JP3853492B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly to a digital camera capable of setting an order quantity when printing digital image data acquired by photographing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a digital electronic still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera), an image acquired by imaging is recorded as digital image data in a recording medium such as an internal memory or an IC card provided in the digital camera, and the recorded digital image data Based on the above, it is possible to display an image acquired by imaging on a printer or a monitor. As such a digital camera, one having a liquid crystal monitor is also known. Thus, in a digital camera equipped with a liquid crystal monitor, the captured image can be immediately displayed on the liquid crystal monitor.
[0003]
On the other hand, in recent years, a film having a magnetic recording part capable of recording magnetic information on one side of a silver salt film has been proposed. In such a magnetic recording section of the film, the shooting date and time, the number of prints, the title, and the like can be recorded as magnetic information, and when printing, the magnetic information can be read to perform various prints. In addition, when using such a film, there has been proposed a camera capable of recording the number of sheets ordered at the time of printing in the magnetic recording section of the film (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-110666). In the camera described in JP-A-8-110666, a switch for setting the order quantity and a switch for changing the order quantity are provided in the camera, and by operating this switch, the magnetic recording of the film is performed. The number of orders can be recorded in the section.
[0004]
However, since the space of the operation buttons provided on the camera is limited, providing the switch for setting the order quantity as described above increases the size of the camera. For this reason, cameras have been proposed in which the number of print orders can be set using existing buttons such as a button for switching the date and time display mode and a button for correcting the date and time. (Kaihei 9-211777).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above-described digital camera is not equipped with a function for setting the number of orders when printing digital image data acquired by imaging, and is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 8-110666 and 9-211777. Similar to a camera, it is desired to have an ordering function. At this time, since a digital camera having a monitor can confirm a captured image by the monitor, it is necessary to consider such functions unique to the digital camera. Furthermore, it is necessary not to increase the number of buttons for operation because of the space of the camera body.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of setting the number of sheets to be printed at the time of printing without increasing buttons for operation.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A digital camera according to the present invention is a digital camera that captures an image of a subject by pressing a release button and records digital image data acquired by the imaging on a recording medium.
In addition to the case where the image can be taken, an order quantity setting unit is provided for setting the order quantity when the digital image data is printed based on the pressing operation of the release button.
[0008]
Here, “when imaging is possible” refers to a state where the shutter can be driven by pressing the release button of the digital camera. Also, in a digital camera, there is a state in which the shutter is not driven even when the release button is pressed for about 3 seconds in order to record the acquired digital image data on a recording medium after the release button is pressed. Therefore, “other than when imaging is possible” means that shooting is performed while recording digital image data after imaging on a recording medium, or in a camera whose mode can be switched to shooting mode, playback mode, etc. This means a state in which shooting cannot be performed by driving the shutter even when the release button is pressed, such as a state in a playback mode that cannot be performed.
[0009]
In the camera according to the present invention, the order quantity setting means may be a means for changing the order quantity each time the release button is pressed, and the order quantity is continuously determined by pressing the release button for a predetermined time. It is good also as a means to change to. Further, the order quantity setting means may be a means for setting the order quantity to zero by pressing the release button for a predetermined time.
[0010]
Further, the digital camera according to the present invention can display an image reproduced on the display means in a display mode for displaying the digital image data and a reproduction mode for reproducing the digital image data recorded on the recording medium on the display means. And image switching means for switching between
It is preferable that the order quantity setting means is a means for changing the order quantity by pressing the release button and operating the image switching means in the playback mode.
[0011]
In this case, the order quantity setting means may be means for changing the order quantity every time the image switching means is operated in a state where the release button is pressed, and the image switching is performed in a state where the release button is pressed. The order number may be changed continuously by operating the means for a predetermined time, and the order number is set to zero by operating the image switching means for a predetermined time while the release button is pressed. It may be a means.
[0012]
Further, the order quantity setting means may be a means for determining the order quantity by operating the image switching means in a state where the release button is not pressed after the order quantity is changed. The order quantity may be determined when the playback mode is switched to another mode, and the order quantity may be determined when the camera is turned off after the order quantity is changed. .
[0013]
Here, “another mode” refers to a camera mode for performing imaging, an erasing mode for erasing image data obtained by imaging, and the like.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
According to the digital camera of the present invention, the order number of the digital image data is set based on the pressing operation of the release button when the shutter cannot be driven even when the release button is pressed. Therefore, a function for setting the number of orders for the digital camera can be installed without increasing new operation buttons.
[0015]
Further, in a digital camera having display means for displaying captured images, the number of orders can be set while confirming the captured images.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a camera body 1, a liquid crystal monitor (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 2 provided on the back of the camera body 1, and a release button 3 for performing imaging. A display on / off button 4 for turning on / off the character display of the monitor 2, an increment button 5 and a decrement button 6 for switching an image displayed on the monitor 2 or changing the number of orders as described later. An execution button 7 for executing various processes, a mode setting dial 8 for setting a camera mode such as a camera mode, a playback mode, and an erasing mode, and a power switch for turning on / off the power of the digital camera 9.
[0018]
Here, the camera mode set by the mode setting dial 8 is a mode in which shooting is performed by a digital camera, that is, image data acquired by imaging is stored in a memory card to be described later, and the playback mode is stored in the memory card. In this mode, the recorded image data is displayed on the monitor 2 and played back. The erase mode erases unnecessary image data recorded in a memory card provided in the camera body 1 or formats the memory card. Mode.
[0019]
In addition to the captured or captured image, the monitor 2 displays the mode set by the mode setting dial 8, the exposure state at the time of imaging, the number of orders, and the like as characters.
[0020]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
[0021]
First, the case where the camera is set to the camera mode and the erasing mode by the mode setting dial 8 is the same as the operation of the known digital camera, so the description is omitted, and here the case where the playback mode is set. Only explained.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the camera according to the present embodiment is set to the playback mode. When the mode setting dial 8 is set to the playback mode and the display on / off button 4 is pressed, the monitor 2 displays “Seisei mode”, “Chuumon” and digital image data as shown in FIG. A “frame” indicating the number is displayed. First, by depressing the increment button 5 or the decrement button 6 in step S1 in FIG. 2, the frame number displayed on the monitor 2 is changed. That is, every time the increment button 5 is pressed, the frame number increases by one, and every time the decrement button 6 is pressed, the frame number decreases by one. Thus, the frame number of the digital image data to be displayed on the monitor 2 is selected. In this case, the frame number may be continuously changed by continuously pressing the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 for a certain time (for example, 3 seconds).
[0023]
In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the execution button 7 has been pressed. If the execution button 7 has been pressed, the image to be displayed on the monitor 2 is determined in the next step S3. That is, the digital image data of the determined frame number is read from the memory card, and this digital image data is displayed on the monitor 2 as a visible image. On the other hand, if step S2 is negative, the processing of step S1 and step S2 is repeated assuming that the image to be displayed on the monitor 2 is not confirmed.
[0024]
After the display image is confirmed, in the next step S4, it is determined whether or not the release button 3 is pressed. If the release button 3 has not been pressed, the processing is terminated assuming that only the captured image is being observed. If the release button 3 is pressed, step S4 is affirmed. In the next step S5, when the release button 3 is pressed, the increment button 5 or the decrement button 6 is pressed to display the image on the monitor 2. The number of images ordered is changed. That is, every time the increment button 5 is pressed, the number “Chumon” on the monitor 2 increases by one, and every time the decrement button 6 is pressed, the number decreases by one. Thus, the order number of images displayed on the monitor 2 is set. In this case, even if the order number is continuously increased by the increment button 5, it does not exceed the predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10 sheets), and even if the order number is continuously decreased by the decrement button 6, it is less than 0. Absent. Note that the order number may be continuously changed by continuously pressing the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 for a certain time (for example, 3 seconds). Alternatively, the order number may be reduced to 0 by continuously pressing the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 for a certain period of time.
[0025]
In the next step S6, it is determined whether or not the execution button 7 has been pressed. If the execution button 7 has been pressed, the order number of images displayed on the monitor 2 in the next step S7 is confirmed and the order is placed. The data regarding the number of sheets is stored in the memory card together with the corresponding digital image data, and the process is returned. On the other hand, if step S6 is negative, the processing of step S5 and step S6 is repeated assuming that the order number of images displayed on the monitor 2 has not been confirmed.
[0026]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the playback mode is set by the mode setting dial 8, the release button 3, the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 provided in the known digital camera are used to print. Since the order quantity at the time is set, it is possible to set the order quantity without increasing the buttons and while checking the image displayed on the monitor 2.
[0027]
In the above embodiment, the order number is determined by pressing the execution button 7, but the monitor 2 can be operated by operating the increment button 5 or the decrement button 6 without pressing the release button 3. The order quantity may be determined when the displayed image is changed. Alternatively, the order quantity may be determined when the digital camera mode is changed from the playback mode to another mode (camera mode, erasure mode) or when the power is turned off. By confirming the order quantity in this way, it is possible to confirm the order quantity without increasing the buttons.
[0028]
In the above embodiment, the order number is changed by operating the increment button 5 or the decrement button 6 while the release button 3 is pressed. However, after the image displayed on the monitor 2 is confirmed. The order quantity may be changed according to the number of times the release button 3 is pressed. In this case, every time the release button 3 is pressed, the number of orders increases from 0 to 1 and is set to return to 0 again after reaching the upper limit. As in the above embodiment, the number of orders may be changed continuously by continuously pressing the release button 3 for a certain time (for example, 3 seconds), or by continuously pressing the release button 3 for a certain time. The order quantity may be zero.
[0029]
Further, the digital camera equipped with the monitor 2 has been described in the above embodiment, but the monitor 2 is not equipped, and the mode set by the mode setting dial 8, the exposure state at the time of imaging, and the like are displayed as characters. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to a digital camera provided with only a liquid crystal display unit. For example, an order mode is provided in the mode setting dial 8, and the frame number of the digital image data for setting the number of orders is set to the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 while checking the liquid crystal display section in the state in which the order mode is set. After the selection, the number of orders is set by operating the increment button 5 and the decrement button 6 while pressing the release button 3 as in the above embodiment. In this case, after confirming the digital image data for setting the order quantity, the order quantity may be changed according to the number of times the release button 3 is pressed.
[0030]
In the above embodiment, the order number is set after the mode setting dial 8 sets the camera mode to the playback mode. However, the order number can also be set in the camera mode. That is, in a normal digital camera, after the release button 3 is pressed in the camera mode, the shutter is normally pressed for about 3 seconds in order to record the acquired digital image data on a recording medium such as a memory card even if the release button is pressed. There is a state where is not driven. Therefore, the number of orders may be set according to the number of times the release button 3 is pressed within this time. In this case, it is possible to easily set the order quantity even in a camera not equipped with the monitor 2 or in a camera not equipped with a playback mode and an order mode.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the embodiment of the present invention.
1 Camera body 2 Monitor 3 Release button 4 Display on / off button 5 Increment button 6 Decrement button 7 Execution button 8 Mode setting dial 9 Power switch

Claims (12)

In a digital camera that captures a subject image by pressing a release button and records digital image data acquired by the imaging on a recording medium,
Display means for displaying the digital image data;
In the playback mode in which the digital image data recorded on the recording medium is played back on the display means, the order number at the time of printing the digital image data is set, and after the order number is set, the playback mode is changed to another mode. A digital camera comprising order quantity setting means for determining the order quantity when switched. In a digital camera that captures a subject image by pressing a release button and records digital image data acquired by the imaging on a recording medium,
Order quantity setting means for setting the order quantity at the time of printing the digital image data and determining the order quantity when the power of the camera is turned off after setting the order quantity, in addition to when the imaging is possible A digital camera characterized by that. In a digital camera that captures an image of a subject by pressing a release button and records digital image data acquired by the imaging on a recording medium,
  Display means for displaying the digital image data;
  An image switching means for switching an image reproduced on the display means in a reproduction mode for reproducing the digital image data recorded on the recording medium on the display means;
  An order quantity setting unit for determining the order quantity by setting the order quantity at the time of printing the digital image data and operating the image switching means after setting the order quantity in the playback mode; A digital camera characterized by that. 4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the order quantity setting means is a means for changing the order quantity every time the release button is pressed. 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the order number setting means is means for continuously changing the order number by pressing the release button for a predetermined time. 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the order quantity setting means is a means for setting the order quantity to zero by pressing the release button for a predetermined time. 3. The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising display means for displaying the digital image data in a reproduction mode for reproducing the digital image data recorded on the recording medium. 8. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising image switching means for switching an image reproduced on the display means in the reproduction mode. 9. The order quantity setting means is means for changing the order quantity by pressing the release button and operating the image switching means in the playback mode. Digital camera. 10. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the order quantity setting means is a means for changing the order quantity each time the image switching means is operated in a state where the release button is pressed. The order number setting means, said by operating the image switching means a predetermined time in a state where pressing the release button, claim 9 or 10, wherein the a means for continuously changing the number of order Digital camera. The order number setting means, in a state where the pressing the release button, by operating a predetermined time the image switching means, according to claim 9 or 10, wherein it is a means for the ordered prints zero Digital camera.

Images