) 14 described later. In the present embodiment, the touch panel function of the display unit 2 is exemplified as the operation unit 4, but it may also be composed of operation buttons and their interfaces, etc.

[0033] The display unit 2 displays various images including an image captured by the camera 10. The display unit 2 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a self-luminous display (OLED, etc.).

[0034] The storage unit 6 stores (1) control programs for each unit executed by the control unit 5 , (2) OS programs, (3) various application programs including an imaging application, and (4) various data read when these programs are executed.

[0035] The camera 10 includes a lens 11, a sensor 12, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter 13, and an image processing unit 14. The camera 10 performs imaging by receiving imaging light in the sensor 12. Photocurrent generated by the sensor 12 receiving imaging light is sent to the A / D converter 13. The A / D converter 13 converts the analog signal output from the sensor 12 into a digital signal.

[0036] The image processing unit 14 performs image processing on the image (image data) from the A / D converter 13. The image processing includes predetermined pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, etc. The image processing unit 14 receives the operation command of the camera 10 input by the user to the operation unit 4 through the control unit 5, and performs various processes. The image generated in the image processing unit 14 is sent to the control unit 5 and displayed on the display unit 2 via the control unit 5. The image displayed on the display unit 2 can be stored in the storage unit 6.

[0037] (3. Configuration of Camera 10)

[0038] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the camera 10 mounted on the portable terminal 1. Figure 3 As shown, the camera 10 includes a lens 11 , a sensor 12 , an actuator 18 , a cover glass 17 , and the like.

[0039] The lens 11 has a plurality of lenses in a stacked configuration. The plurality of lenses are assembled into one by a lens barrel 15. The sensor 12 is, for example, a color image sensor or a monochrome image sensor composed of a CMOS or a CCD. The sensor 12 is mounted on a substrate 16 and converts an optical signal received by the lens 11 into an electrical signal.

[0040] The actuator 18 is composed of, for example, a VCM (Voice Coil Motor). The actuator 18 controls the drive of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction to realize an auto focus (AF) function. The cover glass 17 has a transmission characteristic, transmits light with a predetermined wavelength, and blocks light with other wavelengths.

[0041] The camera 10 having such a configuration is a so-called ultra-wide-angle camera having a focal length of 20 mm or less when converted from 35 mm. When the portable terminal 1 performs default photography through the camera 10, the zoom processing is performed in a manner such that the focal length converted from 35 mm is a specified value between 23 mm and 26 mm, and the angle of view after the zoom processing is used as the default angle of view. That is, when the portable terminal 1 performs default photography using the camera 10, the display unit 2 displays an image that has been zoomed (enlarged) in a manner such that the focal length converted from 35 mm is a specified value between 23 mm and 26 mm, rather than an image of the full angle of view of the camera 10 as an ultra-wide-angle camera, and the image is operated as a zoom factor of 1.

[0042] (4. Default Value of the Camera 10 in the Portable Terminal 1)

[0043] Figure 4 The figure shows the imaging area of ​​the portable terminal 1 and the imaging area of ​​a conventional portable terminal equipped with three cameras: an ultra wide-angle camera, a wide-angle camera, and a telephoto camera. Reference numeral 1003 shows the imaging area of ​​the portable terminal 1, and reference numeral 1004 shows the imaging area of ​​the conventional portable terminal.

[0044] As shown in the figure 1004, in the portable terminal of the prior art equipped with three cameras, the default viewing angle is the full viewing angle of the wide-angle camera. The full viewing angle of the wide-angle camera varies depending on the model, and the focal length is approximately 23mm to 26mm when converted to 35mm. In the figure, the left ends of the bands of the ultra-wide-angle camera, the wide-angle camera, and the telephoto camera are the full viewing angles, and from the full viewing angle to the right is the viewing angle obtained by zoom processing (the viewing angle after zoom processing).

[0045] As shown by reference numeral 1003, in the portable terminal 1 of this embodiment, the default viewing angle is a 35mm converted focal length of 24mm for zooming the captured image with a 35mm converted focal length of 19mm, which is equivalent to less than 20mm of the 35mm converted focal length of the ultra-wide-angle camera.

[0046] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the full viewing angle and the default viewing angle of the camera 10 in the portable terminal 1. Figure 5As shown, the default angle of view R2 of the camera 10 is smaller than the full angle of view R1 of the camera 10. In the portable terminal 1, the image (image data) of the default angle of view R2 is zoomed and displayed on the display unit 2, and the operation unit 4 accepts zoom-in and zoom-out operations based on the image of the default angle of view R2. That is, the state in which the image of the angle of view R2 is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 2 is the magnification "1.0" on the user interface (UI).

[0047] In this embodiment, the 35mm conversion focal length corresponding to the full angle of view R1 of the camera 10 is 19mm (angle of view 98 degrees) (one example). Then, in this embodiment, the 35mm conversion focal length corresponding to the default angle of view R2 is set to 24mm (angle of view 82 degrees) (one example).

[0048] That is, in this embodiment, the magnification of the image processing unit 14 of the camera 10 is set to "1.0" as the magnification on the UI that is the basis for the user's operation. Hereinafter, the magnification of the image processing unit 14 is also referred to as the internal zoom magnification, and the magnification on the UI is referred to as the UI display zoom magnification.

[0049] Figure 6 The table T is a diagram showing the relationship between the internal zoom magnification of the camera 10 in the portable terminal 1 and the UI display zoom magnification. The table T is stored in the storage unit 6, for example, and read out by the control unit 5 of the portable terminal 1. When the camera 10 is activated, the control unit 5 reads out the table T and displays an image enlarged by the internal zoom magnification "1.3" at the UI display zoom magnification "1.0" on the display unit 2. If the user performs a zoom-in operation, for example, instructs the UI display zoom magnification "1.1", the control unit 5 displays the image enlarged by the internal zoom magnification "1.4" compared to the default value (internal zoom magnification "1.3") on the display unit 2. In addition, if the user performs a zoom-out operation, for example, instructs the UI display zoom magnification "0.7", the control unit 5 displays the image of the same magnification as the internal zoom magnification "1.0" and reduced compared to the default value (internal zoom magnification "1.3") on the display unit 2. The image reduced compared to the default value is a wider-angle image including an area larger than the default value.

[0050] By associating the actual zoom magnification, i.e., the internal zoom magnification, with the zoom magnification seen by the user, i.e., the UI display zoom magnification, in this way, the operation unit 4 accepts input of the processing amount with the default angle of view being the zoom magnification of 1. Thus, even if the default angle of view is a zoomed angle of view, the user will not feel uncomfortable and can use the camera 10 to shoot in the same way as conventional products.

[0051] In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 5 of the portable terminal 1 has the function of a zoom processing unit, and performs an enlargement process on the image (image data) captured by the camera 10. Therefore, in the default shooting, the control unit 5 displays the image obtained by enlarging the full-view image sent from the camera 10 with the internal zoom magnification "1.3" on the display unit 2. When a zoom-in or zoom-out operation is performed and a change to the zoom magnification "1.0" is indicated from the UI display, the control unit 5 uses the image enlarged by the internal zoom magnification "1.3" as a reference, and enlarges or reduces according to the indicated amount, and displays the enlarged or reduced image on the display unit 2.

[0052] In addition, the zoom processing of the image captured by the camera 10 may also be performed by the image processing unit 14 of the camera 10. In this case, the image processing unit 14 of the camera 10 may be configured to include a table T. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may be configured to send the table T read from the storage unit 6 to the image processing unit 14 of the camera 10. In the configuration in which the image processing unit 14 of the camera 10 performs the zoom processing, the image processing unit 14 sends the image enlarged by the internal zoom factor corresponding to the zoom factor displayed on the UI to the control unit 5. The image processing unit 14 may also perform the zoom processing according to the input processing amount until the angle of view is equivalent to more than 50 mm of the focal length converted from 35 mm.

[0053] (5. Image-capturing operation in portable terminal 1)

[0054] Figure 7 1 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the image capture processing of the portable terminal 1. The control unit 5 repeatedly determines whether the activation of the camera 10 is instructed (S1). For example, when the user operates the icon of the image capture application displayed on the display unit 2, the control unit 5 determines that the activation of the camera 10 is instructed. When the control unit 5 determines that the activation of the camera 10 is instructed (S1: Yes), it activates the camera 10 (S2). The camera 10 starts shooting by activating.

[0055] The control unit 5 displays the image (image data) captured by the camera 10 at a predetermined magnification, here, an image enlarged by 1.3 times as a default value, on the display unit 2. Even if the orientation of the portable terminal 1 is changed, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 2 as an image enlarged by 1.3 times as long as no zoom-in operation or zoom-out operation is performed, even if the subject captured by the camera 10 changes.

[0056] After the camera 10 is activated, the control unit 5 repeatedly determines whether a zoom-in operation or a zoom-out operation has been performed (S4). If the control unit 5 determines that a zoom-in operation or a zoom-out operation has been performed (S4: Yes), the image that has been zoomed in or out according to the amount of operation is displayed on the display unit 2. Then, the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 5 determines that the zoom-in operation or the zoom-out operation has not been completed (S4: No), the control unit 5 does not perform the process of S5 and proceeds to S6.

[0057] In S6, the control unit 5 determines whether shooting is instructed. For example, when the user operates the shooting switch 8 displayed on the display unit 2, the control unit 5 determines that shooting is instructed. When the control unit 5 determines that shooting is instructed (S6: Yes), the image displayed on the display unit 2 at this time is stored in the storage unit 6 (S7). Then, the process proceeds to S8. On the other hand, if it is determined that shooting is not instructed (S6: No), the control unit 5 does not perform the process of S7 and proceeds to S8.

[0058] In S8, the control unit 5 determines whether the camera 10 is instructed to end. When the control unit 5 determines that the camera 10 is instructed to end (S8: Yes), it ends the image capture application and stops the function of the camera 10 (S9). On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera 10 is not instructed to end (S8: No), the control unit 5 returns the process to S4. The processes of S4, S6, and S8 are repeatedly executed until the determination in S8 is Yes.

[0059] (6. Advantages of the portable terminal 1)

[0060] The camera 10 of the portable terminal 1 is an ultra-wide-angle camera. If the full-angle image captured by such a camera 10 is directly displayed on the display unit 2 as a default value, the user will feel that the camera area is too wide and the subject to be captured is small. In the above configuration, when shooting by default, zoom processing is performed until the specified angle of view is smaller than the full angle of view, rather than the full angle of view of the camera 10 as an ultra-wide-angle camera, and the angle of view after the zoom processing is set as the default value and angle of view. As a result, the camera 10 can be operated without feeling the discomfort as described above, and it is convenient to use.

[0061] In addition, since the imaging area of ​​the wide-angle camera is covered by one ultra-wide-angle camera, namely, the camera 10, the cost can be reduced compared to a portable terminal having both an ultra-wide-angle camera and a wide-angle camera. Furthermore, by setting the angle of view after zooming to the default value and the angle of view, a zooming operation can be performed to enlarge the angle of view compared to the default value, and the operating feeling of having both a wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera can be obtained.

[0062] Furthermore, in the portable terminal 1, the imaging area of ​​the telephoto camera is covered by one camera 10. Therefore, compared with a mobile terminal having three cameras, namely, an ultra-wide-angle camera, a wide-angle camera, and a telephoto camera, the cost can be reduced more effectively.

[0063] In addition, the portable terminal may be configured to include a telephoto camera separately from the camera 10. That is, when the camera 10 is the first camera (first imaging unit), the portable terminal may be configured to include a second camera (second imaging unit) having a focal length of 50 mm or more converted from 35 mm. In this case, the control unit of the portable terminal switches the camera to be used from the first camera (camera 10) to the second telephoto camera when the zoom magnification displayed on the UI exceeds 2 times, for example.

[0064] 〔Software-based implementation example〕

[0065] The function of the portable terminal 1 is a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each unit included in the control unit 5 and the image processing unit 14).

[0066] In this case, the device comprises a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and the storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in the above embodiments.

[0067] The above program may not be temporary, but may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording medium may or may not have the above device. In the latter case, the above program may be provided to the above device via any transmission medium, whether wired or wireless.

[0068] In addition, part or all of the functions of the above-mentioned control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit having a logic circuit that functions as the above-mentioned control blocks is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the above-mentioned control modules can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0069] 〔Summarize〕

[0070] The camera device (portable terminal 1) of method 1 of the present invention includes: a camera unit (camera 10) with a 35mm converted focal length of less than 20mm; a display unit, which displays the image captured by the camera unit; a zoom processing unit (image processing unit 14), which performs zoom processing on the image captured by the camera unit; and an acceptance unit (operation unit 4), which accepts the input of the processing amount of the zoom processing unit, and when the zoom processing unit uses the camera unit for default photography, the zoom processing unit performs zoom processing in a manner such that the 35mm converted focal length is a specified value between 23mm and 26mm, and the viewing angle after the zoom processing is used as the default viewing angle.

[0071] In the above-mentioned aspect 1, the camera device of aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured such that: the zoom processing unit can perform zoom processing on an angle of view corresponding to a focal length of 50 mm or more in terms of 35 mm conversion according to the input processing amount.

[0072] In the above-mentioned aspect 1, the imaging device according to aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured such that, when the imaging unit is used as the first imaging unit, the imaging device further includes a second imaging unit having a focal length of 50 mm or more in terms of 35 mm.

[0073] In any one of the above aspects 1 to 3, the imaging device according to aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured such that the receiving unit receives input of the processing amount with the default angle of view being a zoom factor of 1.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims. The embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, new technical features can be formed.

[0075] Description of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1: Portable terminal (camera)

[0077] 1A: Housing

[0078] 2: Display unit

[0079] 4: Operation Department (Acceptance Department)

[0080] 5: Control Department

[0081] 6: Storage

[0082] 8: Camera switch

[0083] 10: Camera (camera unit)

[0084] 11: Lens

[0085] 12: Sensor

[0086] 13: A / D Converter

[0087] 14: Image processing unit (zoom processing unit)

[0088] 18: Actuator

Claims

1. A camera device, characterized in that: The camera device comprises: Camera unit with a focal distance of less than 20mm when converted from 35mm; a display unit for displaying the image captured by the camera unit; a zoom processing unit for performing zoom processing on the image captured by the camera unit; a receiving unit that receives an input of a processing amount of the zoom processing unit, The zoom processing unit performs zoom processing so that the focal length converted to 35 mm becomes a predetermined value between 23 mm and 26 mm when the image pickup unit performs default photography, and sets the angle of view after the zoom processing as a default angle of view.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that The zoom processing unit can perform zoom processing on an angle of view corresponding to a focal length of 50 mm or more in terms of 35 mm conversion, according to the input processing amount.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging unit is the only imaging unit provided on the back side of the imaging device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein: When the imaging unit is used as a first imaging unit, a second imaging unit having a focal length of 50 mm or more in terms of 35 mm is further provided.

5. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The receiving unit receives input of the processing amount by setting the default angle of view as a zoom factor of 1.

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