CN102215338B - Photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a photographing device, wherein the processing for the signal treatment of a special image effect will not be confused and the intuitive selection setting operation therefor can be performed appropriately and reliably. The photographing device comprises a photographing part for photographing subjects; a display part for displaying images and a list of a plurality of applicable image processing for image signals obtained by the photographing part; a selection operating part for selecting the desired image processing from the displayed list of applicable image processing; an image processing part for performing the selected image processing; a display control part for switching the image processing displayed on the display part according to the selected image processing; a list data recording part for recording the list data representing the compatibility between the image processing. Then the display control part performs the switching of the image processing list according to the list data recording part.

Description

Photographic equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a technique relating to a selection setting operation of image processing performed when photographing is performed in a photographing apparatus, specifically, a photographing apparatus such as a digital camera.

Background

Conventionally, image pickup apparatuses such as digital cameras and video cameras have been widely put into practical use and widely used, and are configured such that an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is sequentially converted into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element such as a solid-state image pickup element, the image signal obtained by this sequential reproduction and display is displayed by an image display device such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the image signal is converted into image data of a predetermined format (still image data or moving image data) at an arbitrary timing and recorded in a recording medium, and the image data recorded in the recording medium is reproduced and displayed as an image on the image display device.

In the photographing apparatus of this mode, there are the following features: various kinds of image outputs can be easily obtained by performing various kinds of signal processing on the acquired image signal (output signal of the image pickup element). Therefore, in such a conventional image pickup apparatus, various image pickup apparatuses having, for example, functions of: the signal processing performed on the acquired image signal can realize a special image effect substantially similar to an image effect obtained by disposing various optical filters (e.g., a color conversion filter, a contrast adjustment filter, etc.) in front of the photographing lens, an image effect obtained by using a photographing lens for a specific use (e.g., a fisheye lens or a photographing lens with an off-axis mechanism (アオリ)), or the like.

In the conventional photographing apparatus having such a function, the image processing is sequentially performed on the output signal of the image pickup element in a photographing operation by an internal processing circuit of the photographing apparatus.

Therefore, the user can confirm the image effect obtained when various signal processes are performed using the live view image before the actual photographing operation is performed. The user can easily obtain a desired imaging result by selecting and setting the type of processing to be applied while viewing the live view image.

On the other hand, in the conventional image capturing apparatus, various image capturing apparatuses having a configuration in which a position input device such as a touch panel is provided on a display surface of an image display device, and setting operation of the image capturing apparatus and the like can be performed using the touch panel and the like have been proposed and put into practical use, for example, in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2009-225237 and the like.

However, in the conventional image capturing apparatuses disclosed in japanese patent laid-open nos. 2005-347886 and 2009-225237, etc., although a plurality of kinds of optional image processing are prepared, the following uses are not considered: a plurality of kinds of image processing are applied to an image signal as a subject in a superimposed manner.

In the case where a plurality of kinds of image processing are applied to one image while overlapping, depending on the combination of the applied processing, it is possible to obtain a more unique expression effect than that in the case where a single processing is applied. On the other hand, depending on the combination, it is also possible to cancel the processing effect. Therefore, when performing an operation of overlapping a plurality of processes, there is a problem that the user feels confused and the operability of the apparatus is deteriorated.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus having a function of performing signal processing on an image signal obtained by an image pickup device to obtain a special image effect, and capable of reliably and appropriately performing an intuitive selection setting operation without causing a user to feel confusion when the signal processing for the special image effect is performed in a plurality of overlapping ways.

An imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an imaging unit that images an object; a display unit that displays an image and a list of a plurality of image processes that can be applied to the image signal acquired by the image capturing unit; a selection operation unit that selects a desired image process from the image process list displayed on the display unit; an image processing unit that performs image processing selected by the selection operation unit on the image signal acquired by the image capturing unit; a display control unit that switches display of a list of image processes displayed on the display unit in accordance with the image process selected by the selection operation unit; and a list data recording unit that records list data indicating compatibility between image processes when a plurality of image processes are performed in a superimposed manner on an image signal, wherein the display control unit switches the display of the image process list with reference to the list data recording unit.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus having a function of performing signal processing on an image signal obtained by an image pickup device to obtain a special image effect, and capable of reliably and appropriately performing an intuitive selection setting operation without causing a user to feel confusion when performing signal processing for the special image effect by overlapping a plurality of times.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a photographing apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an external view showing a state in which a menu screen is displayed on the display portion of the rear display device of the photographing apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an external view showing a state in which a filter effect selection setting screen is displayed on the display section of the rear display device of the photographing apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a selected display screen when the second and subsequent filter effect processes are applicable in an operation mode in which the photographing apparatus of fig. 1 is used and the filter effect process is applied to perform photographing.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the photographing apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing the "icon switching display process" of fig. 5 (step S114 of fig. 5).

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing recommendation tables referred to at the time of filter effect selection setting in the photographing apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the concept of a filter effect selection setting screen and a selection setting operation in the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a filter effect selection setting screen in the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a selection setting operation in the filter effect selection setting screen of the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The image pickup apparatuses of the embodiments described below are image pickup apparatuses such as digital cameras and video cameras, which are configured to sequentially convert an optical image formed by an image pickup optical system into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element such as a solid-state image pickup element, sequentially reproduce and display the image signal obtained by the conversion by an image display device such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), record the image signal into image data (still image data or moving image data) of a predetermined format at an arbitrary timing in a recording medium, and reproduce and display the image data recorded in the recording medium as an image on the image display device.

In addition, in this embodiment, a surface facing the subject when the photographing apparatus is used is referred to as a front surface. The side that the user faces when using the photographing apparatus is referred to as the back side. In addition, a face provided with the shutter release button in the operation member is referred to as an upper face. Also, a surface provided opposite to the upper surface of the photographing apparatus is referred to as a bottom surface.

In the drawings used for the following description, each component is illustrated in a size that can be recognized on the drawings, and thus the scale may be different for each component. Therefore, in the present invention, the number of the components, the shapes of the components, the size ratios of the components, and the relative positional relationship between the components shown in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[ embodiment 1 ]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a photographing apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 and 3 are external views of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment, and are views mainly showing a display unit of the rear display device. Fig. 2 shows a state in which a menu screen is displayed on the display unit. Fig. 3 shows a state in which a filter effect selection setting screen is displayed on the display unit. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a selected display screen when the second and subsequent filter effect processing can be applied in the operation mode in which the filter effect processing is applied to perform photographing using the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment. Fig. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the device control processing procedure of the present image pickup device. Fig. 6 is a detailed subroutine showing "icon switching display processing" of fig. 5 (step S114 of fig. 5). Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of recommendation table data referred to when performing a filter effect selection setting operation performed prior to a photographing operation in a photographing mode to which a filter effect process is applied in the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment.

First, an outline of the internal configuration of the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1.

The imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes: a signal processing/control section 11, an imaging unit 12, a recording section 14, an operation determination section 16, a communication section 17, a display section 18, a touch panel 18b, a clock section 19, and the like.

The signal processing/control section 11 is a circuit section including a signal processing section and a control section, and is a microcomputer or the like. The control unit is a control circuit that receives various control signals transmitted from various components of the image capturing apparatus 1, executes various control processes corresponding to the control signals, and performs overall control of the image capturing apparatus 1. The signal processing unit is a signal processing circuit that receives the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 12 and performs signal processing for generating an image signal of a predetermined format (for example, a display format, a recording format, and the like) and image data.

The control unit of the signal processing/control unit 11 in the image capturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an icon display control unit 11c as a part of a display control circuit in addition to a control circuit for performing normal control in the image capturing apparatus 1.

The icon display control unit 11c is a display control unit that: when an operation of selecting and setting the type of special effect processing to be applied is performed before the photographing operation is performed by applying the special effect processing (filter effect processing described later), display control or the like is performed in which icons representing items displayed on the display unit 18 for the purpose of assisting the selection setting operation are displayed.

The signal processing unit of the signal processing/control unit 11 in the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a processing function of performing various signal processing (for example, compression/decompression processing) for generating image data for display and recording, and a special effect processing unit 11b that performs image signal processing such as special effect processing on an image signal.

The special effect processing unit 11b is, for example, a circuit unit including: the image pickup device is configured to perform a special image effect (hereinafter, these image effects are referred to as a filter effect) for giving a picked-up image signal substantially the same as an image effect obtained by disposing various optical filters (for example, a color conversion filter, a contrast adjustment filter, and the like) in front of a photographing lens or an image effect obtained when a photographing lens for a specific use (for example, a fisheye lens, a photographing lens with an off-axis mechanism, and the like) is used.

The photographing unit 12 is a photographing section mainly composed of a photographing lens 12a and an image pickup device 12 b. The photographing lens 12a includes: an optical lens for forming an object image; mechanical parts such as a lens moving mechanism, a diaphragm mechanism, and a shutter mechanism that move the optical lens in a direction along the optical axis to perform focus adjustment and zooming; and a control circuit for controlling the driving of these mechanical components. The imaging element 12b is constituted by the following parts and the like: a photoelectric conversion element that receives an optical image formed by the optical lens of the photographing lens 12a and converts the optical image into an image signal corresponding to the optical image; a control circuit that drives and controls the photoelectric conversion element; and a signal processing circuit that performs predetermined signal processing and the like on the output signal from the photoelectric conversion element. The image signal generated by the image pickup device 12b is output to the signal processing/control unit 11. The photoelectric conversion element used in the imaging element 12b is, for example, a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal oxide semiconductor).

The recording unit 14 is configured by a recording medium storing various data, programs, and the like, and a drive circuit unit that performs recording processing of image data, programs, and the like on the recording medium, reading processing of recorded image data, programs, and the like.

The recording medium of the recording unit 14 includes, in addition to a recording area for storing image data, a special effect processing program storage unit 14b, a list data recording unit 14c, and the like, and the recording area for storing image data for recording is generated by performing various signal processing on the image data acquired by the imaging unit 12 and the signal processing/control unit 11.

The special effect processing program storage unit 14b is a recording area in which a special effect processing program necessary for performing filter effect processing (special effect processing) is stored in advance.

The list data recording unit 14c is a recording area for storing recommendation table data (described in detail later; see fig. 7) as list data to be referred to when performing filter effect processing (special effect processing) in advance.

The recording medium of the recording unit 14 may be a built-in recording medium fixedly disposed inside the image pickup device 1, or may be a recording medium (for example, a memory card or the like) configured to be detachable from the image pickup device 1.

Further, if the recording medium of the recording unit 14 is detachable, the special effect processing program recorded in the special effect processing program storage unit 14b and the recommendation table data recorded in the list data recording unit 14c can be easily added or updated to or from various programs and data by exchanging the recording medium.

Further, the present photographing apparatus 1 is capable of performing data communication with various external servers 2, 3, etc. existing on the external network 4 via the communication section 17, etc. Therefore, the special effect processing program and recommendation table data may be downloaded from the external servers 2, 3 and the like by using such data communication means. Thus, in addition to the special effect processing program and recommendation table data originally provided in the photographing apparatus 1, a new program and table data to be developed later can be added or updated. This can increase the kinds of filter effect processing, and can more easily expand the expression change.

The operation determination unit 16 is a circuit unit that determines an instruction signal generated by a user operating a plurality of operation members (not shown) provided in the photographing apparatus 1. The signal processing/control section 11 controls the operation of each component unit based on the determination result of the operation determination section 16. Here, as the plurality of operation members of the photographing apparatus 1, there are an operation member related to a photographing operation, an operation member related to a reproducing operation, an operation member related to data communication, an operation member for switching an operation mode, an operation member related to various setting operations, and the like.

Specifically, for example, the camera includes a shutter release button 16a (see fig. 2, 3, and the like) for executing a photographing operation, a menu button 16b (see fig. 2, 3, and the like) for calling a setting screen (menu screen) for performing various settings, and the like.

As will be described later, the image capturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a touch panel 18b associated with display on the display unit 18. The touch panel 18b implements an operation system in which a user directly touches and operates a portion corresponding to display of the display unit 18. Therefore, the operation determination unit 16 receives the display of the display unit 18 and the input from the touch panel 18b, and performs operation determination.

The display unit 18 is a display device as follows: image display based on the display image signal generated as a result of the signal processing by the signal processing/control section 11, setting menu display based on data prepared in advance, operation display (display corresponding to the operation member or the touch panel 18b, and the like), and the like are performed. As the display unit 18, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an organic EL display is applied.

For example, when the photographing apparatus 1 is used in the photographing operation mode, the user determines the timing of composition and release of the shutter while viewing the live view image displayed on the display unit 18. That is, the display unit 18 mainly functions as a viewfinder during the photographing operation. When the display unit 18 displays a setting menu screen or the like, the user can perform various setting operations, selection operations, and the like with respect to the image capturing apparatus 1 by using an operation member that functions as a selection operation unit including the touch panel 18 b. When the image pickup apparatus 1 is used in the playback operation mode, the image data recorded in the recording unit 14 can be displayed on the display unit 18 as an image. Further, in the photographing apparatus 1 of the present invention, when photographing to which the filter effect processing is applied is performed at the time of photographing operation, a selection setting screen for selecting and setting a desired type of filter effect processing is displayed so as to overlap with the live view screen, and when the desired filter effect processing is selected, the processing result thereof can be confirmed on the live view screen.

The clock unit 19 is constituted by a timer circuit or the like that contributes to a timer operation or the like necessary for controlling the internal electric circuits of the image pickup apparatus 1. For example, the clock unit is referred to when measuring a standby time or the like (timer function) in each processing step of the operation processing or recording photographing date and time information at the time of photographing operation.

In the description of the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the clock unit 19 is configured as a single module (see fig. 1), but instead, the following may be adopted: the signal processing/control unit 11 includes a clock unit 19 therein.

The communication unit 17 is a circuit unit that performs communication with an external device and performs transmission and reception of various data, programs, and the like. The following is assumed: in the image capturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, for example, a special effect processing program, recommendation table data, and the like are downloaded by being connected to various external servers 2, 3 and the like existing on an external network 4 such as the internet via the communication unit 17.

The image capturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes various components in addition to the above components. However, the structure other than the above-described structural components is not directly related to the present invention. Therefore, in fig. 1, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the illustration of the structure other than the above-described structural components is omitted. In the present embodiment, general configurations other than the above-described configuration are the same as those of conventional image capturing apparatuses, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, an operation when photographing is performed by applying the filter effect processing when the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured in this way is used to perform a photographing operation will be described.

First, in the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an operation procedure when photographing to which the filter effect processing is applied is performed will be described in general with reference to fig. 2 to 4.

When the user operates the menu button 16b while the photographing apparatus 1 is in the activated state, i.e., in the state in which the photographing operation or the reproducing operation can be executed, a menu screen, which is a setting screen for performing various settings of the photographing apparatus 1, is displayed on the display unit 18 of the photographing apparatus 1, as shown in fig. 2. The menu screen is a display screen on which a plurality of setting items for performing various settings are displayed in a list.

In the display example of the menu screen shown in fig. 2, as selectable menu items 118a, a setting item "flash" related to flash (light emitting device), a setting item "exposure correction" related to exposure correction, a setting item "auto" related to an auto timer (delayed release), and a setting item "art filter" related to photographing to which filter effect processing is applied are displayed.

As described above, the touch panel 18b is applied to the display unit 18 of the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Therefore, when the menu screen shown in fig. 2 is displayed on the display unit 18, the user selects the setting item corresponding to the setting by touching and operating the portion where each of the setting items is displayed with a finger or the like.

Further, the setting item "menu" displayed at the center is a setting item for returning to the previous display screen. Specifically, for example, when the menu button 16b is operated when the photographing apparatus 1 is in a state in which the photographing operation can be performed, and when the "menu" is touched and operated on the menu screen of fig. 2 in the state of fig. 2, the menu screen is switched to the live view display, and the state in which the photographing operation can be performed is returned.

When the user touches the setting item "art filter" on the menu screen image of fig. 2, the display of the display unit 18 is switched to the filter effect selection setting screen image shown in fig. 3.

The filter effect selection setting screen is a screen for displaying a list of filter effect processes executable by the image capturing apparatus 1 in a predetermined format.

In the display example of the filter effect selection setting screen shown in fig. 3, an icon 118b indicating the name of the type of the filter effect processing and a sample image 118c when the filter effect processing is performed are displayed.

In the display example of fig. 3, two process names of "nostalgic" and "soft focus" are displayed, but when there are a plurality of selectable filter effect processes, for example, when a touch slide operation (a series of operations of sliding left and right or up and down while scraping on the screen while performing the touch operation) is performed on the touch panel 18b, other items of the filter effect processes are displayed like turning a page.

The user performs such an operation to select a desired process from among the filter effect processes displayed on the filter effect selection setting screen.

Here, an example of the type of filter effect processing when the setting item "art filter" is selected on the menu screen of fig. 2 and when photographing is ideally performed while applying the filter effect is described below.

The "miniature" … makes the surrounding focus fuzzy, and makes the real scenery in front of the eyes into the effect as if it were a toy (miniature) world

"full tone" … is a photograph which is processed into a pleasant and bright full tone atmosphere by strongly emphasizing colors in full color (full color)

"Fish Eye" … has an effect of being processed into a composition in which a straight line is deformed into an arc shape, as in the case of photographing using a Fish-Eye lens

"Soft focus" … effects of making the entire screen soft-tone, as in photography using a soft focus lens

Effect of 'nostalgic' … processing into monochrome photograph of nostalgic tone

"Black and white" … is processed into black and white photo style effects expressed in gray tones

"sketch" … is processed into a sketch style effect that outlines with lines

When the user touches the icon 118b of the desired process on the filter effect selection setting screen image in fig. 3, the display unit 18 switches to the display shown in fig. 4.

The state shown in fig. 4 represents a situation in which the photographing lens 12a of the photographing apparatus 1 is directed toward the object 100. Also, the following is shown: in this state, the photographing apparatus 1 is set to a state in which a photographing operation can be performed (i.e., a photographing operation mode), and is also set to a photographing mode in which filter effect processing is applied (i.e., an "art filter" mode), and one or more filter effect processing has been applied.

In this state, a live view image in a state where the filter effect processing selected by the touch operation of fig. 3 is performed is displayed on the display unit 18. At the same time, an icon 118d indicating the type of processing that has been applied and an applicable processing icon 118e indicating the type of processing that can be applied in addition are displayed in a predetermined area of the display unit 18 so as to overlap the live view image to which the filter effect processing has been applied.

In the example shown in fig. 4, the applied process icon 118d is displayed in the upper left corner area alone on the display screen of the display unit 18. Further, the process icons 118e to which the application can be added are displayed side by side in the area near the lower edge portion on the display screen of the display unit 18. Here, when the additionally applicable process icon 118e cannot be arranged completely on the screen, the display can be switched by, for example, a touch slide operation in the left-right direction of the screen, as in the above-described selection setting screen.

In addition, in order to indicate that there is a selectable additionally applicable process icon 118e in addition to the applicable process icon 118e displayed on the display unit 18, for example, a page number indication icon 118f of fig. 4 or the like may be displayed.

In the display example shown in fig. 4, the following states are shown: the "fisheye" processing is applied, and "nostalgic" and "soft focus" are displayed as processing icons 118e to which additional application is possible in this state.

In the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by performing the above-described steps (fig. 2 to 4), when the filter effect process to be applied first is selected (fig. 3), the effect to which the process is applied can be immediately confirmed through the live view screen (fig. 4). Therefore, since the result of applying the filter effect process can be confirmed before the actual photographing operation is performed, a desired photographing result can be obtained without performing unnecessary photographing.

In the imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the filter effect processing is not performed only once, but other filter effect processing may be added to the processing result. The operation screen thereof is a display example shown in fig. 4.

When a plurality of filter effect processes are provided in a superimposed manner, the filter effect process applied for the second time may cancel the result of the filter effect process applied for the first time. For example, when the filter effect process applied first is a "rich tone" process for emphasizing a color, when a "nostalgic" process or a "black and white" process is applied as the filter effect process applied second, color information is lost. In this case, the effect of the initial application is lost. Thus, such a combination may be referred to as a poorly compatible combination.

On the other hand, for example, when the "soft focus" process and the "nostalgic" process for expressing the feeling of nostalgic are combined, it is considered that the expression of the feeling of nostalgic is further emphasized. Thus, such a combination may be referred to as a well-compatible combination.

Therefore, in the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the applicable processing icon 118e is displayed on the display screen of fig. 4, the following display control is performed: only the kind of processing that does not cancel the filter effect processing originally applied is displayed.

Here, when a plurality of filter effect processes are applied, recommendation table data (see fig. 7) for determining a combination and priority of types of processes that do not cancel each other out is prepared as reference data in the list data recording unit 14 c.

In fig. 7, the types of filter effect processing are described in the row direction and the column direction, respectively. The numbers (0 to 5) shown in each column in the figure indicate the recommendation degree when the special effect processing shown in the row direction and the special effect processing shown in the column direction are combined. Here, the recommendation degree indicates whether or not the result of the processing effect when two specific effect processes are combined and executed is ideal (combination of effect processes that do not cancel each other), in other words, indicates the degree of compatibility, and is defined such that the larger the number is, the higher the recommendation degree is. When the number is 0, the display is a combination of mutually cancelling processing effects or a combination of mutually superimposed effects in which the processing effects are excessively increased and only a more unnatural effect can be obtained.

Display control of the outline of the applicable process icon 118e is performed as follows. First, a program for performing various filter effect processes on the output signal of the image pickup device 12b is prepared in advance in the special effect processing program storage unit 14b of the recording unit 14.

When the photographing apparatus 1 operates in the "art filter" mode and an operation of applying the first filter effect processing is performed (a series of operations described in fig. 2 to 4), the special effect processing unit 11b of the signal processing/control unit 11 performs corresponding signal processing on the output signal of the image pickup device 12b using a predetermined program read from the special effect processing program storage unit 14 b. The signal processing/control section 11 controls the display section 18, thereby displaying the processing application result thereof as a live view image on the display section 18.

At the same time, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 to display the applied processing icon 118d in a predetermined area, and also displays a list of applicable processing icons 118e indicating the types of processing that do not cancel the filter effect processing that has been applied first, in a predetermined manner, superimposed on the live view image of the display unit 18, with reference to the list data recording unit 14 c.

In the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the display control is performed on the applicable process icon 118e when the second and subsequent filter effect processes are applied, even if the user performs an operation of performing a plurality of filter effect processes in a superimposed manner, no confusion is caused, and it is possible to enjoy generating an image in which an expression according to the user's preference is realized. Further, after the processing is applied, the image to which the second and subsequent filter effect processing is applied can be immediately confirmed through the live view screen. Therefore, in this case, since the result of applying the filter effect processing can be confirmed before the actual photographing operation is performed, a desired photographing result can be obtained without performing unnecessary photographing. Further, since the applied process icon 118d is displayed on the display unit 18 so as to overlap the live view image to which the filter effect process is applied, the user can easily confirm the type of the filter process currently applied.

Next, the operation of the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of fig. 5 and 6.

First, the user turns on a power-on/off member (not shown) among the operation members of the photographing apparatus 1 in the power-off state. Thereby, the photographing apparatus 1 starts up, and the processing procedure of the apparatus control of fig. 5 is started (started).

In each of the processing steps of figure 5,

(1) the processing steps of steps S101 to S108 represent the processing steps in the photographing operation mode,

(2) the processing steps of steps S131 to S135 represent processing steps in the case of the playback operation mode,

(3) the processing steps of steps S111 to S121 represent the processing steps in the setting operation and the "art filter" mode.

First, an outline of a processing procedure in the photographing operation mode of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

In step S101 of fig. 5, the signal processing/control section 11 of the image pickup apparatus 1 checks whether or not the currently set operation mode is set to an operation mode in which an image pickup operation can be performed, that is, an image pickup operation mode.

In general, in a general imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, an initial operation mode immediately after the start of a power-on operation is generally set as an imaging operation mode.

Further, as a photographing operation mode of a photographing apparatus such as a general digital camera, there are a still image photographing mode for acquiring still image data and a moving image photographing mode for acquiring moving image data. The photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment also has a still image photographing mode and a moving image photographing mode. Also, the function of filter effect processing possessed by the photographing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is applicable to still images and moving images.

In the processing of step S101, when it is confirmed that either one of the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to the processing of step S102. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the photographing operation mode is not set, another operation mode is set by, for example, operating the operation mode switching operation member, and the process proceeds to step S131.

In step S102, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 12, the display unit 18, and the like, performs predetermined signal processing based on the output signal from the imaging element 12b, and executes processing for displaying a live view image on the display screen of the display unit 18 based on the image signal generated thereby. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the signal processing/control section 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination section 16 to confirm whether or not a photographing operation instruction signal for starting a photographing operation, for example, a release signal generated by the user operating the shutter release button 16a, is generated. Here, when the photographing operation instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S104. On the other hand, if the instruction signal for the photographing operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S104, the signal processing/control unit 11 receives the release signal, controls the imaging unit 12, the display unit 18, and the like, and executes actual imaging operations, such as an AF operation, an AE operation, an AWB operation, and a release operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the signal processing/control unit 11 performs predetermined signal processing based on the acquired image signal, and converts the image signal into an image file, that is, generates an image data file for recording. Then, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the recording unit 14 to execute a process of recording the generated image data file for recording in the recording medium. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and confirms whether or not the power-off operation has been performed. Here, in the case where the power-off operation has been confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S108. In addition, in the case where the power-off operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S108, the signal processing/control section 11 receives the power-off instruction signal, and executes power-off processing for turning off the main power supply of the image pickup apparatus 1. Thereby, the control sequence of the photographing apparatus 1 is ended.

On the other hand, when the power-off operation is not confirmed in the processing of step S106 and the processing proceeds to step S107, the signal processing/control unit 11 performs processing to set an operation mode change operation reception state in step S107, and can receive an operation to change the operation mode state of the image capturing apparatus 1 in the operation mode change operation reception state. Then, the process returns to step S101, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

Next, an outline of a processing procedure when the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment operates in the playback operation mode will be described below.

In the processing of step S101, after it is confirmed that the shooting operation mode is not set and the processing branches to step S131, the processing procedure of the playback operation mode is executed after the processing of step S131.

In step S131 of fig. 5, the signal processing/control unit 11 confirms again the currently set operation mode and whether or not a playback operation mode capable of executing a playback operation is set. Here, when it is confirmed that the playback operation mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S132. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the playback operation mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S101, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In the description of the present embodiment, the operation mode of the image capturing apparatus 1 is roughly divided into two operation modes, that is, the "image capturing operation mode" and the "playback operation mode".

However, it is obvious that the operation modes of the image capturing apparatus 1 include other operation modes than the 2 operation modes. In this case, it is sufficient that the processing procedure for confirming the other operation mode is further set in the same manner in the processing branch of step S131 described above. However, the processing procedure of the other operation modes at this time is not directly related to the present invention, and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In step S132, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the recording unit 14, the display unit 18, and the like to execute file list display processing relating to the image data already recorded in the recording medium. Then, the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and checks whether or not the data file selection operation related to the image to be reproduced and displayed is performed. Here, when it is confirmed that the file selection operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S134. If it is confirmed that the file selection operation has not been performed for a period exceeding the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S135. In this case, the elapse of the predetermined time is confirmed by counting the time by the clock unit 19.

In step S134, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 and the like to execute a selected file reproduction display process of reproducing and displaying an image based on the data file selected in the process of step S133. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S135, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and confirms whether or not the end operation of the playback operation is performed. Here, in the case where the reproduction end operation is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S106. When the reproduction end operation is not confirmed and another operation (for example, a list display instruction operation) is performed, the process proceeds to the process of step S132, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

The specific processing contents related to the sequence of the above-described file list display processing (step S132), file selection operation processing (step S133), and selected file reproduction processing (step S134) are not directly related to the present invention, and it is assumed that the same processing as that normally performed in the conventional image capturing apparatus is performed, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the setting operation of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and the processing procedure in the "art filter" mode will be described below.

When the instruction signal for the photographing operation is not confirmed in the processing of step S103 and the process branches to the processing of step S111, the processing procedure for setting the operation mode is executed after the processing of step S111.

In step S111, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and checks whether or not the menu display instruction signal generated by operating the menu button 16b is generated. Here, when the menu display instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S112. In addition, when the menu display instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S112, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 and the like to execute the display processing of the menu screen (see fig. 2). Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and checks whether or not the instruction signal generated by touch-operating the setting item "art filter" in fig. 2 is generated. Here, when the instruction signal is confirmed, the photographing mode in which the filter effect processing is applied ("art filter" mode) is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step S114. When the instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and checks whether or not a setting item other than the setting item "art filter" in fig. 2 is instructed to be selected. When the selection instruction of the other setting item is confirmed, the operation screen corresponding to the other setting item selected and instructed is displayed. Note that, since the description of the processing procedure when selecting and instructing other setting items is not related to the present invention, it is omitted.

When the selection instruction of the other setting item is not confirmed, that is, when the cancel instruction is given, the process returns to the step S112, and the subsequent processes are repeated. The cancel instruction at this time is a case where the setting item "menu" shown in fig. 2 is touch-operated.

On the other hand, when the photographing mode to which the filter effect processing is applied (the "art filter" mode) is selected in the processing of step S113 and the processing proceeds to step S114, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 and the like to perform the display processing of the filter effect selection setting screen (see fig. 3) in step S114. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and checks whether any one of the filter effect processes has been selected. Here, when it is confirmed that any one of the filter effect processes has been selected, the process proceeds to the next step S116. In the processing of step S115, before any one of the filter effect processing is selected, the selection setting screen is displayed, and a selection setting instruction is waited for.

In contrast, in the process of step S115, the signal processing/control unit 11 may count a predetermined time by the clock unit 19, generate a cancel instruction signal when the predetermined time has elapsed without an instruction to select and set the filter effect process, and return to the process of step S106.

On the other hand, when any one of the filter effect processes is selected in the process of step S115 and the process proceeds to step S116, the signal processing/control unit 11 checks whether or not there is an image signal to which the filter effect process has been applied, that is, whether or not there is an applied setting for photographing related to the filter effect process, with reference to the special effect processing unit 11b in step S116. Here, when there is an applied setting for photographing (that is, when the second and subsequent applications of the filter effect processing are desired), the process proceeds to the next step S117. If there is no imaging setting applied (i.e., if it is desired to apply the first filter effect processing), the process proceeds to step S118.

In step S117, the special effect processing unit 11b of the signal processing/control unit 11 reads a processing program corresponding to the filter effect processing selected in the processing of step S115 from the special effect processing program storage unit 14b of the recording unit 14, and executes the corresponding filter effect processing on the output signal of the image pickup device 12b using the program. The signal processing/control section 11 controls the display section 18 to display the processing application result thereof as a live view image to which the filter effect processing has been applied on the display section 18. At the same time, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 displays the applied processing icon and the additionally applicable processing icon in a predetermined area of the display unit 18 so as to overlap the live view image (see fig. 4). In this case, the display processing is switched according to the setting content so that only the additionally applicable processing icon corresponding to the type of the filter effect processing (setting content) that has been applied is displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S118.

That is, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 is a display control unit that performs the following control (icon display control): the icon list display (image processing list display) displayed on the display unit 18 is switched according to the type of the applied filter effect processing (setting content), that is, the selected type of the image processing. In order to perform this icon display control, the icon display control unit refers to the recommendation table data recorded in the list data recording unit 14c of the recording unit 14 (see fig. 7).

Next, a detailed process of "icon switching display process according to setting contents" in the process of step S117 will be described with reference to the subroutine of fig. 6.

First, in step S151 of fig. 6, the signal processing/control unit 11 refers to the special effect processing unit 11b and determines the type of filter effect processing that has been applied.

Next, in step S152, the signal processing/control unit 11 refers to the recommendation table data recorded in the list data recording unit 14c of the recording unit 14 (see fig. 7).

Next, in step S153, the signal processing/control unit 11 checks the compatibility with other filter effect processing for the applied filter effect processing determined in the processing of step S151. That is, with respect to the applied filter effect processing, an item of filter effect processing having a value of 0 and an item other than that (value ≠ 0) are screened from the recommendation table data of fig. 7.

Then, in the processing of step S155, the icon display control unit 11c performs control not to display an icon for the item whose numerical value is 0.

On the other hand, for the item whose numerical value ≠ 0, in the processing of step S154, the icon display control section 11c executes control of performing icon display in descending order of numerical value. Then, the original processing order is returned (return).

Here, a specific example will be described with reference to fig. 7. For example, when the applied filter effect processing item is "thumbnail", items having a numerical value of 0 in the recommendation table data in fig. 7 are "thumbnail", "fish eye", "soft focus", and "sketch". Therefore, these items are not displayed as the applicable process icons 118e in the display screen of fig. 4.

In addition, items in the recommendation table data of fig. 7 having a value ≠ 0 are "rich tone is 5", "nostalgic is 3", and "black and white is 1". Therefore, these items are displayed as the applicable process icons 118e in the display screen of fig. 4. In this case, items with large numerical values are preferentially displayed.

In addition, when two kinds of filter effect processing are applied as the applied filter effect processing items, an item in which the numerical values of both the filter effect processing are not 0 is an applicable item. Therefore, for example, when "micro" and "rich tone" are applied, there is no item that is both 0 as shown in fig. 7, and therefore, in the case of this combination, it is not possible to further add the filter effect processing. In this case, since the applicable item is not displayed (or display of "no applicable item" or the like is possible), the user can recognize this.

For example, when "fish eye" and "soft focus" are applied, as shown in fig. 7, the items that are not 0 are " rich color 4, 2", "nostalgic 3, 5", and "black-and-white 2, 4". In this case, items with high numerical values are preferentially displayed. In the case of a combination of two items, the numerical value may be, for example, a numerical value obtained by adding numerical values of two filters, and the numerical values may be displayed in descending order by an icon. Note that, when the added numerical values are the same value, for example, a measure such as prioritizing the list registration order may be taken. Therefore, in this case, for example, the display is performed in the order of "3 + 5-8 for nostalgic", "4 + 2-6 for rich color tone", and "2 + 4-6 for black and white".

In this way, the display shown in fig. 4 is performed on the display unit 18. Then, the process proceeds to step S118 in fig. 5.

Returning to fig. 5, in step S118, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and confirms whether or not the operation of the applicable process icon is performed. Here, if it is confirmed that the icon operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the processing of the next step S119. If the icon operation is not performed within the predetermined time, the process returns to step S106. Note that the elapse of the predetermined time at this time is confirmed by performing the counting by the clock unit 19.

In step S119, the signal processing/control unit 11 executes image processing for the display screen corresponding to the icon operation performed in the processing of step S118. That is, the special effect processing unit 11b of the signal processing/control unit 11 reads a processing program corresponding to the filter effect processing selected in the processing of step S118 from the special effect processing program storage unit 14b of the recording unit 14, and executes the corresponding filter effect processing on the image signal temporarily stored in the special effect processing unit 11b using the program. The signal processing/control section 11 controls the display section 18 to display the processing application result thereof as a live view image to which the filter effect processing has been applied on the display section 18. At the same time, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 displays the list of the applied process icons and the additionally applicable process icons in each predetermined area of the display unit 18 so as to overlap the live view image (see fig. 4). In this case, display control is performed so that only the additionally applicable process icon corresponding to the type (setting content) of the filter effect process that has been applied is displayed. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

As described above, according to embodiment 1, when the filter effect processing is performed by superimposing the output image signal of the image pickup device 12b a plurality of times, the applied filter effect processing is determined, and only the item of the applicable filter effect processing is selected based on the applied filter effect processing, and the item of the combination not suitable for the superimposition application cannot be selected, so that the user does not feel confused and can generate a desired image.

In the case of displaying the processing items that are applicable for the second time or later, recommendation table data that is reference data for considering the combination with the previously applied items is provided in a group with the processing program, and therefore, by performing the combination processing with the applied items, the applicable items of the more effective combination are preferentially displayed. Further, since the selection operation is performed by the touch panel 18b while viewing the display screen of the display unit 18, the user can perform a reliable and appropriate operation by an intuitive selection setting operation.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

Next, an imaging apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below.

Fig. 8 shows a photographing apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and a state in which the display of the display unit (filter effect selection setting screen) is switched according to a user operation when photographing to which the filter effect processing is applied by using the photographing apparatus. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the device control processing procedure of the photographing device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

The configuration of the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is exactly the same as that of the photographing apparatus of the above embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, the order and method of operation in photographing by applying the filter effect processing are different, and accordingly, the display control of the display unit 18 is slightly different. Therefore, in the following description of the present embodiment, the description of the configuration of the photographing apparatus 1 itself is omitted, and reference is made to the above-described embodiment 1. In this configuration, the same names and reference numerals as those of the above embodiment 1 are used for the names and reference numerals of the respective components.

The operation of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 8 and 9.

First, an outline of the operation procedure for selecting and setting the filter effect processing in the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 8.

Similarly to the photographing apparatus 1 of embodiment 1 described above, when the user operates the menu button 16b while the photographing apparatus 1 is in the activated state and can perform the photographing operation or the reproducing operation, a menu screen (see fig. 2) is displayed on the display unit 18 of the photographing apparatus 1. If the user touches the operation setting item "art filter" while the menu screen is displayed, the display of the display section 18 is switched to a filter effect selection setting screen shown by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8.

As shown by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8, the initial icon list display screen of the filter effect selection setting screen in the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is in the following state: a live view image is displayed on the entire screen, an icon display 118g indicating that the currently set operation mode is the "art filter" mode is displayed in an upper right corner area of the screen so as to overlap the live view image, and a plurality of applicable processing icons 118e are displayed in a list in parallel in the vertical direction of the screen in a predetermined area on the right side of the screen in a lower area thereof. These plural applicable process icons 118e are items of filter effect processing applicable at the present time. In the example shown in fig. 8, since the applicable items are displayed in a list in the vertical direction side by side, if there are a plurality of applicable items, all the applicable items may not be displayed in the predetermined area. In such a case, for example, the display of the list of applicable items can be switched by performing a vertical touch slide operation in the area.

The state of the display screen indicated by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8 indicates a state in which the user is performing a touch-slide operation with the finger 101 or the like on 1 applicable process icon 118e in the display screen. Therefore, the state shown by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8 is a state in which 1 applicable handling icon 118e is slightly moved.

The state shown by reference numeral 18A of fig. 8 is a state in which the filter effect processing is not indicated. Therefore, the live view image displayed on the display unit 18 at this stage displays the normal image acquired by the imaging device 12 b.

In this state, as shown by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8, the user touches an applicable process icon 118e indicating a filter effect process to be applied among a plurality of applicable items with a finger 101 or the like, and performs a slide operation in the arrow X direction, that is, from the right side to the left side on the display screen of the display unit 18 while maintaining the touch operation. Namely, the following operations are performed: by the touch slide operation, the applicable processing icon 118e corresponding to the filter effect processing selected by the desired application is moved from the area on the right side of the screen to the area on the left side of the screen. As a result, the applicable processing icon 118e (in the display example of reference numeral 18A in fig. 8, "fish eye") as the object of the touch-and-slide operation after selection is moved to a predetermined area on the left side of the screen, and the applied icon 118d is formed. At the same time, the live view image is switched to an image to which the filter effect processing corresponding to the applied icon 118d is applied. At this time, the list display of the applicable processing icons 118e displayed as applicable items is switched to the display corresponding to the applied icon 118 d. An example of the display unit 18 at this time is shown by reference numeral 18B in fig. 8.

When the user performs the display of reference numeral 18B in fig. 8 and performs the touch-and-slide operation with the finger 101 or the like on the applicable processing icon 118e (in the display example of reference numeral 18B in fig. 8, "soft focus") indicating the filter effect processing to be applied, the second applicable processing icon 118e ("soft focus") that has been selected for the second time and has been touch-and-slide operated is also moved to a predetermined area on the left side of the screen and displayed in a list as the applied icon 118 d. At the same time, the live view image is switched to an image to which the filter effect processing corresponding to the second applied icon 118d is applied, and the list display of the applicable processing icon 118e is also switched according to the two applied icons 118 d. An example of the display unit 18 at this time is shown by reference numeral 18C in fig. 8.

Note that, in the display example shown by reference numeral 18C in fig. 8, in order to show a live view image when the "soft focus" processing is applied, the outline is shown by a broken line, thereby showing that the "soft focus" processing expression, that is, the expression of emphasizing the outline is performed.

Next, the operation of the image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of fig. 9.

First, the user turns on a power-on/off member (not shown) among the operation members of the photographing apparatus 1 in the power-off state. Thereby, the photographing apparatus 1 is started up, and the processing procedure of the apparatus control of fig. 9 is started (started).

The processing steps in the photographing operation mode (steps S101 to S108) and the processing steps in the playback operation mode (steps S131 to S135) in the operation of the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment are exactly the same as those in embodiment 1. Therefore, the explanation of these same processing steps is omitted, and processing steps in the setting operation and the "art filter" mode (steps S161 to S166, S171 to S176) which are different from those of the above-described embodiment 1 will be explained below.

In the processing of step S103 in fig. 9, when the instruction signal for the photographing operation is not confirmed, first, a processing procedure for setting the operation mode is executed.

The procedure of the setting operation mode is exactly the same as steps S111 to S113 and S120 in fig. 5 in embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, when the menu operation is not confirmed in the processing of step S111, the process returns to step S103 again.

When the "art filter" mode is selected in the processing of step S113, the process branches to the processing of step S161.

In step S161 of fig. 9, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 to execute the initial icon list display processing in the "art filter" mode so as to overlap the live view image being displayed. Through this processing, the display of the display unit 18 is as indicated by reference numeral 18A in fig. 8. Then, the process proceeds to step S162.

In step S162, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and confirms whether or not the user has performed a vertical touch slide operation on the touch panel 18 with a finger or the like. Here, when the touch slide operation in the vertical direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S163. If the touch slide operation in the vertical direction is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S163, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 to execute icon switching list display processing for displaying a list of applicable processing items in a non-display state. Then, the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S164, the signal processing/control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation determination unit 16, and confirms whether or not the user has performed a touch slide operation in the lateral direction (left-right direction) on the touch panel 18b with a finger or the like. Here, when the touch slide operation in the lateral direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S165. If the touch-and-slide operation in the lateral direction is not confirmed, the process returns to step S103.

In step S165, the signal processing/control unit 11 selects an item of the target filter effect processing of the touch slide operation in the horizontal direction confirmed in the processing of step S164. In this way, the special effect processing unit 11b of the signal processing/control unit 11 reads the processing program corresponding to the selected filter effect processing from the special effect processing program storage unit 14b of the recording unit 14.

Next, in step S166, the special effect processing unit 11b of the signal processing/control unit 11 performs image processing of predetermined filter effect processing on the image signal acquired by the image pickup device 12b and temporarily stored in, for example, an internal memory (not shown) of the signal processing/control unit 11, using the program for filter effect processing read in the processing in step S165. The signal processing/control section 11 controls the display section 18 to display the processing application result thereof as a live view image to which the filter effect processing has been applied.

Next, in step S171, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 refers to the recommendation table data recorded in the list data recording unit 14c of the recording unit 14 (see fig. 7) in order to perform icon display control corresponding to the applied filter effect processing.

Next, in step S172, the signal processing/control unit 11 refers to the special effect processing unit 11b, and checks whether or not there are a plurality of applied (selected) filter effect processes. Here, if it is confirmed that there are a plurality of applied filter effect processes, the process proceeds to the process of the next step S173. If it is confirmed that there is one applied filter effect process, the process proceeds to step S174.

In step S173, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 checks compatibility with other filter effect processes for the plurality of applied filter effect processes determined in the process of step S172. That is, processing of selecting an icon corresponding to an item of filter effect processing having a recommendation value ≠ 0 from the recommendation table data of fig. 7 is performed for the applied filter effect processing.

Next, in step S174, the icon display control unit 11c of the signal processing/control unit 11 executes control for displaying icons in descending order of numerical value.

As a result of the processing in steps S171 to S174, the display unit 18 displays the applied processing icon (left area of the screen) and the list of processing icons to which the application can be added (right area of the screen) in a superimposed manner on the display of the live view image to which the filter effect processing has been applied (S167). In this case, display control is performed on the additionally applicable icons, and only icons corresponding to the types (setting contents) of the applied filter effect processing are displayed in descending order of the recommendation degree. The display of the display unit 18 by such display control is as indicated by reference numeral 18B in fig. 8. Then, the process returns to step S106.

The procedure of the setting operation and the "art filter" mode in the present embodiment is as described above.

In the present embodiment, the processing steps in the communication operation mode are added to the processing steps of steps S181 to S182 in fig. 9.

That is, if it is confirmed in the process of step S131 that the currently set operation mode is neither the shooting operation mode nor the playback operation mode, the process proceeds to step S181.

In step S181, the signal processing/control unit 11 checks whether or not the communication mode is set, and also whether or not the operation mode is: the program for the filter effect processing and the recommendation table data (list data) are newly obtained by communicating with another device. Here, when the setting of the communication mode is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S182. If the setting of the communication mode is not confirmed, the process returns to step S101. Alternatively, here, the processing procedure for confirming another operation mode may be set in the same manner.

In step S182, the signal processing/control unit 11 controls the communication unit 17 to download data such as the special effect processing program and recommendation table data from the external servers 2 and 3 via the external network 4 shown in fig. 1. Then, the signal processing/control section 11 controls the recording section 14 and the like to record the downloaded special effect processing program in the special effect processing program storage section 14b and record the recommendation table data downloaded simultaneously in the list data recording section 14 c. Then, the process returns to step S101.

The series of steps of the processing of the communication operation mode (steps S181 and S182) can be added in a completely similar manner to the flowchart of fig. 5 described in embodiment 1.

As described above, according to embodiment 2 described above, the type of filter effect processing is selected by an intuitive operation of merely touching a slide operation while viewing the display screen, and the list display switching of the applicable items is performed in accordance with the applied effect processing each time. This embodiment also achieves substantially the same effects as those of embodiment 1 described above, and contributes to further improvement in operability. Further, since the applied process icon 118d is displayed on the display unit 18 so as to overlap the live view image to which the filter effect process is applied, the user can easily confirm the type of the filter process currently applied.

[ embodiment 3 ]

Next, an imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below.

Fig. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing a simple operation method of a user and a state of switching display of a display unit (filter effect selection setting screen) according to the operation when photographing using a filter effect process (an "art filter" mode) is performed by the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The configuration of the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is exactly the same as that of the photographing apparatus of the above embodiment 1. In the present embodiment, when photographing to which the filter effect process of the photographing apparatus 1 is applied, the display screen of the display unit 18 is slightly different, and accordingly, the display control of the display unit 18 is also different. Therefore, in the following description of the present embodiment, the configuration of the image pickup apparatus 1 itself is omitted, and reference is made to embodiment 1 described above. In this case, the same names and reference numerals as those of the above embodiment 1 are used for the names and reference numerals of the respective components.

The operation of the present embodiment will be briefly described below with reference to fig. 10 and 11.

In the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when photographing to which the filter effect processing is applied is performed, for example, display screen control shown in fig. 10 is performed. That is, the display unit 18 includes, within the screen: an area F2 in which an applied icon is displayed, which is an area having a predetermined area on the upper edge side of the screen; a region F1 in which a list of applicable icons is displayed, which is a region having a predetermined area on the lower edge side of the screen; an area G for displaying a live view image is displayed in an area including a central portion of the screen.

In the present embodiment, the filter effect processing can be performed by moving the applicable icon of the region F1 toward the image region G by a touch slide operation or the like. When the filter effect processing is executed, the applied icon is displayed in the area F2. At the same time, the list display of the applicable icons is switched according to the applied icons.

That is, in the state shown in fig. 10 (as the initial selection screen), "AF-1" among a plurality of selectable icons displayed in the area F1 is moved to the image area G by, for example, a touch-and-slide operation. Then, as shown in fig. 11, the applied icon is displayed on the area F2 and disappears from the area F1. In addition, in order to represent a case where the icon display has disappeared, it is shown by drawing a dotted line frame at a position previously displayed in fig. 11.

At this time, as shown in fig. 11, the plurality of applicable icons displayed in the area F1 are displayed in the order of the highest recommendation level. In addition, in the present embodiment, instead of the numerical values of the recommendation degree table data in the above-described embodiments 1 and 2, the degree of recommendation is expressed by changing the display size of the icon itself. Therefore, the following effects are obtained: the user can intuitively grasp whether or not the filter effect processing is applicable when the filter effect processing is to be applied a plurality of times and the recommendation degree of the application by viewing the display of the display unit 18.

That is, as shown in a region F1 in fig. 11, the second and subsequent applicable icon list displays are displayed in descending order of the recommendation degree. Further, as can be seen from the figure, the larger the icon size, the better the processing effect.

When the filter effect processing has been applied a plurality of times, the applied icons are displayed side by side in the order of application as shown in a region F2 in fig. 11.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the item "AF-4" is applied two consecutive times. In this case, the icon sizes of the two "AF-4" are different. In detail, the icon size of the item "AF-4" applied for the second time is displayed smaller than the icon size of the item "AF-4" applied for the first time. This represents the following: in the case where the same processing "AF-4" is continuously applied, the effect of application is not doubled, but the effect of processing applied for the second time is small.

As a flowchart for realizing the operation described in embodiment 3 above, a flowchart substantially similar to that shown in fig. 9 described in embodiment 2 above can be applied.

As described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments 1 and 2 can be obtained also in the above-described embodiment 3. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the user can intuitively operate the display screen using the touch panel, and can visually and intuitively understand the state display such as the application recommendation level and the application effect by designing the arrangement and the size of the icons indicating the applicable items or the applied items, which can contribute to further improvement of operability.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the display screen is provided with the area in which the applied icons are displayed and the area in which the applicable icons are displayed in a list, and the type of the filter effect processing currently applied and the type of the filter effect processing to be applied later can be easily confirmed only by observing these display areas, thereby contributing to improvement of operability.

[ 4 th embodiment ]

As shown in fig. 1 of embodiment 1, the image capturing apparatus of each of the above embodiments includes a communication unit 17, and is capable of performing data communication with various external servers 2, 3, etc. existing on the external network 4 via the communication unit 17. By using the data communication means, the special effect processing program and recommendation table data can be downloaded from the external servers 2 and 3. With this configuration, in the image capturing apparatus according to each of the above embodiments, it is possible to easily add or update the latest special effect processing program, recommendation table data, and the like, thereby easily coping with diversification of executable filter effect processing.

The means for adding or updating the special effect processing program and recommendation table data is not limited to the data communication means. For example, when the recording medium of the recording unit 14 is a medium of a form (for example, a memory card or the like) that can be attached to and detached from the image capturing apparatus, the special effect processing program, recommendation table data, and the like can be copied from another external apparatus (not shown) via the recording medium and used in the image capturing apparatus. Even if the recording medium of the recording unit 14 is a built-in medium fixed inside the device, recommendation table data of an external device (not shown) having a special effect processing program, recommendation table data, and the like can be copied to the built-in recording medium of the image capturing device by connecting the external device to the image capturing device via a cable (cable). These means can be realized also in the photographing apparatuses of the above embodiments. Further, a technique (not shown) that is widely used in conventional imaging apparatuses may be used for realizing a configuration of a removable recording medium (for example, a configuration of a recording medium attachment/detachment mechanism, a data signal transmission circuit with an attached recording medium, and the like), and a configuration for cable connection with an external device (for example, a configuration of a connector for device connection, a data signal transmission circuit for transmitting a signal with an external device via a connection cable connected to the connector, and the like).

The following describes the configuration of the photographing apparatus according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment. The photographing apparatus 1A of the present embodiment is different only in that the following form is adopted: the communication unit 17 serving as data communication means is omitted from the image capturing apparatus 1 (see fig. 1) according to embodiment 1. Accordingly, in fig. 12, the external network 4, the external servers 2 and 3, and the like are not required. As means for adding or updating the special effect processing program and recommendation table data, means other than the data communication means, that is, means via a recording medium or means based on cable connection with an external device, is used as described above. The other structure is exactly the same as the photographing apparatus 1 of embodiment 1 described above.

In the photographing apparatus 1A according to embodiment 4 configured as described above, the communication unit 17 can be omitted, and the special effect processing program, recommendation table data, and the like can be added or updated in exactly the same manner as in the photographing apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1. Therefore, in the photographing apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, while maintaining the same function as that of the above-described embodiment 1, simplification of the internal structure can be achieved, contributing to reduction of the manufacturing cost.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed components. For example, even if some of the components shown in the above-described embodiment are deleted, the problem to be solved by the present invention can be solved, and when the effect of the present invention can be obtained, a configuration in which the components are deleted can be extracted as the present invention. The invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments, except as by the appended claims.

The present invention is not limited to a photographing apparatus, which is an electronic apparatus dedicated to a photographing function, such as a digital camera, and can be applied to other types of electronic apparatuses having a photographing function, such as a mobile phone, a recording apparatus, an electronic notebook, a personal computer, a game apparatus, a television, a clock, a navigation apparatus using a GPS (Global Positioning System), and various electronic apparatuses having a photographing function.

Claims (3)

1. A photographing apparatus, characterized by having:

an imaging unit that images an object;

a display unit that displays an image and a list of a plurality of image processes that can be applied to the image signal acquired by the image capturing unit;

a selection operation unit that selects a desired image process from the image process list displayed on the display unit;

an image processing unit that performs image processing selected by the selection operation unit on the image signal acquired by the image capturing unit;

a display control unit that switches display of a list of image processes displayed on the display unit in accordance with the image process selected by the selection operation unit; and

a list data recording unit for recording list data indicating compatibility between image processing when a plurality of image processing is performed in a superimposed manner on an image signal,

the display control unit switches the display of the image processing list with reference to the list data recording unit;

wherein,

the display control unit, when switching the display of the image processing list, preferentially displays image processing compatible with the image processing selected by the selection operation unit at a high-level position in the image processing list, and does not display image processing not compatible with the image processing selected by the selection operation unit.

2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1,

the photographing apparatus further has an icon display control section that displays a plurality of image processes that can be applied by each corresponding icon,

the icon display control unit forms an image processing list display by displaying a plurality of icons each representing the plurality of image processing in parallel.

3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2,

the selection operation section is constituted by a touch panel,

the selection operation of the selection operation section is as follows: the icon displayed in the image processing list on the display unit by the icon display control unit is moved on the display screen of the display unit.

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