JP2013009160A - Electronic view finder and imaging apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A three-dimensional sense of depth is obtained in an observed image.
An electronic viewfinder (2) irradiates illumination light from behind a predetermined number of two or more transmissive image display units (21 to 23) superimposed on each other and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units (21 to 23). It transmits through the predetermined number of transmissive image display units 21 to 23 so that a superimposed image formed by superimposing display images of the illumination unit 24 and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units 21 to 23 can be observed. An eyepiece optical system 20 for guiding the emitted light.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic viewfinder and an imaging apparatus using the same.

  In an electronic viewfinder of a conventional camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a reflective liquid crystal is used as a single image display unit, and an image displayed by the reflective liquid crystal is observed by an observer's eyes through an eyepiece optical system. Observed.

JP 2003-204455 A

  However, in the conventional electronic viewfinder, since only a single reflective liquid crystal is used to display an image, the observed image is planar, and the image has a three-dimensional sense of depth. Couldn't get.

  On the other hand, if a three-dimensional sense of depth can be obtained in the image observed with the electronic viewfinder, it becomes easier for the observer to grasp the front-rear relationship of each part of the subject from the observation image obtained with the electronic viewfinder. It is possible to grasp the situation of the subject.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic viewfinder that can obtain a three-dimensional sense of depth in an observed image, and an imaging apparatus using the electronic viewfinder. And

  The following aspects are presented as means for solving the problems. The electronic viewfinder according to the first aspect includes a predetermined number of two or more transmissive image display units superimposed on each other, an illumination unit that emits illumination light from behind the predetermined number of transmissive image display units, and the predetermined number An eyepiece optical system that guides light transmitted through the predetermined number of transmission type image display units so that a superimposed image formed by superimposing display images of a plurality of transmission type image display units can be observed It is.

  An imaging device according to a second aspect includes an imaging element that captures a subject image formed by a photographing lens, an electronic viewfinder according to the first aspect, and each image based on the subject image captured by the imaging element. And a display control unit for displaying on each of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units.

  The imaging device according to a third aspect is the imaging device according to the second aspect, wherein the predetermined number of regions of each part of the subject image is determined according to a distance based on distance measurement of each part of the subject or an estimated perspective of each part of the subject. The display control is performed when the predetermined number of groups are ordered from the near side of the perspective and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece optical system. The unit causes each of the transmissive image display units to display an image of a group area in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit.

  The imaging device according to a fourth aspect is the imaging device according to the second aspect, in which the region of each part of the subject image is determined according to (i) perspective based on distance measurement of each part of the subject or estimated perspective of each part of the subject. Dividing into a predetermined number of groups, giving an order from the near side for the predetermined number of groups, and giving an order from the side optically close to the eyepiece optical system for the predetermined number of transmissive image display units, The display control unit performs depth emphasis processing on at least one transmissive image display unit of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units, and images in a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display units. (Ii) the display control unit causes the other transmission type image display unit of the predetermined number of transmission type image display units to have the same order as that of the transmission type image display unit. An image of a group area or Images to display image subjected to the perceived depth enhancement processing, but is a process for increasing the depth feeling in (iii) the perceived depth enhancement processing, the superimposed image to be observed through the eyepiece optical system.

  In the imaging device according to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the sense of depth emphasis process includes a process of changing the luminance of the image.

  In the imaging device according to a sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the depth feeling enhancement process includes a process of changing the size of the image.

  The imaging device according to a seventh aspect is the imaging device according to the second aspect, wherein in the second aspect, (i) the area of each part of the subject image is determined according to the perspective based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject or the estimated perspective of each part of the subject. Dividing into a predetermined number of groups, giving an order from the near side for the predetermined number of groups, and giving an order from the side optically close to the eyepiece optical system for the predetermined number of transmissive image display units, The display control unit applies to at least one transmissive image display unit of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units an image of a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit and the image. And (ii) the display control unit displays the transmissive image display on another transmissive image display unit of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units. In the same order as The image of the loop area is displayed statically, or the image of the group area in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit and the image whose position or viewpoint is shifted are displayed alternately. It is something to be made.

  In the imaging device according to an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the display control unit in the subject image by the photographing lens of the predetermined number of groups out of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units. The image of the area of the group is displayed statically on the transmission type image display unit in the same order as the order of the group including the area having the focus position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic viewfinder that can obtain a three-dimensional sense of depth in an observed image, and an imaging apparatus using the electronic viewfinder.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows typically the electronic camera by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the electronic camera shown in FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation | movement regarding the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the condition of a to-be-photographed object. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the image imaged with the image pick-up element of the electronic camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the display image of each transmissive image display part of the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera shown in FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation | movement regarding the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation | movement regarding the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows typically the electronic camera by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation related to an electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 9.

  Hereinafter, an electronic viewfinder according to the present invention and an imaging apparatus using the electronic viewfinder will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an electronic camera 1 as an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a so-called digital camera. However, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, but other imaging apparatuses such as a video camera, and imaging mounted on a mobile phone. The present invention can be applied to various imaging devices such as a device. In addition, the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes an electronic viewfinder 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the electronic viewfinder according to the present invention may be mounted not only on the imaging apparatus but also on various other apparatuses such as an observation apparatus.

  In the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment, a photographing lens 12 is mounted in front of the camera body 11. The photographing lens 12 may be exchangeable or non-exchangeable.

  On the optical axis of the photographing lens 12, a half mirror 13, a shutter 14, and an image sensor 15 are arranged in this order. A subject image by the light transmitted through the half mirror 13 is formed on the image sensor 15 by the photographing lens 12, and the subject image is captured by the image sensor 15. A multipoint ranging sensor 16 is arranged in the reflection direction of the half mirror 13. A subject image by light reflected from the half mirror 13 is formed on the multipoint distance sensor 16 by the photographing lens 12. The multi-point distance sensor 16 is a detection signal (ranging signal) indicating distance measurement information to each part of the subject at each distance measurement point distributed in a two-dimensional manner over the entire area corresponding to the imaging area of the image sensor 15. Signal). As the multipoint ranging sensor 16, a known multipoint ranging sensor can be used, but it is preferable that there are many ranging points. A rear liquid crystal panel 17 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 11. The half mirror 13 is configured to be movable, and when the electronic viewfinder 2 is used, the half mirror 13 is moved to the position shown in FIG. The mirror 13 may be retracted.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic viewfinder 2 is arranged on the back surface of the camera body 11 so that an observer can look into the eye 100 with one eye 100, an eyepiece lens 20 disposed inside the eyepiece window 18, and a camera A display unit 19 is provided on the extension of the optical axis of the eyepiece 20 in the body 11 to display an image.

  The display unit 19 includes three two-dimensional transmissive image display units 21 to 23 that are arranged in order from the side optically close to the eyepiece lens 20 (that is, close to the optical path) and overlap each other. And a backlight 24 as an illumination unit that emits illumination light from the rear of the type image display units 21 to 23. In the present embodiment, the number of transmissive image display units 21 to 23 superimposed on each other is three, but in the present invention, the number can be any number of two or more.

  In this embodiment, transmissive liquid crystal display elements are used as the transmissive image display units 21 to 23, but other transmissive spatial light modulation elements may be used. The transmissive liquid crystal display element has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer, an alignment film, a transparent electrode, and the like are sandwiched between two transparent plates. When transmissive liquid crystal display elements are used as the transmissive image display sections 21 to 23, normal transmissive liquid crystal display elements may be used as they are, or may be superimposed on one of the adjacent transmissive liquid crystal display elements. You may share a board with one transparent board.

  The backlight 24 may be any type of backlight, such as an edge light type or a direct type, and the light source is a backlight that employs any light source such as a cold cathode tube or a flat light source element such as an LED or an organic EL element. But you can.

  In the present embodiment, the eyepiece 20 transmits through the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 so that the superimposed images formed by superimposing the display images of the three transmissive image display units 21 to 23 can be observed. The eyepiece optical system which guides the performed light to one eye 100 of the observer is configured.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment. The photographing lens 12 is driven by the lens control unit 31 for focus and diaphragm. For example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor is used as the imaging element 15. The imaging element 15 is driven by a control signal output from the imaging control unit 32 and outputs a signal. A signal output from the image sensor 15 is processed through the signal processing unit 33 and the A / D conversion unit 34 and then temporarily stored in the memory 35. The memory 35 is connected to the bus 36. The bus 36 includes a lens control unit 31, an imaging control unit 32, a microprocessor 37, an image processing unit 38, an image compression unit 39, a display control unit 40 that controls the display unit 19 of the electronic viewfinder 2, and the rear liquid crystal panel 17. The rear display control unit 41, the recording unit 42, the multipoint distance measuring sensor 16 and the like to be controlled are also connected. An operation unit 43 such as a release button is connected to the microprocessor 37. A recording medium 42a is detachably attached to the recording unit 42.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation related to the electronic viewfinder 2 of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment.

  When the operation of the electronic viewfinder 2 is started by a command of the microprocessor 37 according to the operation of the operation unit 43, the microprocessor 37 first gives a command for imaging to the imaging control unit 32, and the image signal from the imaging element 15. Is read out and imaged (step S1). This image signal is amplified by the signal processing unit 33 and then A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 34 and stored in the memory 35 as image data. While the electronic viewfinder 2 continues the display operation, the display control unit 40 turns on the backlight 24 under the instruction of the microprocessor 37.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the state of the subject at the time of imaging in step S1. In this example, an object viewed from an observer's eye 100 with an arrow (including a nearby bicycle 91, a distant mountain 93, and an automobile 92 at a distance between them) is the subject. If the electronic camera 1 is pointed in the direction of the arrow in the drawing at the position of the eye 100 in FIG. 4 and the imaging in step S1 is performed, the image data stored in the memory 35 by the imaging is as shown in FIG. The image shown in FIG. The image includes an image 91 ′ of the bicycle 91, an image 92 ′ of the automobile 92, and an image 93 ′ of the mountain 93.

  After step S1, the microprocessor 37 obtains a distance measurement signal from the multipoint distance measurement sensor 16, and calculates the distance to each part of the subject at each distance measurement point in the captured image by appropriately calculating this signal. The distance measurement data shown is obtained (step S2).

  Next, based on the distance measurement data obtained in step S <b> 2, the microprocessor 37 assigns the area of each part of the subject image to the number of the transmissive image display parts 21 to 23 according to the distance based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject. Divide into the same number of groups (three in this embodiment) (step S3). That is, the microprocessor 37 divides the area of each part of the subject image into a relatively near area, a relatively far area, and a relatively far area. Specifically, a distance range determined to be close, a distance range determined to be far, and a distance range determined to be an intermediate distance are determined from the distance distribution status of each distance measuring point (for example, the shortest distance). (The distance may be determined as three distance ranges obtained by dividing the distance between the distance and the longest distance into three equal parts, or may be determined as three distance ranges where the frequency of the distance measuring point to which the distance belongs is divided into three equal parts.) An area represented by a distance measuring point belonging to a near distance range is a relatively near area, an area represented by a distance measuring point belonging to a far distance area is a relatively far area, and an intermediate distance An area represented by a distance measuring point belonging to the distance range is set as a relatively middle distance area. For example, when the image data obtained by the imaging in step S1 shows the image shown in FIG. 5 described above, the image 93 ′ of the mountain 93 is placed in a relatively close region including the image 91 ′ of the bicycle 91. The area including the vehicle 92 is grouped into a relatively far area, and the area including the image 92 ′ of the automobile 92 is grouped into a relatively middle area.

  In addition, instead of dividing the area of each part of the subject image into groups according to the distance based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject as described above, various image recognition techniques and image analysis techniques are used from the image obtained by the imaging in step S1. The perspective of each part of the subject may be estimated by use, and the area of each part of the subject image may be divided into groups according to the estimated perspective. In this case, step S2 is unnecessary, and the multipoint distance measuring sensor 16 and the half mirror 13 are not necessarily provided. These points are the same for each embodiment described later.

  After step S3, the microprocessor 37 generates image data of the area for each group divided in step S3 from the image data obtained by imaging in step S1 (step S4).

  Next, the display control unit 40 uses the image data generated in step S4 to display the display images respectively indicated by the image data on the corresponding transmissive image display units 21 to 23 (step S5). At this time, when the three groups divided in step S3 are ordered from the near side and the three transmission type image display units 21 to 23 are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece 20, The display control unit 40 causes the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 to display the images of the group regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display units. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 40 causes the first transmissive image display unit 21 to display an image of the first group region (region of a relatively close portion). The second transmissive image display unit 22 displays an image of the second group region (region of a relatively intermediate distance), and the third transmissive image display unit 22 displays the third group. The image of the region (region of a relatively far part) is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing examples of display images 21 ′ to 23 ′ displayed on the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 at this time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, display images 21 ′ to 23 ′ in the case where the image data obtained by the imaging in step S <b> 1 show the image shown in FIG. 5 described above are shown. In this example, the image 91 of the bicycle 91 that is relatively close to the display image 21 ′ displayed on the first transmissive image display unit 21 that is optically closest to the eyepiece 20 (and thus the observer's eye 100). 'Appears, and an image 92 ′ of the relatively distant automobile 92 appears in the display image 22 ′ displayed on the second transmissive image display unit 22, and appears on the third transmissive image display unit 23. In the displayed display image 23 ', an image 93' of a mountain 93 at a relatively intermediate distance appears.

  In the display image 21 ′ displayed on the first transmissive image display unit 21, the second and third group regions (relatively middle and far regions) ) Is 100%, and there is no substantial display in that region. Similarly, in the display image 22 ′ displayed on the second transmissive image display unit 22, transmission of the first and third group areas (relatively close area and relatively far area). The rate is 100% and there is no substantial display in that area. Similarly, in the display image 23 ′ displayed on the third transmissive image display unit 23, the first and second group regions (the relatively close region and the relatively intermediate region) ) Is 100%, and there is no substantial display in that region.

  After step S5, the process returns to step S1 and the operations of steps S1 to S5 are repeated. Thereby, the observer observes, as a moving image, a finder image that is a superimposed image formed by superimposing display images of the three transmission image display units 21 to 23 from the eyepiece window 18 of the electronic viewfinder 2. Will do.

  Then, the observer determines the composition etc. by observing the finder image, and confirms the exposure state and the in-focus position tentatively determined by half-pressing the release button of the operation unit 43, If necessary, after re-adjusting them by an operation by the operation unit 43 or the like, when the release button of the operation unit 43 is fully pressed, the actual shooting is performed under the shooting conditions. The image signal read out from the image sensor 15 by the actual photographing is stored in the memory 35 after the signal processing and A / D conversion.

  Thereafter, the microprocessor 37 performs desired processing on the image signal in the memory 35 in the image processing unit 38 or the image compression unit 39 as necessary based on the command of the operation unit 43, and the processing is performed in the recording unit 42. The later signal is output and recorded on the recording medium 42a.

  Note that the above-described display operation related to the electronic viewfinder 2 is terminated in accordance with, for example, an operation of the operation unit 43 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, in the electronic viewfinder 2, the image of the relatively close subject among the subject images captured by the image sensor 15 is the eyepiece 20 (and thus the observer's eyes 100). Is displayed on the transmissive image display unit 21 that is optically closest to the object, and an image of a relatively middle-distance subject is displayed on the eyepiece 20 on the transmissive image display unit 22 that is optically intermediate. An image of a relatively distant subject portion is displayed on the transmission image display unit 23 optically distant from the eyepiece lens 20, and a superimposed image formed by superimposing these display images is observed by the observer's eyes 100. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the perspective of each part of the subject is displayed by the electronic viewfinder 2 being replaced with the perspective of the display position of the image of each part, so that observation through the eyepiece window 18 is performed. Although the person's eyes 100 are monocular, a three-dimensional sense of depth can be obtained. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the observer can easily grasp the front-rear relationship of each part of the subject from the observation image obtained by the electronic viewfinder 2, and can more accurately grasp the state of the subject.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation related to the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. In FIG. 7, steps that are the same as or correspond to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The electronic camera according to the present embodiment differs from the electronic camera 1 according to the first embodiment only in the operation relating to the electronic viewfinder 2.

  In other words, in the first embodiment, the display control unit 40 uses the image data of the area for each group generated in step S4 as it is in step S5, and uses the display images indicated by those image data. In contrast to the display on the transmissive image display units 21 to 23, in the present embodiment, the microprocessor 37 selects at least one area of the group of the image data for each group generated in step S4. Depth emphasis processing is performed on the image (step S11).

  In the present embodiment, the display control unit 40 includes the image data obtained by performing the depth emphasis processing in step S11 on the image of at least one group region, and the image generated in step S4 regarding another group. Using the data or the image data that has been subjected to the depth emphasis processing in step S11, the display images respectively indicated by the image data are displayed on the corresponding transmissive image display units 21 to 23 (step S5). At this time, when the three groups divided in step S3 are ordered from the near side and the three transmission type image display units 21 to 23 are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece 20, In step S11, the display control unit 40 applies a depth sensation to at least one transmissive image display unit among the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 on the group images in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit. The image subjected to the enhancement processing is displayed, and the display control unit 40 causes the other transmission type image display units among the transmission type image display units 21 to 23 to have the same order as the order of the transmission type image display units. Or an image that has been subjected to the depth emphasis processing in step S11 is displayed.

  The depth sensation enhancement process is a process for enhancing the sense of depth in the superimposed image observed from the eyepiece window 18 through the eyepiece lens 20. Specific examples of this process include a process of increasing the brightness of the image of the near subject part relative to the brightness of the image of the far subject part, or the size of the image of the near subject part far away. For example, a process of making the image relatively larger than the image size of the portion of the subject, a process of performing both of them, and the like can be given. The process of changing the brightness enhances the sense of depth based on the fact that an observer can easily feel that an image with high brightness is closer to an image with low brightness. The process of changing the size enhances the sense of depth based on the fact that an observer can easily feel that a large image is closer than a small image. Moreover, the depth emphasis process is not limited to these processes, and may be, for example, a process of adding a shadow.

  A more specific example will be described. In the present embodiment, in step S11, the microprocessor 37 slightly increases the brightness of the image of the first group area (relatively close area) and its size. One or both of the processing for slightly increasing the image size, and applying one or both of the processing for slightly reducing the luminance and the size reduction slightly for the image in the third group region (region of a relatively distant portion). . In step S5, the display control unit 40 applies the image to the first transmissive image display unit 21 that has been subjected to the processing in step S11 on the image of the first group region (the relatively close region). Is displayed on the second transmissive image display unit 22, and an image of the second group region (region of a relatively middle distance) is displayed on the second transmissive image display unit 23. Displays the image subjected to the above-described processing in step S11 on the image of the third group region (region of a relatively distant portion).

  In this case, if it demonstrates in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 6 mentioned above, the image 91 'of the bicycle 91 in the display image 21' displayed on the first transmission type image display unit 21 is the image 91 shown in FIG. The image 92 'of the car 92 in the display image 22' displayed on the second transmissive image display unit 22 and having either a slightly higher brightness than the size, a slightly larger size, or both is shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the image 92 ′ shown in FIG. 6, and the image 93 ′ of the mountain 93 in the display image 23 ′ displayed on the third transmissive image display unit 23 has a slightly lower luminance than the image 93 ′ shown in FIG. Either the size is slightly smaller or both.

  According to the present embodiment, since the depth emphasis process described above is performed, the three-dimensional depth feeling obtained in the superimposed image observed by the observer's eyes 100 is obtained in the first embodiment. Increased compared to the sense of depth.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation related to the electronic viewfinder of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. In FIG. 8, the same or corresponding steps as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

  The electronic camera according to the present embodiment differs from the electronic camera 1 according to the first embodiment only in the operation relating to the electronic viewfinder 2.

  In other words, in the first embodiment, the display control unit 40 uses the image data of the area for each group generated in step S4 as it is in step S5, and uses the display images indicated by those image data. In contrast to the display on the transmissive image display units 21 to 23, in the present embodiment, the operations of steps S21 and S22 in FIG. 8 are performed.

  In the present embodiment, in step S21, the microprocessor 37 displays an image indicating an image that is slightly displaced in a predetermined direction with respect to the image indicated by the image data for the image data of the area for each group generated in step S4. Generate data. At this time, instead of generating the image data indicating the misaligned image, the image data indicating the image slightly deviated from the viewpoint (image deviated from the viewpoint) is generated. In step S22 described later, the image indicating the misaligned image is generated. Instead of data, image data indicating an image whose viewpoint is shifted may be used.

  In this embodiment, step S22 is performed after step S21. In the present embodiment, the three groups divided in step S3 are ordered from the near side of the perspective, and the three transmission image display units 21 to 23 are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece lens 20. In step S22, the display control unit 40 causes the at least one transmissive image display unit among the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 to display the group regions in the same order as the transmissive image display unit. The image (the image generated in step S4) and the image shifted in position with respect to this image (the image generated in step S21) are alternately displayed, and the display control unit 40 includes the transmissive image display units 21 to 23. Whether the image of the group area in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit (the image generated in step S4) is displayed on the other transmissive image display unit Alternatively, an image of a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit (image generated in step S4) and an image that is misaligned with respect to this image (image generated in step S21) are alternately displayed. Let

  A more specific example will be described. In the present embodiment, in step S21, the microprocessor 37 generates an image that is slightly shifted from the image of the first group area (the relatively close area). Then, an image slightly shifted from the image of the second group area (relatively far part area) is generated, and the third group area (relatively far part area) is generated. An image slightly shifted from the image is generated. In step S <b> 22, the display control unit 40 shifts the position of the first transmission type image display unit 21 with respect to the image of the first group region (region of a relatively close portion) and the image. Images are displayed alternately or images of the first group area (relatively close area) are displayed statically. In step S22, the display control unit 40 causes the second transmissive image display unit 22 to display an image of the second group area (an area at a relatively intermediate distance) and this image. The images that are misaligned with each other are alternately displayed, or the images of the second group region (region of a relatively intermediate distance) are displayed statically. Further, in step S22, the display control unit 40 is displaced in the third transmission image display unit 23 with respect to the image of the third group area (relatively far part area) and this image. Images are displayed alternately, or images in the third group area (relatively distant area) are displayed statically. However, the display control unit 40 causes at least one of the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 to perform the alternate display instead of the static display described above.

  In this case, to explain in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 6 described above, the first transmission type image display unit 21 is displaced with respect to the image 91 ′ of the bicycle 91 shown in FIG. Images are displayed alternately, or an image 91 ′ of the bicycle 91 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed statically. On the second transmissive image display unit 22, an image 92 ′ of the automobile 92 shown in FIG. 6 and an image displaced from the image 92 ′ are alternately displayed, or the automobile shown in FIG. 92 images 92 'are displayed stationary. On the third transmissive image display unit 23, an image 93 ′ of the mountain 93 shown in FIG. 6 and an image displaced from the image 93 ′ are alternately displayed, or the mountain shown in FIG. 93 images 93 'are displayed stationary. However, in the display control unit 40, at least one of the transmissive image display units 21 to 23 is displayed alternately instead of the static display described above.

  In the display image of the transmissive image display unit that is alternately displayed, it appears that the image is vibrating. For example, when the first transmissive image display unit 21 is alternately displayed, the image 91 ′ of the bicycle 91 appears to vibrate when the second transmissive image display unit 22 is alternately displayed. When the image 92 ′ of the car 92 appears to vibrate, the image 93 ′ of the mountain 93 appears to vibrate when it is alternately displayed on the third transmissive image display unit 23.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the three-dimensional sense of depth obtained in the superimposed image observed by the observer's eyes 100 due to motion parallax is compared with the sense of depth obtained in the first embodiment. And more.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, in step S22, the display control unit 40 includes a group including the in-focus position in the subject image by the photographic lens 12 of the three groups of the transmissive image display units 21 to 23. The image of the group area and the image shifted in position may be alternately displayed on the transmissive image display unit in the same order as the order. For example, if the photographing lens is now focused on the automobile 92, the transmission type image display unit 22 in the same order as the group including the focus position (image 92 ′ position of the automobile 92) in the subject image is displayed. Alternatively, an image 92 ′ of the automobile 92 and an image displaced from the image 92 ′ may be displayed alternately.

  However, in step S22, the display control unit 40 transmits in the same order as the order of the groups including the in-focus positions in the subject image by the photographic lens 12 of the three groups of the transmission type image display units 21 to 23. It is preferable that the image of the area of the group is displayed statically on the type image display unit. The reason is that it is easier to confirm the in-focus state or the like when the in-focus position appears to be stationary than when the in-focus position appears to vibrate.

  Since the microprocessor 37 knows which position of the image is the focus position in the AF operation or the like, the focus position is used.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an electronic camera 51 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 9, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation related to the electronic viewfinder 2 of the electronic camera 51 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 10, steps that are the same as or correspond to steps in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the misaligned image data is obtained by image processing in step S21, whereas in the present embodiment, the misaligned image data is obtained by shifting the optical image. However, according to the present embodiment, a finder image (superimposed image) similar to that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a transparent parallel plate 61 is arranged between the half mirror 13 and the shutter. The parallel plate 61 is tilted by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction with respect to the optical axis by a driving unit 62 such as a piezoelectric element under the control of the microprocessor 37 (a position indicated by a solid line) with respect to the optical axis. It can move to a position (position indicated by a broken line). When the parallel plate 61 is located at the position indicated by the broken line, the position of the subject image formed on the image sensor 15 by the photographing lens 12 is the same as when the parallel plate 61 is located at the position indicated by the solid line. The position of the subject image formed on the image sensor 15 by the photographing lens 12 is deviated by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction. For convenience of explanation, imaging by the imaging device 15 performed when the parallel plate 61 is located at the position indicated by the solid line is referred to as imaging before positional deviation, and when the parallel plate 61 is located at the position indicated by the broken line. The imaging performed by the imaging device 15 is called imaging after positional deviation.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, imaging before displacement is performed in step S <b> 1, and the processes in steps S <b> 3 and S <b> 4 are performed on the image obtained by the imaging. After step S4, imaging after positional deviation (step S31) is performed, and steps S32 and S33 similar to steps S3 and S4 are performed on the image obtained by the imaging. However, the grouping in step S32 is performed in consideration of the positional deviation amount of the subject image due to the inclination of the parallel plate 61 in addition to the distance measurement result in step S2. The image data obtained in step S4 in the present embodiment corresponds to the image data obtained in step S4 in the third embodiment, and the image data obtained in step S33 in the present embodiment is the third embodiment. This corresponds to the misaligned image data generated in step S21.

  In this embodiment, the display control unit 40 performs the operation of step S34 similar to step S22 using the image data obtained in step S4 and the image data obtained in step S33.

  Thereby, also in this embodiment, a finder image (superimposed image) similar to that of the third embodiment can be obtained, and the same advantages as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention and its modification were demonstrated, this invention is not limited to these.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,51 Electronic camera 2 Electronic viewfinder 12 Shooting lens 15 Imaging element 19 Display unit 20 Eyepiece 21-21 Transmission type image display unit 24 Backlight 40 Display control unit

Claims (8)

Two or more predetermined number of transmissive image display units superimposed on each other;
An illumination unit that emits illumination light from behind the predetermined number of transmissive image display units;
An eyepiece optical system that guides light transmitted through the predetermined number of transmissive image display units, so that a superimposed image formed by superimposing display images of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units can be observed;
An electronic viewfinder characterized by comprising An image sensor for imaging a subject image formed by the taking lens;
An electronic viewfinder according to claim 1;
A display control unit for displaying each image based on the subject image captured by the image sensor on the predetermined number of transmissive image display units;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The area of each part of the subject image is divided into the predetermined number of groups according to the perspective based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject or the estimated perspective of each part of the subject, and the predetermined number of groups from the near side of the perspective. When the order is given and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units are ordered from the side that is optically close to the eyepiece optical system, the display control unit applies the transmissive image display to each transmissive image display unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image of the area of the group in the same order as the order of the display units is displayed. The area of each part of the subject image is divided into the predetermined number of groups according to the perspective based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject or the estimated perspective of each part of the subject. When the order is given and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece optical system, the display control unit is configured to include at least one of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units. In one transmissive image display unit, an image obtained by performing depth emphasis processing on an image of a group region in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit is displayed.
The display control unit displays an image of a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit or a depth sensation on the other transmissive image display unit among the predetermined number of transmissive image display units. Display an image that has been enhanced,
The depth sensation enhancement process is a process for enhancing the sense of depth in the superimposed image observed through the eyepiece optical system.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the depth emphasis process includes a process of changing luminance of the image.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the depth emphasis process includes a process of changing a size of the image. The area of each part of the subject image is divided into the predetermined number of groups according to the perspective based on the distance measurement of each part of the subject or the estimated perspective of each part of the subject. When the order is given and the predetermined number of transmissive image display units are ordered from the side optically close to the eyepiece optical system, the display control unit is configured to include at least one of the predetermined number of transmissive image display units. In one transmissive image display unit, an image of a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit and an image that is misaligned or viewpoint shifted with respect to this image are alternately displayed.
The display control unit causes the other transmission-type image display units of the predetermined number of transmission-type image display units to statically display the images of the groups in the same order as the order of the transmission-type image display units. Or alternatively, an image of a group of regions in the same order as the order of the transmissive image display unit and an image that is misaligned or viewed with respect to this image are displayed alternately.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2.   The display control unit has the same number of transmissions as the order of the group including the region having the in-focus position in the subject image by the photographing lens in the predetermined number of groups of the predetermined number of transmission type image display units. 8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image of the area of the group is statically displayed on the type image display unit.

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