JP2002247418A - Camera device and its sample image display method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system that sequentially displays a plurality of sample images, sets a photographing condition corresponding to a sample image selected by a user and diversifies the sample images without deteriorating the workability at the selection of the sample images. SOLUTION: The current time is detected before indication of sample images, and when the current time matches with operating conditions (conditions 1 and 2) set to sample images of scene numbers '14-19', the display sequence of a plurality of the sample images is revised so that the display sequence of the sample images of the scene numbers '14-19' is moved to the top or the tail end corresponding to the matched operating conditions. When the photographing condition is set, a sample image to be a selection object (or to be a selection object with high possibility) is displayed with priority so as to decrease number of operation times for the user required to display a desired sample image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera apparatus capable of setting photographing conditions mainly using sample images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic still camera has a function that enables setting of shooting conditions (operation contents of an apparatus) at the time of shooting, for example, setting of a shutter speed and an aperture value only by selecting a sample image. There is. In this method, a plurality of sample images and a plurality of setting parameters such as a shutter speed and an aperture value corresponding to each sample image are prepared in advance, and the plurality of sample images are displayed on a liquid crystal display device according to a photographer's request. Then, after the photographer selects a desired sample image, shooting conditions are set according to setting parameters corresponding to the selected sample image.

In an electronic still camera having such a function, the photographer simply selects a scene similar to the subject to be photographed or a sample image representing a photographing result of an atmosphere according to his / her preference, and can select an appropriate image for each subject. Shooting conditions,
It is possible to easily set photographing conditions for obtaining a photographing result according to preference.

[0004]

However, in an electronic still camera or the like, in order to expand the advantages of the above-described shooting condition setting function, the type of (scene) of a subject that is expected to be a shooting target is considered. Although it is necessary to prepare a large number of sample images according to the user's preference in advance, the sample images required at the time of actual photographing performed at an arbitrary time or place are only a part of them. For this reason,
When the photographer actually selects a sample image, a sample image that does not need to be used at all, for example, a night view sample image at the time of shooting during the day, is inevitably displayed as a selection target,
At that time, the number of unnecessary sample images also increases, and the workability at the time of selecting a sample image decreases. Therefore, there has been a problem how to diversify the sample images without lowering the workability when selecting the sample images.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and a camera apparatus and a sample image capable of diversifying the sample image without deteriorating the workability at the time of selecting the sample image. It is an object to provide a display method and a recording medium.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying a plurality of sample images in order, and a plurality of sample images are displayed on the display device. Reference information obtaining means for obtaining reference information for determining use conditions at the time of shooting in a camera device for allowing a user to select a desired sample image and setting a shooting mode of an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image And control means for controlling the display order of the plurality of sample images based on use conditions determined from the reference information acquired by the reference information acquisition means.

In such a configuration, the plurality of sample images are
Under the control of the control means, the reference information obtaining means displays the information on the display means in an order according to the time, based on the use conditions determined from the reference information obtained at that time. Therefore, when setting the photographing mode, it is possible to promptly display the sample image that can be selected under the condition of use at each time on the display means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, and the user is allowed to select a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display means. In a camera device for setting a shooting mode of an operation content corresponding to a selected sample image, reference information obtaining means for obtaining reference information for determining a use condition at the time of shooting, and the reference information obtaining means for obtaining the reference information. And control means for controlling whether or not a predetermined sample image is displayed on the display means based on use conditions determined from the reference information.

In such a configuration, for a predetermined sample image among a plurality of sample images displayed on the display means, under the control of the control means, the use condition determined by the reference information acquisition means from the reference information acquired at that time. , Display and non-display on the display means are controlled depending on the time. Therefore, when setting the photographing mode, it is possible to eliminate the display of the sample image which cannot be selected under the condition of use at each time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined sample image is an image constituting a combined image composed of a plurality of predetermined sample images. The control by the means is a control for setting one of the combined images as a sample image to be displayed on the display means.

With this configuration, when a plurality of sample images are displayed on the display means, the sample images corresponding to the photographing modes can be replaced with sample images that can be selected under the respective conditions of use at any time. .

In the invention according to claim 4, the reference information is time information relating to time. Therefore, when setting the shooting mode, a sample image that can be selected at the time of the setting is displayed on the display means early,
In addition, it is possible to eliminate display of a sample image that cannot be selected at the time of the setting.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, the time information is time. Therefore, when setting the shooting mode, it is possible to promptly display the sample image that can be selected at the set time on the display unit, and eliminate the display of the sample image that cannot be selected at the set time. Become.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the time information is a date. Therefore, when setting the shooting mode, it is possible to promptly display the sample image that can be selected on the set date on the display unit, and eliminate the display of the sample image that cannot be selected on the set date. Become.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, the reference information is photographing environment information acquired in a photographing standby state. Therefore, at the time of setting the shooting mode, a sample image that can be selected in the current shooting environment is displayed on the display unit at an early stage, and display of a sample image that cannot be selected in the current shooting environment is eliminated. It becomes possible.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, the reference information is setting information indicating setting contents of the apparatus set by a user. Therefore, at the time of setting the photographing mode, a sample image that can be selected based on the current setting of the device is displayed on the display unit at an early stage, and a sample image that cannot be selected based on the current setting of the device is set. Can be eliminated.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sample images are displayed in order, a user is allowed to select one of the sample images, and a photographing mode of operation contents corresponding to the selected sample image is displayed. In the method for displaying a plurality of sample images in the camera device, the first step of obtaining reference information for determining use conditions at the time of shooting, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, A second step of determining the display order of the plurality of sample images based on use conditions determined from the reference information, and a third step of displaying the plurality of sample images according to the determined display order. .

According to this method, at the time of setting the photographing mode, it is possible to promptly display the sample image which can be selected under the conditions of use at the time on the display means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sample images are displayed in order, the user is allowed to select one of the sample images, and a photographing mode of the operation content corresponding to the selected sample image is displayed. In the method for displaying a plurality of sample images in the camera device, the first step of obtaining reference information for determining use conditions at the time of shooting, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, A second step of determining whether or not to display a predetermined sample image based on use conditions determined from the reference information and determining a plurality of sample images to be displayed; and a third step of sequentially displaying the sample images determined to be displayed. Process.

According to this method, when setting the photographing mode, it is possible to eliminate the display of the sample image that cannot be selected under the conditions of use at that time.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, and the user is allowed to select a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display means. A program for controlling the display operation of the plurality of sample images in a camera device that sets a shooting mode of the operation content corresponding to the selected sample image, the computer, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, A first procedure for causing the reference information acquisition means to acquire reference information for determining use conditions at the time of shooting, and a display order of the plurality of sample images is determined based on use conditions determined from the acquired reference information. A second procedure for displaying a plurality of sample images on the display means in accordance with the determined display order.
And a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the above procedure is recorded.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, and the user is allowed to select a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display means. A program for controlling the display operation of the plurality of sample images in a camera device that sets a shooting mode of the operation content corresponding to the selected sample image, the computer, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, A first procedure for causing the reference information acquisition means to acquire reference information for determining use conditions at the time of shooting, and determining whether or not to display a predetermined sample image based on use conditions determined from the acquired reference information. To execute a second procedure of determining a plurality of sample images to be displayed on the display means and a third procedure of sequentially displaying the plurality of sample images determined to be displayed on the display means. And a computer-readable recording medium recording a program.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1A and 1B show the appearance of an electronic still camera 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a rear view, and FIG. Is a plan view,
(c) is a front view.

The electronic still camera 1 has an operation mode (scene select mode) for enabling setting of photographing conditions by selecting a sample image described in the prior art, and a fixed lens is provided on the front side of the main body. 4, T on the back side
An FT liquid crystal monitor 15 is provided, and has an optical finder 51 and a strobe 16. A power switch 52, a shutter key 53, a zoom operation switch 54, a recording mode (R
An operation mode switch 55 for switching between an EC mode) and a reproduction mode (PLAY mode);
Switch 56, flash key 57, self-timer
Various switches such as a key 58 and a menu key 59 are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electric configuration of the electronic still camera 1. The electronic still camera 1 compresses and expands an image picked up by a CCD 2 serving as an image pickup means, and has a predetermined format. For example, unified standard D
CF (Design rule for Camera File system) and JPE
The MPU 3 mainly includes an MPU 3 having an image processing function of generating and reproducing an image file in a format conforming to G (Joint Photographic Expert Group). CCD2
An optical image of a subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the lens through the fixed lens 4, the focus lens 5, and the diaphragm 6. The focus lens 5 is held by a drive mechanism 7 composed of an AF motor or the like, and is moved back and forth on the optical axis by a drive signal output from the AF driver 8 being supplied to the drive mechanism 7 by a control signal from the MPU 3. Perform focusing operation. Aperture 6
Is driven by a drive signal generated by the diaphragm drive unit 9 based on a control signal from the MPU 3 to adjust the light amount of the subject image incident on the CCD 2.

Further, a TG (Timing Generator) 10 for generating a timing signal is connected to the MPU 3, and a V driver 11 (vertical driver) drives the CCD 2 based on the timing signal generated by the TG 10. An analog imaging signal corresponding to the brightness of the subject image is output from the CCD 2 and sent to the unit circuit 12. The unit circuit 12 includes a CDS that holds an image signal output from the CCD 2 and a gain adjustment amplifier (AG) that is an analog amplifier supplied with the image signal from the CDS.
C) and an A / D converter (AD) for converting the analog image signal amplified and adjusted by the gain adjustment amplifier into a digital signal. The output signal of the CCD 2 is sampled with the black level adjusted here. It is sent to the MPU 3 as a digital signal.

The MPU 3 has a power supply circuit 13 and
, Operation key section 14 including various switch groups, the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15, the strobe 16, the DRAM
17, MROM 18, card drive 19, clock circuit 2
0 is connected, and a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card 21 is mounted on the card drive 19. The clock circuit 20 has a calendar function, and stores the current date data, day of the week data, and time data in MP.
By outputting to U3, in this embodiment, it functions as reference information acquisition means of the present invention. DRAM 17
Is a work memory, and the CF card 21 is a detachable recording medium for recording images. Digital signals (imaging signals) sent from the CCD 2 to the MPU 3 are temporarily stored in the DRAM 17 and various image processing is performed by the MPU 3. Is finally recorded on the CF card 21 as a compressed video signal. The recorded video signal is read out to the MPU 3 as necessary, is subjected to processing such as expansion processing, addition of a luminance signal and a color signal, and is generated into a digital video signal or an analog video signal, and is displayed on the TFT LCD monitor 15. You. That is, in the recording mode, images sequentially captured are displayed as through images on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15, and in the reproduction mode, images based on image data recorded on the CF card 21 are displayed.

The MROM 18 is a recording medium of the present invention, and is a program ROM in which various operation programs necessary for controlling each part in the MPU 3 and processing data are recorded.
It is. The MROM 18 stores an appropriate exposure value (E
Various kinds of data such as program AE data forming a program diagram showing a combination of an aperture value (F) corresponding to V) and a shutter speed are stored. And M
In accordance with the program diagram, PU 3 stores the charge accumulation time of the CCD 2 as the shutter speed, the opening degree of the aperture 6, and the gain adjustment amplifier (AG) of the unit circuit 12.
C) which performs AE control such as gain setting and drives the focus lens 5 according to a predetermined program.
F (auto focus) control and AWB (auto white balance) control are performed. Further, when the shutter key 53 is operated (at the time of shooting), the strobe 1
6 controls the light emission of the photographing auxiliary light and the amount of the light, and functions as the control means of the present invention, and controls the setting of the photographing condition in the scene select mode.

The MROM 18 stores data of a plurality of sample images constituting a shooting mode table 101 including scenes (sample images) having the contents shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and shooting conditions.
In addition, shooting condition data corresponding to each sample image and data constituting the display control table 102 shown in FIG. 5 are stored.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, sample image data constituting the photographing mode table 101 includes, for example, various types of subjects (photographing scenes) expected to be frequently photographed, for example, various portraits. Image data such as a two-shot where two people are lined up, a person and a landscape, a mountain in the sunset, an amusement park, and a night view of a city. The data of each sample image includes “1” to “29” which are used for identification with other image data and indicate a basic display order when the sample image is displayed in the scene select mode. Consecutive scene numbers are assigned.

The photographing condition data includes a plurality of control items (focus, shutter speed, aperture, EV shift amount, sensitivity,...) Which can be controlled at the time of photographing when the shutter key 53 is pressed.
, Flash). More specifically, it is numerical data or flag data for a switch, and is data for setting, in the electronic still camera 1, photographing conditions for obtaining the same photographing result as the corresponding sample image, that is, This is setting data of a specific shooting mode.

As shown in FIG. 5, the display control table 102 includes predetermined use conditions (conditions 1 and 2) related to a predetermined time in a sample image (scene numbers "14 to 19") relating to a night photographed scene. Consisting of data indicating the control contents indicating the display order relationship (“head”, “tail”) with respect to other sample images under the condition 2), the plurality of sample images described above in the scene select mode are Used to control the display order when displaying. In addition,
The usage conditions are set from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (condition 1) and from 7:00 pm to 4:00 am (condition 2).

Next, the operation of the electronic still camera 1 having the above configuration when the photographer selects the scene select mode by a predetermined key operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the scene select mode is selected, the electronic still camera 1 first detects the current time (step SA1), and the current time is stored in the display control table 1 described above.
It is determined whether or not any of the conditions shown in No. 02 is met (step SA2). Here, if the current time does not meet any of the conditions, the process immediately proceeds to step S
The process proceeds to A4 (NO in step SA2), and if any of the conditions is satisfied (YES in step SA2),
The display order of the sample images is changed according to the contents of the display control table 102 (step SA3). That is, FIG.
When the normal display order (a in the figure) indicated by the scene number matches the "condition 1" as in the case where the current time is 10:00 am as shown in FIG. When the order position of the sample images “14 to 19” is changed to the display order (b in the same drawing) to be moved to the tail, and when the current time matches the “condition 2” as in the case of 9:00 pm , The order of the sample images of the scene numbers “14 to 19” is changed to the display order (c in FIG. 8) in which the sample images are moved to the top. In such a case, data indicating the display order after the change is stored in the DRAM 1
7 is stored.

Subsequently, in step SA4, as shown in FIG. 8, a selection screen 202 including a sample image 201 and the like based on the data stored in the MROM 18 is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 (step SA4).
In this state, the user selects the key (zoom button 54).
Is pressed ([Y] in step SA5).
ES), according to the operation, the sample image 201 to be displayed is displayed according to the display order (scene number order) as a reference,
17 stores the display order after the change, the other sample images 201 are sequentially displayed ([+]) in accordance with the display order after the change.
(In the case of [-], in descending order) (step SA6). This is repeated until the shutter key 53 (enter key) is pressed (NO in step SA7).

That is, when the user sequentially switches the sample images 201 by operating the selection keys, the selection screen 202 shows that the selection time of the scene select mode does not match any of the above-described conditions and that the processing proceeds to step SA3. If not, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of sample images are displayed in the order of scene numbers. On the other hand, at that time
If the time period is from time to 5:00 pm (condition 1), a plurality of sample images (scene numbers “14 to 1”) related to the night scene
9)) is displayed last, and if it is between 7:00 pm and 4:00 am (condition 2), those sample images are displayed first. Thereby, in the former case, a plurality of sample images (scene numbers “14 to 19”) that cannot be selected at that time are displayed later, and as a result, they can be selected as other items ( (Or the possibility is high.) The number of operations for displaying a plurality of sample images is reduced. In the former case, the number of operations for displaying the sample images which can be selected at that time (or is likely to be selected) is reduced by displaying the sample images from the beginning.

Thereafter, if the shutter key 53 (decision key) is pressed while any sample image 201 is displayed (YES in step SA7), that is, if any sample image 201 is selected, it is displayed. Sample image 2
Based on the shooting condition data stored in the MROM 18 corresponding to 01, shooting conditions at the time of shooting with the electronic still camera 1 are set, and a shooting standby state is set (step SA).
8). Thereafter, when the shutter key 53 is pressed (YES in step SA9), the image data is fetched,
The captured image data is recorded on the CF card 21 (step SA10). Thus, just by selecting the same sample image 201 as the subject to be photographed,
It is possible to shoot under shooting conditions (shooting mode) suitable for shooting the subject.

In the above operation, as described above, when the shooting mode is set in the scene select mode, a plurality of sample images (scene numbers "14 to 19") relating to the night scene are set in accordance with the time of the operation. ) Is moved to the head or tail, whereby a plurality of sample images that can be selected at that time (or are likely to be selected) are displayed early. Therefore, MROM
Even if the number of sample images and shooting condition data stored in advance in the storage 18 is large, the photographer can immediately display a desired sample image and select it. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the sample images without lowering the workability at the time of selecting the sample images.

In the present embodiment, the display order of the sample images is controlled based on two types of usage conditions. However, control may be performed based on a single usage condition, or three or more types may be used. Control may be performed based on usage conditions. The same applies to the control content according to each use condition. For example, the control content when the same use condition is matched may be made different for each of a plurality of sample images to be controlled in the display order. . According to the present embodiment, when performing control based on a single use condition, the scene numbers “14 to 1” must be set within a predetermined time.
A more remarkable effect can be obtained by performing control to move the order position of the sample image of "9" to the head.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, FIG.
Has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.
The present invention relates to an electronic still camera having a function in which a notation language (menu language) of a menu screen displayed on the FT liquid crystal monitor 15 can be selected and set at an initial setting from two types, Japanese and English.

In the present embodiment, the MROM 18 has the same shooting mode table as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the data constituting the display control table 302 shown in FIG. 9, and the data shown in FIG. An operation program for performing the operation is stored. It should be noted that the shooting mode table is configured by data relating to a plurality of sample images (not shown) which are not shown but have different contents from those shown in FIGS. On the other hand, the display control table 302 includes a predetermined sample image using the setting content of the menu language as a use condition, that is, a sample image of scene numbers “11 to 16” in a plurality of sample images up to scene numbers “1 to n”. , That is, data indicating control contents for prohibiting display under specific conditions.

Here, the scene numbers “11 to 16” in the present embodiment will be described.
The sample images of “1” and “12”, the sample images of scene numbers “13” and “14”, and the sample images of scene numbers “15” and “16” are respectively the same kind of shooting scenes, such as portraits and night scenes. Sample images, such as scenes taken in Japan and portraits modeled on Japanese people, are prepared for the former (the scene numbers are odd numbers), and the latter (the scene numbers are even numbers). Sample images such as landscapes taken in English-speaking countries and portraits modeled on Westerners.

Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic still camera having the above-described configuration when the photographer selects the scene select mode by a predetermined key operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

That is, when the scene select mode is selected, the electronic still camera confirms the type of the menu language set in advance (step SB1), and refers to the display control table 302 to hide the menu language. A sample image is determined, and a sample image to be displayed in subsequent processing is specified. In other words, if the menu language at that time is Japanese (condition 1), other sample images except for the sample images with scene numbers "12", "14", and "16" are set as sample images to be displayed. When the menu language is English (condition 2), other sample images except for the sample images with scene numbers "11", "13", and "15" are set as sample images to be displayed. In addition, the data indicating the
17 (step SB2).

Then, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed, and the plurality of sample images specified in step SB2 are
The selection screen 202 (FIG. 8) displayed on the FT LCD monitor 15
), And the user switches the sample images in the order of the scene numbers to select the desired image (steps SB3 to SB6). During this time, the selection screen 202
In the case where the menu language is Japanese (condition 1), a plurality of sample images with scene numbers "1 to n" are displayed in FIG.
As shown in (a), the scene numbers are “12” and “1”.
The sample images of “4” and “16” are displayed while skipping (jumping), and when the menu language is English (condition 2), the scene number is “11” as shown in FIG. , "13", and "15" are skipped and displayed. In other words, by replacing the sample images in the sample images constituting each combination image according to the menu language and displaying the sample images, a sample image without a sense of incongruity according to the photographer and the shooting location is displayed.

After any of the sample images 201 is displayed and any one of the sample images 201 is selected by pressing the shutter key 53 (enter key) (YES in step SB6), the first image is displayed. The same processing as in the embodiment is performed (steps SB7 to S9). This allows
Sample image 20 similar to the subject to be photographed
By simply selecting 1, shooting under shooting conditions (shooting mode) suitable for shooting the subject is possible.

In the above operation, as described above, when the shooting mode is set in the scene select mode, the sample images among the sample images constituting each combination image are changed according to the menu language at the time of the operation. By replacing and displaying the sample image, a sample image without discomfort according to the photographer and the shooting location is displayed. Therefore, the number of operations for displaying a sample image that can be selected (or is likely to be selected) can be reduced compared to a case where all of the combined images are displayed. As a result, MROM1
Even if the number of sample images and photographing condition data stored in advance in 8 is large, the photographer can immediately display a desired sample image and select it. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the sample images without lowering the workability at the time of selecting the sample images.

(Other Embodiments) In the first embodiment described above, based on the display control table 102 (FIG. 5),
Under the usage conditions relating to time, the display position of the specific sample image relative to other sample images is controlled. In the second embodiment, the menu language of the menu language is controlled based on the display control table 302 (FIG. 5). Under the use condition related to the type, whether or not to display a specific sample image is controlled. However, under one or more other use conditions, the display order of the specific sample image with respect to other sample images is controlled. The order position may be controlled, or whether or not a specific sample image is displayed may be controlled.

The use conditions in this case include various reference information that can be obtained according to the configuration of the electronic still camera, such as the above-described time information, calendar information, GPS
Information (latitude / longitude / altitude), AE control, AF control, A
This is a use condition that can be determined based on subject information that changes for each subject as obtained in WB control. In that case, for example, data constituting the display control table 402 as shown in FIG.
May be stored. Display control table 4 shown
02 is a specific use condition, a use condition regarding time (condition 1), a use condition regarding date month (condition 2), a use condition regarding location (condition 3), a use condition regarding temperature (condition 4), and a condition regarding white balance. The usage conditions (condition n-1), the usage conditions (condition n) related to the subject distance, and the like are set.

Even when the display control table 402 is used, when a shooting mode is set in the scene select mode, a sample image that can be selected (or is likely to be selected) under the conditions of use at that time is given priority. It is possible to prohibit the display of a sample image that cannot be selected, or in other words, to display only a sample image that can be selected (or is likely to be selected). That is, display of a sample image (scene number "3") of cherry blossoms is prohibited in months other than March and April, and sample images (scene numbers "1", "n") related to winter scenery in summer. ")
, Display of the sample image (scene number “1, 2”) is preferentially displayed outdoors during the daytime, and sample image (scene number “n−1”) is displayed during macro shooting. )) Can be displayed preferentially.

In the embodiment described above, data of a plurality of sample images constituting the above-described shooting mode tables (FIGS. 3 and 4), shooting condition data corresponding to each sample image, display control The data constituting the tables (FIGS. 5, 9, and 12) and the operation program for performing the operation related to the scene select mode are stored in the MROM1.
8 has been described, they may be configured to be recorded on a rewritable recording medium such as the CF card 21 described above, or may be stored on another device such as a personal computer or on the Internet. The configuration may be supplied from another device via the used communication means.

[0052]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when setting the photographing mode, it is possible to promptly display the sample image which can be selected under the condition of use at each time on the display means. I made it. Therefore, even if the number of sample images prepared in advance is large, the photographer can easily select the sample images, and diversify the sample images without lowering the workability when selecting the sample images. It becomes possible.

Further, in the second aspect of the present invention, when setting the photographing mode, it is possible to eliminate the display of a sample image which cannot be selected under the conditions of use at each time. Therefore, even if the number of sample images prepared in advance is large, the photographer can easily select the sample images, without lowering the workability when selecting the sample images,
It is possible to diversify the sample images.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a shooting mode table recorded in a program ROM according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a display control table recorded in a program ROM according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of shooting using a scene select mode in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display order of a sample image after being changed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a scene select selection screen and changes thereof.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a display control table according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of shooting using the scene select mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display order of sample images on a scene select selection screen.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a display control table according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 electronic still camera 2 CCD 3 MPU 15 TFT liquid crystal monitor 17 DRAM 18 MROM 19 card drive 20 clock circuit 21 CF card 101 shooting mode table 102 display control table 201 sample image 202 selection screen 302 display control table 402 display control table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 J

Claims (12)

[Claims] A display unit for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images; a user selecting a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display unit; and an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image And a reference information acquiring unit for acquiring reference information for determining use conditions at the time of photographing, based on the use conditions determined from the reference information acquired by the reference information acquisition unit. A control unit for controlling a display order of the plurality of sample images. 2. A display device for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, a user selecting a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display device, and an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. And a reference information acquiring unit for acquiring reference information for determining use conditions at the time of photographing, based on the use conditions determined from the reference information acquired by the reference information acquisition unit. Control means for controlling whether or not a predetermined sample image is displayed on the display means. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined sample image is an image forming a combined image including a plurality of predetermined sample images, and the control by the control unit includes displaying one of the combined images in the display. 3. The camera apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control is for setting as a sample image to be displayed on the means. 4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the reference information is hour information on time. 5. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the time information is a time. 6. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the time information is a date. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference information is shooting environment information acquired in a shooting standby state.
Or the camera device according to 3. 8. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the reference information is setting information indicating setting contents of the device set by a user. 9. A plurality of sample images in a camera device for displaying a plurality of sample images in order, allowing a user to select one of the sample images, and setting a shooting mode of an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. In the image display method, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, a first step of acquiring reference information for determining use conditions at the time of photographing, based on a use condition determined from the acquired reference information ,
A sample image display method, comprising: a second step of determining a display order of the plurality of sample images; and a third step of displaying a plurality of sample images in accordance with the determined display order. 10. The plurality of sample images in a camera device for displaying a plurality of sample images in order, allowing a user to select one of the sample images, and setting a shooting mode of an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. In the image display method, prior to the display of the plurality of sample images, a first step of acquiring reference information for determining use conditions at the time of photographing, based on a use condition determined from the acquired reference information A second step of determining whether a predetermined sample image is displayed and determining a plurality of sample images to be displayed; and a third step of sequentially displaying the sample images determined to be displayed. Sample image display method. 11. A display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, allowing a user to select a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display means, and an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. A program for controlling the display operation of the plurality of sample images in the camera device for setting the shooting mode of the plurality of sample images, the computer comprising: a computer for determining use conditions at the time of shooting before displaying the plurality of sample images. Based on a first procedure for causing the reference information acquisition means to acquire the reference information, and a use condition determined from the acquired reference information,
A computer-readable program storing a program for executing a second procedure for determining the display order of the plurality of sample images and a third procedure for displaying the plurality of sample images on the display means in accordance with the determined display order recoding media. 12. A display device for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images, allowing a user to select a desired sample image from the plurality of sample images displayed on the display device, and an operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. A program for controlling the display operation of the plurality of sample images in the camera device for setting the shooting mode of the plurality of sample images, the computer comprising: a computer for determining use conditions at the time of shooting before displaying the plurality of sample images. A first procedure for causing the reference information acquiring means to acquire the reference information, and a plurality of sample images to be displayed on the display means by judging whether or not a predetermined sample image is to be displayed based on use conditions determined from the acquired reference information. In which a program for executing a second procedure for determining the image data and a third procedure for sequentially displaying a plurality of sample images whose display is determined on the display means is recorded. Over data-readable recording medium.