Observation equipment

Abstract

Provided is an observation device with which it is possible, when displaying an image overlaid on an optical image of a subject, to adjust the visibility of the image and the optical image according to the intensity of environmental light. The observation device (30) comprises an optical system (32), a display mechanism (34) that displays the image on the basis of a signal generated by an imaging element (20), and a light-blocking mechanism (36) having a variable light-blocking rate. The optical image has a first optical region (OP1) and a second optical region (OP2). The display mechanism (34) overlays the image on the first optical region (OP1), and displays the image so that a user can observe the image together with the optical image. The light-blocking mechanism (36) is positioned in the light path between the subject and the display mechanism (34) and has a first light-blocking region (36a) overlapping the first optical region (OP1), and a second light-blocking region (36b) overlapping the second optical region (OP2). A control process is executed on the light-blocking mechanism (36) with a control unit (40) to control the light-blocking rate of the first light-blocking region (36a) and the second light-blocking region (36b) on the basis of the intensity of the environmental light.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an observation device for an imaging device, and more particularly to an observation device that allows both an optical image of a subject and a captured image to be observed. [Background technology]

[0002] Users of imaging devices such as digital cameras use camera viewfinders, i.e., observation devices for imaging devices, for the purpose of setting the imaging range (angle of view), etc. Among observation devices, there are so-called hybrid observation devices (hereinafter also referred to as HVFs) that combine the functions of both optical viewfinders and electronic viewfinders.

[0003] In an HVF, for example, a captured image is displayed on a display within the HVF while an optical image of the subject is formed by an optical system within the HVF (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This allows the captured image to be displayed superimposed on the optical image of the subject, and a user of the HVF can observe both the captured image and the optical image of the subject through a single eyepiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-232665 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the HVF, the visibility of the image displayed superimposed on the optical image of the subject can change depending on the intensity of light (ambient light) in the shooting environment. For example, outdoors during the day, the optical image appears brighter due to the light entering the HVF, making the image difficult to see.

[0006] Furthermore, when adjusting the brightness of an image to improve the visibility of the image, it is necessary to adjust the brightness of each of the image and the optical image in a balanced manner, taking into consideration the visibility of the optical image.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an observation device that can adjust the visibility of an image and an optical image when an image is displayed superimposed on an optical image of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention is an observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, and is controlled by a control unit, and is equipped with an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that it can be observed by a user, a display mechanism that displays the image so that it can be observed by the user, and a shading mechanism whose shading rate is variable by an electrical signal, wherein the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region, and the image is based on a signal generated by the imaging element, the display mechanism superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays it so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image, the shading mechanism is arranged in the optical path between the subject and the display mechanism, and has a first shading region that superimposes on the first optical region and a second shading region that superimposes on the second optical region, and the control unit executes a control process for the shading mechanism to control the shading rate of the first shading region and the second shading region based on the intensity of ambient light.

[0009] Furthermore, the control process may be performed based on an output signal from a sensor that outputs a signal according to the intensity to the light blocking mechanism.

[0010] The image sensor may generate a signal when capturing an image of a portion of a subject observed as an optical image. In this case, in the control process, the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area may be controlled based on the signal generated by the image sensor and the output signal of the sensor.

[0011] The edge of the first light-blocking area may be located outside the edge of the image display area.

[0012] In addition, in the control process, the light blocking rate of the edge region of the second light blocking region may be controlled to be lower than the light blocking rate of the center region of the second light blocking region.

[0013] The display mechanism may also include a light-transmitting display, in which case the image may be displayed in a portion of the display corresponding to the first optical region, with the optical image passing through the display, so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image using the observation device.

[0014] In addition, the image may include an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region. In this case, the control process may control the shading rate of the first shading region in a region that overlaps with the image of the in-focus region to be higher than the shading rate of the region that overlaps with the image of the out-of-focus region.

[0015] Furthermore, the image may include an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region. In this case, the display mode of the image of the in-focus region may be different from the display mode of the image of the out-of-focus region.

[0016] In addition, a correction process is performed to correct the gradation value according to the signal generated by the imaging element, and the display mechanism displays an image based on the corrected gradation value, and the amount of correction for the gradation value in the correction process may be set according to the intensity.

[0017] The display mechanism may also display a marker indicating the imaging range of the imaging element together with the image. In this case, in an overlapping area of ​​the display mechanism where the display area of ​​the marker and the display area of ​​the image overlap, one of the marker and the image may be displayed preferentially over the other.

[0018] In addition, in the overlapping area, one of the sign and the image selected by the user may be displayed preferentially over the other.

[0019] Moreover, an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used for an imaging device including a control unit.

[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention is an observation device for an imaging device having an image sensor, and is controlled by a control unit, and includes an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that it can be viewed by a user, a display mechanism that displays the image so that it can be viewed by the user, and a shading mechanism whose shading rate is variable by an electrical signal, wherein the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region, and the display mechanism superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays the image and the optical image so that they can both be viewed by the user, and the shading mechanism is disposed in the optical path between the subject and the display mechanism and has a plurality of shading regions that superimpose on the first optical region and the second optical region, and control processing is executed by the control unit for the display mechanism and the shading mechanism, and in the control processing, the display size in response to an input operation by the user and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading regions are read out from a storage device in which the display size of the image on the display mechanism and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading regions are stored.

[0021] In the above configuration, the display size and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading regions may be stored in the storage device in a state where each of the display size and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading regions are associated with one of a plurality of modes. In this case, the input operation is an operation in which the user designates one of the plurality of modes, and in the control process, the display size and the shading rates corresponding to the mode designated by the user may be read from the storage device.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention is an observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, controlled by a control unit, comprising: an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that it can be observed by a user; and a display mechanism that displays the image so that it can be observed by the user, wherein the optical system has a lens, and the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region, and the display mechanism superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays both the image and the optical image so that the user can observe them together, and also displays a sign that surrounds the shooting range of the imaging element superimposed on the second optical region, wherein the image is displayed with correction made in accordance with distortion aberration caused by the lens, and the sign is displayed without correction or with weaker correction than the image, based on the positional relationship between the optical image observed with distortion aberration and the shooting range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an imaging device and an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device and an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an image observed by an observation device and an optical image. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an optical image observed by the observation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between input tone values ​​and output values ​​in gamma correction. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of first gradation correction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the first gradation correction. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of second gradation correction. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the second gradation correction. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an image and an optical image when the display size is changed. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an image and an optical image when the display position is changed. [Figure 12]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an image and an optical image when the display area of ​​the image and the display area of ​​the sign overlap. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram for a case where an observation device is used under conditions of high ambient light intensity, where the upper diagram shows each shading area of ​​the shading mechanism, and the lower diagram shows the optical image and images that can be observed within the observation device. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram of the effect of controlling the shading rate of each shading area of ​​the shading mechanism, where the upper diagram shows each shading area of ​​the shading mechanism, and the lower diagram shows the optical image and image that can be observed within the observation device. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the light blocking rate of a second light blocking region. FIG. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram of the effect of increasing the shading rate of the shading area that overlaps with the image of the focused area, where the upper diagram shows each shading area of ​​the shading mechanism, and the lower diagram shows the optical image and image that can be observed within the observation device. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images that can be observed in the observation device when the shooting environment is a dark environment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation flow of an imaging device and an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a mode designation screen. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the image display size and the light blocking rate of each light blocking area of ​​the light blocking mechanism set for each mode. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B show an optical image observed with distortion, a corrected image, and an uncorrected marking. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of an imaging device and an observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the imaging device and observation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the internal configuration of the observation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Preferred embodiments (first to third embodiments) of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0025] <<First Embodiment>> The first embodiment of the present invention relates to an observation device for an imaging device. The imaging device 10 according to the first embodiment constitutes, for example, the digital camera shown in FIG. 1. The observation device 30 according to the first embodiment is constituted by a camera viewfinder. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the observation device 30 is built into the imaging device 10. Here, the imaging device 10 refers to the portion of the digital camera excluding the observation device 30. Furthermore, the user corresponds to both the user of the imaging device 10 and the user of the observation device 30.

[0026] [Basic configuration of imaging device] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging device 10 includes an imaging lens 12, an aperture 16, a shutter 18, an imaging element 20, a rear display 22, an operation unit 24, a lens driving mechanism 28, a control unit 40, and an internal memory 50.

[0027] The imaging device 10 is a model with an integrated lens or a model with interchangeable lenses, and captures an image at an angle of view according to the imaging lens 12. During imaging, light that has passed through the imaging lens 12 is incident on the imaging element 20. The amount of light incident on the imaging element 20 is controlled by adjusting the aperture value of the aperture 16. The exposure time during imaging is controlled by adjusting the shutter speed of the shutter 18. Exposure conditions such as the aperture value, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity are controlled by a control unit 40.

[0028] The imaging lens 12 may be a telephoto lens. Furthermore, the focus lens 12a included in the imaging lens 12 can be moved in the direction of its optical axis by a lens drive mechanism 28. In other words, the focus (in-focus position) of the imaging device 10 is variable.

[0029] The imaging element 20 is configured by a known image sensor, such as a CCD (Charged Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor), an organic imaging element, etc. The imaging element 20 receives light (not limited to visible light) from a subject within the angle of view, converts the received light image into an electrical signal, and generates and outputs the converted signal.

[0030] The rear display 22 is provided on the rear surface of the imaging device 10 and displays images and various information, for example, a live view image during imaging. The live view image is an image (captured image) based on a signal generated by the imaging element 20, and is a real-time image of the subject during imaging.

[0031] The operation unit 24 is provided on the outer surface of the imaging device 10 and accepts operations by the user. As shown in Fig. 2, the operation unit 24 includes a release button 25, a cross key-type or control wheel-type selection button 26, and a touch panel 27 provided on the rear display 22. The release button 25 is pressed when the user issues a command to store a captured image. The selection button 26 and the touch panel 27 are operated, for example, when the user selects a mode or sets conditions.

[0032] The observation device 30 is an observation device for the imaging device 10, and is a peer-type finder that the user uses to set the angle of view and check the subject during imaging. The observation device 30 is a hybrid type finder (HVF) that combines the functions of an optical view finder (OVF) and an electronic view finder (EVF).

[0033] In other words, in the observation device 30, the OVF function forms an optical image of the subject so that it can be observed by the user, and the EVF function displays the captured image so that it can be observed by the user. Here, forming an optical image so that it can be observed by the user and displaying the image means forming an optical image so that it fits within the user's field of vision when the user looks into the observation device 30, and displaying the image.

[0034] Furthermore, when the imaging lens 12 is a telephoto lens, the image P (more specifically, a live view image) displayed within the observation device 30 is an image of a distant subject captured at a narrow angle of view, as shown in Fig. 3. On the other hand, the observation device 30 is capable of observing optical images of the subject over a relatively wide range, and the subject observed as this optical image includes the subject reflected in the image P. In other words, the imaging element 20 captures a portion of the subject observed as an optical image by the observation device 30 and generates a signal.

[0035] 3, multiple images P may be displayed. When multiple images P are displayed, it is preferable to display an image of the entire angle of view of the imaging lens 12, as well as an image of an enlarged focus position of the imaging lens 12 and / or an enlarged image of a person's face detected by the imaging device 10.

[0036] The observation device 30 configured as described above improves operability when a user captures an image of a moving object, such as a person, animal, or vehicle, located at a distance. Specifically, if the moving object moves out of the angle of view, the moving object will no longer appear in image P. Even in this case, the moving object outside the angle of view can be easily tracked by checking the optical image superimposed on image P in the observation device 30, i.e., the object over a wider range. The observation device 30 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The control unit 40 is configured to control each unit of the imaging device 10 and execute various processes including capturing images, recording images, and displaying images. The control unit 40 is configured by a processor. The processor may be configured by one or more hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other integrated circuits (ICs). Alternatively, the processor may be configured by a combination of these.

[0038] The processor constituting the control unit 40 may be configured with the entire function of the control unit 40 as a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by an SoC (System on Chip), etc. The hardware configuration of the processor described above may be realized by an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0039] The internal memory 50 is an example of a storage device, and stores a program to be executed by the control unit 40. The processor executes this program, causing the processor to function as the control unit 40.

[0040] The programs executed by the processor do not necessarily have to be stored in the internal memory 50, but may be stored in a memory card 52, which is an example of a storage device. The memory card 52 is used by being inserted into a card slot (not shown) provided in the imaging device 10.

[0041] The control unit 40 stores data necessary for the control unit 40 to execute various processes, such as correction control patterns described below. However, if the control unit 40 is located outside the imaging device 10 (that is, if it is provided separately from the imaging device body other than the control unit), the above data may be stored in a storage device consisting of the internal memory 50 and memory card 52. Furthermore, if the processor constituting the control unit 40 is capable of communicating with an external server (for example, a server for a cloud service) via the Internet or a mobile communication line, the above data may be stored in the external server.

[0042] 2, the control unit 40 has a control processing unit 42 and an image creation unit 44. The control processing unit 42 is configured to control each unit of the imaging device 10 in response to a user's operation received via the operation unit 24 or in accordance with predetermined control rules. For example, the control processing unit 42 controls the aperture 16, the shutter 18, and the image sensor 20 in response to the intensity of light in the shooting environment (hereinafter referred to as ambient light) to automatically change the exposure conditions. Furthermore, when the release button 25 is pressed, the control processing unit 42 records data of the image captured at that time in the internal memory 50, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, during imaging, the control processing unit 42 causes an image based on image data created by the image creation unit 44 to be displayed on the rear display 22 or the display mechanism 34 of the observation device 30. Whether the image is to be displayed on the rear display 22 or the display mechanism 34 may be determined by the user or automatically by the control unit 40. For example, when the distance between the user and the imaging device 10 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the control processing unit 42 automatically sets the display mechanism 34 as the display destination for the image.

[0044] In the following, image data recorded in the internal memory 50 etc. will be referred to as "recorded image data", and image data displayed on the rear display 22 or the display mechanism 34 will be referred to as "display image data".

[0045] Furthermore, the control processing unit 42 automatically adjusts the focus (in-focus position) by driving the lens driving mechanism 28 to move the focus lens 12a. For example, the autofocus process can use contrast autofocus, image plane phase difference autofocus, laser autofocus, directional light autofocus such as a time-of-flight method, and depth-from-defocus (DFD) autofocus.

[0046] Furthermore, the control processing unit 42 can determine the focus position in the image based on autofocus technology and distinguish between an image of the in-focus area and an image of the out-of-focus area in the captured image. The image of the in-focus area is a partial image present in the captured image, and is an image of the area in focus.

[0047] The control processing unit 42 can also detect the intensity of ambient light. Ambient light includes light emitted from the subject and light from the entire environment in which the imaging device 10 exists, such as external light illuminating the area around the imaging device 10. In the first embodiment, the intensity of ambient light is detected based on an output signal from a photometry sensor 48 (described later) and a signal generated by the imaging element 20, which is an image sensor. When detecting the intensity of ambient light based on the signal generated by the imaging element 20, for example, the control processing unit 42 calculates an exposure amount from the signal, specifically, an integrated value of the exposure amount calculated for automatic exposure control or automatic white balance control.

[0048] The image creation unit 44 is configured to create recording image data and display image data of the captured image. The display image data may also be used as recording image data. As shown in FIG. 2, the image creation unit 44 has an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion unit 45, an image data creation unit 46, and a correction unit 47.

[0049] The A / D conversion unit 45 converts the signal generated by the image sensor 20 from an analog signal to a digital signal. The image data creation unit 46 performs image processing such as white balance correction on the converted digital signal, and creates image data by compressing the processed signal according to a predetermined standard.

[0050] The image data is data that indicates the gradation values ​​of each part of the angle of view at the time of image capture, more specifically, the gradation values ​​of the three colors RGB (hereinafter referred to as input gradation values) for each pixel. The input gradation values ​​are defined within a numerical range that includes a lower limit value, an upper limit value, and an intermediate value between these values. For example, if the image data is in 8-bit format, the input gradation values ​​are defined within a numerical range of 0 to 255.

[0051] The correction unit 47 executes a correction process to create display image data from the image data created by the image data creation unit 46. As a specific example, the correction unit 47 performs gamma correction to obtain an output value corresponding to the input gradation value indicated by the image data. Here, the output value corresponding to the input gradation value is a gradation value according to the signal generated by the image sensor 20, and is defined within the same numerical range as the input gradation value. Note that the correction process may also be other gradation correction processes, such as knee correction.

[0052] In gamma correction, input tone values ​​are converted into output values ​​according to a certain conversion rule, and the output values ​​are obtained, for example, according to the linear relationship shown in Fig. 5. In the first embodiment, the correction unit 47 can perform additional correction on tone values ​​(output values) after gamma correction. Additional correction is a correction that changes the output value from the value when gamma correction is performed, and is performed, for example, when the output value satisfies a predetermined condition. The additional correction includes a first additional correction and a second additional correction, and the amount of correction in each additional correction is set according to the intensity of the ambient light detected by the control processing unit .

[0053] The first additional correction is a so-called shadow correction, and in the first additional correction, the output value is raised above the normal value (the value obtained when only gamma correction is performed) for low-tone areas (dark areas) where the input tone value indicated by the image data is equal to or less than the first reference value. The first reference value (Va in FIG. 6) is set to a value equivalent to 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the middle value in the numerical range (e.g., 0 to 255) that defines the input tone value.

[0054] According to the first additional correction, the output value of the low gradation part is corrected from the value on the dashed line to the value on the solid line in Figure 7, resulting in a gradation value higher than the normal value. In other words, the brightness of the low gradation part after the first additional correction is performed is brighter than the brightness when the first additional correction is not performed. This improves the visibility of, for example, dark areas that are too dark to be easily seen with the normal output value.

[0055] Note that if the amount of correction is increased when performing the first additional correction on a region in the low gradation portion where the input gradation value is near the lower limit, that region will appear bright on the displayed image despite actually appearing dark. As a result, the contrast between light and dark in the displayed image will deviate from the actual appearance. For this reason, in consideration of the balance with the actual appearance, in a region where the input gradation value is near the lower limit, it is preferable to gradually decrease the amount of correction of the first additional correction as the input gradation value decreases, as shown in FIG. 6. However, this is not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 7, the amount of correction may be increased as the difference between the input gradation value and the first reference value Va increases throughout the entire low gradation portion, including the region where the input gradation value is near the lower limit.

[0056] The second additional correction is a so-called highlight correction, and in the second additional correction, the output value is lowered below the normal value (the value obtained when only gamma correction is performed) for high gradation parts (bright parts) where the input gradation value indicated by the image data is equal to or greater than the second reference value. The second reference value (Vb in FIG. 8) is set to a value corresponding to 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the middle value in the numerical range (e.g., 0 to 255) that defines the input gradation value.

[0057] According to the second additional correction, the output value of the high gradation part is corrected from the value on the dashed line to the value on the solid line in Figure 8, resulting in a gradation value lower than the normal value. In other words, the brightness of the high gradation part after the second additional correction is performed is darker than the brightness when the second additional correction is not performed. This improves the visibility of bright parts that are too bright and difficult to see with the normal output value, for example.

[0058] As with the low gradation portions, in the high gradation portion, in consideration of the balance with the actual appearance, in the region where the input gradation value is near the upper limit, it is advisable to gradually decrease the amount of correction of the second additional correction as the input gradation value becomes higher, as shown in Fig. 8. However, without being limited to this, as shown in Fig. 9, it is also possible to increase the amount of correction as the difference between the input gradation value and the second reference value Vb becomes larger across the entire high gradation portion, including the region where the input gradation value is near the upper limit.

[0059] A plurality of control patterns for additional correction are prepared and stored in a storage device such as the internal memory 50, the memory card 52, or an external server. The correction unit 47 reads out a control pattern corresponding to the intensity of ambient light from the plurality of control patterns, and performs additional correction based on the read control pattern.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, when a captured image contains low gradation areas (dark areas) or high gradation areas (bright areas), additional correction is performed in addition to gamma correction, thereby creating display image data that improves visibility. Note that instead of performing additional correction, the gamma correction correction pattern (i.e., the conversion pattern from input gradation values ​​to output values) may be changed depending on the intensity of ambient light.

[0061] Furthermore, the corrections related to the output values, i.e., the gamma correction and additional correction, are not limited to being performed by the control unit 40 made up of a processor. For example, the above-described corrections may be performed by a control circuit in the module of the rear display 22 or the module of the display 35 provided in the observation device 30.

[0062] Furthermore, when display image data is created by performing additional correction, the display image data may not be recorded, and only the image data before correction (image data created by performing only gamma correction) may be recorded as recorded image data. Alternatively, the display image data created by performing additional correction may be recorded separately as recorded image data together with the image data before correction.

[0063] In the following, unless otherwise specified, the operations and processes of the control processing unit 42 and the image creation unit 44 will be described as the operations and processes of the control unit 40 (processor).

[0064] [Configuration of observation equipment] The observation device 30 is an observation device (finder) for the imaging device 10 that includes a control unit 40, and is housed, for example, within the housing of the imaging device 10. As shown in FIG. 2 , the observation device 30 has an entrance window 31, an optical system 32, an eyepiece window 33, a display mechanism 34, a light blocking mechanism 36, and a photometric sensor 48. The display mechanism 34 and the light blocking mechanism 36 are controlled by the control unit 40, and an output signal of the sensor 48 is transmitted to the control unit 40.

[0065] The entrance window 31 is provided on the front of the imaging device 10 to introduce light (light beam) from the subject into the observation device 30. The eyepiece window 33 is provided on the back of the imaging device 10 to allow the user to look into the observation device 30.

[0066] The optical system 32 forms an optical image of the subject so that it can be observed by the user. As shown in Fig. 2, the optical system 32 has multiple lenses 32a and 32b. One of the lenses 32a (hereinafter referred to as the upstream lens 32a) is located closer to the subject and is provided to form an optical image of the subject on the display mechanism 34. The other lens 32b (hereinafter referred to as the downstream lens 32b) is located closer to the subject and is provided to enlarge the optical image formed by the display mechanism 34 and the image displayed on the display mechanism 34. In addition to the lenses 32a and 32b, the optical system 32 may include a reflecting mirror and a prism for changing the optical path, a half mirror for transmitting light traveling in a predetermined direction, and a focusing screen for forming an optical image.

[0067] 2, and displays the image and various information on the display 35 so that the user can observe the image during image capture. The display 35 is disposed between the upstream lens 32a and the downstream lens 32b in the optical path of the light (light beam) from the subject introduced into the observation device 30.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the display 35 is optically transparent and is configured, for example, by a transmissive display. A thin, self-luminous organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or the like can be used as the transmissive display. The brightness (luminance) of each area of ​​the display 35 is variable and can be controlled for each area. Here, the area of ​​the display 35 corresponds to a range that occupies a portion of the display screen of the display 35.

[0069] The light blocking mechanism 36 is a dimming member provided to block light (light beam) from the subject that is introduced into the observation device 30. The light blocking mechanism 36 is configured, for example, by a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal panel, an electrochromic sheet, or an ND (Neutral Density) filter, which is a light-reducing filter. As shown in FIG. 2, the light blocking mechanism 36 is disposed in the optical path between the subject and the display mechanism 34, and more specifically, between the upstream lens 32a and the display 35.

[0070] The light-blocking rate of the light-blocking mechanism 36 is variable and changes according to an electrical signal input to the light-blocking mechanism 36; specifically, it changes according to the value of the applied voltage or the value of the current flowing through the circuit within the light-blocking mechanism 36. Furthermore, the light-blocking rate of the light-blocking mechanism 36 can be controlled for each region. Each region (light-blocking region) in the light-blocking mechanism 36 refers to a portion of the liquid crystal panel, electrochromic sheet, or ND filter that constitutes the light-blocking mechanism 36, and corresponds to a region of the display 35. Furthermore, the planar size of the light-blocking mechanism 36 is larger than the planar size of the display 35. Therefore, if the light-blocking rate of the entire region of the light-blocking mechanism 36 is approximately 100%, light introduced into the observation device 30 and directed toward the eyepiece window 33 will be almost completely blocked by the light-blocking mechanism 36 in front of the display 35.

[0071] The photometric sensor 48 is installed inside the observation device 30 and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of ambient light, more specifically, outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of light incident into the observation device 30 through the light introduction window 31. Note that the photometric sensor 48 is not limited to being installed inside the observation device 30, and may also be installed inside the imaging device 10.

[0072] The observation device 30 configured as described above operates under the control of the control unit 40 during image capture. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the display mechanism 34 based on the display image data to display the image P indicated by the display image data (more specifically, a live view image) on the display 35. At this time, if the above-mentioned additional correction has been performed on the image P, the control unit 40 causes the display 35 to display the corrected image P, i.e., the image in which the output values ​​(luminance) of the lightness or dark areas have been corrected.

[0073] Light (light beam) from the subject is introduced into the observation device 30 through the entrance window 31. At this time, if the light blocking rate of each light blocking region in the light blocking mechanism 36 is sufficiently low, the light beam is focused toward the display 35 by the upstream lens 32a, and an optical image of the subject is formed at the position of the display 35. Furthermore, the light of the optical image and the image P pass through the downstream lens 32b and are guided to the eyepiece window 33. As a result, the display mechanism 34 displays the image P on the display 35 so that the user can observe the image P together with the optical image.

[0074] The image observable by the observation device 30 (field of view within the viewfinder) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical image observable by the observation device 30 has a first optical region OP1 and a second optical region OP2. As shown in FIG. 3, the display mechanism 34 displays an image P superimposed on the first optical region OP1. In other words, the first optical region OP1 corresponds to the region of the optical image that is superimposed on the image P. The second optical region OP2 is the region of the optical image that is not superimposed on the image P, i.e., the region other than the first optical region OP1. Light from each region of the optical image passes through the display 35, allowing the user to observe both the optical image of the first optical region OP1 and the image P.

[0075] In the display 35, the area through which the light of the first optical region OP1 passes corresponds to the first optical region OP1 and will be referred to as the first display region 35a below. That is, the control unit 40 displays the image P in the first display region 35a. In addition, in the display 35, the area through which the light of the second optical region OP2 passes corresponds to the second optical region OP2 and will be referred to as the second display region 35b below.

[0076] With the above configuration, the user can observe both the image and the optical image by looking into the observation device 30 through the eyepiece window 33. At this time, the control unit 40 causes the display 35 to display setting information EI including exposure conditions such as F-number, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity together with the image P (see FIG. 3). The setting information EI is displayed superimposed on the optical image at a position away from the image P.

[0077] The control unit 40 also causes the display 35 to display an indicator F indicating the imaging range (angle of view) of the imaging element 20 (see FIG. 3). The indicator F is displayed superimposed on the optical image, and is, for example, a frame surrounding an area in the optical image that corresponds to the angle of view, or an L-shaped mark indicating the boundary position of that area. The control unit 40 determines the positional relationship between the optical image of the subject and the angle of view based on the specifications of the imaging lens 12 and information about each part of the observation device 30, and causes the display 35 to display the indicator F according to the determined positional relationship.

[0078] Furthermore, the display size and display position of the image P displayed on the display 35 are variable as shown in Figures 10 and 11. For example, when the control unit 40 receives an input operation from the user, it sets the display size and display position of the image based on the content of the operation, and when it receives an instruction from the user to change the size or display position, it changes the display size or display position according to the content of the instruction.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 40 determines the display position of the setting information EI so that the display area of ​​the image P does not overlap with the display area of ​​the setting information EI on the display mechanism 34 (more specifically, the display 35) in conjunction with setting or changing the display size and display position of the image P. This allows the image P to be displayed without interfering with the setting information EI, allowing the user to properly observe the image P, that is, the subject within the angle of view.

[0080] Furthermore, depending on the display size and display position of the image P, there may be an overlapping area in the display mechanism 34 (more specifically, the display device 35) where the display area of ​​the image P overlaps with the display area of ​​the sign F. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 40 causes the display device 35 to display one of the sign F and the image preferentially over the other in the overlapping area. "Preferentially displaying" means, for example, that when the display areas of the sign F and the image P overlap on the display device 35, one of the sign F and the image P that is given priority for display is displayed in the pixels of the display device 35. Note that in the case shown in FIG. 12, the image P is displayed preferentially over the sign F in the overlapping area.

[0081] With the above configuration, it is possible to preferentially display an image that is more important to the user out of the sign F and the image P in the overlapping area, thereby appropriately supporting the user's photography activities. It is preferable that the user be able to select which of the sign F and the image P to preferentially display, in order to more effectively achieve the above-mentioned effect. However, this is not a limitation, and the control unit 40 may preferentially display either the sign F or the image P, selecting it according to a predetermined rule.

[0082] However, when the observation device 30 is used in a situation where the intensity of the ambient light is high, the optical image appears bright, and when the optical image having that brightness is transmitted through the display 35, the visibility of the image P superimposed on the first optical region OP1 decreases.

[0083] To explain in more detail, when the observation device 30 is used in a photographing environment with high ambient light intensity, the light blocking rate of the entire light blocking mechanism 36 is controlled to a low value as shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 13 in order to enable observation of an optical image. In this case, the subject of the image P displayed superimposed on the first optical region OP1 becomes difficult to see due to the brightness of the first optical region OP1, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 13. Furthermore, because the first optical region OP1 is visible through the image P, the visibility of the image is further reduced. 13, 14, and 16, for the sake of convenience, the setting information EI and the indicator F are omitted.

[0084] One way to improve the visibility of image P in a shooting environment with high ambient light intensity is to increase the brightness of the display 35 in the display area of ​​image P. However, because the range of brightness adjustment for the display 35 varies depending on the specifications of the display 35, there are limitations to this approach. As described in Patent Document 1, a method of reducing the brightness of the optical image by adjusting the amount of light through lens aperture drive is also possible, but this method also affects the brightness of the displayed image. Furthermore, adjusting the amount of light through lens aperture drive simultaneously changes the brightness of both the image and the optical image, making it difficult to balance the brightness of the two.

[0085] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the light blocking rate of each of the multiple regions in the light blocking mechanism 36 based on the intensity of ambient light. Specifically, the control unit 40 executes a detection process to detect the intensity of ambient light, and executes a control process on the light blocking mechanism 36 based on the detection result.

[0086] In the detection process, the control unit 40 detects the intensity of ambient light based on the output signal of the sensor 48 and the signal (image signal) generated by the image sensor 20. In the control process, the control unit 40 controls the light blocking rate of each of the first light blocking area 36a and the second light blocking area 36b in the light blocking mechanism 36 based on the detected intensity of ambient light.

[0087] The first light-shielding region 36a is a region of the light-shielding mechanism 36 that overlaps with the first optical region OP1, and is located at a position where light from the first optical region OP1 passes through in the optical path of incident light into the observation device 30. In this embodiment, the first light-shielding region 36a is located at a position that overlaps with the first display region 35a on the upstream side of the display 35, that is, at a position that blocks light that passes through the first display region 35a. The second light-shielding region 36b is a region of the light-shielding mechanism 36 that overlaps with the second optical region OP2, and is located at a position where light from the second optical region OP2 passes through in the optical path of incident light into the observation device 30. In this embodiment, the second light-shielding region 36b is located at a position that overlaps with the second display region 35b on the upstream side of the display 35, that is, at a position that blocks light that passes through the second display region 35b.

[0088] By controlling the shading rate of each shading area in the shading mechanism 36 based on the intensity of ambient light in the control process, the visibility of the optical image and image observed by the observation device 30 can be improved, taking into account the intensity of ambient light.

[0089] Furthermore, since the light blocking rates of the first light blocking region 36a and the second light blocking region 36b in the light blocking mechanism 36 are individually controlled, it is possible to adjust the visibility (brightness) of the optical image and the image independently. As a result, this embodiment can adjust the visibility of the optical image and the image more appropriately than the invention described in Patent Document 1, which adjusts the amount of light by driving the lens aperture.

[0090] That is, lens aperture driving does not allow for separate control of the brightness of the image and the optical image, making it difficult to adjust the balance between them. In contrast, in this embodiment, the light blocking rate of each of the first light-blocking region 36a and the second light-blocking region 36b can be controlled separately. That is, the brightness of each of the image and the optical image can be adjusted separately. Specifically, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 14 , the light-blocking mechanism 36 sets the light blocking rate of the first light-blocking region 36a to be sufficiently higher than that of the second light-blocking region 36b (for example, the light blocking rate is set to 100%). This allows the visibility of the image P to be improved while maintaining the brightness of the optical image, even when the ambient light intensity is very strong, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14 . Note that, if you want the user to view both the first optical region OP1 and the image P in the first display region 35a, the light blocking rate should be set to, for example, approximately 50 to 90%.

[0091] To explain in detail the light blocking rate control in the control process, in the control process, the light blocking rate of the second light blocking region 36b is adjusted based on the output signal of the sensor 48. This is because the second light blocking region 36b overlaps with the second optical region OP2, and the second optical region OP2 can be displayed at a brightness that corresponds to the amount of light incident on the observation device 30. In other words, by detecting the intensity of ambient light from the output signal of the sensor 48 and controlling the light blocking rate of the second light blocking region 36b based on the detection result, it is possible to appropriately control the light blocking rate so as to improve the visibility of the second optical region OP2.

[0092] Meanwhile, in the control process, the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area 36a is controlled based on the output signal of the sensor 48 and the signal (image signal) generated by the image sensor 20. This is to take into consideration the balance of brightness between the optical image and the image P.

[0093] More specifically, the brightness of image P is determined according to the intensity of the subject (inside sign F in FIG. 3) within the shooting angle of view. This intensity is detected based on a signal generated by image sensor 20, or more precisely, the integrated value of the exposure amount determined from this signal. In contrast, the brightness of the optical image is determined according to the amount of light incident on observation device 30, i.e., the intensity of light in the entire shooting environment including the angle of view of observation device 30, and is detected based on the output signal of sensor 48. In other words, the measurement ranges for the brightness of image P (brightness at the shooting angle of view) and the brightness of the optical image (brightness at the angle of view of observation device 30) are different, so the intensity of ambient light at the shooting angle of view and the intensity of light across the entire angle of view of observation device 30 may differ from each other.

[0094] In consideration of the above, in this embodiment, the light blocking rate of the first light blocking region 36a is controlled based on the output signal of the sensor 48 and the signal generated by the image sensor 20. This makes it possible to achieve a balance in brightness between the optical image and the image P, and to display the image P clearly in relation to the optical image in the first display region 35a, for example.

[0095] The first light-blocking region 36a of the light-blocking mechanism 36 is preferably configured to cover the entire first display region 35a on the upstream side (subject side) of the display 35 and to sufficiently block light passing through the first display region 35a. Therefore, the area of ​​the first light-blocking region 36a (the area when the light-blocking mechanism 36 is viewed from the front) is preferably the same as or larger than the area of ​​the first display region 35a (the area when the display 35 is viewed from the front). Furthermore, because the light-blocking mechanism 36 is disposed upstream of the display 35, increasing the light-blocking rate of the light-blocking mechanism 36 reduces the amount of light incident on the display 35, thereby suppressing deterioration of the display 35.

[0096] In particular, considering the leakage of light from the edges of the first light-shielding region 36a, it is more preferable that the area of ​​the first light-shielding region 36a be somewhat larger than the area of ​​the first display region 35a. In other words, when the first light-shielding region 36a and the first display region 35a are viewed overlapping each other, it is preferable that the edge of the first light-shielding region 36a be located outside the edge of the first display region 35a. Here, "outside" means the outside when the center position of the image P displayed in the first display region 35a (i.e., the center position of the first display region 35a) is used as a reference, i.e., the side farther from the center position.

[0097] Furthermore, most of the optical image is observed through the second display region 35b of the display 35, and its brightness is determined by the light blocking rate of the second light-blocking region 36b. Due to the nature of optical images, the brightness of the edge regions of the optical image tends to be lower than the brightness of the central region. In light of the above, the control process may be configured to control the light blocking rate of the edge regions of the second light-blocking region 36b so that it is lower than the light blocking rate of the central region of the second light-blocking region 36b, as shown in FIG.

[0098] Furthermore, after the control process is executed, the user may be able to manually change the shading rate of each shading region in the shading mechanism 36. That is, the control unit 40 may control the shading rate of each of the first shading region 36a and the second shading region 36b based on the intensity of the detected ambient light, and then re-control the shading rate of each shading region in response to an input operation by the user.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 40 may execute a control process to display the image of the in-focus region more clearly in the image displayed in the first display region 35a. Specifically, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 16, the control unit 40 may control the shading rate of the region in the first light-blocking region 36a that overlaps with the image of the in-focus region (the region surrounded by the dashed line in the upper diagram of FIG. 16) to be higher than the shading rate of the region that overlaps with the image of the out-of-focus region. In this case, the shading rate of the region in the first light-blocking region 36a that overlaps with the image of the in-focus region may be increased, or the shading rate of the region that overlaps with the image of the out-of-focus region may be decreased. This makes the image of the in-focus region stand out in the image displayed in the first display region 35a, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 16.

[0100] Note that the method for prominently displaying the image of the in-focus region is not limited to controlling the shading rate as described above, and other methods are also possible. For example, the display mode of the image of the in-focus region may be changed to a mode different from the display mode of the image of the out-of-focus region. Here, the image display mode refers to the brightness when displaying the image, whether or not there is a change in hue, whether or not there is a blinking or highlighting display, and whether or not there is a display of an indicating object such as a pointer or cursor. By changing the display mode of the image of the in-focus region to a mode different from the display mode of the image of the out-of-focus region, the image of the in-focus region can be made to stand out more in the image P.

[0101] Furthermore, when the shooting environment is dark, such as an outdoor space at night, the intensity of the ambient light detected by the detection process may fall below a reference value. The reference value is, for example, a value corresponding to the intensity of the ambient light when the shooting environment is dark. When the intensity of the ambient light falls below the reference value, the control unit 40 may increase the shading rate of each of the first and second shading regions 36a and 36b, for example, to a value near the upper limit. This is because the need to check the optical image of the subject decreases when the shooting environment is dark. In other words, during periods when the shooting environment is dark, the shading rate of each shading region of the shading mechanism 36 may be increased to block light from the subject and expand the angle of view of the image P displayed on the display mechanism 34, as shown in FIG. 17 . This allows the user to concentrate on checking the image P without looking at the optical image.

[0102] When the intensity of ambient light is below a reference value, instead of increasing the light blocking rate of each light blocking area of ​​the light blocking mechanism 36 as described above, a message or sound may be output suggesting to the user to increase the light blocking rate of each light blocking area. In this case, the user may respond to the output message or sound, and the control unit 40 may increase the light blocking rate of each light blocking area at the time of receiving the response operation.

[0103] [Operations of the imaging device and observation device in the first embodiment] Next, the operations of the imaging device 10 and the observation device 30 in the first embodiment, in particular the flow of operations (operation flow) relating to the use of the observation device 30, will be described with reference to FIG. When the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on, imaging begins, and generation of an image (more specifically, a live view image) based on the output signal of the image sensor 20 begins (S001). Simultaneously with or after the start of imaging, adjustment of the focus position is performed using an autofocus function as appropriate (S002). Note that step S002 is an optional step and can be omitted.

[0104] Thereafter, when the user requests to use the observation device 30 through the operation unit 24, or when the distance between the user and the observation device 30 measured by a distance measuring sensor (not shown) is equal to or less than a threshold, the control unit 40 executes the processes from step S003 onwards. Specifically, the control unit 40 executes a detection process to detect the intensity of ambient light based on the signal generated by the image sensor 20 and the output signal of the sensor 48 (S003).

[0105] The control unit 40 also determines whether additional correction is required for the output value of the image based on the image data created during imaging (S004). If additional correction is required, the control unit 40 corrects the output value with a correction amount corresponding to the intensity detected in step S003 (S005). If additional correction is not required, step S005 is omitted.

[0106] Through the above steps, display image data is created (S006), and the control unit 40 causes the display device 35 included in the display mechanism 34 to display the image P indicated by the display image data (S007). On the display device 35, the display area for the image P, i.e., the first display area 35a, is located at an initial setting position or a position previously set by the user.

[0107] Furthermore, if additional correction is performed in step S005, the image P is displayed in the first display area 35a based on the corrected gradation values ​​(more specifically, output values). Furthermore, the control unit 40 causes the display 35 to display setting information EI relating to exposure conditions and the like, and an indicator F indicating the angle of view, together with the image P (see FIG. 3).

[0108] During imaging, light from the subject enters the observation device 30, and the optical image is formed by the optical system 32 and passes through the display 35. By looking into the observation device 30, the user observes both the image P displayed in the first display area 35a and the optical image transmitted through the display 35.

[0109] Meanwhile, the control unit 40 executes a control process to control the light blocking rate of each of the plurality of light blocking areas in the light blocking mechanism 36 based on the intensity of the ambient light detected in the detection process (S008). In the control process, the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area 36a is controlled based on the output signal of the sensor 48 and the signal generated by the image sensor 20, and the light blocking rate of the second light blocking area 36b is adjusted based on the output signal of the sensor 48.

[0110] In FIG. 18, the control process is executed after the image is displayed, but the control process may be executed at the same time as the image is displayed on the display 35, or may be executed before the image is displayed.

[0111] After the image is displayed, the user may perform an operation (hereinafter, a change operation) to change the display size or display position of image P (S009). In this case, control unit 40 accepts the change operation and changes the display size or display position of first display area 35a in which image P is displayed according to the content of the change operation (S010). Furthermore, control unit 40 executes control processing again in response to the change in first display area 35a (S011). In the control processing again, the control unit controls the shading rate of each of the area that overlaps with the changed first display area 35a to become the new first light-blocking area 36a and the area that overlaps with the changed second display area 35b to become the new second light-blocking area 36b.

[0112] 18, a change in the display size or display position of the first display area 35a may cause the first display area 35a and the display area of ​​the marker F to overlap on the display 35. In this case, the control unit 40 may preferentially display one of the image P and the marker F over the other in the overlapping area where the display areas of the first display area 35a and the marker F overlap (see FIG. 12).

[0113] Through the above series of steps, the user can use the observation device 30. Then, use of the observation device 30 ends when a predetermined end condition is met (S012), for example, when the power of the imaging device 10 is turned off.

[0114] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, in the control process, the control unit 40 controls the shading rate of each of the multiple shading areas in the shading mechanism 36 based on the intensity of ambient light. However, there are other possible ways of controlling the shading rate of each shading area, and one example of this will be described below as a second embodiment. In the following, the second embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the shading rate of each shading area is controlled in accordance with the user's wishes. That is, in the second embodiment, the user directly or indirectly specifies the shading rate of each shading area, and the control process controls the shading rate of each shading area to match the shading rate specified by the user.

[0116] To explain the control processing according to the second embodiment using a specific example, for example, a plurality of modes are selectable for image display in the observation device 30, and the user selects one of these modes. At this time, the control unit 40 causes the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 19 to be displayed on the rear display 22 or the display mechanism 34. The user performs an input operation to select a mode through the mode selection screen. This input operation is performed, for example, via a command dial, selection button 26, or touch panel 27 provided on the imaging device 10. Furthermore, these input operations may also be performed, for example, via a command dial, selection button, or touch panel provided on the observation device 30. In the mode designation screen shown in FIG. 19, "Mode A," "Mode B," and "Mode C" can be designated as examples of multiple modes, but the number of modes that can be designated and the contents of each mode are not particularly limited.

[0117] Each of the plurality of modes is associated with a display size of image P on display mechanism 34 (display size of image P on display 35) and a shading rate corresponding to a plurality of shading areas on shading mechanism 36. To explain in more detail, the image display size and the shading rate of each shading area are set for each mode. These setting values ​​are stored in a storage device such as internal memory 50, memory card 52, or an external server, each associated with one of the plurality of modes, as shown in Fig. 20 .

[0118] When the user selects one of the modes through an input operation, the control unit 40 accepts the input operation and executes a control process according to the content of the input operation. In the control process according to the second embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the shading rate of each shading area and also controls the display size of the image P on the display mechanism 34.

[0119] In the control process, first, the control unit 40 reads from the storage device the display size and the shading rate of each shading area corresponding to the user's input operation. Specifically, the display size and the shading rate of each shading area corresponding to the mode specified by the user are read. Then, the control unit 40 controls the display size of the image P and the shading rate of each shading area according to the read values.

[0120] As described above, in the second embodiment, the shading rate of each shading area can be controlled to reflect the user's intention. Furthermore, the user can control the shading rate of each shading area by simply selecting one of multiple modes, which improves usability for the user (saving the user the trouble of directly inputting the shading rate).

[0121] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the shading rate of each shading area is read out together with the display size of image P, and these values ​​are controlled as a set, thereby realizing more efficient control than when these values ​​are individually specified and controlled. However, this is not limited to this, and the control of the display size of image P and the control of the shading rate of each shading area may be performed separately.

[0122] Also in the second embodiment, the light blocking rate of each light blocking area may be adjusted based on the intensity of ambient light, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the control unit 40 may read out the light blocking rate of each light blocking area corresponding to the user's input operation from the storage device, correct the read-out light blocking rate based on the intensity of ambient light, and control the light blocking rate of each light blocking area to achieve the corrected light blocking rate.

[0123] <<Third Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 2, an optical system 32 is disposed within the observation device 30, and the optical system 32 includes a lens 32a. If this lens 32a is a lens that generates distortion, such as a fisheye lens, the optical image and the image observed through the lens will appear distorted, even though the angle of view is wide. While it is acceptable for the optical image to appear distorted, it is necessary to correct the distortion of the image in order to confirm the recorded image. An embodiment in which the observation device 30 displays an image taking into account the lens distortion will be described below as a third embodiment. In the following, the third embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0124] In the third embodiment, the optical image passes through the lens 32a and therefore appears distorted due to distortion caused by the lens 32a, as shown in Fig. 21. The image P displayed superimposed on the optical image also passes through the lens 32a and therefore appears distorted in the same way as the optical image due to distortion in its current state. Therefore, the control unit 40 (strictly speaking, the correction unit 47) performs correction on the image P in accordance with the distortion.

[0125] Specifically, the control unit 40 reads information about the distortion aberration of the lens 32a from the internal memory 50 or the like, and based on that information, performs known aberration reduction correction on the image data to create display image data. The corrected image P displayed using the created display image data is viewed through the lens 32a, but is observed with reduced distortion due to aberration, as shown in FIG.

[0126] The correction for reducing aberration is not limited to a configuration in which it is performed by the control unit 40, but may be performed by a control circuit in a module provided in the display device 35, for example.

[0127] 21, in the third embodiment, a marker F consisting of a frame surrounding the imaging range (angle of view) of the imaging element 20 is superimposed on the optical image together with the image P and displayed on the display 35 of the display mechanism 34. This marker F is observed through the lens 32a, and is essentially rectangular when no distortion aberration occurs due to the lens 32a. On the other hand, since the marker F indicates the position of the angle of view in the optical image, when the optical image is observed with distortion aberration, the marker F must also be observed with distortion aberration (appear distorted).

[0128] Therefore, the control unit 40 reads information about the optical system 32 including the lens 32a and information about the shooting range from the internal memory 50, etc., and determines the positional relationship between the optical image and the shooting range based on this information. Thereafter, the control unit 40 displays a marker F in an area on the display 35 that corresponds to the shooting range (strictly speaking, an area corresponding to the boundary of the shooting range) based on the determined positional relationship. At this time, the marker F is displayed without any correction for reducing aberrations, and more clearly, it is displayed distorted to the same degree as the optical image, as shown in FIG. 21 .

[0129] As a result, even if the optical image appears distorted due to lens distortion, the image P can be observed with reduced distortion. On the other hand, since the sign F is displayed distorted to match the optical image, it is possible to correctly grasp the shooting range in the optical image.

[0130] In the above case, the marker F is displayed without correction for reducing aberration, but this is not limiting. The marker F may be displayed with weaker correction than the image. Weak correction refers to the degree to which distortion is reduced by correction, i.e., the amount of correction used to eliminate distortion is small.

[0131] <<Other embodiments>> The embodiment described above is a specific example given to clearly explain the observation device of the present invention, and is merely an example, and embodiments other than those described above may also be considered.

[0132] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the observation device 30 is built into the imaging device 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 22, a configuration in which an external observation device 130 is detachably connected to the top of the main body of the imaging device 10 via a connection part 14 (see Fig. 1) may also be used.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 40 that controls each unit of the observation device 30 is configured by a processor provided in the imaging device 10. That is, in the above-described embodiment, an observation device 30 for an imaging device 10 including the control unit 40 has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 23 , an external observation device 130 may have a control unit 30Y that controls each unit of an observation device main body 30X, separate from a control unit of the imaging device main body (hereinafter referred to as a main body control unit 140). That is, a processor built into the external observation device 130 may constitute the control unit 30Y, and this control unit 30Y may perform processes related to image display in the observation device 130, such as detection processing and control processing. Furthermore, both the main body control unit 140 and the control unit 30Y of the observation device 130 may perform processes related to image display in the observation device 130, such as detection processing and control processing.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an HVF for a digital camera has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to HVFs used in imaging devices other than digital cameras (for example, video cameras, smartphones, etc.).

[0135] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, observation device 30 equipped with light-transmitting display 35 was given as an example of an observation device that displays an image superimposed on an optical image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 24, observation device 230 may be used in which prism 231 constituting a beam splitter is disposed in the optical path of the optical image, and an image on display 233 that passes through lens 232 is reflected at a right angle by prism 231, thereby superimposing the image on the optical image and displaying it.

[0136] From the above description, the observation device described in the following appendix can be understood. [Additional note 1] An observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, the observation device being controlled by a processor, a lens that forms an optical image of a subject so that the image can be observed by a user; a transmissive display that displays an image so as to be viewable by the user; a light blocking mechanism whose light blocking rate is variable in response to an electrical signal; the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region; the image is an image based on a signal generated by the imaging element, the transmissive display superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays the image and the optical image so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image; the light-blocking mechanism is disposed in an optical path between the subject and the transmissive display, and has a first light-blocking region overlapping the first optical region and a second light-blocking region overlapping the second optical region; An observation device in which the processor controls the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area and the second light blocking area based on the intensity of ambient light, for the light blocking mechanism. [Additional note 2] The processor: The observation device according to appended item 1, wherein the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area and the second light blocking area is controlled based on an output signal from a sensor that outputs a signal according to the intensity to the light blocking mechanism. [Additional note 3] the imaging element generates a signal when capturing an image of a portion of the subject observed as the optical image; 3. The observation device according to claim 2, wherein the processor controls the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area based on a signal generated by the imaging element and an output signal of the sensor. [Additional note 4] 4. The observation device according to any one of appended items 1 to 3, wherein an edge of the first light-blocking area is positioned outside an edge of a display area of ​​the image. [Additional note 5] 5. The observation device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the processor controls the light blocking rate of an edge region of the second light blocking region to be lower than the light blocking rate of a central region of the second light blocking region. [Additional note 6] An observation device according to any one of appendix items 1 to 5, wherein the image is displayed in a portion of the transmissive display corresponding to the first optical region while the optical image is transmitted through the transmissive display so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image using the observation device. [Additional note 7] The image includes an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region, The observation device according to any one of appendix items 1 to 6, wherein the processor controls the shading rate of the area in the first shading area that overlaps with the image of the in-focus area so that it is higher than the shading rate of the area in the first shading area that overlaps with the image of the out-of-focus area. [Additional note 8] The image includes an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region, 7. The observation device according to any one of appended items 1 to 6, wherein a display mode of the image of the in-focus region is different from a display mode of the image of the out-of-focus region. [Additional note 9] the processor corrects a gradation value according to a signal generated by the imaging element; the transmissive display displays the image based on the corrected gradation values; 9. The observation device according to any one of appended items 1 to 8, wherein a correction amount for the gradation value is set according to the intensity. [Additional Note 10] the transmissive display displays a mark indicating an imaging range of the imaging element together with the image; An observation device according to any one of appendix items 1 to 9, wherein in an overlapping area of ​​the transmissive display where the display area of ​​the sign and the display area of ​​the image overlap, one of the sign and the image is displayed preferentially over the other. [Additional Note 11] The observation device according to claim 10, wherein in the overlapping area, one of the sign and the image selected by the user is displayed preferentially over the other. [Additional Note 12] 12. The observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is for the imaging device including the processor. [Additional Note 13] An observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, the observation device being controlled by a processor, a lens that forms an optical image of a subject so that the image can be observed by a user; a transmissive display that displays an image so as to be viewable by the user; a light blocking mechanism whose light blocking rate is variable in response to an electrical signal; the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region; the transmissive display superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays the image and the optical image so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image; the light blocking mechanism is disposed in an optical path between the subject and the transmissive display, and has a plurality of light blocking regions overlapping the first optical region and the second optical region; The processor controls the transmissive display and the shading mechanism by reading out the display size of the image on the transmissive display and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading areas in response to the user's input operation from a storage device in which the display size of the image on the transmissive display and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading areas are stored. [Additional Note 14] the display size and the light blocking ratios corresponding to the plurality of light blocking areas are stored in the storage device in a state where they are associated with any one of a plurality of modes, the input operation is an operation by the user to specify one of the plurality of modes, The observation device according to claim 13, wherein the processor reads out from the storage device the display size corresponding to the mode designated by the user and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading areas. [Additional Note 15] An observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, the observation device being controlled by a processor, a lens that forms an optical image of a subject so that the image can be observed by a user; a transmissive display that displays an image so that the image can be viewed by the user; the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region; the transmissive display superimposes the image on the first optical area and displays the image and the optical image so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image, and superimposes a sign surrounding an imaging range of the imaging element on the second optical area, the image is displayed in a state where correction has been made in accordance with distortion caused by the lens, The mark is displayed in a state where the correction is not made or in a state where the correction is made to a degree weaker than that of the image, based on the positional relationship between the optical image observed in a state where the distortion aberration occurs and the shooting range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10. Imaging device 12 Imaging lens 12a Focus Lens 14 Connection 16 apertures 18 Shutter 20 Image sensor 22 Rear display 24 Operation Unit 26 Select button 27 Touch Panel 28 Lens drive mechanism 30 Observation equipment 30X observation device body 30Y control unit 32 Optical system 32a, 32b lenses 34 Display mechanism 35 Display 35a 1st display area 35b 2nd display area 36 Light blocking mechanism 36a 1st light shielding area 36b 2nd light shielding area 40 Control Unit 42 Control processing section 44 Image Creation Department 45 A / D conversion section 46 Image Data Creation Department 47 Correction section 48 sensors 50 internal memory 52 Memory Card 130 Observation Device 140 Main unit control section 230 Observation Device 231 Prism 232 Lens 233 Display EI configuration information F sign OP1 1st optical area OP2 2nd optical area P Image

Claims

1. An observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, the observation device being controlled by a control unit, an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that the image can be observed by a user; a display mechanism for displaying an image viewable by said user; a light blocking mechanism whose light blocking rate is variable in response to an electrical signal; the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region; the image is an image based on a signal generated by the imaging element, the display mechanism superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays the image and the optical image so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image; the light-blocking mechanism is disposed in an optical path between the subject and the display mechanism, and includes a first light-blocking region overlapping the first optical region and a second light-blocking region overlapping the second optical region; a control process is executed by the control unit to control the light blocking rate of the first light blocking area and the light blocking rate of the second light blocking area based on the intensity of ambient light, a sensor that is installed in the observation device and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of ambient light that has entered the observation device to the light blocking mechanism; an observation device, wherein in the control processing, the light blocking rate of the first light-blocking area is controlled based on a signal generated by the imaging element and an output signal of the sensor, and the light blocking rate of the second light-blocking area is controlled based on the output signal of the sensor.

2. The observation device according to claim 1 , wherein an edge of the first light-blocking area is positioned outside an edge of a display area of ​​the image.

3. The observation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control process controls the light blocking rate of the edge region of the second light blocking region to be lower than the light blocking rate of the central region of the second light blocking region.

4. the display mechanism has a light-transmitting display; An observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image is displayed in a portion of the display corresponding to the first optical region, with the optical image passing through the display, so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image using the observation device.

5. The image includes an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region, 5. The observation device according to claim 1, wherein in the control process, a light blocking rate of a region of the first light blocking region that overlaps with an image of the in-focus region is controlled to be higher than a light blocking rate of a region of the first light blocking region that overlaps with an image of the out-of-focus region.

6. The image includes an image of an in-focus region and an image of an out-of-focus region other than the in-focus region, The observation device according to claim 1 , wherein a display mode of the image of the in-focus region is different from a display mode of the image of the out-of-focus region.

7. A correction process is performed to correct the gradation value according to the signal generated by the imaging element, the display mechanism displays the image based on the corrected gradation value; The observation device according to claim 1 , wherein a correction amount for the gradation value in the correction process is set according to the intensity.

8. the display mechanism displays a mark indicating a photographing range of the image pickup element together with the image; The observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in an overlapping area of ​​the display mechanism where the display area of ​​the sign and the display area of ​​the image overlap, one of the sign and the image is displayed preferentially over the other.

9. The observation device according to claim 8 , wherein in the overlapping area, one of the sign and the image selected by the user is displayed preferentially over the other.

10. The observation device according to claim 1 , which is for the imaging device including the control unit.

11. An observation device for an imaging device having an imaging element, the observation device being controlled by a control unit, an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject so that the image can be observed by a user; a display mechanism for displaying an image viewable by said user; a light blocking mechanism whose light blocking rate is variable in response to an electrical signal; the optical image has a first optical region and a second optical region; the image is an image based on a signal generated by the imaging element, the display mechanism superimposes the image on the first optical region and displays the image and the optical image so that the user can observe both the image and the optical image; the light blocking mechanism has a plurality of light blocking areas disposed in an optical path between the subject and the display mechanism, the plurality of light-blocking regions include a light-blocking region overlapping the first optical region and a light-blocking region overlapping the second optical region, the control unit executes a control process on the display mechanism and the light blocking mechanism, In the control process, the display size of the image in the display mechanism and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading areas are read out from a storage device in which the display size and the shading rates corresponding to the plurality of shading areas are stored, in accordance with the user's input operation.

12. the display size and the light blocking ratios corresponding to the plurality of light blocking areas are stored in the storage device in a state where they are associated with any one of a plurality of modes, the input operation is an operation by the user to specify one of the plurality of modes, 12. The observation device according to claim 11, wherein in the control process, the display size corresponding to the mode designated by the user and the light blocking rates corresponding to the plurality of light blocking areas are read from the storage device.

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