Imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To provide an appropriate display image to a photographer even if the posture of an imaging apparatus is changed.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 10 comprises: a central control unit 207; a movable part 20 that has an imaging unit 201; a stationary part 30 that includes a display 303; a hinge part 40 that connects the movable part 20 and the stationary part 30 with each other rotatably in a tilt direction and a pan direction; a first angle detection unit 403 that detects the rotational phase of the movable part 20 in the tilt direction with respect to the stationary part 30; and a first posture detection unit 206 for detecting the absolute posture of the movable part 20. The central control unit 207 vertically flips display on the display 303 of an image picked up by the imaging unit 201 in accordance with results of detection performed by the first angle detection unit 403 and the first posture detection unit 206.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device including a display device and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] With the spread of video distribution services using communication networks such as the Internet, making it possible to easily perform video distribution, there is a demand for an imaging device that can easily shoot an intended video and can shoot an original video. For example, there is a demand for an imaging device that can shoot videos in a free pose in various situations and can shoot from various angles. In response to such demands, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device capable of switching the shooting direction by rotating a lens unit about a single axis and inverting the display of an image being shot on a display unit according to the orientation of the lens unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, for example, by rotating the lens unit about a single axis, it is possible to easily switch between the self-shooting direction and the other-person shooting direction, and in the case of the self-shooting direction, a mirror image can be displayed on the display unit.

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, the switching of the display image on the display unit is limited to display switching associated with rotation about a single axis of the lens unit and manual display switching. Therefore, when the photographer views the video being displayed on the display unit during shooting, it may not be easy to determine whether the intended video is being shot.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of always providing an appropriate display image to a photographer even when the posture of the imaging device changes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The imaging device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit, a main body unit including a display unit, a hinge unit that rotatably connects the imaging unit and the main body unit around at least one axis, a first detection unit that detects a rotation phase of the imaging unit around the one axis with respect to the main body unit, a second detection unit that detects the posture of the imaging unit, and a display control unit that vertically flips the display of the image captured by the imaging unit on the display unit according to the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an imaging device capable of always providing an appropriate display image to a photographer even when the posture of the imaging device changes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In each of the drawings from FIG. 1 onwards, the illustration of unnecessary parts is omitted to clarify the configuration of the imaging device 10 for the parts necessary for the description.

[0012] Specifically, the imaging device 10 is a video camera capable of shooting videos. The imaging device 10 is generally composed of a movable part 20, a fixed part 30 (main body part), a hinge part 40 (hinge unit), and a lens unit 50 (imaging lens). FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the state where the lens unit 50 is removed from the movable part 20, seen obliquely from the front of the imaging device 10. FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the state where the lens unit 50 is removed from the movable part 20, seen obliquely from the upper rear side of the imaging device 10.

[0013] The lens unit 50 is a so-called interchangeable lens and is detachably configured on the movable part 20. The lens unit 50 and the movable part 20 have, for example, a bayonet-type attachment and detachment structure. A bayonet claw part 507 is formed on the lens unit 50, and a lens mount 211 is formed on the movable part 20.

[0014] When attaching the lens unit 50 to the movable part 20, first, the protruding part of the bayonet claw part 507 is aligned with the notch formed inside the lens mount 211. Then, the lens unit 50 is inserted into the movable part 20, and the lens unit 50 is rotated around the optical axis. Thereby, the lens unit 50 is attached to the movable part 20. At this time, in the lens mount 211, a movable pin 204b that constitutes a lens rotation restricting part 204 (see FIG. 2) for restricting the rotation of the lens unit 50 engages with a recess 508 provided on the lens unit 50. Thereby, the rotation of the lens unit 50 with respect to the movable part 20 is restricted, and the lens unit 50 is prevented from falling off the movable part 20.

[0015] When removing the lens unit 50 from the movable part 20, operate the operation part 202 to retract the movable pin 204b of the lens rotation restricting part 204 from the recess 508, and rotate the lens unit 50 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction when attaching it to the movable part 20. Then, when the protruding part of the bayonet claw part 507 has rotated to the position of the notch of the lens mount 211, the lens unit 50 may be pulled away from the movable part 20. Details of the internal structure of the movable part 20 including the operation part 202 will be described later.

[0016] When the lens unit 50 is mounted on the movable part 20, the interface part 205 of the movable part 20 and the interface part 506 of the lens unit 50 are electrically connected. Thereby, mutual communication becomes possible between the lens unit 50 and the movable part 20. Note that the system configuration (control system) in the imaging device 10 will be described later.

[0017] The movable part 20 is rotatably connected to the fixed part 30 in the tilt direction and the pan direction by the hinge part 40. The hinge part 40 is a biaxial hinge composed of a tilt rotation hinge 401 and a pan rotation hinge 402. The tilt rotation hinge 401 rotatably supports the movable part 20 with the tilt rotation axis T as the center of rotation. The pan rotation hinge 402 is rotatably attached to the fixed part 30 with the pan rotation axis P as the center of rotation. The tilt rotation axis T and the pan rotation axis P are substantially orthogonal to each other. Therefore, by operating the tilt rotation hinge 401 and the pan rotation hinge 402, the movable part 20 and the lens unit 50 can be transitioned to various postures with respect to the fixed part 30.

[0018] The hinge portion 40 has a certain holding force when the tilt rotation hinge 401 and the pan rotation hinge 402 are stopped. This certain holding force is set to be greater than the static torque that the hinge portion 40 maintains its stopped posture while receiving the weights of the lens unit 50 and the movable portion 20. Therefore, after the user rotates the movable portion 20 with the lens unit 50 mounted thereon so that the lens unit 50 faces the subject and then stops the rotation operation, the lens unit 50 and the movable portion 20 can continue to maintain the posture at the time of the stop of the rotation operation.

[0019] The fixed portion 30 is provided with a display portion 303 including a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., which is disposed rotatably within a certain angular range about the rotation axis A by a display portion hinge 306 (see FIG. 15). On the display screen 303a of the display portion 303, it is possible to display a video during shooting, a captured image or video, a menu screen for setting shooting conditions, etc. Note that a touch panel may be superimposed on the display screen 303a, and in this case, the display portion 303 can be used as an operation means.

[0020] The fixed portion 30 has a grip portion 304. The grip portion 304 is formed at an end of the fixed portion 30, and its surface is made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) or silicone rubber. The user can perform shooting at various angles by freely rotating the lens unit 50 and the movable portion 20 with the other hand while holding the grip portion 304 with one hand.

[0021] In the fixed portion 30, an operation portion 301 is disposed at a position where it can be operated when the user holds the grip portion 304. The operation portion 301 includes a first button 301a, a second button 301b, and a touch pad 301c. The user can perform a selection operation by the touch pad 301c and a determination operation by the first button 301a and the second button 301b.

[0022] The movable part 20 has an accessory shoe 209. The accessory shoe 209 is a part that enables an external device (accessory) to be attached to the imaging device 10, and for example, external devices such as a video light and an external microphone can be attached thereto.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined with respect to the imaging device 10 based on the fixed part 30. The direction parallel to the pan rotation axis P is the Y direction. The Y direction does not necessarily coincide with the gravitational direction. Regarding the Y direction, the direction from the fixed part 30 toward the movable part 20 is the +Y direction, and the direction from the movable part 20 toward the fixed part 30 is the -Y direction. Then, the direction orthogonal to the display screen 303a in a state where the display screen 303a of the display part 303 is parallel to the Y direction is the Z direction. At this time, the direction in which the display screen 303a faces is the -Z direction, and the opposite side is the +Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction is the X direction. The X direction is the direction parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the imaging device 10. The lens unit 50 has a photographing optical system 501, a diaphragm unit 502, a lens driving unit 503, a lens control unit 504, a shake detection unit 505, and an interface unit 506. The movable part 20 has an imaging unit 201, an operation unit 202, an operation unit position detection unit 203, a lens rotation restriction unit 204, an interface unit 205, a first attitude detection unit 206, a central control unit 207, an accessory shoe 209, and a recording unit 210. The hinge part 40 has a first angle detection unit 403 and a second angle detection unit 404. The fixed part 30 has an operation unit 301, a power supply unit 302, a display unit 303, and a grip part 304.

[0025] In the lens unit 50, the imaging optical system 501 includes a plurality of lenses, a holder (holding member) for holding them, a zoom lens mechanism, a focus lens mechanism, an image stabilization lens mechanism, and the like. As the aperture unit 502, for example, a diaphragm aperture unit that varies the size of an aperture formed around the optical axis by driving a plurality of thin light-shielding sheets can be used. The lens driving unit 503 includes various actuators for driving the zoom lens mechanism, the focus lens mechanism, the image stabilization lens mechanism, the aperture unit 502, and the like. The various actuators are selected in consideration of the thrust, speed, stroke, stop accuracy, power consumption, manufacturing cost, etc. required for driving the object to be driven, and for example, a DC motor, a stepping motor, a vibration type driving device (ultrasonic motor (USM)), etc. are adopted.

[0026] The lens control unit 504 includes a motor driver IC and controls the driving of the various actuators of the lens driving unit 503. When the interface unit 506 of the lens unit 50 and the interface unit 205 of the movable unit 20 are electrically connected, mutual communication between the lens control unit 504 and the central control unit 207 becomes possible.

[0027] The shake detection unit 505 is composed of a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects the shake of the lens unit 50 (imaging device 10). The shake detection signal output from the shake detection unit 505 is transmitted to the lens control unit 504, and is transmitted from the lens control unit 504 to the central control unit 207 as an analog signal or digital data via the interface units 506 and 205. The central control unit 207 detects the movement and shake of the lens unit 50 when performing panning from the information from the shake detection unit 505.

[0028] In the movable unit 20, the imaging unit 201 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter is made of, for example, quartz, and prevents the incidence of infrared rays by the infrared ray shielding process applied to its surface, and also prevents the occurrence of color moire and the like.

[0029] The central control unit 207 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the overall operation of the imaging device 10. The electrical signal input from the imaging unit 201 to the central control unit 207 is converted into a video signal by the central control unit 207 and then processed into arbitrary image data as appropriate. The processing of the video signal also includes an electronic anti-shake operation by image cropping and rotation processing. The recording unit 210 stores, in addition to the image data obtained by the shooting operation, the shooting date and time, the setting conditions of the imaging device 10 at the time of shooting, and the like.

[0030] The operation unit 202 is a member that is operated by the user when removing the lens unit 50 from the movable unit 20, and is configured to be movable between a plurality of positions. The operation unit position detection unit 203 is composed of, for example, a transmissive photo interrupter whose output signal changes according to the light reception amount, and detects the position of the operation unit 202 from the output signal. The detection result detected by the operation unit position detection unit 203 is input to the central control unit 207.

[0031] The lens rotation restriction unit 204 can be operated by the operation unit 202. The movable pin 204b of the lens rotation restriction unit 204 can reciprocate between a protruding position from the surface of the lens mount 211 that restricts the rotation of the lens unit 50 and a retracted position from the surface of the lens mount 211 that allows the rotation of the lens unit 50.

[0032] The first attitude detection unit 206 has a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and is used to detect the absolute attitude of the movable unit 20 (imaging unit 201) (the inclination of the movable unit 20 with respect to the vertical direction). The first angle detection unit 403 is composed of an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, etc., and is used to detect the rotation angle of the tilt rotation hinge 401. The second angle detection unit 404 is composed of an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, etc., and is used to detect the rotation angle of the pan rotation hinge 402. Each detection signal output from the first attitude detection unit 206, the first angle detection unit 403, and the second angle detection unit 404 is transmitted to the central control unit 207 as an analog signal or digital data. The central control unit 207 determines the first to seventh directions described later that are defined for the attitude of the imaging device 10 based on each detection signal from the first attitude detection unit 206, the first angle detection unit 403, and the second angle detection unit 404.

[0033] In the fixing unit 30, the power supply unit 302 is, for example, a battery pack equipped with an alkaline secondary battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or the like. The power supply unit 302 is electrically connected to the central control unit 207 via a wire harness or the like wired inside the hinge unit 40 to supply power to each part of the imaging device 10. Since the operation unit 301, the display unit 303, and the gripping unit 304 have already been described with reference to FIG. 1, the description here is omitted.

[0034] Next, the internal structure of the movable part 20, including the coupling structure to the hinge part 40, will be described. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the movable part 20. The lens mount 211 is fixed to the base member 212 by screws 215a, 215b, 215c, and 215d. The base member 212 is a metal part obtained by die-casting (casting) of, for example, a magnesium alloy or an aluminum alloy. Further, a lens rotation restricting part 204 and an interface part 205 (see FIG. 2) are provided on the base member 212. Although illustration of the details of the interface part 205 is omitted, it has a plurality of contact pins, a biasing member such as a coil spring, and a resin case enclosing these. The plurality of contact pins project from the opening of the resin case. And the contact pins are constantly biased from the back side by the biasing member, and the contact pins can slide and move from the surface side to the inside of the resin case.

[0035] A flexible printed circuit board 214 is connected to the interface part 205. When the contact pins of the interface part 205 are pushed in by a certain amount from the surface side to the inside of the resin case, the contact pins are electrically connected to the conductive patterns provided on the flexible printed circuit board 214.

[0036] The side cover 213 is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the base member 212. An accessory shoe 209 is fixed to the side cover 213 by two screws 216. And the side cover 213 is fixed to the base member 212 by being fastened to the base member 212 through the escape holes of the side cover 213 from the screw holes formed in the accessory shoe 209 by two screws 217.

[0037] The imaging unit 201 is fixed to the base member 212 by screws 223a, 223b, and 223c. The imaging unit 201 includes a photoelectric conversion element, a low-pass filter, a rigid package electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion element, a printed circuit board on which the rigid package is mounted, various electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board, and a metal plate adhesively fixed to the rigid package. For the rigid package, a multilayer substrate made of, for example, a ceramic base material is adopted, and conductor patterns are formed inside the rigid package. A part of the conductor pattern formed in the rigid package is connected to electrode terminals exposed on the surface of the rigid package, and a part of the electrode terminals and the photoelectric conversion element are electrically connected by a method such as wire bonding. Further, the electrode terminals of the rigid package are mounted on the printed circuit board together with various electronic components by a reflow soldering method or the like. After aligning the rigid package with respect to the metal plate, the rigid package is fixed to the metal plate by adhesively fixing the side surface of the rigid package and the end surface of the metal plate using, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin or the like.

[0038] The metal plate is attached to the base member 212 by screws 223a, 223b, and 223c, whereby the imaging unit 201 is attached to the base member 212. At this time, the imaging unit 201 and the base member 212 are connected in a state where coil springs 222a, 222b, and 222c are sandwiched therebetween. Thus, the imaging unit 201 is supported by the base member 212 so as to be displaceable by a slight amount in the optical axis direction. Therefore, by adjusting the tightening amount of the screws 223a, 223b, and 223c, the inclination of the imaging surface of the imaging unit 201 with respect to the base member 212 can be adjusted. After this inclination adjustment is completed, in order to prevent loosening of the screws 223a, 223b, and 223c, these screws are adhesively fixed to the metal plate.

[0039] As described above, the hinge portion 40 is composed of a tilt rotation hinge 401 and a pan rotation hinge 402. The tilt rotation hinge 401 has a pair of bifurcated pieces 401x extending in a bifurcated shape. At the tip of each of the bifurcated pieces 401x, arm portions 401a and 401b (401b is not shown) are provided facing each other. A holder 218a is rotatably held around the tilt rotation axis T with respect to the arm portion 401a on one of the arm portions 401a. A holder 218b is rotatably held around the tilt rotation axis T with respect to the arm portion 401b on the other arm portion 401b.

[0040] The inside of the arm portion 401b that holds the holder 218b has a hollow structure, and the harness 405 is inserted into the inside of the arm portion 401b and wired to the inside of the pan rotation hinge 402. The harness 405 is further wired from the inside of the pan rotation hinge 402 to the inside of the fixed portion 30 and is electrically connected to the operation portion 301, the power supply portion 302, the display portion 303, etc. B screw holes are formed in each of the holders 218a and 218b, and the holder 218a is fixed to the base member 212 by screws 220a and 220b, and the holder 218b is fixed to the base member 212 by screws 221a and 221b.

[0041] The movable portion 20 has a chassis 224 in which a plurality of screw holes are formed, and the chassis 124 is fixed to the side cover 213 by screws 225a and 225b. A printed circuit board 226 is fastened and fixed to the chassis 224 by screws 228a, 228b, and 228c. Various electronic components including a first attitude detection portion 206, a central control portion 207, and a recording portion 210 are mounted on the printed circuit board 226 by a reflow soldering method or the like. A plurality of connectors are also mounted on the printed circuit board 226, and a flexible printed circuit board 214 and a harness 405 are electrically connected to those connectors. One end of the flexible printed circuit board 227 is connected to the printed circuit board 226, and the other end is connected to the printed circuit board of the imaging portion 201, thereby electrically connecting the imaging portion 201 and the printed circuit board 226.

[0042] The operation unit 202 is provided on the back cover 229. The flexible printed circuit board 230 extending from the operation unit 202 is connected to a connector mounted on the printed circuit board 226. A plurality of engaging claws for engaging with the side cover 213 are formed at multiple locations on the back cover 229, and a groove portion is formed at a position on the side cover 213 corresponding to the engaging claws of the back cover 229. When the back cover 229 is assembled to the side cover 213 by engaging the engaging claws with the groove portion, the engaging claws are caught by the groove portion, acting as a retaining means. Note that the side cover 213 and the back cover 229 may be adhesively fixed to more reliably prevent the covers from coming off.

[0043] Next, the relative positional relationship between the movable unit 20 and the fixed unit 30, and the first attitude detection unit 206, the first angle detection unit 403, and the second angle detection unit 404 will be described in detail.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing states A1 to A5 in which the movable unit 20 is rotated about the tilt rotation axis T. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing states B1 to B8 in which the entire imaging device 10 is rotated in a plane including the vertical direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing states C1 to C4 in which the movable unit 20 is rotated about the pan rotation axis P.

[0045] As described above, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are defined for the imaging device 10 as shown in FIG. 1. According to the definition of each direction, the state in which the lens unit 50 faces the +Z direction is defined as the "forward state", and the state in which the lens unit 50 faces the -Z direction is defined as the "rearward state". Further, the attitude in which the accessory screw 209 of the movable unit 20 faces the +Y direction side (opposite side to the fixed unit 30) is defined as the "correct attitude", and the attitude in which the accessory screw 209 faces the -Y direction side (fixed unit 30 side) is defined as the "reverse attitude".

[0046] For example, states A2, B1, and C1 have the same posture as each other, are in the forward direction state, and are in the correct posture. State A4 is in the backward direction state and in the reverse posture. States B1 to B8 and C1 to C4 are in the correct posture. In states A2, B1 to B8, and C1, the shooting direction is the +Z direction, and in states A4 and C3, the shooting direction is the -Z direction. The correct posture is the posture in which the imaging unit 201 generates an image that is the same as the vertical direction of the subject, and the reverse posture is the posture in which the imaging unit 201 generates an image that is opposite to the vertical direction of the subject. Note that the imaging device 10 may be configured to give a click feeling for an operation with respect to each state and each posture so that it does not easily move from each state and each posture. For example, in states A2, A3, A4, C1, C2, C3, and C4, it may be configured to be less likely to move than other states.

[0047] With reference to states A1 to A5 shown in FIG. 4, the directions defined for the rotation of the movable unit 20 about the tilt rotation axis T will be described. In states A1 to A5, the movable unit 20 does not rotate about the pan rotation axis P. The rotation range from the forward direction (+Z direction) to the -Y direction (the direction toward the fixed unit 30) within the rotation phase between states A1 and A2 with the forward direction as a reference is defined as the "first direction". Also, the rotation range from the backward direction (-Z direction) to the -Y direction within the rotation phase between states A4 and A5 with the backward direction as a reference is defined as the "second direction". Further, the rotation range in the +Y direction between the forward direction and the backward direction within the rotation phase between states A2, A3, and A4 is defined as the "third direction". The rotation angle in the third direction is 180°. Therefore, the movable unit 20 can rotate by 180° or more about the tilt rotation axis T. Note that state A4 is a posture that is frequently used for self-portraits in which the photographer himself / herself is the subject.

[0048] With reference to states B1 to B8 shown in FIG. 5, the directions defined with respect to the absolute posture of the movable part 20 will be described. In FIG. 5, for states B2 to B8, the reference signs for the imaging device 10 are omitted. State B1 is a state in which the -Y direction coincides with the gravitational direction in the correct posture, and state B5 is a state in which the +Y direction coincides with the gravitational direction in the correct posture. Based on state B1, a ±90° rotation range (between states B3 to B2 to B1 to B8 to B7) of the entire imaging device 10 about an axis parallel to the tilt rotation axis T (not shown in FIG. 5) is defined as the "fourth direction". Also, based on state B5, a ±90° rotation range (between states B3 to B4 to B5 to B6 to B7) of the entire imaging device 10 about an axis parallel to the tilt rotation axis T is defined as the "fifth direction".

[0049] With reference to states C1 to C4 shown in FIG. 6, the directions defined with respect to the rotation of the movable part 20 about the pan rotation axis P will be described. A ±90° rotation range (between states C4 to C1 to C2) with respect to the forward direction (+Z direction) is defined as the "sixth direction". Also, with respect to the rotation of the movable part 20 about the pan rotation axis P, a ±90° rotation range (between states C2 to C3 to C4) with respect to the backward direction (-Z direction) is defined as the "seventh direction".

[0050] As described above, the detection signals of the first angle detection unit 403, the first posture detection unit 206, and the second angle detection unit 404 are transmitted to the central control unit 207. The central control unit 207 determines the first to fifth directions based on the detection signals from the first posture detection unit 206 and the first angle detection unit 403. Also, the central control unit 207 determines whether it is the sixth direction or the seventh direction based on the detection signal from the second angle detection unit 404. Then, the central control unit 207 performs display switching control of the display screen 303a of the display unit 303 according to the determined direction.

[0051] The display on the display screen 303a can be switched to an upside-down display (Y-direction inversion display), a left-right inversion display (X-direction inversion display), or an up-down and left-right inversion display, based on the normal display in the forward and upright posture. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the display screen 303a has a rectangular shape, with the long side parallel to the rotation axis A and the short side perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The left-right direction of the display screen 303a is the direction parallel to the long side, and the up-down direction of the display screen 303a is the direction parallel to the short side.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the content of display switching on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 10. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram for explaining the method of vertical display switching on the display screen 303a. FIG. 7(b) is a diagram for explaining the method of horizontal display switching on the display screen 303a.

[0053] The vertical display switching on the display screen 303a is controlled according to the determination results for the first to third directions and the determination results for the fourth and fifth directions, based on the forward and upright posture. Specifically, when it is determined that it is the first direction, regardless of whether it is the fourth or fifth direction, the upside-down display in the vertical direction is not performed. When it is determined that it is the second direction, regardless of whether it is the fourth or fifth direction, the upside-down display in the vertical direction is performed. When it is determined that it is the third direction and the fourth direction, the upside-down display in the vertical direction is not performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the third direction and the fifth direction, the upside-down display is performed in the vertical direction.

[0054] The horizontal display switching on the display screen 303a is controlled according to the determination results for the sixth and seventh directions, based on the forward and upright posture. When it is determined that it is the sixth direction, the left-right inversion display is not performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the seventh direction, the left-right inversion display is performed. By such display switching control, it becomes possible to perform an image display in accordance with the intention of the photographer during self-photography or photographing of others.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the posture of the imaging device 10 and the eyes U of the photographer. FIG. 8(a) shows the positional relationship between the imaging device 10 and the eyes U of the photographer during low-angle shooting. In this case, since the third direction, the fourth direction, and the sixth direction are detected, the display on the display screen 303a is a normal display without performing vertical inversion or horizontal inversion. FIG. 8(b) shows the positional relationship between the imaging device 10 and the eyes U of the photographer when shooting with the imaging device 10 suspended from a tree branch or the like. In this case, since the first direction, the fifth direction, and the seventh direction are detected, the display on the display screen 303a is a display that performs horizontal inversion without performing vertical inversion.

[0056] In this way, even if the posture of the imaging device 10 changes by changing the angle of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30, the rotation angle of the hinge part 40, the way of holding the imaging device 10 (fixed part 30), etc., it is always possible to provide an appropriate display image to the photographer. Therefore, the photographer can easily confirm whether or not the intended shooting can be performed and whether or not the intended shooting is being performed through the video (image) displayed on the display unit 303 even if the posture of the imaging device 10 is changed variously.

[0057] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an imaging device 11 according to the second embodiment. The imaging device 11 is different from the imaging device 10 in that it includes a fixed part 30A equipped with a second posture detection unit 305 and a movable part 20A that does not have the first posture detection unit 206 when compared with the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, among the components of the imaging device 11, those that are the same as the components of the imaging device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 9, and the description here is omitted. And since the appearance of the imaging device 11 is the same as that of the imaging device 10 (see FIG. 1), the description thereof is omitted.

[0058] The second attitude detection unit 305 is composed of a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and detects the absolute attitude of the fixed unit 30A in states B1 to B8 shown in FIG. 5. Taking state B1 as a reference, a rotation range of ±90° of the entire imaging device 10 about an axis parallel to the tilt rotation axis T (not shown in FIG. 5) (between states B3 to B2 to B1 to B8 to B7) is defined as the "eighth direction". Also, taking state B5 as a reference, a rotation range of ±90° of the entire imaging device 10 about an axis parallel to the tilt rotation axis T (between states B3 to B4 to B5 to B6 to B7) is defined as the "ninth direction".

[0059] The detection signal output from the second attitude detection unit 305 is transmitted to the central control unit 207 as an analog signal or digital data. The central control unit 207 determines the attitude of the imaging device 11 based on the detection signals of the first angle detection unit 403 and the second attitude detection unit 305, and performs vertical display switching control on the display screen 303a of the display unit 303 based on the determination result.

[0060] Note that the left - right direction display switching control on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 11 is performed in the same manner as the left - right direction display switching control on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 10 in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. The imaging device 11 may be configured not to include the second angle detection unit 404 and not to perform left - right reversed display.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the content of display switching on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 11. The vertical display switching on the display screen 303a is controlled according to the determination results for the first to third directions and the determination results for the eighth and ninth directions, with the forward direction and the correct attitude as references. Note that the definitions of "forward direction", "backward direction", "correct attitude", and "reverse attitude" in the second embodiment conform to the definitions in the first embodiment.

[0062] Specifically, when it is determined that it is the first direction, regardless of whether it is the eighth direction or the ninth direction, reverse display in the vertical direction is not performed. When it is determined that it is the second direction, regardless of whether it is the eighth direction or the ninth direction, reverse display in the vertical direction is performed. When it is determined that it is the third direction and the eighth direction, reverse display in the vertical direction is not performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the third direction and the ninth direction, reverse display in the vertical direction is performed.

[0063] In this way, also in the imaging device 11 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to always provide an appropriate display image to the photographer according to the posture of the imaging device 11. Therefore, even if the photographer changes the posture of the imaging device 10 in various ways, it is possible to easily confirm through the video (image) displayed on the display unit 303 whether or not the intended shooting can be performed and whether or not the intended shooting is being performed.

[0064] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging device 12 according to the third embodiment. The imaging device 12 is different from the imaging device 10 in that it includes a fixing unit 30A equipped with a second posture detection unit 305 and a hinge unit 40A that does not have a first angle detection unit 403, as compared with the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, among the components of the imaging device 12, those that are the same as the components of the imaging device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 11, and the description thereof will be omitted here. And since the appearance of the imaging device 12 is the same as that of the imaging device 10 (see FIG. 1), the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The fixing unit 30A is the same as the fixing unit 30A that constitutes the imaging device 11 according to the second embodiment. That is, the configuration of the second posture detection unit 305 and the directions (the eighth direction, the ninth direction) detected by the central control unit 207 based on the detection signal of the second posture detection unit 305 are in accordance with the description in the second embodiment, so the description here will be omitted.

[0066] The central control unit 207 determines the posture of the imaging device 12 based on the detection signals of the first posture detection unit 206 and the second posture detection unit 305, and performs vertical display switching control on the display screen 303a of the display unit 303 based on the determination result.

[0067] Note that since the left - right direction display switching control on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 12 is performed in the same manner as the left - right direction display switching control on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 10 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In the imaging device 12, it may be configured not to perform left - right inversion display without including the second angle detection unit 404.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the content of display switching on the display screen 303a of the imaging device 12. The vertical display switching on the display screen 303a is controlled according to the determination results for the fourth and fifth directions and the determination results for the eighth and ninth directions, with the forward direction and the correct posture as the reference. Note that the definitions of "forward direction", "backward direction", "correct posture", and "reverse posture" in the third embodiment conform to the definitions in the first embodiment.

[0069] Specifically, no vertical inversion display is performed when it is determined to be the fourth direction and the eighth direction, and when it is determined to be the fifth direction and the ninth direction. Vertical inversion display is performed when it is determined to be the fourth direction and the ninth direction, and when it is determined to be the fifth direction and the eighth direction. is performed.

[0070] In this way, even in the imaging device 12 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to always provide an appropriate display image to the photographer according to the posture of the imaging device 12. Therefore, even if the photographer changes the posture of the imaging device 12 in various ways, the photographer can easily confirm whether the intended shooting can be performed and whether the intended shooting is being performed through the video (image) displayed on the display unit 303.

[0071] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an imaging device 13 according to the fourth embodiment. The imaging device 13 is different from the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a fixed portion 30B equipped with a second attitude detection unit 305 and a third angle detection unit 307, and a movable portion 20A that does not have the first attitude detection unit 206. Therefore, among the components of the imaging device 13, those that are the same as the components of the imaging device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 13, and the description thereof will be omitted here. And since the appearance of the imaging device 13 is the same as that of the imaging device 10 (see FIG. 1), the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Since the configuration of the second attitude detection unit 305 included in the fixed portion 30B and the directions (eighth direction, ninth direction) detected by the central control unit 207 based on the detection signal of the second attitude detection unit 305 conform to the description in the second embodiment, the description here will be omitted.

[0073] The configuration and function of the first angle detection unit 403 are as described in the first embodiment, and the description here will be omitted. However, in the fourth embodiment, the definition of the rotation direction around the tilt rotation axis T of the movable portion 20A determined by the central control unit 207 based on the detection signal from the first angle detection unit 403 is different from the definition in the first embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing states A1 to A5 in which the movable portion 20A is rotated about the tilt rotation axis T. The states A1 to A5 shown in FIG. 14 are the same as the states A1 to A5 shown in FIG. 4. Also, the definitions of the "front direction" and the "rear direction" also conform to the definitions in the first embodiment.

[0075] The rotation range from the front direction to the -Y direction (the direction toward the fixing part 30B) (within the rotation phase between states A1 and A2) is defined as the "eleventh direction". The rotation range from the rear direction to the -Y direction (within the rotation phase between states A4 and A5) with the rear direction as the reference is defined as the "twelfth direction". The rotation range from the front direction to the +Y direction (within the rotation phase between states A2 and A3) is defined as the "thirteenth direction". The rotation range from the rear direction to the +Y direction (within the rotation phase between states A3 and A4) is defined as the "fourteenth direction". The respective rotation angles in the thirteenth direction and the fourteenth direction are 90°.

[0076] When switching the posture of the movable part 20A from state A2 to state A3, the period until a certain angle elapses beyond the posture of state A2 is defined as the thirteenth direction. When switching the posture of the movable part 20A from state A4 to state A3, the period until a certain angle elapses beyond the posture of state A3 is defined as the fourteenth direction. Thereby, unintended display switching in the vertical direction on the display screen 303a can be suppressed.

[0077] Figs. 15(a) and (b) are side views showing the closed state and the open state of the display part 303. The third angle detection part 307 is composed of an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, etc., and detects the rotation angle of the display part hinge 306. The detection signal output from the third angle detection part 307 is transmitted to the central control part 207 as an analog signal or digital data. The central control part 207 determines whether the display part 303 is in the open state or the closed state based on the detection signal acquired from the third angle detection part 307. In the present embodiment, the state of Fig. 15(a) where the back surface (the surface opposite to the display screen 303a) of the display part 303 is in contact with the fixing part 30B is defined as the "closed state", and the state of Fig. 15(b) where the back surface of the display part 303 is separated from the fixing part 30B is defined as the "open state".

[0078] Here, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing range (openable angle) of the display unit 303 is approximately 45°, and the central control unit 207 switches the detection result of the open / closed state at approximately 22.5°, which is the middle of this range. That is, the range from the fully open state of the display unit 303 shown in FIG. 15(b) to the middle position (the second angle range) is determined to be the open state, and the range from the middle position to the fully closed state shown in FIG. 15(a) (the first angle range) is determined to be the closed state. Note that the opening / closing range of the display unit 303 is not limited to approximately 45°, and it may be narrower or wider as long as it is within a range that can ensure visibility.

[0079] Based on the detection signals of the first angle detection unit 403, the second attitude detection unit 305, and the third angle detection unit 307, the central control unit 207 determines the attitude of the imaging device 13 including the attitude of the display unit 303. Then, based on the determination result, the central control unit 207 performs vertical display switching control on the display screen 303a.

[0080] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the content of display switching of the display screen 303a on the imaging device 13. The vertical display switching on the display screen 303a is controlled according to the determination results in the eleventh to fourteenth directions, the determination results in the eighth and ninth directions, and the determination result of the open / closed state of the display unit 303, with the forward direction and the correct attitude as the reference. Note that the definitions of "forward direction", "backward direction", "correct attitude", and "reverse attitude" in the fourth embodiment are in accordance with the definitions in the first embodiment.

[0081] Cases where reverse display in the vertical direction is not performed on the display screen 303a are the following first to fourth cases. The first case is the case where it is determined to be the eleventh direction regardless of the determination result in the eighth or ninth direction and the determination result of the open / closed state of the display unit 303. The second case is the case where it is determined to be the thirteenth direction and the eighth direction regardless of the determination result of the open / closed state of the display unit 303. The third case is the case where it is determined to be the thirteenth direction, the ninth direction, and the display unit 303 is determined to be in the closed state. The fourth case is the case where it is determined to be the fourteenth direction, the ninth direction, and the display unit 303 is determined to be in the open state.

[0082] On the other hand, the vertical inversion display on the display screen 303a is performed in the following fifth to eighth cases. The fifth case is a case where it is determined to be the twelfth direction regardless of the determination result of whether it is the eighth direction or the ninth direction and the determination result of the open / closed state of the display unit 303. The sixth case is a case where it is the thirteenth direction, and also the ninth direction, and it is determined that the display unit 303 is in the open state. The seventh case is a case where it is the fourteenth direction regardless of the determination result of the open / closed state of the display unit 303, and it is determined to be the eighth direction. The eighth case is a case where it is the fourteenth direction, and also the ninth direction, and it is determined that the display unit 303 is in the closed state.

[0083] By such display control, for example, it is possible to distinguish between a scene where it is desired to hang the imaging device 13 at a predetermined position and take a picture with both hands free and a scene where it is desired to take a picture from a low angle, and always provide an appropriate display image to the photographer according to the shooting scene. Therefore, even if the photographer changes the posture of the imaging device 13 in various ways including the posture of the display unit 303, it is possible to easily confirm through the video (image) displayed on the display unit 303 whether the intended shooting can be performed and whether the intended shooting is being performed.

[0084] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a method for shooting moving image content by the imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment and display control of an operation screen will be described.

[0085] In Patent Document 1, which is an example of the prior art described above, the lens unit may be rotated during video recording such as video shooting to switch the shooting direction. When playing or editing the video recorded in this way, it is convenient to be able to easily find out where the scene to be confirmed is. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to find out the switching timing of the shooting direction during video playback. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, it is made possible to easily find out the switching of the shooting direction in the recorded video.

[0086] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for managing video content (shooting video). On the display screen 303a of the display unit 303, reduced images representing each video content are displayed for each group in the order of the shooting time axis in the H-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the display screen 303a). Groups A, C, and D include a plurality of video contents, and the plurality of video contents are arranged and displayed in the V-axis direction (the short side direction of the display screen 303a).

[0087] The user can select any video content from the video contents displayed along the H-axis by operating the touch pad 301c. In addition, the user can determine the group to which a certain video content should belong and associate the video content with that group. When shooting video content, the user instructs the central control unit 207 to start shooting by pressing the first button 301a or the second button 301b of the operation unit 301. When the first button 301a is pressed and shooting starts, the shot video content is classified into a new group that does not belong to any group. On the other hand, the video content for which shooting has started by pressing the second button 301b is recognized as video content obtained by reshooting and is classified into any of the designated groups. The details will be described below.

[0088] When shooting new video content that does not belong to any group, the user presses the first button 301a. The new video content is recorded in the recording unit 210 together with the set shooting conditions and information such as the type of the attached lens unit 50. For example, when the first button 301a is pressed and shooting is started when shooting has been performed up to group D, group E is created, and management and display are performed as content 1 of group E.

[0089] On the other hand, when performing reshooting such as retaking video content that should be classified into one of the already shot video content groups, the user presses the second button 301b. The reshot video content is recorded in the recording unit 210 together with the set shooting conditions and information such as the type of the attached lens unit 50, and is classified into the group that was shot last. For example, when reshooting is performed in a situation where content 1 of group D was shot last, the central control unit 207 classifies the reshot video content as the video content of group D, and performs management and display as content 2 of group D.

[0090] However, there may be a case where the user selects specific video content using the touch pad 301c from the list of video content displayed on the display screen 303a before pressing the second button 301b. In this case, the reshot video content is classified into the group of the selected video content instead of the group that was shot last. For example, when content 2 of group C is selected, the reshot video content is classified into group C, and management and display are performed as content 3 of group C.

[0091] FIG. 18 is a timing chart from the start to the end of shooting video content. The horizontal axis in FIG. 18 shows the elapsed time Time in the shot video content. During the shooting of the video content, the shooting direction may be switched due to the rotation of the tilt rotation hinge 401 and the pan rotation hinge 402. In the example of FIG. 18, after the shooting direction is switched from the first direction to the second direction, the shooting direction is switched again from the second direction to the first direction. Thus, during the shooting of the video content, the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30 belongs may be switched.

[0092] Based on the attitude information of the movable part 20, the central control unit 207 attaches "switching information" indicating this at the timing when the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30 belongs is switched, to the video content which is the video to be recorded. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily find out the timing when the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 belongs is switched during the playback or editing of the video content.

[0093] The switching information is recorded in the recording unit 210 as a switching flag FLG. The recorded switching flag FLG has switching flags FLG1 to FLG7 assigned corresponding to the first to seventh directions. The central control unit 207 determines that the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 belongs is switched when the rotation position of the movable part 20 crosses the boundary between adjacent rotation angle ranges.

[0094] The switching flag FLG includes information indicating the time when the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 belongs is switched. Further, the switching flag FLG includes information indicating the rotation angle ranges before and after the switching of the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 belongs. For example, when switching from the first direction to the second direction, the first direction is recorded as the rotation angle range before switching, and the second direction is recorded as the rotation angle range after switching. Such information is also information indicating the switching direction of the rotation angle range.

[0095] Note that the switching flags FLG1 to FLG3, the switching flags FLG5 and 6, and the switching flags FLG6 and 7 are recorded independently. For example, the switching flags FLG1 to FLG3 are first switching information indicating that the rotation angle range around the tilt rotation axis T (first rotation axis) has switched. The switching flags FLG5 and 6 are switching information based on the detection result of the first attitude detection unit 206. The switching flags FLG6 and 7 are second switching information indicating that the rotation angle range around the pan rotation axis P (second rotation axis) has switched.

[0096] Regarding a certain rotation direction, the number of divisions of the rotation angle range may be three or more. Also, among the three or more rotation angle ranges, the switching flag FLG may be recorded only when the rotation angle range after switching is a predetermined rotation angle range. For example, regarding the rotation around the tilt rotation axis T, the switching flag FLG2 may be abolished. That is, when switching from the second direction to the third direction, the switching flag FLG3 may be recorded with the first direction instead of the second direction as the rotation angle range before switching, and the third direction as the rotation angle range after switching.

[0097] As will be described later, the captured video content is given not only the time and direction of switching, but also flags corresponding to the rotation angle and speed. The flags given are represented by unique marks, simplified characters, etc. For example, in FIG. 18, the self-shot flag and the other-shot flag are given with differently colored star marks.

[0098] By attaching various flags such as a switching flag FLG to video content, it becomes easier to set the editing target during the editing of video content, and the editing time of the video content can be shortened. As an aspect of editing video content, an aspect is assumed in which one video content is completed by connecting one content selected by the user from among a plurality of contents belonging to each group. In such an aspect, not limited to such an aspect, for example, by using the attached flag as a checkpoint, it becomes possible to easily edit video content. Also, during the playback of video content, by using the attached flag as a capture, playback from the flag position becomes possible, and since the captured video content can be easily confirmed, the editing time can be shortened. During the playback of video content, playback can be started from the switching timing of the shooting direction indicated by the attached flag.

[0099] Note that, as shown in FIG. 17, the arrangement direction of the groups is the H-axis direction, and the arrangement direction of the video content belonging to each group is the V-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other directions such as an oblique direction or a direction along an arc may be used as the arrangement direction of the groups.

[0100] FIGS. 19(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the posture of the imaging device 10. Whether or not to attach the switching flags FLG1 to 3 may be determined in consideration of not only the rotation at the tilt rotation hinge 401 but also the postures of the fixed part 30 or the movable part 20.

[0101] In the posture shown in FIG. 19(a), the bread rotation axis P is parallel to the direction of gravity. In this posture, the range of the angle θ1 is the first direction, which is the same as the range between the state A1 and the state A2 shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, in the posture shown in FIG. 19(b), the bread rotation axis P is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. In this posture, the range of the angle θ2 is the first direction. That is, the range of the angle θ2 from the rotation position where the direction in which the lens unit 50 faces is horizontal with respect to the direction of gravity to the limit position where the direction in which the lens unit 50 faces can rotate toward the side having a component in the direction of gravity is the first direction. The angle θ2 is larger than the angle θ1. The central control unit 207 changes the first to third directions based on the detection signals from the first angle detection unit 403 and the first posture detection unit 206.

[0102] Note that the first posture detection unit 206 may be able to detect the posture of the fixed unit 30. Alternatively, as in the imaging device 12 according to the third embodiment, posture detection units may be provided independently for the movable unit 20 and the fixed unit 30.

[0103] When the first posture detection unit 206 that detects the posture of the movable unit 20 instead of the fixed unit 30 is provided, the processing is as follows. That is, the central control unit 207 determines the rotation angle of the movable unit 20 with respect to the fixed unit 30 such that the optical axis becomes horizontal from the posture of the movable unit 20 and the rotation position of the movable unit 20 with respect to the fixed unit 30 around the tilt rotation axis T. Then, the central control unit 207 changes the determined rotation angle so as to be the boundary between the first direction and the third direction. In this case, as a result of the first direction being changed and the angle θ2 becoming larger, the second direction may disappear.

[0104] When a posture detection unit that detects the posture of the fixed unit 30 instead of the movable unit 20 is provided, the following processing is performed. That is, based on the posture of the fixed unit 30, the central control unit 207 determines the rotation angle of the movable unit 20 with respect to the fixed unit 30 such that the optical axis becomes horizontal around the tilt rotation axis T, and sets the determined rotation angle at the boundary between the first direction and the third direction. The change of the boundary between the rotation angle ranges can be reflected not only around the tilt rotation axis T but also around the pan rotation axis P.

[0105] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a process for managing video content. Each process (step) indicated by an S number in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is realized by the CPU provided in the central control unit 207 reading and executing a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM provided in the central control unit 207. This process starts when the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on.

[0106] In S101, the central control unit 207 determines whether a shooting instruction has been input. Here, when the first button 301a is pressed, it is determined that a shooting instruction has been input. If no shooting instruction is input, in S102, the central control unit 207 determines whether a reshooting instruction has been input. Here, when the second button 301b is pressed, it is determined that a reshooting instruction has been input. If no reshooting instruction is input, the central control unit 207 returns the process to S101.

[0107] If a shooting instruction is input in S101, the central control unit 207 starts a shooting process in S104. The shot data (video) is sequentially recorded in the recording unit 210. Next, in S105, the central control unit 207 continues shooting until a shooting end instruction is input. Here, when the first button 301a or the second button 301b is pressed, it is determined that a shooting end instruction has been input. When a shooting end instruction is input, the central control unit 207 classifies the data shot this time into a new group of video content that does not belong to any group, records the shot data in the recording unit 210, and then ends the process.

[0108] If a reshooting instruction is input as a result of the determination in S102, the central control unit 207 determines in S103 whether a specific video content was selected immediately before the reshooting instruction was input. If a specific video content was selected, the central control unit 207 starts reshooting as the selected video content in S107, and sequentially records the captured data in the recording unit 210. Next, in S108, the central control unit 207 continues shooting until a shooting end instruction is input. Here, when the first button 301a or the second button 301b is pressed, it is determined that a shooting end instruction has been input. When a shooting end instruction is input, the central control unit 207 classifies the data captured this time into the group to which the selected video content belongs in S109, records the captured data in the recording unit 210, and then ends the process.

[0109] If a specific video content was not selected as a result of the determination in S103, the central control unit 207 starts reshooting as the last captured video content in S110, and sequentially records the captured data in the recording unit 210. Next, in S111, the central control unit 207 continues shooting until a shooting end instruction is input. Here, when the first button 301a or the second button 301b is pressed, it is determined that a shooting end instruction has been input. When a shooting end instruction is input, the central control unit 207 classifies the data captured this time into the group to which the last captured video content belongs in S112, records the captured data in the recording unit 210, and then ends the process.

[0110] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a warning process. This process is a modification of the process shown in FIG. 20. Specifically, in the flowchart of FIG. 21, S201 to S210 are executed instead of S102 and S103 in the flowchart of FIG. 20.

[0111] If it is determined as "No" in S101, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S201 and, similar to S102, determines whether a reshooting instruction has been input, and waits until a reshooting instruction is input. When a reshooting instruction is input, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S202 and, similar to S103, determines whether a specific video content was selected immediately before the reshooting instruction was input. And if a specific video content has not been selected, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S210 and shifts to the start of shooting. In this case, the reshooting process as the last-shot video content after S110 in FIG. 20 is executed.

[0112] As a result of the determination in S202, if a specific video content has been selected, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S203 and determines whether the selected video content is the last-shot video content. And if the selected video content is the last-shot video content, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S210 and shifts to the start of shooting. Also in this case, the reshooting process as the last-shot video content after S110 in FIG. 20 is executed.

[0113] As a result of the determination in S203, if the selected video content is not the last-shot video content, the central control unit 207 advances the process to S204. In S204, the central control unit 207 reads from the recording unit 210 information indicating the type of the lens unit 50 that was attached when the selected video content was shot, and determines whether the type is the same as the type of the currently attached lens unit 50. Note that the information of the lens unit 50 is saved each time it is attached. And if both are the same, since there is no possibility of reshooting with a lens unit 50 different from that at the time of shooting the selected video content, the central control unit 207 proceeds to S210 and shifts to the start of shooting. In this case, the reshooting process as the selected video content after S107 in FIG. 20 is executed.

[0114] As a result of the determination in S204, if the type of the lens unit 50 attached when shooting the selected video content is not the same as the type of the currently attached lens unit 50, the central control unit 207 proceeds with the process to S205. In S205, the central control unit 207 causes a warning as illustrated in FIG. 22 to be displayed on the display screen 303a of the display unit 303.

[0115] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the warning content displayed on the display screen 303a. On the display screen 303a, the names of the (previous) lens unit 50 attached when shooting the selected video content and the currently attached (current) lens unit 50 are displayed. If the previous lens unit 50 is a lens unit 50 named "ZOOOM LENS 1" and the current lens unit 50 is named "ZOOOM LENS 2", their respective names are displayed. Also, together with the name of the lens unit 50, a message "The lens is different" is displayed to notify that the types of the lens units 50 are different. Thereby, it is possible to inform the user that the lens units 50 attached at the time of shooting the selected video content and currently are different.

[0116] In S206 after S205, the central control unit 207 determines whether an instruction to start reshooting has been input due to the pressing of the first button 301a or the second button 301b. If an instruction to start reshooting is not input, the central control unit 207 determines in S207 whether the current lens unit 50 has been replaced with the previous lens unit 50. If the central control unit 207 cannot confirm that the current lens unit 50 has been replaced with the previous lens unit 50, the process returns to S206. Thereby, it is possible to prevent reshooting from being performed with a lens unit 50 different from that at the time of shooting the selected video content.

[0117] On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the current lens unit 50 has been replaced with the previous lens unit 50, the central control unit 207 ends the warning display shown on the display screen 303a in S208 and returns the process to S201. As a result of the determination in S206, if an instruction to start reshooting is input, the central control unit 207 ends the warning display shown on the display screen 303a in S209 and advances the process to S210. In this case, the reshooting process as the selected video content after S107 in FIG. 20 is executed. After S210, the central control unit 207 ends the process shown in FIG. 21.

[0118] As described above, when performing reshooting, if the lens unit 50 being mounted is different between the time of shooting the selected video content and the present, a warning is displayed on the display screen 303a. This can prevent reshooting from being performed with a lens unit 50 different from that at the time of shooting the selected video content unintentionally. Also, by prompting lens replacement, it becomes possible to perform reshooting with the same lens unit 50. Furthermore, even when a warning is displayed, shooting is started if an instruction to start reshooting is input again (Yes in S206). Therefore, reshooting can be executed even when the lens unit 50 is intentionally changed.

[0119] Note that when the last-shot video content is selected during video content selection, no warning is displayed even if the lens unit 50 being mounted is different between the time of shooting the selected video content and the present (Yes in S203). This is because it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the lens unit 50 has been intentionally replaced even though it is reshooting of the last-shot video content and the lens unit 50 is different.

[0120] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the flag - adding process during video content shooting. This process is started in response to the start of shooting in any one of S104, S107, and S110 in FIG. 20, and is executed in parallel with the process shown in FIG. 20. In this process, the central control unit 207 functions as the control means in the present invention.

[0121] In S301, the central control unit 207 starts shooting. In S302, the central control unit 207 determines the posture of the imaging device 10 based on the detection signal from the first posture detection unit 206. Also, the central control unit 207 determines the rotational positions of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30 around the tilt rotation axis T and the pan rotation axis P based on the detection signals from the first angle detection unit 403 and the second angle detection unit 404.

[0122] In S303, the central control unit 207 determines whether a rotation operation (hereinafter collectively referred to as "rotation operation") in the pan direction or the tilt direction has been performed. If the rotation operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S312. On the other hand, if the rotation operation has been performed, the central control unit 207 proceeds the process to S304. Note that, for the case where a pan operation is performed and the case where a tilt operation is performed as the rotation operation, the processes after S304 are executed in parallel.

[0123] In S304, the central control unit 207 determines whether the rotation amount by the rotation operation is larger than a predetermined angle. Note that in S304, the rotation amount by the current operation, that is, the rotation amount (the angle displaced without interruption) since the last determination as Yes in S303 is the object of judgment. And if the rotation amount by the rotation operation is equal to or less than the predetermined angle, the central control unit 207 proceeds the process to S312. Therefore, if no change in the rotational position of the movable part 20 larger than the predetermined angle is detected, the switching flag FLG and other flags are not associated with the video content to be recorded. This is because such a rotation operation is judged to be only an operation for fine adjustment.

[0124] As a result of the determination in S304, if the rotation amount due to the rotation operation is greater than a predetermined angle, the central control unit 207 determines in S305 whether the rotation speed due to the rotation operation is less than a predetermined speed. The rotation speed is calculated based on the change in the rotation angle within a unit time. And if the rotation speed due to the rotation operation is less than the predetermined speed, it is the case where the rotation of the movable part 20 that is not faster than the predetermined speed is detected, and it is considered that the movable part 20 is being slowly rotated for panning shooting. Therefore, the central control unit 207 associates, in S309, a panning shooting flag (second information) different from the switching flag FLG with the video to be recorded. The panning shooting flag is assigned corresponding to each of the pan and tilt, and they may be assigned in combination.

[0125] Next, in S310, the central control unit 207 determines whether the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30 belongs has changed (crossed the boundary). And if the rotation angle range has changed, the central control unit 207 associates, in S311, the switching flag FLG with the video content to be recorded. As described above, information indicating the rotation angle range before and after the switching and information indicating the switching timing are added to the video to be recorded.

[0126] After that, the central control unit 207 proceeds with the process to S312. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S310, if the rotation angle range has not changed, the central control unit 207 proceeds with the process to S312 without assigning the switching flag FLG.

[0127] As a result of the determination in S305, if the rotation speed due to the rotation operation is not less than the predetermined speed, it is the case where the rotation of the movable part 20 faster than the predetermined speed is detected, and it is determined that an intentional pan or tilt operation has been performed. Therefore, the central control unit 207 associates, in S306, a pan flag or a tilt flag (first information) different from the switching flag FLG with the video content to be recorded. The pan flag and the tilt flag may be assigned in combination.

[0128] Next, before the lapse of a predetermined time after the center control unit 207 assigns the pan flag or the tilt flag, it determines whether or not the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable unit 20 with respect to the fixed unit 30 belongs has changed. If the rotation angle range has not changed before the lapse of the predetermined time after the pan flag or the tilt flag is assigned, the center control unit 207 advances the process to S312. Therefore, the pan flag or the tilt flag is maintained and the switching flag FLG is not assigned. However, if the rotation angle range has changed before the lapse of the predetermined time after the pan flag or the tilt flag is assigned, the center control unit 207 advances the process to S308.

[0129] In S308, the center control unit 207 deletes the pan flag or the tilt flag associated with the video content, and then advances the process to S311. Therefore, if a fast pan operation or a tilt operation is performed and then rotated significantly before the lapse of the predetermined time immediately thereafter, instead of deleting the pan flag or the tilt flag, the switching flag FLG is assigned. Thereby, switching information along with the user's intention is assigned.

[0130] In S312, the center control unit 207 determines whether or not to continue shooting. Here, when a shooting end instruction is input by pressing the first button 301a or the second button 301b, it is determined not to continue shooting. If it is determined to continue shooting, the center control unit 207 returns the process to S303. If it is determined not to continue shooting, the center control unit 207 executes shooting end processing in S313 and ends the processing shown in FIG. 23. The captured video is saved in the recording unit 210 together with the flag.

[0131] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when it is detected that the rotation angle range to which the rotation position of the movable part 20 with respect to the fixed part 30 belongs has switched during shooting, the switching flag FLG (switching information) is associated with the video recorded by the recording part 210. Thereby, in the recorded video, it is possible to easily understand the switching of the shooting direction. Therefore, it is convenient for playing and editing video content. In particular, since the switching flag FLG includes information indicating the time when the rotation angle range has switched, the switching direction, and the rotation angle ranges before and after the switching, operations for playing and editing video content become very easy. For example, when playing the recorded video, playback can be started from the switching timing (the time when the rotation angle range has switched) indicated by the switching flag FLG.

[0132] Also, since the switching flag FLG is given for each of the rotation around the tilt rotation axis T and the rotation around the pan rotation axis P, it is possible to know the switching of the shooting direction in more detail. Furthermore, depending on the speed of the pan or tilt operation, in addition to the streaming flag, a pan flag or a tilt flag is given as a flag different from the switching flag FLG, so that the rotation operations performed during shooting can be confirmed in detail during playback or editing.

[0133] And even after the pan flag or the tilt flag is given, if the movable part 20 is rotated greatly within a predetermined time, the pan flag or the tilt flag is deleted and the switching flag FLG is given. Therefore, the user's intention is appropriately reflected in each given flag. Also, depending on the rotation position of the movable part 20 that is not greater than a predetermined angle, no flag is given, so it is possible to avoid the difficulty of searching for scenes due to the frequent giving of flags.

[0134] As described above, the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it is also possible to appropriately combine the embodiments.

[0135] For example, the present invention is also applicable to a configuration in which the lens unit 50 is not detachable from the movable part 20. In addition, although the present invention has been described as being applicable to a configuration having the hinge part 40 of the biaxial hinge, depending on the required effects, it may be applied to the hinge part of a uniaxial hinge. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to an imaging device including only one of the tilt rotation mechanism and the pan rotation mechanism.

[0136] Also, in the above embodiment, each detection unit such as the first attitude detection unit 206 and the first angle detection unit 403 outputs only a detection signal, and the central control unit 207 that receives the detection signal performs various direction determinations. However, it is not limited to this, and each detection unit may perform direction determination based on the detection signal, and the central control unit 207 may perform display control on the display unit 303 based on the direction determination results by each detection unit.

[0137] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0138] 10 to 13 Imaging device 20, 20A Movable part 30, 30A, 30B Fixed part 40, 40A Hinge part 50 Lens unit 201 Imaging part 206 First attitude detection unit 207 Central control unit 210 Recording Unit 303 Display Unit 305 Second Posture Detection Unit 307 Third Angle Detection Unit 403 First Angle Detection Unit 404 Second Angle Detection Unit

Claims

【Claim 1】 An imaging unit, A main body unit including a display unit, A hinge unit that rotatably connects the imaging unit and the main body unit about at least one axis, and first detection means for detecting the rotational phase of the imaging unit about the one axis with respect to the main body unit, Second detection means for detecting the posture of the imaging unit, An imaging apparatus comprising display control means for vertically inverting the display of an image captured by the imaging unit on the display unit according to detection results by the first detection means and the second detection means.

Images