Distance measuring device

Abstract

To provide a distance measuring device that can simultaneously perform distance measurement and recording of photographic data, and can prevent the influence of vibration and sound from vibration means on the photographic data.SOLUTION: A distance measuring device has: distance measuring means that measures the distance to a subject; imaging means that can photograph a still image and moving images of the subject; display means that displays a subject image obtained by the imaging means; vibration means that generates vibration when the distance is measured by the distance measuring means; and control means that controls the imaging means, the display means, and the vibration means. When the distance measuring means measures the distance during photographing of moving images, the control means controls the vibration means not to generate vibration, and controls the display means to display an image in which information indicating that the distance is measured by the distance measuring means is superimposed on the subject image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distance measuring device having an imaging function.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a distance measuring device capable of obtaining the distance to an object that reflects light based on the time of flight (ToF) of light from when the light is irradiated until the reflected light is detected is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses an imaging device having a vibration device for giving an operation feeling to a user, and capable of switching between a first state in which vibration is transmitted to an optical member and a second state in which vibration is not transmitted to the optical member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose recording still images, moving images, or audio data when the distance to an object is obtained.

[0006] In addition, in the imaging device of Patent Document 2, during video shooting, the image may be blurred due to the vibration of the vibration device, or the vibration sound may be recorded by the built-in microphone.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a distance measuring device capable of simultaneously performing distance measurement and recording of shooting data, and suppressing the influence of vibration and sound by vibration means on the shooting data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] As one aspect of the present invention, a distance measuring device includes a distance measuring means for measuring the distance to a subject, an imaging means capable of taking a still image and a moving image of the subject, a display means for displaying the subject image obtained by the imaging means, a vibration means for generating vibration when the distance is measured by the distance measuring means, and a control means for controlling the imaging means, the display means, and the vibration means. The control means controls the vibration means so as not to generate vibration when the distance measuring means measures the distance during moving image shooting, and controls the display means to display an image in which information indicating that the distance has been measured by the distance measuring means is superimposed on the subject image.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously perform distance measurement and recording of shooting data, and it is possible to provide a distance measuring device capable of suppressing the influence of vibration and sound by the vibration means on the shooting data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] In the present embodiment, distance measurement refers to measuring the distance to a subject (object). Further, in the present embodiment, a distance measuring device that performs distance measurement using a method of calculating the distance to a subject from the time from irradiating laser light toward the subject until detecting the reflected light will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distance measuring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distance measuring device 100 has a function as a distance meter that performs distance measurement using laser light for distance measurement and a function as an imaging device that images a subject.

[0014] The imaging unit (imaging means) 10 includes an imaging lens unit 11, an imaging element 11a, and an imaging unit A / D converter 11b, and can capture still images and moving images. The imaging element 11a is a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, and converts an optical image condensed by the imaging lens unit 11 into an electrical signal (analog signal). The imaging unit A / D converter 11b converts the analog signal into a digital signal.

[0015] The image processing unit 205 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the data from the imaging unit A / D converter 11b. Further, the image processing unit 205 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and based on the obtained arithmetic result, the system control unit (control means) 200 performs exposure control and the like. Thereby, TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing and AE (automatic exposure) processing are performed. The output data from the imaging unit A / D converter 11b is written into the memory 206 via the image processing unit 205.

[0016] The distance measurement unit (distance measurement means) 20 includes an emission lens unit 21, a light emitting element 21a that emits laser light for distance measurement, and a light emission control unit 21b. Further, the distance measurement unit 20 includes a light receiving lens unit 22, a light receiving element 22a that receives the laser light for distance measurement, and a light receiving unit A / D converter 22b. The light emitting element 21a is, for example, a semiconductor laser (laser diode) or the like, and the wavelength range of the light used is an invisible light range such as near infrared light. The light receiving element 22a is, for example, an avalanche photodiode or the like. When the light receiving element 22a receives the reflected light, it performs photoelectric conversion and outputs a light receiving signal (analog signal).

[0017] At the time of distance measurement, the laser light emitted by the light emitting element 21a irradiates the subject through the emission lens unit 21. The laser light reflected by the subject reaches the light receiving element 22a through the light receiving lens unit 22. At this time, the light emission timing by the light emitting element 21a is controlled by the light emission control unit 21b. The laser light received by the light receiving element 22a is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the light receiving unit A / D converter 22b. The distance calculation unit 204 calculates distance information from the round-trip time of the laser light and writes the distance information into the memory 206 via the system control unit 200.

[0018] The image data and distance measurement data written into the memory 206 are filed in the file unit of the system control unit 200 and recorded on the recording medium 116 via the interface 115.

[0019] The power supply unit 203 is composed of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, and an AC adapter or the like. The power supply control unit 202 detects the remaining battery level. The power supply control unit 202 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit that switches the energized block. Further, the power supply control unit 202 supplies the necessary voltage to each functional unit (including the recording medium 116) for the necessary period by controlling the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the control of the system control unit 200.

[0020] The display unit (display means) 108 is composed of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) such as an LCD or an organic EL, and is used to check the image data input by the imaging unit 10, the distance information calculated by the distance calculation unit 204, etc. The display unit 108 is controlled by the display control unit 207.

[0021] The operation unit 50 includes an execution button (instruction means) 105, a power button 106, and a mode switch button 107. The user can switch the power ON / OFF of the distance measuring device 100 by pressing the power button 106. In the power ON state, the user can switch the operation mode of the distance measuring device 100 by operating the mode switch button 107. The distance measuring device 100 shall have a shooting mode, a distance measuring mode, and a simultaneous recording mode as operation modes. Also, by long-pressing the mode switch button 107, it is possible to transition to a setting screen for shooting conditions and distance measuring conditions. The user can start shooting or distance measuring by pressing the execution button 105 during shooting or distance measuring. Also, the user can execute the determination of the setting items by pressing the execution button 105 on the setting screen.

[0022] The microphone 114 can record external sounds during video shooting. The vibration motor 113 is built into the distance measuring device 100, and as will be described later, it can notify the user of successful distance measurement by generating vibration during distance measurement.

[0023] The non-volatile memory 201 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory such as an EEPROM, and records constants for the operation of the system control unit 200, programs, etc.

[0024] The external configuration of the distance measuring device 100 will be described below. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the distance measuring device 100 as seen from the front side. The front cover 101 and the rear cover 102 form the external appearance of the distance measuring device 100. On the side surface of the distance measuring device 100, an I / F cover 103 is provided so as to be openable and closable. Inside the I / F cover 103, there are provided an interface 115 such as a card slot (not shown) into which a memory card for recording the captured image can be inserted and removed, and input / output jacks (not shown) for power and signals.

[0025] An indicator 104 is arranged on the front surface of the front cover 101. By turning on and blinking an LED (not shown) inside the indicator 104, the mode state of the distance measuring device 100 can be notified to the user and people around. Also, on the front surface of the front cover 101, microphones 114 are arranged on the left and right. Thereby, it is possible to record external sounds during video shooting.

[0026] The execution button 105, the power button 106, and the mode switching button 107 are respectively arranged on the upper surface of the distance measuring device 100, and can be pressed and operated when executing setting items, shooting / distance measuring operations, turning the power on / off, and switching the shooting / distance measuring mode. In the present embodiment, as the shooting / distance measuring mode, three types of modes can be selected: a shooting mode for only shooting still images, a distance measuring mode for only measuring the distance of the subject, and a simultaneous recording mode for simultaneously performing distance measurement in addition to shooting still images.

[0027] Openings of the imaging lens unit 11, the emission lens unit 21, and the light receiving lens unit 22 are formed on the front surface of the front cover 101. Thereby, it is possible to emit and receive laser light for imaging and distance measurement of the subject.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the distance measuring device 100 as viewed from the back side. A display unit 108 is disposed on the back side of the rear cover 102. In the present embodiment, an organic EL panel (not shown) is configured inside the display unit 108, and the user can check an image taken through the display unit 108, distance measurement information, and the like. The eye sensor 109 is disposed in the vicinity of the display unit 108 and can detect whether a person or the like has approached by emitting and receiving infrared rays. Thereby, the display of the organic EL panel is performed only when the user approaches the eye while trying to look through the display unit 108, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the distance measuring device 100.

[0029] On the bottom surface side of the rear cover 102, a diopter adjustment dial 110, a video button 111, and a selection button 112 are disposed. The diopter adjustment dial 110 is used to adjust the visibility of the display unit 108 according to the user's respective views. The video button 111 is pressed when performing the operations of starting and stopping shooting during video shooting. The selection button 112 is used when selecting a setting item with the mode switching button 107.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display of distance measurement information during still image shooting of the distance measuring device 100, and shows an example of an image displayed after distance measurement in the distance measurement mode or the simultaneous recording mode. In FIG. 4, a case where the distance measuring device 100 is used on a golf course is assumed, and a flag 301, a pond 302, a tree 303, and the like are shown in an imaging image (subject image) 300 acquired by the imaging unit 10. FIG. 4(a) shows the case where the distance to the flag 301 is measured, and FIG. 4(b) shows the case where the distance to the trunk of the tree 303 is measured.

[0031] In the operation mode in which distance measurement is executed by operating the execution button 105, an indicator indicating the distance measurement position is superimposed on the live view image. In FIG. 4, a cross-shaped cursor 500 is illustrated as an indicator indicating the distance measurement position, but other forms of indicators such as a dot-shaped image or an arrow-shaped image may also be used.

[0032] The cursor 500 is superimposed on a predetermined position of the captured image 300, and in FIG. 4, the intersection point 501 is located at the center of the captured image 300. The distance measuring unit 20 is adjusted to output laser light toward the position corresponding to the intersection point 501 of the cursor 500 within the shooting range of the imaging unit 10. Therefore, the user can measure the distance to the desired position by adjusting the orientation of the distance measuring device 100 so that the intersection point 501 of the cursor 500 is aligned with the position where the distance is to be measured, and operating the execution button 105.

[0033] When the distance measurement is performed normally, the distance information 400 regarding the distance from the distance measuring device 100 to the subject is superimposed and displayed as the measurement result on the live view image. In this embodiment, the distance information 400 is superimposed, but it is not limited to this as long as it is information indicating that the distance has been measured.

[0034] Note that in FIG. 4, the case where the distance measuring device 100 is used on a golf course is assumed, so the distance is shown in yards, but it is also possible to set it to be displayed in other units such as meters.

[0035] Hereinafter, the operation when performing distance measurement during video shooting and the display method of the captured image 300 and the distance information 400 on the display unit 108 will be described.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow from the live view display to the end of recording when performing distance measurement during video shooting of the distance measuring device 100.

[0037] In the flowchart of FIG. 5, it starts with the power-on state where the power button 106 is pressed, and the image data input by the imaging unit 10 is being displayed in a live view on the display unit 108 (electronic viewfinder).

[0038] In step S1001, the system control unit 200 determines whether the video button 111 has been pressed. If the system control unit 200 determines that the video button 111 has been pressed, it executes the process of step S1002. If it determines otherwise, it ends this flow.

[0039] In step S1002, the system control unit 200 starts shooting a video.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the display of distance measurement information during video shooting of the distance measurement device 100, and shows a live view image showing the scenery around the green on the course in a golf course. In FIG. 6, the user sets an angle of view that includes the surrounding pond 302, trees 303, etc. with the flag 301 on the green as the center.

[0041] When the video shooting is started in step S1002, it is assumed that the image shown in FIG. 6(a) is displayed on the display unit 108. Here, when the subject for distance measurement is the flag 301, the aiming of the laser beam can be adjusted by aligning the intersection point 501 of the cursor 500 with the flag 301.

[0042] In step S1003, the system control unit 200 determines whether the execution button 105 has been pressed. If the system control unit 200 determines that the execution button 105 has been pressed, it executes the process of step S1004. If it determines otherwise, it executes the process of step S1007.

[0043] In step S1004, the system control unit 200 starts distance measurement.

[0044] In step S1005, the system control unit 200 determines whether the distance measurement has been successful. If the system control unit 200 determines that the distance measurement has been successful, it executes the process of step S1006. If it determines otherwise, it executes the process of step S1003.

[0045] In step S1006, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the system control unit 200 causes the display unit 108 to display an image in which distance information 400 indicating the distance (100y) to the flag 301 is superimposed (associated) on the captured image 300. As a result, since the distance information 400 is superimposed and displayed in the captured video, the user can perform video shooting and distance measurement operations simultaneously. In this embodiment, a text image is used as the distance information 400, but another image such as a distance measurement success mark may be used. Also, in order to improve visibility for the user, as shown in FIG. 7, the size, color, display location, etc. of the distance information 400 may be changed.

[0046] In step S1007, the system control unit 200 determines whether the video button 111 has been pressed. If the system control unit 200 determines that the video button 111 has been pressed, it executes the process of step S1008, and if it determines otherwise, it executes the process of step S1003.

[0047] In step S1008, the system control unit 200 ends the video shooting and records the video data on the recording medium 116. When the video button 111 is pressed after successful distance measurement, the image with the distance information 400 superimposed is recorded as video data. Note that the video data may be recorded not on the recording medium 116 but on a recording unit (not shown) built into the distance measurement device 100.

[0048] In this way, when the execution button 105 is pressed during video shooting to perform distance measurement, by displaying an image with the distance information 400 superimposed without performing the vibration operation at the time of successful distance measurement, the user is notified that the distance measurement has been successful. This makes it possible to prevent minute blurring from occurring in the image due to the vibration of the vibration motor 113 during video shooting and to notify the user that the distance measurement has been successful while preventing the vibration sound from being recorded.

[0049] Hereinafter, the operation in the simultaneous recording mode and the display method of the captured image 300 and the distance information 400 on the display unit 108 will be described.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow from the live view display to the end of recording in the simultaneous recording mode of the distance measuring device 100.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the execution button 105 is a two-stage switch of a switch SW1 (not shown) and a switch SW2 (not shown). When the execution button 105 is half-pressed, the switch SW1 is turned on, and the start of the distance measurement operation, the AF process for performing focus adjustment, and the AE process are instructed. Also, when the execution button 105 is fully pressed, the switch SW2 is turned on, and the imaging operation and the recording of the captured image are instructed.

[0052] In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the power-on state is the state in which the power button 106 of the distance measuring device 100 is pressed, and the state set to the simultaneous recording mode by the mode switching button 107 is taken as the start. This state is a state in which the image data input by the imaging unit 10 is displayed in a live view on the display unit 108 (electronic viewfinder).

[0053] In step S2001, the system control unit 200 determines whether the execution button 105 has been half-pressed. When the system control unit 200 determines that the execution button 105 has been half-pressed, it executes the process of step S2002, and when it determines otherwise, it ends this flow. Since distance measurement is started in step S2002, it is assumed that when the execution button 105 is half-pressed in this flow, the intersection point 501 of the cursor 500 is aligned with the subject to be distance-measured.

[0054] In step S2002, the system control unit 200 starts distance measurement.

[0055] In step S2003, the system control unit 200 determines whether the distance measurement has been successful. When the system control unit 200 determines that the distance measurement has been successful, it executes the process of step S2004, and when it determines otherwise, it executes the process of step S2001.

[0056] In step S2004, the system control unit 200 causes the vibration motor 113 to generate vibration. As a result, the user can know that the distance measurement has been successful.

[0057] In step S2005, the system control unit 200 causes the display unit 108 to display an image in which the distance information 400 is superimposed on the captured image 300.

[0058] In step S2006, the system control unit 200 determines whether the execution button 105 has been fully pressed. If the system control unit 200 determines that the execution button 105 has been fully pressed, it executes the process of step S2007, and if it determines otherwise, it ends this flow.

[0059] In step S2007, the system control unit 200 captures a still image of the live view display on the display unit 108 and records it on the recording medium 116. As shown in FIG. 4, the still image is recorded with the distance information 400 superimposed on the display screen. Note that the still image may be recorded in a recording unit (not shown) built into the distance measurement device 100 instead of the recording medium 116.

[0060] Here, the vibration by the vibration motor 113 at the time of successful distance measurement operates the vibration only for a short time with the execution button 105 half-pressed, so the vibration stops when the execution button 105 is fully pressed. Therefore, by shifting the timing of capturing the still image and the timing of generating the vibration, it is possible to prevent the captured data from being affected by the vibration.

[0061] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when the distance measurement is successful during video shooting, it is possible to prevent the vibration from being recorded by the microphone 114 by superimposing the distance information 400 on the captured image 300 and notifying the user. In addition, by changing and displaying any of the size, color, and location of the distance information 400, it is possible to improve the visibility.

[0062] Furthermore, in the simultaneous recording mode, by shifting the timing between the vibration operation at the time of successful distance measurement and the still image shooting, it becomes possible to notify the user of the successful distance measurement while preventing the captured image from being affected by the vibration.

[0063] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) Distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject, Imaging means capable of shooting still images and moving images of the subject, Display means for displaying the subject image obtained by the imaging means, Vibration means for generating vibration when the distance is measured by the distance measuring means, Control means for controlling the imaging means, the display means, and the vibration means, and When the distance measuring means measures the distance during moving image shooting, the control means controls the vibration means so as not to generate the vibration, and controls the display means so as to display an image in which information indicating that the distance has been measured by the distance measuring means is superimposed on the subject image. A distance measuring device characterized by this. (Configuration 2) The distance measuring device according to Configuration 1, further comprising instruction means for causing the distance measuring means to measure the distance, giving a first instruction for adjusting the focus of the imaging means, and giving a second instruction for causing the imaging means to shoot the still image. (Configuration 3) When the first instruction is given and the distance measuring means measures the distance, the control means controls the vibration means to generate the vibration, and when the second instruction is given, the control means controls the vibration means so as not to generate the vibration and causes the imaging means to shoot the still image. The distance measuring device according to Configuration 2, characterized by this. (Configuration 4) The distance measuring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the information indicating that the distance has been measured is information regarding the distance from the distance measuring device to the subject. (Configuration 5) When the distance measuring means measures the distance during video shooting, the control means changes at least one of the size, color, and position of the information indicating that the distance has been measured. The distance measuring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The distance measuring means irradiates light on the subject and measures the distance to the subject using the length of time from when the light is irradiated until the reflected light from the subject is received. The distance measuring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The distance measuring device further includes a recording means for associating and recording the subject image and the information indicating that the distance measurement has been performed. The distance measuring device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6.

[0064] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0065] 10 Imaging unit (imaging means) 20 Distance measuring unit (distance measuring means) 100 Distance measuring device 108 Display unit (display means) 113 Vibration motor (vibration means) 200 System control unit (control means)

Claims

1. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject, Imaging means capable of photographing still images and moving images of the subject, Display means for displaying the subject image obtained by the imaging means, Vibration means for generating vibration when the distance is measured by the distance measuring means, Control means for controlling the imaging means, the display means, and the vibration means, and when the distance measuring means measures the distance during moving image shooting, the control means controls the vibration means so as not to generate the vibration, and controls the display means to display an image in which information indicating that the distance has been measured by the distance measuring means is superimposed on the subject image. A distance measuring device characterized by the above.

2. The distance measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for causing the distance measuring means to measure the distance, for performing a first instruction for adjusting the focus of the imaging means, and for performing a second instruction for causing the imaging means to take a still image.

3. When the first instruction is given and the distance measuring means measures the distance, the control means controls the vibration means to generate the vibration, and when the second instruction is given, the control means controls the vibration means so as not to generate the vibration and causes the imaging means to take a still image. The distance measuring device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The information indicating that the distance has been measured is information regarding the distance from the distance measuring device to the subject. The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. When the distance measuring means measures the distance during moving image shooting, the control means changes at least one of the size, color, and position of the information indicating that the distance has been measured. The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

6. The distance measuring means irradiates light on the subject and measures the distance to the subject using the length of time until the reflected light from the subject is received. The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

7. The distance measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising recording means for recording the subject image and the information indicating that the distance measurement has been performed in association with each other.

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