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INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
The disclosure of the following priority application is herein incorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No. 08-270799, filed Oct. 14, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to an information processing apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to an information processing apparatus which provides a photographic mode in which objects are photographed and a memo input mode in which memo
information, such as line images, is input from a position information input device.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, integration technology of semi-conductors and implementation technology of electronic circuits have greatly advanced. In conjunction with this advancement, electronic cameras are developing that are capable of not only recording
a picture image of a photographed object, but at the same time also recording information concerning sound and memorandum.
With this type of electronic camera, information about the picture of the photographed object, memorandum, and sound are recorded as recording units. The recording units are optimally combined and each is recorded, for example, in a memory.
With the type of electronic camera described above, for example, when attempting to write a memo or so forth for a picture image of a photographed object, subsequent to performing photography, there are problems. For example, the operation for switching
to the input mode is too complex.
Further, it is necessary to perform a picture image compression process on a photographed picture image. However, during the execution of this type of picture image process, when attempting to input a memo or so forth, for example, it becomes
necessary for the CPU (central processing unit) to execute two processes simultaneously in parallel. As a result, the picture image processing time gets longer. Also, if the processing capacity of the CPU in the electronic camera is not very large, the
problem of reduced operability occurs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to an apparatus which addresses the aforementioned problems. One object of the invention is to improve the operability related to switching to an input mode. Another object of the invention is to provide an information
processing apparatus for an electronic camera, for example, which can operate even when the processing capacity of the CPU is not very high.
The information processing apparatus according to the invention includes a mode selection unit which selects a photographic mode and a memo input mode. A control unit controls the mode selection unit. A detection unit detects whether input has
occurred based on a position information input device. In the event that the detection unit detects the occurrence of input from the position information input device, and provided the photographic mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the
control unit controls the mode selection unit so as to cause it to select the memo input mode.
Further, the information processing apparatus according to the invention includes a photographic mode in which an object is photographed and a memo input mode in which memo information is input from a position information input device. A mode
selection unit selects a photographic mode and a memo input mode. A control unit controls the mode selection unit. A detection unit detects whether input has occurred from the position information input device. When the detection unit detects input
from the position information input device when the photographic mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the control unit controls the mode selection unit to cause the mode selection unit to select the memo input mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front of one embodiment of the electronic camera according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the electronic camera in accordance with the invention with the LCD cover closed;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the interior components of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
FIGS. 5(a)-5(c) show the relationship between the position of the LCD cover, the power switch, and the LCD switch in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 7 shows the process for thinning the picture elements in the L mode in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 8 shows the process for thinning the picture elements in the H mode in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 9 shows an example of the display screen of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing one example of a process executed in the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing another example of the process executed in the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 12 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of the display screen when the process of FIG. 10 is executed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 13 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of another display screen when the process of FIG. 10 is executed;
FIG. 14 shows the display screen in memo standard input mode in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing operation of another process executed in the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 16 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of the display screen when the process of FIG. 15 is executed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 17 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of another display screen when the process of FIG. 15 is executed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 18 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of yet another display screen when the process of FIG. 15 is executed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 19 shows a photograph of the interim picture image of yet another display screen when the process of FIG. 15 is executed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 20 shows an example of the display screen when audio is reproduced in accordance with the invention; and
FIG. 21 shows an example of a display when the memo standard input mode was performed when reproducing the audio sound.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While the invention will hereinafter be described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For a general understanding of the features of the invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate like elements.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective view figures showing an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the invention. With the electronic camera of the embodiment, when photographing an object, the side facing the photographic object is
designated as X1, and the side facing the user is designated as X2. The camera is equipped on the upper portion of the X1 side with a view finder 2. Viewfinder 2 is used to confirm the photographic range of the object to be photographed. Also on the
upper portion of the X1 side are the photographic lens 3, which inputs the photographic picture image of the photographed object, and a light emitting component or strobe 4, which emits light to illuminate the object to be photographed.
In addition, on the X1 side, a red-eye reduction lamp 15 is attached which reduces red-eye by flashing before the strobe 4 flashes when performing photography using the flashing strobe. Also on the X1 side is a photometric element 16 which
performs photometry when the operation of the CCD is stopped, as shown in FIG. 4. A colorimetric element 17 performs colorimetry when the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped.
Thus, on the upper end of the camera on the X1 side are positioned the viewfinder 2, the photographic lens 3 and the light emitting component 4. On the corresponding upper end of the X2 side, which opposes the X1 side, speaker 5 is positioned
which outputs audio sound that is recorded in the electronic camera 1 as well as the viewfinder 2. In addition, LCD 6 and operation keys 7, which are formed on the X2 side, are formed directly below the viewfinder 2, photographic lens 3, light emitting
component 4, and speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6 a touch tablet 6A, which is a detection unit, is arranged which outputs position data corresponding to an indicated position. The touch tablet 6A operates based on contact of a pen-shaped
indicator, described hereafter.
Touch tablet 6A is constructed of transparent materials such as resin, for example. The user, using the touch tablet 6A, can observe an image that is displayed on the LCD 6. The LCD is formed on the inner side of the touch tablet 6A.
Operation keys 7 are operated, for example, when recorded data is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 6. The user, using the touch tablet 6A, is able to view the picture image displayed on the LCD 6 that is formed on the inner side of the touch
tablet 6A. The operation keys 7 include the menu key 7A. Menu key 7A is operated when displaying the menu screen on the LCD 6. The execution key 7B is operated when reproducing recorded information selected by the user. The clear key 7C is operated
when clearing recorded information. The cancel key 7D is operated when canceling the reproduction process of the recorded information. The scroll key 7E is operated when scrolling the screen in up and down directions when the list of recorded
information is displayed on the LCD 6.
On the X2 side, the sliding LCD cover 14 is arranged to protect the LCD 6 when the LCD is not in use. The LCD cover 14, when moved in the upward direction as shown in FIG. 3, covers the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A. Further, when the LCD cover
14 is moved in the downward direction, in addition to uncovering the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A, the power switch 11, described hereinafter, that is arranged on the Y2 side is switched to the on position by arm component 14A of the LCD cover 14.
On the top side of the electronic camera 1, i.e. the Z side, an audio microphone 8, which collects audio sound, is located. An ear phone jack 9 for connecting to ear phones (not shown) is also located on the Z side.
On the left side, i.e. the Y1 side, a release switch 10 is positioned. Release switch 10 is operated when photographing an object. A successive photo mode switch 13, operated when switching to a successive photo mode during photography is also
located on the Y1 side. The release switch 10 and the successive photo mode switch 13 are both arranged directly beneath the viewfinder 2, the photographic lens 3 and the light emitting component 4, which are attached to the upper end of the X1 side.
On the Y2 side, i.e. the right side which opposes the Y1 side, are attached the audio recording switch 12, which is operated when recording audio sound, and the power switch 11. The audio recording switch 12 and the power switch 11 are arranged,
similar to the aforementioned release switch 10 and the successive photo mode switch 13, directly beneath the viewfinder 2, the photographic lens 3 and the light emitting component 4, which are attached to the upper end of the X1 side. In addition, the
audio recording switch 12 is located at nearly the same height as the release switch 10 on the Y1 side. The arrangement provides comfort when the camera is held in either the left hand or right hand.
Also, the height of the audio recording switch 12 and the release switch 10 can be varied to prevent erroneous pressing of a switch arranged on the opposite side thereof. That is, erroneous pressing can result from pressing of a finger on the Y1
side used to off-set the pressing force exerted on a switch on the Y2 side.
When pressing the release switch 10, the successive photo mode switch 13 is used to set the camera for either photography of 1 frame of an object or photography of a predetermined number of frames per unit time when photographing an object. For
example, when the indicator needle of the successive photo mode switch 13 is switched to the position where the [S] is printed, i.e. the S mode, only 1 frame of photography occurs when pressing the release switch 10. Further, the indicator needle of the
successive photo mode switch 13 may be switched to the position where [L] is printed, i.e. the L mode. In this low speed successive mode, 8 frames per second are performed during the time that the release switch 10 is pressed. Also, the indicator
needle of the successive photo mode switch 13 may be switched to the position where the [H] is printed, i.e. the H mode. In this high speed successive mode, 30 frames per second of photography are performed during the time that the release switch 10 is
pressed.
Next, the internal components of the electronic camera 1 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal components of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The CCD 20 is positioned next to the portion of the
photographic lens 3 adjacent the X2 side. In the CCD 20, an image of the photographed object, input through the photographic lens, undergoes photoelectric conversion to an electric signal.
The internal viewfinder display element 26 is arranged within the field of vision of the viewfinder 2. It is arranged so as to display setting states of each type of function for the user to observe when viewing an object through the viewfinder
2. Directly beneath the LCD 6, 4 cylindrical batteries 21, for example dry cell type 3 batteries, are laid side-by-side vertically. Electrical power accumulated in the batteries 21 is supplied to the various parts of the apparatus. Further, a
condenser 22 is positioned directly beneath the LCD 6 together with the batteries 21. The condenser 22 accumulates the electric load for emitting the light of the light emitting component 4.
On circuit substrate 23, various types of control circuits for controlling each component of the electronic camera 1 are formed. In addition, between the circuit substrate 23, the LCD 6 and the batteries 21, a removable memory card 24 is
positioned. Various information input into the electronic camera 1 is recorded respectively on a predetermined area of the memory card 24. Also, the LCD switch 25, arranged proximate the power switch 11, moves to the ON position only when such
protruding component is pressed. When the LCD cover 14 is moved in a directly downward direction, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the power switch 11 is switched to the ON position by the arm component 14A of the LCD cover 14.
Further, when the LCD cover 14 is in the direct downward position, the power switch 11 can be operated by the user independently of the LCD switch. For example, if the LCD cover is closed and the electronic camera 1 is not in use, then, as shown
in FIG. 5(b), the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are both in the OFF position. In this state, when the user switches the power switch 11 to the ON position as shown in FIG. 5(c), the power switch 11 moves to the ON position while the LCD switch
25 remains in the OFF position. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are both in the OFF position, and the LCD cover 14 is opened as shown in FIG. 5(a), the power switch 11 and the LCD cover switch 25 are in
the ON position. Further, when closing the LCD cover, only the LCD switch 25, as shown in FIG. 5(c), is switched to the OFF position.
In the present embodiment, the memory card 24 is arranged to be removable. However, the memory may also be arranged on the circuit substrate 23. This allows recording of each type of information into the memory. Further, the memory arrangement
may also be set up to allow the various types of information that are recorded in the memory, i.e. in the memory card 24, to be output to an external personal computer through an interface (not shown).
Hereinafter, the internal electrical components of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 6. The CCD 20, which includes a plurality of picture elements (pixels),
performs the photoelectric conversion of the photographed image formed at each picture element into an electronic image signal. The digital signal processor, hereinafter referred to as the DSP 33, supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 20.
The DSP 33 also controls the CCD drive circuit 34 so as to supply a CCD vertical drive pulse to the CCD 20.
The picture image processing component 31 is controlled by the CPU 39 functioning in conjunction with the mode selection unit, the control unit and the detection unit. The CPU performs with predetermined timing and samples image signals that are
photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20, and increases the sampled signal to a prescribed level. The analog/digital conversion circuit, hereafter referred to as the A/D conversion circuit 32, converts the sampled picture image signal to a digital
signal using the picture image processing component 31, and then supplies it to the DSP 33. The DSP 33 controls the data bus that is connected to the buffer memory 36 and the memory card 24. The DSP 33 temporarily stores picture image data that is
supplied from the A/D conversion circuit 32 to the buffer memory 36. The DSP 33 then reads the picture image data stored in the buffer memory 36 and records that picture image data to the memory card 24.
Further, the DSP 33 stores the picture image data that is supplied from the A/D conversion circuit 32 to the frame memory 35. In addition to displaying the picture image data on the LCD 6, DSP 33 reads the photographic picture image data from
the memory card 24. After expanding the photographic picture image data, it stores the expanded photographic picture image data to the frame memory 35 and displays it on the LCD 6. In addition, the DSP 33, with activation of the electronic camera 1,
functions such that it repeatedly activates the CCD 20 while adjusting the exposure time until the exposure level of the CCD 20 reaches the appropriate value.
The DSP 33 also performs timing processing for data input and output which occurs when recording to the memory card 24 and when storing the post-expansion picture image data to the buffer memory 36. The buffer memory 36 is used to alleviate the
difference in processing speeds between the CPU 30 and the DSP 33 as well as the speed of the input and output of the data from the memory card 24. The microphone 8 inputs audio sound, and supplies that audio information to the A/D and D/A conversion
circuit 42. The A/D and D/A conversion circuit 42 converts the analog signal that corresponds to the audio sound detected by the microphone 8 to a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39. The A/D and D/A conversion circuit 42 also
can convert the digital audio data supplied from the CPU 39 to analog data and then outputs the analog audio signal to speaker 5.
The photometry element 16 measures the amount of light on the photographed object and surroundings. The photometry element 16 then outputs that photometric result to the photometry circuit 51. The photometry circuit 51 performs a prescribed
process on the analog signal, which is the photometric result supplied from the photometric element 16. The photometry circuit 51 then converts the analog signal to a digital signal and outputs that digital signal to the CPU 39.
The colorimeter element 17 measures the color temperature of the photographed object and its surroundings. The calorimeter element 17 then outputs such photometric results to the colorimetry circuit 52. The colorimetry circuit 52, after
performing a prescribed process on the analog signal that is the colorimetry result supplied from the calorimeter element 17, converts the analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39.
The timer 45 has an internal time measurement circuit and outputs data corresponding to the current time to the CPU 39. The diaphragm drive circuit 53 sets the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 54 to a prescribed value. The diaphragm 54 is
arranged between the photographic lens 3 and the CCD 20 and changes the aperture of incident light entering the CCD 20 from the photographic lens 3.
The CPU 39, based on the signal from the LCD switch 25 when the LCD cover 14 is open, stops action of the photometry circuit 51 and the calorimeter circuit 52. When the LCD cover is closed, in addition to operating the photometry circuit 51 and
the colorimeter circuit 52, the CPU 39 stops action of the CCD 20, for example electronic shutter action, until the release switch is in the half-depressed state, i.e. performing the first operation. The CPU 39, while stopping the action of the CCD 20,
controls the photometry circuit 51 and the calorimeter circuit 52. In addition to receiving photometry results from the photometry element 16, the CPU 39 receives the colorimetry results from the calorimeter element 17.
Further, the CPU 39, upon referencing a prescribed table, computes the white balance adjustment value which corresponds to the color temperature supplied from the colorimeter circuit 52. The CPU 39 then supplies such white balance adjustment
value to the picture image processing component 31. In other words, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the LCD 6 cannot be used as an electronic viewfinder. Accordingly, action of the CCD 20 is stopped. Since the CCD 20 consumes a large amount of
electricity, the electric power of the batteries 21 can be conserved by stopping the action of the CCD 20 in this way. Further, when the LCD cover 14 is closed the CPU 39 controls the picture image processing component 31 so that the picture image
processing component 31 does not perform each of the processes until the release switch 10 is pressed half-way, i.e. until the release switch 10 is in the half-pressed state. In addition, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 controls the
diaphragm drive circuit 53 so that the diaphragm drive circuit 53 does not perform any action such as changing the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 54 until the release switch 10 is depressed half-way, i.e. until the release switch 10 is in the
half-depressed state. The CPU 39 causes the strobe 4 to create the appropriate flash by controlling the strobe drive circuit 37. The CPU 39 also causes the red-eye reduction lamp 15 to flash the appropriate flash prior to flashing the strobe 4. The
red-eye reduction lamp 15 is controlled by the red-eye reduction lamp drive circuit 38.
Moreover, when the LCD cover 14 is open, i.e. when the electronic viewfinder is in use, the CPU 39 does not cause the strobe to flash. By arranging the apparatus in this way, it becomes possible to photograph an object in the picture image state
displayed in the electronic viewfinder. Based on the date and time data supplied from the timer 45, the CPU 39 records the photographic date and time information into the photographic picture image recording area of the memory card 24 as header
information of the photographic image data. In other words, the photographic date and time data are attached to photographic picture image data which is recorded to the photographic picture image recording area of the memory card 24.
Further, after compressing the digitized audio information, the CPU 39 records the digitized and compressed audio data to a prescribed area, the audio recording area of the memory card 24, after temporarily storing it in the buffer memory 36. At
that time, data of the sound recording time and date is recorded to the audio recording area of the memory card 24 as audio data header information. In addition to controlling the lens drive circuit 30 to perform the auto-focus movement by moving the
photographic lens 3, the CPU 39 also causes the aperture diameter of the diaphragm 54 to change by controlling the diaphragm drive circuit 54. Diaphragm 54 is arranged between the photographic lens 3 and the CCD 20. Also, CPU 39 causes the setting for
each type of action to be displayed on the internal viewfinder display element 26 by controlling the internal display circuit 40.
The CPU 39 further provides for the reception of an external device (not shown) as well as the input of data through the interface (I/F) 48. Further, the CPU 39 receives signals from operation keys 7 and based thereon completes appropriate
processing.
When a location, i.e. a position, on the touch tablet 6A is compressed by a pen-shaped indicator member operated by the user, CPU 39 reads X-Y coordinates of the location where the touch tablet 6A is compressed. The coordinate data, hereafter
described as memo information is accumulated in the buffer memory 36. Further, the CPU 39 has the ability to record the memo information that is accumulated in the buffer memory 36, as well as the header information of the memo information input date
and time. This information is recorded using the memo information area of the memory card 24.
Hereafter, types of operation of the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment will be explained. First, operation of the electronic viewfinder occurring in the LCD 6 of the invention will be described. When the user places the release
switch 10 in a half-depressed state, the DSP 33 is supplied with a signal from the CPU 39. Based on the value of the signal, which corresponds to the state of the LCD switch 25, it is determined whether the LCD cover 14 is open. If the LCD cover 14 is
determined to be closed, then the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed. In this case, the DSP 33 stops the process until the release switch 10 is operated.
Further, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, since the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed, the CPU 39 stops the actions of the picture image processing component 31 and the diaphragm drive circuit 53. Further, the CPU 39, instead of
stopping the CCD 20, operates the photometric circuit 51 and the calorimeter circuit 52. The measured results obtained thereby are supplied to the picture image processing component 31. The picture image processing component 31 uses the values of these
measured results when performing white balance control and control of the luminance value. Further, when operating the release switch 10, the CPU 39 performs the operations for the CCD 20 and the diaphragm drive circuit 53.
However, if the LCD cover 14 is open, the CCD 20 performs the electronic shutter action in a prescribed exposure time at each prescribed time. A light picture image of the photographed object gathered by the photographic lens 3 is
photoelectrically converted. The picture image signal obtained by this operation is output to the picture image processing component 31. The picture image processing component 31 controls the white balance control and the control of the luminance
value. Subsequent to performing the prescribed processes to such picture image signals, the picture image signals are output to the A/D conversion circuit 32. Further, when operating the CCD 20, the picture image processing component 31, by utilizing
the CPU 39, uses the adjustment values which are used in the white balance control and the luminance value control. These adjustment values are calculated using the output of the CCD 20. The DSP 33 outputs the picture image data to the frame memory 35,
and displays the picture image that corresponds to such picture image data on the LCD 6.
In this manner, when the LCD cover 14 is open in the electronic camera 1 of the invention, the CCD 20 operates the electronic shutter at a prescribed time interval. Each time this occurs, the signal output from the CCD 20 is converted to picture
image data. This picture image data is output to the frame memory 35. The electronic viewfinder operation is performed by the picture image of the photographic object being temporarily displayed on the LCD 6.
Further, as described above, in the case when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed. As a result, activity of the CCD 20, picture image processing component 31, and diaphragm drive circuit 53 are
stopped. Electrical consumption is thereby conserved.
Next, photography of an object in accordance with the invention will be described. Firstly, explanation will be provided with regard to the case that the successive photo mode switch 13, which is positioned on the Y1 side, is switched to the S
mode. The S mode photographs only 1 frame at a time. Initially, as shown in FIG. 1, power to the electronic camera 1 will be turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where "ON" is printed. The object to be photographed is confirmed
through the viewfinder 2. When the release switch 10, which is arranged to the Y1 side, is pressed, then the process of photographing the object is initiated.
Further, when the LCD cover 14 is closed and when the release switch 10 is in the half-depressed state, the CPU 39 causes operation of the CCD 20, the picture image processing component 31 and the diaphragm drive circuit 53. When the release
switch 10 is in the fully pressed state, the state of performing the second operation, then the photography process of the object is initiated.
The photographic picture image of the photographed object observed through the viewfinder 2 is collected and image formation occurs on the CCD 20. This provides a plurality of picture elements. The photographic picture image of the photographed
object formed on the CCD 20 is photo-electrically converted to a picture image signal at each picture element where a sampling is provided by the picture image processing component 31. The picture image signal that was sampled by the picture image
processing component 31 is supplied to the A/D conversion circuit 32 where it is digitized and then output to the DSP 33.
The DSP 33, after temporarily outputting the picture image data to the buffer memory 36, then reads the picture image data from the buffer memory 36. Then, the DSP 33 compresses the picture image data according to the JPEG (Joint Photographic
Experts Group) method. This method combines discrete cosine transformation, quantization and Huffman encoding. The picture image data is thereby recorded to the photographic picture image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, the
photograph date and time are recorded to the photographic picture image recording area of the memory card 24 as header information of the photographic picture image data.
When the successive photo mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only 1 frame is photographed. Thus, even if the release switch 10 is pressed successively, photography will not be performed in excess of the one frame. Further, if the release
switch 10 is pressed continuously and if the LCD cover 14 is open, the photographic picture images will be displayed on LCD 6.
Hereinafter, explanation will be provided with regard to the condition when the successive photo mode switch 13 is switched to the L mode. The L mode is the mode that photographs 8 frames per second successively. The power is turned on to the
electronic camera 1 by switching the power switch 11 to the side that has "ON" printed. When the release switch 10, which is arranged on the Y1 side, is pressed, the process of photographing an object is initiated. Moreover, when the LCD cover 14 is
closed and the release switch 10 is in the half-depressed state, the CPU 39 causes operations of the CCD 20, the picture image processing component 31 and the diaphragm drive circuit 53. When the release switch 10 is in the fully pressed state, then
photography of an object is initiated.
The photographic picture image of an object observed through the viewfinder 2 is collected and image formation occurs on the CCD 20. The image formation provides a plurality of picture elements. The photographic picture image of the object
formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted to a picture image signal at each picture element where a sampling, at a ratio of 8 times per 1 second, is provided by the picture image processing component 31. Further, the picture image processing
component 31 thins 3/4 of the picture image electric signals from among the total number of picture elements of the CCD 20.
To explain, the picture image processing component 31, as shown in FIG. 7, divides the picture elements of the CCD 20, which are arranged in a matrix, into areas of 2.times.2 picture elements, i.e. 4 pixels. By this process, a sampling is taken
of the picture image signal for 1 picture element located in a predetermined position in each 2.times.2 area. The remaining 3 picture elements are ignored (also known as thinning). For example, at the time of the first sampling (the first frame),
picture element a of the top left of each area is selected for sampling while the remaining picture elements b, c and d are ignored. At the time of the second sampling (the second frame), the picture element b of the top right of each area is selected
for sampling while the remaining picture elements a, c and d ignored. Thereafter, for the 3rd and fourth times of sampling, the picture element c of the bottom left and the picture element d of the bottom right are selected for sampling, respectively in
turn, and the remaining picture elements are ignored. In other words, each picture element is selected for sampling every 4 frames.
The picture image signal that is sampled by the picture image processing component 31, i.e. the picture image signal of 1/4 of the picture elements of | | |
