Patent ID: 7602425
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A signal processing apparatus which changes a magnification ratio of an image acquired by image sensing means, comprising: first signal processing means for executing a first signal processing for reducing a number of pixels to be recorded to a number lower than a number of acquired pixels when the magnification ratio of the image is to be increased; second signal processing means for executing a second signal processing for increasing a number of pixels to be recorded to a number greater than a number of acquired pixels when the magnification ratio of the image is to be increased; optical zoom controlling means for controlling lens optical system when the magnification ratio of the image is to be changed; first detection means for detecting selection of one of a telephoto side and a wide angle side using a zoom key; second detection means for detecting a limit of an increase in magnification ratio of the image by the first signal processing and a predetermined maximum magnification ratio of the image by the second signal processing; display means for displaying a magnification ratio indicator indicating a current magnification ratio on a scale indicating an available minimum magnification ratio at a first end and an available maximum magnification ratio at a second end such that the indicator moves on the scale between the minimum magnification ratio and the maximum magnification ratio in accordance with changes in the magnification ratio of the image: and selection means for selecting one of a first mode and a second mode; wherein when the first mode is selected by said selection means, and said first detection means detects that the telephoto side is continuously selected after transition from a control of the lens system by said optical zoom controlling means to the first signal processing, the first signal processing is executed, and when said second detection means detects that the increase in magnification ratio of the image by the first signal processing has reached the limit, the second signal processing is subsequently executed, and if said second detection means detects that the second signal processing has reached the predetermined maximum magnification ratio of the image, the second signal processing is inhibited, when the second mode is selected by said selection means, the first signal processing is executed until said second detection means detects that the increase in magnification ratio of the image by the first signal processing has reached the limit, and the second signal processing is inhibited even if said first detection means detects that the telephoto side is continuously selected, and wherein said display means changes the maximum magnification ratio indicated by the second end of the scale in accordance with the selection of one of the first mode and the second mode and further displays on the scale a magnification range in which the second signal processing is applied if the first mode is selected.