JPH1188761A - Digital camera and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record a picture taken at a preview mode. SOLUTION: When a release key is depressed in the preview mode, a shutter 5 is opened and light from an object is made incident on a CCD 9 through a lens 1, a diaphragm 2 and a half mirror 3. Light is photoelectrically converted in the CCD 9 and an electric signal which is photoelectrically converted is corrected in a signal processing circuit 11 and is stored in a frame memory 51 as image data. The image data are supplied to a monitor 56 and is displayed through a compression/expansion circuit 12 and a connector 55. When a recording key 52 is depressed, image data corresponding to the image displayed on the monitor 56 is read from the frame memory 51 and is supplied to a memory card 13 so as to be recorded with the control of a control circuit 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera and a recording medium, and more particularly to a digital camera and a recording medium capable of recording an image photographed in a preview mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera is a CCD (charge coup).
The subject image is captured by an image sensor such as a led device)
After digitally converting image data as a photographing result, the image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. An image corresponding to the recorded data is displayed on a monitor externally connected to the digital camera or on a monitor such as a liquid crystal display built in the digital camera.

[0003] Some cameras have a preview mode for performing test shooting. In that case, the captured image is only displayed on the screen, and is not recorded on the memory card.

[0004]

However, since the image displayed in the preview mode cannot be recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, even if a good image is shot in the preview mode, it is used as data. There were issues that could not be left.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to enable an image photographed in a preview mode to be recorded on a recording medium as needed.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera that temporarily holds an image picked up by an image pickup means (for example, a CCD 9 in FIG. 7) for picking up an image of a subject. Holding means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7) and storage means (for example, the memory card 1 in FIG. 7) for storing an image taken by the imaging means
3), control means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for controlling the image pickup means to continuously photograph an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and A display control means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for displaying a predetermined one frame on a predetermined screen is provided.

[0007] The predetermined one frame may be the first or last image of the continuously shot images.

The display control means may further include a designating means (for example, the command dial 33 in FIG. 3) for designating a predetermined one frame in the continuously shot images to be displayed on a predetermined screen. Can be.

A digital camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a digital camera which captures an image of a subject (for example, a CCD shown in FIG. 7).
9) and holding means for temporarily holding an image captured by the imaging means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7)
Storage means for storing an image taken by the imaging means (for example, the memory card 13 in FIG. 7); and control means for controlling the imaging means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals. (For example, the control circuit 1 in FIG. 7
4) a display control unit (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) that divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode and displays each image in each area. It is characterized by having.

Further, the display control means sets the number of continuously shot images to N (natural number) and an arbitrary natural number to M,
The screen may be divided into (M + 1) squares satisfying the condition that N is greater than or equal to the square of M and N is less than the square of (M + 1).

[0011] The digital camera according to claim 6 is an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject (for example, a CCD shown in FIG. 7).
9) and holding means for temporarily holding an image captured by the imaging means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7)
Storage means for storing an image taken by the imaging means (for example, the memory card 13 in FIG. 7); and control means for controlling the imaging means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals. (For example, the control circuit 1 in FIG. 7
4) and display control means for dividing a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of regions irrespective of the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode and displaying each continuously shot image in each region (for example,
The control circuit 14 of FIG. 7 and step S35 of FIG. 11) are provided.

[0012] The number of areas into which the predetermined screen is divided may be the number of images that can be continuously shot.

A designating means (for example, FIG. 3) for designating a predetermined image displayed on each of the divided areas of the screen.
Command dial 33), and storage control means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for reading the image designated by the designation means from the holding means and storing the read image in the storage means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera, comprising:
9), a control unit (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for controlling the imaging unit to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and a plurality of images continuously shot in the preview mode. And a display control means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for sequentially displaying on a predetermined screen.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera, comprising:
9) and holding means for temporarily holding an image captured by the imaging means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7)
A storage unit (for example, the memory card 13 in FIG. 7) for storing an image captured by the imaging unit, and a control unit (for example, FIG. 7) for controlling the storage unit to store the image held in the holding unit. Control circuit 14), detection means (for example, detection circuit 54 in FIG. 7) for detecting whether or not an external display device is connected to display an image captured by the imaging means, and Preview mode control means for disabling or enabling the preview mode according to the detection result (for example, the control circuit 1 shown in FIG. 7).
4).

The digital camera according to claim 11 is an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject (for example, a CCD shown in FIG. 7).
9) and holding means for temporarily holding an image captured by the imaging means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7)
Display means for displaying the image held by the holding means (for example, the monitor 56 in FIG. 7); storage means for storing the image taken by the imaging means (for example, the memory card 13 in FIG. 7); Control means (for example, the control circuit 14 of FIG. 7) for controlling the image stored in the means to be stored in the storage means, and detection means (for example, for detecting whether the power switch of the display means is turned on) According to the detection result by the control circuit 14) of FIG.
A preview mode control unit (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7) for invalidating or validating the preview mode is provided.

A digital camera according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a digital camera, comprising:
9) and holding means for temporarily holding an image captured by the imaging means (for example, the frame memory 51 in FIG. 7)
Storage means (for example, the memory card 13 in FIG. 7) for storing an image captured by the imaging means, and instructing means (for example, FIG. 7) for instructing the storage means to store the image held in the holding means. 7 recording button 52) and detection means for detecting the free space of the storage means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7, step S107 and step S11 in FIG. 19).
0) and a determining unit (for example, the control circuit 1 shown in FIG.
4) and a control means for performing control to erase the image stored last in time in the storage means and to store the image stored in the storage means in the storage means in accordance with the determination result by the determination means ( For example, the control circuit 14) shown in FIG. 7 is provided.

If the determining means determines that the free space of the storage means detected by the detecting means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, a display control means for displaying a predetermined warning message on a predetermined screen (for example, , The control circuit 14) of FIG. 7 can be further provided.

The image held by the holding means is
When storing in the storage means, by the determination means,
When it is determined that the free space of the storage unit is smaller than the predetermined reference value, the image last stored in the storage unit in time is erased, and the image stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. can do.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, the imaging means controls the control means to continuously photograph an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and the display control means performs continuous shooting in the preview mode. A control program for controlling a predetermined one of images to be displayed on a predetermined screen is recorded.

In the recording medium according to the present invention, the display control means divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and displays each image in each area. A control program for controlling the above is recorded.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the display control means divides a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas irrespective of the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and A control program for controlling display in each area is recorded.

The recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the display control means records a control program for controlling a plurality of images continuously shot in a preview mode to be sequentially displayed on a predetermined screen. .

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, the detecting means detects whether or not a display device for displaying an image picked up by the image pick-up means is connected, and the preview mode control means detects the detection means. A control program for controlling the preview mode to be invalid or valid according to the result is recorded.

In the recording medium according to the twentieth aspect, the detecting means detects whether or not a power switch of the display means is turned on, and the preview mode control means controls the preview mode in accordance with the detection result by the detecting means. A control program for controlling so as to invalidate or validate.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, the determining means determines whether or not the free space of the storing means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and the control means determines whether the free space is smaller than a predetermined reference value. It is characterized in that a control program for controlling the control means to erase the image stored last in time in the means and to store the image held in the holding means in the storage means is recorded.

In the digital camera according to the first aspect, the holding means temporarily holds an image taken by the imaging means, the storage means stores the image taken by the imaging means, and the control means Controlling the imaging means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals,
The display control means causes a predetermined screen to display a predetermined one of images continuously shot in the preview mode.

In the digital camera according to the fourth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds an image taken by the imaging means, the storage means stores the image taken by the imaging means, and the control means Controlling the imaging means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals,
The display control unit divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and displays each image in each area.

In the digital camera of the present invention, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and the control means Controlling the imaging means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals,
A display control unit divides a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas and displays each of the continuously shot images in each area regardless of the number of images shot continuously in the preview mode.

In the digital camera according to the ninth aspect, the control means controls the image pickup means to continuously photograph the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and the display control means controls the continuous operation in the preview mode. A plurality of captured images are sequentially displayed on a predetermined screen.

In the digital camera according to the tenth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds an image taken by the imaging means, the storage means stores the image taken by the imaging means, and the control means Controlling the storage means to store the image held by the holding means, the detection means detects whether an external display device is connected to display the image captured by the imaging means, Preview mode control means disables or enables the preview mode according to the detection result by the detection means.

In the digital camera according to the eleventh aspect, the holding means temporarily holds an image taken by the imaging means, the display means displays the image held by the holding means, and the storage means Storing the image captured by the imaging unit, the control unit controls the storage unit to store the image held by the storage unit, and the detection unit determines whether the power switch of the display unit is turned on. Is detected, and the preview mode control means disables or enables the preview mode according to the detection result by the detection means.

In the digital camera according to the twelfth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and Instructing the storage means to store the image held in the holding means, the detecting means detecting the free space of the storing means, and the determining means determining whether the free space of the storing means is smaller than a predetermined reference value. The control unit determines whether or not the image is stored in the storage unit according to a result of the determination by the determination unit, and causes the storage unit to store the image stored in the storage unit. To control.

[0034] In the recording medium according to the fifteenth aspect,
The imaging means controls the control means to continuously photograph an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and the display control means
In the preview mode, a control program for controlling a predetermined one of images continuously shot on a predetermined screen is recorded.

In the recording medium according to the sixteenth aspect,
The display control means divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode,
A control program for controlling each image to be displayed in each area was recorded.

[0036] In the recording medium according to the seventeenth aspect,
A display control means records a control program for dividing a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas and displaying each of the continuously shot images in each area regardless of the number of images shot continuously in the preview mode. did.

[0037] In the recording medium according to the eighteenth aspect,
The display control means records a control program for controlling a plurality of images continuously shot in the preview mode to be sequentially displayed on a predetermined screen.

[0038] In the recording medium according to the nineteenth aspect,
The detection means detects whether or not a display device for displaying an image captured by the imaging means is connected, and the preview mode control means disables or enables the preview mode according to a detection result by the detection means. The control program to control was recorded.

In the recording medium according to the twentieth aspect,
The detecting means detects whether or not the power switch of the display means is turned on, and the preview mode control means executes a control program for controlling the preview mode to be disabled or enabled according to the detection result by the detecting means. Recorded.

In the recording medium according to the twenty-first aspect,
The determining means determines whether or not the free space of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and the control means deletes the image stored last in the storage means in time according to the determination result by the determining means. In addition, a control program for controlling the image stored in the storage unit to be stored in the storage unit is recorded.

[0041]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a digital camera (hereinafter, abbreviated as a camera as appropriate) of the present invention. Here, an example in which a lens 1 (FIG. 7) described later is not mounted is shown. Whether the lens 1 is mounted on the camera body 100 is determined by a lens mounting unit 27 for mounting the lens 1 on the camera body 100.
The control circuit 14, which will be described later, exchanges signals with the lens 1 via a CPU signal contact 28 provided at the CPU 1 to detect the signal. A quick return mirror 3, which will be described later, is provided behind the lens mounting portion 27. The aperture dial 39 is used when setting an aperture value.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera shown in FIG. The card insertion / ejection lever 29 can open and close the back cover (card insertion portion) 31 by sliding while pressing the ejection lever lock button 30. The back cover 31 is provided with a memory card presence / absence confirmation window 32 so that it can be visually confirmed whether or not the memory card 13 is inserted into the main body.

The command dial 33 can be rotated endlessly and can be clicked. When this is used alone, a shutter speed value can be set, and when used together with each setting button, predetermined information can be set. The finder display unit 46 is an LCD
And a light emitting diode (LED), etc., are provided in the finder 45, and display various information.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the camera shown in FIG. The sensitivity switch 21 is a command dial 3
3, the sensitivity can be switched. Exposure compensation switch 2
Reference numeral 3 indicates that an exposure correction value can be set by using the command dial 33 together.
The light metering mode switch 22 can be used in combination with the command dial 33 to switch the light metering mode. For example, in multi-pattern photometry, an object for photometry can be selected and determined.

When the release button 34 is half-pressed, an operation circuit described later with reference to FIG. 7 is turned on, and focus control is performed. Also, when fully pressed, the shutter is released. Display device (external LCD (liquid crystal
The display panel 15 displays various information as shown in FIG. The display area A has the compression mode, the display area B has the sensitivity at the time of photographing, that is, the sensitivity of the CCD 9 described later, the display area C has the white balance setting mode, the display area D has the exposure mode, The display area E displays the presence or absence of exposure correction. Also, the metering mode can be recorded in the display area F, the remaining battery power can be recorded in the display area G, the aperture value can be recorded in the display area H, the shutter speed can be recorded in the display area I, and the memory card 13 can be recorded in the display area J. The remaining number is displayed in the display area K, and the frame number for the next shooting is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the camera shown in FIG.
When the command dial 33 is turned to the left or right while pressing the command lock button 35, the set shutter speed value displayed on the display device 15 is locked.
When the aperture dial 39 is turned to the left or right while pressing the command lock button 35, the set aperture value displayed on the display device 15 is locked.

In FIG. 5, the cover 40 is provided with three buttons as shown in FIG. 6, and a button at the top and a middle button constitute a batch erase switch 38. By pressing simultaneously, all data recorded on the memory card 13 can be erased collectively. In addition, the middle button (frame erase button 25
A) and the lowermost button (frame erase button 25B) constitute a frame erase switch 25, and when these buttons are pressed simultaneously, among the data recorded on the memory card 13,
The last data (frame) recorded immediately before is erased.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the electronic still camera shown in FIGS. The lens 1 focuses a light beam from a subject. The diaphragm 2 adjusts the amount of light from the lens 1. The quick return mirror 3 reflects a part of the light flux from the subject that enters through the lens 1 and the aperture 2, guides the light to a multi-segment SPD (silicon photo diode) 4, and transmits a part of the light. . The multi-segment SPD 4 is composed of a plurality of photometric elements, and divides an object field into a plurality of regions to perform photometry. The photometric amplifier 6 amplifies the output of each photometric element.

The aperture driving circuit 7 changes the aperture amount of the aperture 2. The shutter drive circuit 8 controls opening and closing of the shutter 5. CCD (c
The harge coupled device 9 receives a light beam from a subject in accordance with opening and closing of the shutter 5, accumulates signal charges corresponding to the amount of received light, and outputs the accumulated signal charges as image data. CCD drive circuit 10
Are adapted to control charge accumulation and charge transfer by the CCD 9. The signal processing circuit 11 performs correction processing such as white balance adjustment, γ correction, and contour correction on the image data output from the CCD 9.

The frame memory 51 includes a signal processing circuit 11
, The image data subjected to the correction processing is temporarily stored. The compression / expansion circuit 12 converts the image data from the frame memory 51 into a JPEG (Joint P
(Hotographic Experts Group) and the like, and supply the compressed data to the memory card 13. Also,
The image data read from the memory card 13 is expanded and output to an external monitor 56 connected to the connector 55. The memory card 13 stores the image data supplied from the compression / expansion circuit 12 and supplies the stored image data to the compression / expansion circuit 12.

The control circuit 14 controls the aperture driving circuit 7, the shutter driving circuit 8, the CCD driving circuit 10 and the like, and performs arithmetic processing such as exposure calculation.
In addition, the motor 26 is controlled, and the quick return mirror 3 is controlled.
Is rotated, and the quick return mirror 3 is retracted outside the light beam incident through the lens 1 and the stop 2. Further, an auto focus (AF) motor 43 is controlled to perform focus control. Further, it is configured to detect whether or not the lens 1 is mounted on the camera body 100.

The detection circuit 54 detects whether or not the monitor 56 is connected via the connector 55, and the control circuit 14 performs a process according to the detection result of the detection circuit 54. It has been made like that.

As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the display device 15 is constituted by, for example, an LCD or the like, and is configured to display various information necessary for photographing and reproduction. It is provided at the top.

The switch 16 switches whether or not to supply power to each part of the camera. The switch 17 is turned on when the release button 34 is half-pressed. The switch 18 is a release button 3
4 is turned on when fully pressed.

The photographing / reproduction selection switch 19 is operated to switch between photographing and reproduction.
The pulse generator 20 outputs a pulse signal every time the command dial 33 is rotated by a predetermined amount. The sensitivity switch 21 is operated when the sensitivity of the CCD 9 is switched. The photometry mode switch 22 is operated when switching the photometry mode.
The exposure compensation changeover switch 23 is operated when switching the exposure compensation.

The photographing mode changeover switch 24 is operated to switch photographing modes such as a program mode, an aperture priority mode, and a shutter priority mode. As shown in FIG. 6, two of the frame erase buttons 25A and 25B constitute a frame erase switch 25, and are operated when image data is erased from the memory card 13.

The recording button 52 is operated when recording the image data stored in the frame memory 51 on the memory card 13. The preview mode setting button 53A is operated when entering the preview mode, and the preview mode end button 53B is operated when terminating the preview mode.

The above-mentioned CCD 9, signal processing circuit 11, CCD
The drive circuit 10 and the compression / expansion circuit 12 constitute an imaging system. A photometric system is composed of the multi-split SPD 4 and the photometric amplifier 6.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for recording an image photographed in the preview mode. First, in step S1, the preview mode setting button 53A is operated to enter the preview mode. The image shot in the preview mode is only stored in the frame memory 51 and is not recorded on the memory card 13.

Next, the process proceeds to step S2, where photographing conditions are set. In step S3, photographing is performed when the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer. That is, a light beam from a subject that enters through the lens 1, the aperture 2, and the like is received by the CCD 9, photoelectrically converted, and then supplied to the signal processing circuit 11. In step S4, the image data corresponding to the photographed image is subjected to correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, and then temporarily supplied to the frame memory 51 and stored therein.

The image data stored in the frame memory 51 is supplied to the monitor 56 via the compression / expansion circuit 12 and the connector 55 and displayed. Next, in step S6, the control circuit 14 determines whether the recording button 52 has been pressed. When it is determined that the recording button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S8, and the image data corresponding to the image displayed on the monitor 56 is recorded on the memory card 13.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording button 52 has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S7 to determine whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. When it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process returns to step S6, and the processes after step S6 are repeatedly executed.

In step S7, if it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, or if the processing in step S8 has been completed, this processing ends.

As described above, if the image photographed in the preview mode is good, it can be recorded on the memory card 13.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A processing procedure for displaying an arbitrary image in a preview during continuous shooting will be described. First, in step S11, the photographer sets a preview mode for continuous shooting. Next, in step S12, shooting conditions are set, and in step S13, an arbitrary one of a plurality of continuously shot images is set as a display frame. This is performed by selecting a predetermined frame number using the command dial 33. For example, the number of frames from the beginning is set.

In step S14, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. In step S <b> 15, the image data corresponding to the captured image is fetched into the frame memory 51 after the signal processing circuit 11 performs the correction processing. Step S1
In 6, the image data corresponding to the display frame set in step S13 among the images captured in the frame memory 51 is supplied to the monitor 56 via the connector 55 under the control of the control circuit 14, and is displayed. You.

In step S17, it is determined whether or not the recording button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the recording button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S19. Step S1
In step S9, the image data corresponding to the display frame displayed on the monitor 56 in step S16 is recorded on the memory card 13.

If it is determined in step S17 that the recording button 52 has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S18 to determine whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process returns to step S17, and the processing after step S17 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, or if the processing in step S19 has been completed, this processing ends.

As described above, before shooting, it is set in advance so that an image of a predetermined frame among images continuously shot in the preview mode is displayed as a preview. The selected one frame can be displayed on the monitor 56. Further, the image can be recorded on the memory card 13.

Next, another processing procedure for displaying an arbitrary image in the preview during continuous shooting will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, step S
At 21, a photographer sets a preview mode for continuous shooting. Next, in step S22, shooting conditions are set.

In step S23, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
In step S <b> 24, the image data corresponding to the captured image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, and then is taken into the frame memory 51. In step S25, an arbitrary one of a plurality of continuously shot images is set as a display frame. This is performed by selecting a predetermined frame number using the command dial 33. For example, the number of frames from the beginning is set.

In step S26, image data corresponding to the display frame set in step S25 among the images captured in the frame memory 51 is supplied to the monitor 56 under the control of the control circuit 14 and displayed. .

In step S27, it is determined whether or not recording button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S29. Step S2
In step S9, the image data corresponding to the display frame displayed on the monitor 56 in step S26 is read from the frame memory 51 and recorded on the memory card 13.

If it is determined in step S27 that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S28 to determine whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. When it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process returns to step S27, and the processes after step S27 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, or if the processing in step S29 has been completed, this processing ends.

As described above, after the continuous shooting in the preview mode is completed, a setting is made so that a predetermined image of the shot images is displayed as a preview, and any one set frame is displayed on the monitor 56. Can be done. Further, the image can be recorded on the memory card 13 as needed.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, a description will be given of a processing procedure for dividing a display screen in accordance with the number of continuous shots in preview during continuous shooting. First, in step S31, the photographer sets a preview mode for continuous shooting. Next, step S3
In 2, the photographing conditions are set.

In step S33, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
In step S <b> 34, the image data corresponding to the photographed image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, and then is taken into the frame memory 51.

In step S35, the control circuit 14
Accordingly, the display screen is divided according to the number of continuous shots. For example, assuming that the number of continuously shot images is N (natural number) and an arbitrary natural number is M, a condition that N is larger than or equal to the square of M and N is smaller than the square of (M + 1) The screen is divided into (M + 1) squares that satisfy the condition. Therefore,
For example, when the number of continuously shot images is 3, the screen is divided into four regions as shown in FIG. When the number of continuously shot images is eight, as shown in FIG.
Divided into two areas. Then, continuously shot images are sequentially displayed in each area.

In step S36, as shown in FIG. 14, the cursor blinks on the first image (image A in this example). Next, in step S37,
It is determined whether the command dial 33 as a selection switch has been pressed.

If it is determined in step S37 that the command dial 33 has not been pressed, or if the processing in step S39 described later has been completed, or if the processing in step S40 has been completed, the flow proceeds to step S41.

In step S41, it is determined whether or not preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode selection button 53B has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S42, and it is determined whether the recording button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S43, where it is determined whether the command dial 33 has been turned. If it is determined that the command dial 33 has not been turned, step S
Returning to step S37, the processing after step S37 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command dial 33 has been turned, the process proceeds to step S44, where the control circuit 14 controls the cursor to move to the next image and blinks the image, and returns to step S37.

If it is determined in step S37 that the command dial 33 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S37.
Proceeding to 38, it is determined whether the cursor is blinking. If it is determined in step S38 that the cursor is blinking, the process proceeds to step S39, and the control circuit 14 determines that the image displayed at the position of the blinking cursor is selected. , The display of the blinking cursor is changed to a lit display.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the cursor is not blinking (lit), the process proceeds to step S40, and the control circuit 14 determines that the image displayed at the position where the cursor is lit is selected. Judge that it was canceled,
Change the display of the lit cursor to a blinking display. Thus, an arbitrary image can be selected using the command dial 33.

If it is determined in step S42 that the record button 52 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S45, and the image on which the cursor is lit (the selected image) is displayed on the screen of the monitor 56 on the memory card. 13
Will be recorded.

If the process in step S45 is completed, or if it is determined in step S41 that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, the process ends.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the cursor is positioned on an unselected image (image A in this example), the cursor blinks, and as shown in FIG. When the cursor is moved over the selected image (the image F in this example), the cursor is lit. Therefore, the already selected images can be easily recognized, and an arbitrary number of images can be efficiently selected without duplication. Then, the selected image can be recorded on the memory card 13 by pressing the recording button 52. In addition, a predetermined mark may be displayed on the already selected image to clearly indicate that the selected image is selected.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16, a description will be given of a processing procedure in the case where a continuously shot image is always displayed in multiple divisions in the preview during the continuous shooting. First, in step S51, the photographer sets the camera mode to the preview mode for continuous shooting. Next, in step S52, shooting conditions are set.

In step S53, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
In step S54, after the image data corresponding to the captured image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, the image data is taken into the frame memory 51.

In step S55, the screen of the monitor 56 is divided into areas corresponding to the number of continuous shots. Next, in step S56, all the continuously shot images are sequentially displayed in each area. In step S57, the cursor blinks on the first image of the images displayed on the screen, for example, on the image displayed in the area in contact with the upper left corner of the screen.

Next, in step S58, it is determined whether or not the selection button (command dial) 33 has been pressed. If it is determined that the command dial 33 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is determined whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed,
Proceeding to step S63, it is determined whether the recording button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S64.

In step S64, it is determined whether or not command dial 33 has been turned. If it is determined that the command dial 33 has been turned, step S65
Then, under the control of the control circuit 14, the cursor moves to the next image and blinks. When the process in step S65 is completed, or when it is determined in step S64 that the command dial 33 is not turned, the process returns to step S58, and the processes in and after step S58 are repeatedly performed.

If it is determined in step S58 that the command dial 33 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S59 to determine whether or not the cursor is blinking. If it is determined that the cursor is blinking,
Proceeding to step S60, the control circuit 14 determines that the image displayed at the position of the blinking cursor has been selected, and changes the display of the cursor to a lit display. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S59 that the cursor is not blinking (lit), the process proceeds to step S59.
In 61, the control circuit 14 determines that the selection of the image displayed at the position where the cursor is lit is cancelled, changes the cursor display to lit display, and proceeds to step S62.

In this manner, any one or more of the images displayed on the screen can be selected. If it is determined in step S63 that the recording button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S66, and the selected image, that is, the image in which the cursor is lit, is recorded on the memory card 13.

If the process in step S66 is completed, or if it is determined in step S62 that the preview mode end button 62 has been pressed, all the processes are completed.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, in the preview at the time of continuous shooting, one of
A processing procedure for displaying images one by one will be described. First, in step S71, the photographer sets the camera mode to the preview mode for continuous shooting. Next, in step S72, shooting conditions are set.

In step S73, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and continuous shooting is performed. Next, in step S74, the image data corresponding to the continuously shot image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, and then is taken into the frame memory 51.

In step S75, the control circuit 14
, The image data of the first frame stored in the frame memory 51 is read, supplied to the monitor 56, and displayed. Next, in step S76, a predetermined time is passed. Then, when a predetermined time elapses,
Proceed to step S77.

In the step S77, the control circuit 14
, The image data of the next frame is read from the frame memory 51, supplied to the monitor 56, and displayed. Next, in step S78, a predetermined time elapses. When the predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to step S79, and it is determined whether the image currently displayed on the monitor 56 is the image of the last frame. If it is determined that the image is not the last frame image, the process returns to step S77 and proceeds to step S7.
The processes after 7 are repeated. As a result, continuously shot images are sequentially displayed on the monitor 56 at predetermined time intervals.

If it is determined in step S79 that the last frame has been displayed on the monitor 56, the flow advances to step S80.

In step S80, it is determined whether or not preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S81, and it is determined whether the recording button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S84.

In step S84, it is determined whether or not the command dial 33 has been turned. If it is determined that the command dial 33 has been turned, step S85
Then, under the control of the control circuit 14, predetermined frames of the continuously shot images are displayed on the screen of the monitor 56 in accordance with the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the command dial 33. When the processing in step S85 is completed, or in step S8
If it is determined in step 4 that the command dial 33 has not been turned, the process returns to step S80 and returns to step S80.
Subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S81 that the recording button 52 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S82. In step S82, under the control of the control circuit 14, the image data corresponding to the image currently displayed on the monitor 56 is supplied from the frame memory 51 to the compression / expansion circuit 12, compressed, and then stored in the memory card 13. Provided and recorded.

Next, in step S83, the control circuit 14 causes the memory card 13 in step S82.
Is deleted from the frame memory 51.

Next, a processing procedure for disabling the preview mode when the monitor 56 is not connected to the connector 55 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S91, the detection circuit 54 detects whether or not the monitor 56 is connected to the connector 55. If it is detected that the monitor 56 is connected to the connector 55, the process proceeds to step S92, and the photographer sets the camera mode to the preview mode. Next, in step S93, shooting conditions are set.

In step S94, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
In step S95, after the image data corresponding to the captured image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, the image data is taken into the frame memory 51.

Next, in step S96, the image data stored in the frame memory 51 is stored in the compression / expansion circuit 1
2. The image is supplied to the monitor 56 via the connector 55, and the corresponding image is displayed. In step S97, it is determined whether record button 52 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S98, and it is determined whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process returns to step S97, and the processing after step S97 is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in step S97, the recording button 5
If it is determined that 2 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 99,
Now, image data corresponding to the image displayed on the monitor 56 is supplied from the frame memory 51 to the compression / expansion circuit 12, subjected to compression processing, and then supplied to the memory card 13 for recording.

If the process in step S99 is completed, or if it is determined in step S98 that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, all the processes are completed.

The preview mode is a mode in which a photographed image is displayed on a monitor 56 connected to the connector 55 without being recorded on the memory card 13. Therefore, FIG.
As described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the monitor 6 is not connected via the connector 55, the preview mode is invalidated, and the preview mode is enabled only when the monitor 56 is connected to the connector 55.

Further, when the monitor 56 is connected to the connector 55, the control circuit 14 detects whether or not the power switch of the monitor 56 is turned on, and the power switch of the monitor 56 is turned on. Only at that time, the preview mode can be enabled.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, a description will be given of a processing procedure when photographing is performed in the preview mode when the free space of the memory card 13 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference value. First, step S10
In 1, the detection circuit 54 detects whether or not the monitor 56 is connected to the connector 55. Monitor 5
6 is detected to be connected, step S
In step 102, the photographer sets the camera mode to the preview mode. Next, in step S103, shooting conditions are set.

In step S104, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
In step S <b> 105, the image data corresponding to the captured image is subjected to the correction processing in the signal processing circuit 11, and is then loaded into the frame memory 51.

Next, in step S106, the image data stored in the frame memory 51 is supplied to the monitor 56 via the compression / expansion circuit 12 and the connector 55, and the corresponding image is displayed.

In step S107, the control circuit 1
In step 4, the free space of the memory card 13 is checked. Next, in step S108, the memory card 1
It is determined whether or not No. 3 has no recordable number of remaining frames. If it is determined that there is no remaining frame, the process proceeds to step S109, and a predetermined warning message is displayed on the display device 15 under the control of the control circuit 14.

Next, in step S110, the free space of the memory card 13 is checked again.
At 111, it is determined whether an image can be recorded on the memory card 13. If it is determined that an image cannot be recorded on the memory card 13, the process proceeds to step S112, and it is determined whether the frame erase switch 25 has been pressed. If it is determined that the frame erase switch 25 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S113 to erase the last frame from the memory card 13.

Next, the flow advances to step S115, and the recording button 5
It is determined whether 2 has been pressed. If it is determined that the record button 52 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S116,
It is determined whether preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has not been pressed, the process returns to step S115, and the processing after step S115 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S115 that the record button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S117, in which image data corresponding to the image currently displayed on the monitor 56 is read from the frame memory 51 and recorded on the memory card 13. Is done.

When it is determined in step S108 that there is a recordable remaining frame, step S115 is performed.
Proceed to. If it is determined in step S112 that the frame erase switch 25 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S114, and it is determined whether the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed. Preview mode end button 5
If it is determined that 3B has not been pressed, step S1
Returning to step S09, the processing after step S109 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview mode end button 53B has been pressed, all the processing ends.

In step S101, when the detection circuit 54 detects that the monitor 56 is not connected to the connector 55, or in step S116
Is completed, or step S117
When the processing in is ended, all the processing ends.

As described above, when there is no free space in the memory card 13, a warning message indicating that there is no free space in the memory card 13 is displayed on the display device 15, or the memory card 13 is already recorded. By erasing the last frame, an image shot in the preview mode can be recorded on the memory card 13.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording button 52 is provided. However, for example, another button such as the photometry mode changeover switch 22 may be used.

The setting and termination of the preview mode can be performed by operating a plurality of buttons, for example, the sensitivity switch 21 and the photographing mode switch 24 simultaneously. In this case, the setting and the end can be alternately switched each time the operation is performed.

In the above embodiment, the case where an external monitor is connected to the digital camera has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a digital camera having a built-in monitor such as a liquid crystal display.

[0122]

According to the digital camera of the first aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image taken by the imaging means, the storage means stores the image taken by the imaging means, The control means controls the imaging means to continuously photograph an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals,
Since the display control means displays a predetermined one of the images continuously shot in the preview mode on a predetermined screen, the image previewed on the screen can be stored in the storage means.

According to the digital camera of the fourth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and the control means However, the imaging means controls the image of the subject to be continuously photographed at predetermined time intervals,
The display control means divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and displays each image in each area. While comparing and examining the above, a desired image can be selected and stored in the storage means.

According to the digital camera of the present invention, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and the control means However, the imaging means controls the image of the subject to be continuously photographed at predetermined time intervals,
The display control means divides a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas and displays each of the continuously shot images in each area regardless of the number of images shot continuously in the preview mode. While comparing all images on the screen,
A desired image can be selected and stored in the storage means.

According to the digital camera of the ninth aspect, the control means controls the imaging means to continuously photograph the image of the subject at a predetermined time interval, and the display control means operates in the preview mode. Since a plurality of continuously shot images are sequentially displayed on a predetermined screen, all the continuously shot images are displayed on the screen, a desired image is selected, and the selected image is stored in the storage unit. Can be.

According to the digital camera of the tenth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and the control means Controls the storage means to store the image held in the holding means, the detection means,
A preview mode control unit detects whether an external display device is connected to display an image captured by the imaging unit, and disables or enables the preview mode according to a detection result by the detection unit. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress erroneous deletion of an image or storage of an unnecessary image in the storage unit.

According to the digital camera of the eleventh aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the imaging means, the display means displays the image held by the holding means, and the storage means Stores an image captured by the imaging unit, the control unit controls the storage unit to store the image stored in the storage unit, and the detection unit determines whether a power switch of the display unit is turned on. And the preview mode control means disables or enables the preview mode in accordance with the result of detection by the detection means, so that an image is accidentally erased or an unnecessary image is stored in the storage means. Can be suppressed.

According to the digital camera of the twelfth aspect, the holding means temporarily holds the image picked up by the image pickup means, the storage means stores the image picked up by the image pickup means, and the instruction means Instructs the storage means to store the image stored in the storage means, the detection means detects the free space of the storage means, and the determination means determines that the free space of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value. The control means deletes the image stored last in time in the storage means and stores the image stored in the storage means in the storage means according to the result of the determination by the determination means. As described above, even when there is no free space in the storage unit, an image captured in the preview mode can be stored in the storage unit.

According to the recording medium of the fifteenth aspect, the imaging means controls the control means to continuously photograph the image of the subject at a predetermined time interval, and the display control means continuously operates in the preview mode. Predetermined one of the captured images
Since the control program for controlling the frame to be displayed on the predetermined screen is recorded, the image previewed on the screen can be stored in the storage unit.

According to the recording medium of the sixteenth aspect, the display control means divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and divides each image into each area. Since the control program for controlling the display is recorded, a desired image can be selected and stored in the storage means while all continuously shot images are compared and examined on the screen.

According to the recording medium of the seventeenth aspect, the display control means divides a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas regardless of the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, and Since a control program for controlling an image to be displayed in each area is recorded, a desired image can be selected and stored in the storage unit while all continuously shot images are compared and examined on the screen. .

According to the recording medium of the eighteenth aspect, the display control means records the control program for controlling the sequential display of a plurality of images in the preview mode on a predetermined screen. After displaying all captured images on the screen, a desired image can be selected and stored in the storage means.

According to the recording medium of the nineteenth aspect, the detecting means detects whether or not a display device for displaying an image picked up by the image pick-up means is connected, and the preview mode control means sets the detecting means. Depending on the detection result by
Since the control program for controlling the preview mode to be disabled or enabled is recorded, it is possible to suppress erroneous deletion of an image or storage of an unnecessary image in the storage unit.

According to the recording medium of the twentieth aspect, the detecting means detects whether or not the power switch of the display means is turned on, and the preview mode control means responds to the detection result by the detecting means. Since the control program for controlling the preview mode to be disabled or enabled is recorded, it is possible to suppress erroneous deletion of an image or storage of an unnecessary image in the storage unit.

According to the recording medium of the present invention, the judging means judges whether or not the free space of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and the control means responds to the judgment result by the judging means. Since the control program for erasing the last image stored in the storage means and controlling the image stored in the storage means to be stored in the storage means is recorded, the free space of the storage means is reduced. Even when there is no image, the image taken in the preview mode can be stored in the storage means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera to which an imaging device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a rear view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the display device 15;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a batch erase switch and a frame erase switch.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for recording a preview image.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for recording an arbitrary image in preview during continuous shooting.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another processing procedure for recording an arbitrary image in preview during continuous shooting.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for dividing a display screen according to the number of continuous shots in a preview during continuous shooting.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a divided display screen.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the divided display screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state where an image displayed in each area of the divided screen is selected using a cursor.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where an image displayed in each area of the divided screen is selected using a cursor.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a case where multi-segment display is always performed in preview during continuous shooting.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the case of displaying continuously shot images one by one on a screen in preview during continuous shooting.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for enabling a preview mode only when a monitor is connected.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when there is no free space in the memory card 13.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Aperture 3 Quick return mirror 4 Multi-segment SPD 5 Shutter 6 Photometric amplifier 7 Aperture drive circuit 8 Shutter drive circuit 9 CCD 10 CCD drive circuit 11 Signal processing circuit 12 Compression / expansion circuit 13 Memory card 14 Control circuit 15 Display device 16 to Reference Signs List 18 switch 19 shooting / playback selection switch 20 pulse generator 21 sensitivity switch 22 photometry mode switch 23 exposure compensation switch 24 shooting mode switch 25 frame erase switch 25A, 25B frame erase button 26 motor 27 lens mounting unit 28 CPU signal Contact 29 Card insertion eject lever 30 Eject lever lock button 31 Card insertion part 32 Memory card presence / absence confirmation window 33 Command dial 34 Release button 35 Command lock button 6 reproducing terminal 37 the digital output terminal 38 collectively erase switch 39 aperture dial 40 lid 43 AF motor 45 viewfinder 46 finder display unit 51 frame memory 52 recording button 53A preview mode setting button 53B preview mode end button 54 detection circuit 55 connector 56 monitor

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a photographed image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. An imaging unit that captures an image of the object; a holding unit that temporarily holds an image captured by the imaging unit; a storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit; Control means for controlling an image to be continuously photographed at a predetermined time interval, and display control means for displaying a predetermined one frame of images continuously shot in a preview mode on a predetermined screen. And a digital camera. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined one frame is a first or last image of the consecutively shot images. 3. The digital device according to claim 1, further comprising a designation unit for designating a predetermined one frame in the consecutively shot images, which is displayed on a predetermined screen by the display control unit. camera. 4. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously capturing an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. An imaging unit that captures an image of the object; a holding unit that temporarily holds an image captured by the imaging unit; a storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit; Control means for controlling the image to be continuously photographed at a predetermined time interval, and according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode,
A digital camera, comprising: a display control unit that divides a predetermined screen into a plurality of regions and displays each image in each region. 5. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein N is a natural number, and N is greater than or equal to the square of M, and N is a natural number.
Satisfies the condition that is smaller than the square of (M + 1) (M + 1)
5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the screen is divided into squares. 6. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a photographed image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. An imaging unit that captures an image of the object; a holding unit that temporarily holds an image captured by the imaging unit; a storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit; Control means for controlling the image to be continuously photographed at a predetermined time interval; and irrespective of the number of images continuously taken in the preview mode,
A digital camera, comprising: a display control unit that divides a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of regions and displays each successively shot image in each region. 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the number of areas into which the predetermined screen is divided is the number of images that can be continuously shot. 8. A designating means for designating a predetermined one of the images displayed in each of the divided areas of the screen; and reading the image designated by the designating means from the holding means, and storing the image in the storage means. The digital camera according to claim 4, further comprising a storage control unit configured to store the digital camera. 9. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a photographed image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Image capturing means for capturing an image of the subject; control means for controlling the image capturing means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals; and a predetermined screen for displaying a plurality of images continuously shot in the preview mode. And a display control means for displaying the images sequentially. 10. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject, comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject; and an image capturing unit that temporarily stores the image captured by the imaging unit. A storage unit for storing an image captured by the imaging unit; a control unit for controlling the storage unit to store the image stored in the storage unit; Detecting means for detecting whether an external display device is connected to display the displayed image, and preview mode control means for disabling or enabling the preview mode according to a detection result by the detecting means. A digital camera comprising: 11. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a photographed image of a subject, comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject; and a temporarily storing image that is captured by the imaging unit. Holding means, a display means for displaying the image held by the holding means, a storage means for storing an image taken by the imaging means, and a storage means for storing the image held by the holding means. Control means for controlling the display mode to be stored; detection means for detecting whether or not a power switch of the display means is turned on; and disabling or enabling the preview mode in accordance with a detection result by the detection means. A digital camera comprising preview mode control means. 12. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily holding and displaying a captured image of a subject, comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject; and temporarily storing the image captured by the imaging unit. A storage unit for storing an image captured by the imaging unit; an instruction unit for instructing the storage unit to store the image stored in the storage unit; and the storage unit. Detecting means for detecting the free capacity of the storage means, determining means for determining whether or not the free capacity of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value; Control means for erasing the image stored last and controlling the image stored in the storage means to be stored in the storage means. Digital camera. 13. A display control for displaying a predetermined warning message on a predetermined screen when the determination unit determines that the free space of the storage unit detected by the detection unit is smaller than a predetermined reference value. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, further comprising means. 14. When storing the image stored in the storage unit in the storage unit, when the determination unit determines that the free space of the storage unit is smaller than a predetermined reference value, 14. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein an image stored last in the storage unit in time is erased, and the image stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. 15. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying an image of a photographed subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Image capturing means for capturing an image of the subject; control means for controlling the image capturing means to continuously capture the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals; and a predetermined one of images continuously shot in the preview mode.
A recording medium storing a control program used in a digital camera, comprising: a display control unit for displaying a frame on a predetermined screen, wherein the imaging unit continuously captures images of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Recording a control program for controlling the display means to display a predetermined one frame of images continuously shot in a preview mode on a predetermined screen. Medium. 16. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying an image of a photographed subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Imaging means for capturing an image of the image, and control means for controlling the image capturing means to continuously capture the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, and according to the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode,
A display medium for storing a control program used in a digital camera having a predetermined screen divided into a plurality of areas and a display control means for displaying each image in each area, wherein the display control means Depending on the number of images shot continuously, a predetermined screen is divided into multiple areas,
A recording medium having recorded thereon a control program for controlling each image to be displayed in each area. 17. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a photographed image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously photographing the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Imaging means for capturing an image of the image, and control means for controlling the imaging means to continuously photograph the image of the subject at predetermined time intervals, regardless of the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode,
A display control means for dividing a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas and displaying each successively shot image in each area; However, regardless of the number of images continuously shot in the preview mode, a control program for dividing a predetermined screen into a predetermined number of areas and displaying each of the continuously shot images in each area is recorded. Characteristic recording medium. 18. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject and a continuous shooting mode for continuously capturing images of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Image capturing means for capturing an image of the subject; control means for controlling the image capturing means to continuously capture images of the subject at predetermined time intervals; and a predetermined screen for displaying a plurality of images continuously shot in the preview mode. A control program used in a digital camera having display control means for sequentially displaying a plurality of images sequentially shot in a preview mode on a predetermined screen. A recording medium, on which a control program for controlling the recording medium is recorded. 19. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject, wherein the digital camera has an image capturing unit for capturing an image of the subject, and temporarily stores the image captured by the image capturing unit. Holding means, a storage means for storing an image taken by the imaging means, a control means for controlling the storage means to store the image held by the holding means, and an image pickup by the imaging means A digital camera comprising: a detection unit that detects whether a display device that displays a selected image is connected; and a preview mode control unit that disables or enables the preview mode according to a detection result by the detection unit. A recording medium on which a control program used in step (a) is recorded, wherein the detection unit is imaged by the imaging unit. Detecting whether the display device is connected for displaying an image,
A recording medium, wherein the preview mode control means records a control program for controlling the preview mode to be disabled or enabled according to a detection result by the detection means. 20. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject, comprising: an imaging unit for capturing an image of the subject; and an image capturing unit for temporarily storing the image captured by the imaging unit. Holding means, display means for displaying the image held by the holding means, storage means for storing an image captured by the imaging means, and storage means for storing the image held by the holding means. Control means for controlling the display mode to be stored, detection means for detecting whether or not a power switch of the display means is turned on, and disabling or enabling the preview mode according to a detection result by the detection means. A recording medium recording a control program used in a digital camera including a preview mode control unit, wherein the detection unit A control program for detecting whether a power switch of the display means is turned on, and controlling the preview mode control means to disable or enable the preview mode in accordance with a detection result by the detection means. A recording medium characterized by being recorded. 21. A digital camera having a preview mode for temporarily storing and displaying a captured image of a subject, wherein the digital camera has an imaging unit for capturing an image of the subject, and temporarily stores the image captured by the imaging unit. Holding means for storing the image captured by the image capturing means, instruction means for instructing the storage means to store the image stored in the holding means, and the storage means Detecting means for detecting the free capacity of the storage means, determining means for determining whether or not the free capacity of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and storing the time in the storage means in accordance with the determination result by the determining means. Control means for erasing the image stored last and controlling the image stored in the storage means to be stored in the storage means. A recording medium on which a control program to be used is recorded, wherein a judging means judges whether or not the free space of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined reference value, and the control means responds to a judgment result by the judging means. A control program for erasing an image stored last in the storage unit in time and storing the image stored in the storage unit in the storage unit. Recording medium.