JP2003319211A - Image pickup device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that appropriately gives information related to an image pickup device to a user in accordance with the skill of the user. <P>SOLUTION: When a memory card falls short of free capacity or the like, a digital camera 1 detects the state of the shortage as a notification state to notify the user of predetermined information. When the notification status is detected, notification information showing the effect that the memory card falls short of free capacity as symbol information is displayed (state ST2). If a help button is pressed down in the display state of the notification information, a simple help file showing contents of the notification state with character information is displayed (state ST3). If an execution button is pressed down in the display state of the simple help file, a moving picture help file for corresponding to the notification information is displayed (state ST4). Thus, it is possible to provide the information in accordance with the skill of the user by displaying detailed information stepwise in response to requests of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for displaying information relating to a portable image pickup device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the case of using a portable image pickup device such as a digital camera, quick and accurate operation is necessary in order not to miss a short photo opportunity. In particular, in a case where photographing is impossible (imaging impossible state) due to lack of free space in the memory card, prompt response is required. Therefore, it is desirable for the user to be familiar with a wide variety of operating methods of the image pickup apparatus.

On the other hand, in recent years, the image pickup apparatus is equipped with a large number of operation buttons and the like as its functions increase, and the operation method has become complicated. For this reason, it is difficult to request the user to be proficient in various operating methods of the image pickup apparatus.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
A technique has been proposed in which information indicating an operation method, a function, and the like is stored in advance in the imaging device as help, and the help is appropriately displayed according to the state of the imaging device. In particular,
By displaying the moving image information indicating the operation procedure as help, even a user with a relatively low level of proficiency can understand the operation method at a glance and can immediately operate the imaging device.

However, in general, since a portable image pickup device has a relatively small display means, if moving image information is always displayed according to the state of the image pickup device, other necessary information is displayed. However, there is a problem that a photo opportunity is missed. In particular, a user who has a relatively high level of proficiency does not need such moving image information, and thus feels complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of appropriately providing information on an image pickup apparatus to a user according to the user's proficiency level.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the state of the image pickup apparatus is a notification state for notifying a user of predetermined information. Detecting means for detecting whether the image capturing device is in the notification state, when the image capturing device is in the notification state, notification means for notifying the user that the image capturing device is in the notification state, and moving image information according to the notification state. And a display unit that displays the moving image information only when the moving image information display instruction is received by the receiving unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable image pickup device, and detecting means for detecting whether or not the state of the image pickup device is a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to a user. When the image pickup device is in the notification state, a notification unit that notifies the user that the image pickup device is in the notification state, and a display instruction of simple information indicating the outline of the moving image information according to the notification state are displayed. A simple information display receiving unit that receives from the user, a display unit that displays the simple information when the simple information display receiving unit receives a display instruction of the simple information, and a display instruction of the moving image information from the user Video information display acceptance means,
When the display means is displaying the simple information and the display instruction of the moving picture information is accepted by the moving picture information display accepting means, the display means displays the moving picture information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable image pickup device, and a detecting means for detecting whether or not the state of the image pickup device is a notification state for notifying a user of predetermined information. A notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state when the imaging device is in the notification state, and a display reception unit that receives a display instruction of moving image information according to the notification state from the user And, when the display instruction of the moving image information is accepted by the display acceptance means,
Display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of still images included in the moving image information in the order of temporal reproduction as moving images;
Stop acceptance means for accepting a stop instruction of the video information from the user, the display means, when the stop instruction of the video information is accepted by the stop acceptance means,
It is characterized in that the display of the still image displayed at the time of receiving the stop instruction is retained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable image pickup device, and a detection means for detecting whether or not the state of the image pickup device is a notification state for notifying a user of predetermined information. A notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state when the imaging device is in the notification state, and a display reception unit that receives a display instruction of moving image information according to the notification state from the user And, when the display instruction of the moving image information is accepted by the display acceptance means,
A display unit for displaying the moving image information, wherein the display unit displays the moving image information, and when the state of the imaging device disappears in the notification state, the display unit displays the moving image information. Is hidden.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-executable program included in a portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the computer executes the program such that the state of the image pickup apparatus is a user. A detecting step of detecting whether or not a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified, and a notification step of notifying a user that the imaging apparatus is in the notification state when the imaging apparatus is in the notification state And a receiving step of receiving a display instruction of moving image information according to the notification state from the user, and a display step of displaying the moving image information only when receiving a display instruction of the moving image information. And

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of Digital Camera> FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a configuration of a main part of a digital camera 1 which is a portable imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 to 3 correspond to a front view, a top view and a rear view, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 is mainly composed of a camera body 2 and a taking lens 3.

The taking lens 3 is constructed as a zoom lens including a plurality of lens groups, and the taking magnification (focal length) can be changed by rotating a zoom ring 31 provided on the peripheral portion thereof. Shooting lens 3
Is equipped with a macro switching lever 32, and macro photography can be performed by sliding the macro switching lever 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the camera body 2, a grip portion 4 is provided at the left end portion and a built-in flash 5 is provided at the upper right portion. The light emitting portion of the built-in flash 5 is rotatable upward from the state shown in FIG. When the built-in flash 5 emits light, the position is moved upward, and when the built-in flash 5 is not emitted, the position is moved downward, but both are manually moved.

As shown in FIG. 2, a shutter button 11 is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 4. The shutter button 11 is a two-step switch that can detect a half-pressed state and a full-pressed state as used in a silver halide camera.

On the right side of the upper surface of the camera body 2, there is a dial type for switching the power on / off and switching the operation mode of the digital camera 1 among the "shooting mode", the "playback mode" and the "communication mode". The main switch 15 is provided.

The "photographing mode" is an operation mode in which a subject is photographed, image data is acquired and recorded in the memory card 9 which is a recording medium, and the "playback mode" is the memory card 9.
This is an operation mode in which the image data (hereinafter, referred to as “recorded image”) recorded in (1) is read out and reproduced and displayed. The “communication mode” is an operation mode for performing communication such as transferring image data to an external computer via the USB terminal 27 provided on the back surface of the camera body 2.

Above the side surface of the digital camera 1, a function dial 16 and a function button 16a for setting items such as "image size", "image quality", and "exposure mode" are provided. After setting the item to be set with the function dial 16,
By rotating the selection dial 12 on the upper portion of the grip portion 4 while pressing the function button 16a, it is possible to sequentially change the setting contents of the set items.

For example, in the item "image size", the number of pixels of the recorded image is "2560 x 1920", "1600 x".
"1200", "1280 x 960", "640 x 48"
You can selectively switch the setting contents from "0",
In the "Image quality" item, "Fine", "Standard", and "Economy" corresponding to the compression ratio of the recorded image, respectively.
It is possible to selectively switch the setting contents from such as. In the item “exposure mode”, a “program mode (P mode)” in which the digital camera 1 determines both the shutter speed and the aperture value according to the brightness of the subject,
"Aperture priority mode (A mode)" in which the digital camera 1 determines the shutter speed by giving priority to the aperture value determined by the user (with aperture priority), giving priority to the shutter speed determined by the user (with shutter speed priority) The setting contents are switched between the "shutter speed priority mode (S mode)" in which the digital camera 1 determines the aperture value and the "manual mode (M mode)" in which the user determines both the shutter speed and the aperture value. be able to.

To the left of the main switch 15 on the upper surface of the digital camera 1, there is provided a data panel 21 for displaying information such as setting contents set by the function dial 16 or the like. The display portion of the data panel 21 is provided with a backlight and is composed of a segment-type monochrome liquid crystal with a high visibility for displaying a predetermined symbol or numeral. Therefore, it is possible to easily understand the displayed information even during direct sunlight or at night when the ambient light is small.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the camera body 2
On the back left side of the
Say. ) 23 and electronic viewfinder (hereinafter,
It is called "EVF". ) 22 is provided. LCD2
The same content is displayed in color on the EVF 3 and the EVF 22, and live view display of a subject image, reproduction display of a recorded image, and the like are performed. Further, when the live view display of the subject image is being performed, information such as the setting contents is displayed so as to be superimposed on the subject image as in the data panel 21.

The display on the LCD 23 and the display on the EVF 22 can be switched by operating the display switching lever 17 provided on the right side of the EVF 22, and only one of the LCD 23 and the EVF 22 is used to save power. Is displayed. Therefore, in the following description, when information is displayed on either LCD 23 or EVF 22, it is assumed that the information is displayed on LCD 23.

The data panel 21 and the LCD 23 (EV
F22) functions as a display device for providing various information to the user, and responds to the notification state when the device state of the digital camera 1 becomes a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to the user. Information is also displayed. Further, the display of information according to the notification state can be switched by operating the help button 13 or the like provided in the central portion of the display switching lever 17, the details of which will be described later.

The menu button 18 is provided on the right side of the LCD 23.
And a cross key 19 is provided. The cross key 19 includes an upper switch 19U, a lower switch 19D, and a left switch 19
It is composed of a direction switch including an L and a right switch 19R, and an execution button 19C in the central portion. When the menu button 18 is pressed, the setting menu is displayed on the LCD 23, and the cross key 19 is displayed while referring to the setting menu.
Various settings of the digital camera 1 can be performed by operating the.

Below the cross key 19, a quick view / erase button 20 is provided. Quick view /
The delete button 20 functions as a quick view button for performing a simple reproduction display of the image data captured immediately before in the photographing mode, and as a delete button for deleting the image data being reproduced from the memory card 9 in the reproduction mode. .

A battery chamber 24 is provided below the camera body 2. The battery chamber 24 is a battery chamber release lever 24a.
Then the lid is opened and four AA batteries are loaded. Although the portable digital camera 1 uses an AA dry battery loaded in the battery chamber 24 as a normal drive source, it is supplied from the outside via a power input terminal 25 provided on the right side of the battery chamber 24. It is also possible to use a DC power source as a driving source.

A video output terminal 26 is provided to the right of the power input terminal 25 so that image data can be transferred via a video cable and displayed on an external monitor.

A card slot 29 is provided inside the camera body 2, and a memory card 9 serving as a recording medium is provided.
Is removable. For the memory card 9, open the side lid of the camera body 2 and remove the card eject lever 29a.
It is taken out from the camera body 2 by pushing. Data recorded on the memory card 9, such as a recorded image, can be passed to an external computer or the like via the memory card 9. On the contrary, the digital camera 1 can read various data stored in the memory card 9 by an external computer or the like.

An access lamp 28 is arranged near the insertion slot of the card slot 29. The access lamp 28 is driven to blink while the memory card 9 is being accessed to indicate to the user that the memory card 9 is being accessed.

<2. Internal structure of digital camera> Fig. 4
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main internal configuration of the digital camera 1 as functional blocks.

The CCD 201 has R (red), G (green) and B
Horizontal 2560 x with (blue) color filter attached
It is an image pickup device composed of vertical 1920 pixels, and photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject formed by the taking lens 3 into an image signal of RGB color components (a signal consisting of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel). And output. The CCD 201 has, as an image signal output mode, a frame mode in which all the normal pixels are output, and a horizontal pixel by thinning out vertical pixels to ⅛.
It has a draft mode for outputting 0 × 240 vertical pixels. When outputting the image data for live view display in the shooting standby state, the draft mode is set for speeding up, and when outputting the image data for recording after the shooting instruction, the frame mode is set.

The timing generator 210 generates a drive control signal for the CCD 201 based on a signal input from the overall control section 50. For example, a signal such as a timing signal for starting integration of received light amount, an output control signal of an image signal (including a change signal of an output mode to a draft mode or a frame mode) is generated, and CC is generated.
Output to D201.

The signal processing circuit 202 subjects the image signal (analog signal) output from the CCD 201 to predetermined analog signal processing. The signal processing circuit 202 has a C
It has a DS (correlated double sampling) circuit and an AGC (auto gain control) circuit inside, and the noise of the image signal is reduced by the CDS circuit, and the level of the image signal is adjusted by adjusting the gain by the AGC circuit. I do. Each pixel signal (analog signal) output from the signal processing circuit 202 is, for example, 12 by the A / D converter 203.
Converted to bit digital signal.

The image processing section 204 includes an A / D converter 203.
Various image processing is performed on the image data output from the. Specifically, pixel interpolation processing for interpolating each pixel of image data so as to have data for all RGB color components, white balance correction for correcting color balance deviation due to the influence of the color of the illumination light source on the subject, Gamma correction for correcting the gradation characteristics of image data to match the gamma characteristics of a general display device, contrast correction for emphasizing or suppressing contrast, and the like are performed.

The resolution conversion unit 205 includes an image processing unit 204.
The image data output from is converted into a predetermined resolution.
In the shooting standby state, pixels of the image data output from the CCD 201 are thinned out at predetermined intervals to generate a live-view image, and also image data to be input to the photometric calculation unit 206 and the evaluation value calculation unit 207 are generated. . After the shooting instruction, the image data for recording output from the CCD 201 is converted into a resolution according to the “image size” set by the function dial 16 or the like.

The photometric calculation unit 206 includes a resolution conversion unit 205.
Using the image data input from, the photometric value for determining the exposure control value (shutter speed, aperture value) and the like is calculated. Specifically, the brightness value of the subject is calculated from each pixel value of the image data, and the average value of these brightness values is obtained as a photometric value. The obtained photometric value is input to the overall control unit 50.

The evaluation value calculation unit 207 includes a resolution conversion unit 20.
Using the image data input from 5, the focus evaluation value indicating the degree of focus is calculated. Specifically, the difference between the pixel values of adjacent pixels in the image data is obtained as an absolute value, and the sum of the obtained difference values for the entire image data is obtained as an evaluation value. The obtained evaluation value is used as the overall control unit 50.
Entered in.

The image memory 215 has a resolution conversion unit 205.
C is a memory for storing the image data output from
It has a storage capacity capable of storing at least one frame of image data output when the CD 201 is in the frame mode. The image memory 215 also functions as a buffer memory that stores display image data to be displayed on the EVF 22 and the LCD 23.

The display switching unit 216 switches the output destination of the display image data stored in the image memory 215 according to the signal from the overall control unit 50 based on the setting of the display switching lever 17. As a result, the display switching between the EVF 22 and the LCD 23 is performed. The display switching unit 216 also outputs image data to the external monitor I / F 217. The image data output to the external monitor I / F 217 is converted into an image signal of, for example, NTSC system in the external monitor I / F 217 and sent to the external monitor 62 or the like via the video output terminal 26.

The compression / expansion unit 213 performs a predetermined compression process of image data to be recorded on the memory card 9 by the JPEG method and the like, and a decompression process at the time of reproducing the recorded image recorded on the memory card 9.

The card I / F 214 is a card slot 2
The image data is recorded in the memory card 9 and the recorded image and the like are read from the memory card 9. The state of the memory card 9 is monitored by the card I / F 214, and the free space of the memory card 9, the presence / absence of insertion of the memory card 9 in the card slot 29, and the like are input to the overall control unit 50 as signals. In addition, the card I / F21
The number 4 controls the access lamp 28 during the access to the memory card 9 to drive the access lamp 28 to blink. The access lamp 28 is connected not only to the card I / F 214 but also to the overall control unit 50, and the drive thereof is also controlled by the overall control unit 50.

When the digital camera 1 is in the standby state, the CCD 201 acquires image data for live view display at predetermined time intervals. The acquired image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the signal processing circuit 202 to the resolution conversion unit 205 to be a live view image, and then stored in the image memory 215. The live view image stored in the image memory 215 is displayed on the EVF 22 or L at a predetermined cycle.
It is transmitted to CD23. As a result, the subject image is displayed on the EVF 22 or the LCD 23 as a live view display, and the user can visually recognize the subject image.

On the other hand, the image data for recording acquired by the CCD 201 after the photographing instruction by the shutter button 11 is similarly processed by the signal processing circuit 202 to the resolution conversion unit 205.
Then, the image data is subjected to predetermined processing and stored in the image memory 215. The image data for recording stored in the image memory 215 is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 213 at a compression rate according to the “image quality” set by the function dial 16 or the like, and then stored as a recorded image in the memory. It is recorded on the card 9.

The lens driving section 211 is based on a signal input from the overall control section 50, and a lens group in the photographic lens 3 for determining the in-focus state of a subject image and a photographic lens 3 in the photographic lens 3 for determining the amount of incident light. Drives the diaphragm etc.

The USB I / F 212 is a USB for communicating with the external computer 61 in the communication mode.
It is a standard-compliant communication interface. USB
Data communication between the I / F 212 and the external computer 61 is performed via the USB terminal 27.

The operation input section 10 shows operation members including the shutter button 11, the help button 13, the cross key 19 and the like as one functional block. The operation of the operation input unit 10 is input as a signal to the overall control unit 50.

The above-mentioned data panel 21 and built-in flash 5 are electrically connected to the overall controller 50. Thereby, the display control of the data panel 21 and the light emission control of the built-in flash 5 are performed by the overall control unit 50. On the other hand, from the built-in flash 5, information indicating whether or not the light emitting portion of the built-in flash 5 is moving upward (information about whether or not the built-in flash 5 can physically emit light) is provided to the overall control unit 50. Entered in. The battery chamber 24 is also connected to the overall control unit 50, and the voltage value of the AA dry battery loaded in the battery chamber 24 is input to the overall control unit 50.

The overall control unit 50 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the operation of each member of the digital camera 1 described above. The overall control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 that performs various types of arithmetic processing, a RAM 52 that is a work area for performing arithmetic operations, and a ROM 5 that stores control programs and the like.
3 and 3.

The overall control unit 50 realizes various functions by software. That is, various functions are realized by the CPU 51 performing arithmetic operations according to the control program 41 stored in the ROM 53. In addition,
It is read from a memory card (which stores a program) 9 which is a recording medium, or the USB I / F 212
It is also possible to store (install) a new control program in the ROM 53, which is transferred from the computer 61 communicating with.

In FIG. 4, an exposure control unit 45, an AF control unit 46, a device state detection unit 47 and an information display control unit 48.
Are functional blocks representing functions realized by the CPU 51 performing arithmetic processing in accordance with the control program 41 stored in the ROM 53.

The exposure controller 45 controls the exposure, and based on the photometric value input from the photometric calculator 206, the shutter speed (CCD 20
1 (corresponding to charge accumulation time) and aperture value (photographing lens 3
(Corresponding to the aperture diameter of the inner diaphragm) is determined, and a predetermined signal is transmitted to the timing generator 210 and the lens driving unit 211 so that the determined exposure control value is achieved.

The method of determining such an exposure control value differs depending on the set "exposure mode". That is,
When the "exposure mode" is the "P mode", both the shutter speed and the aperture value are determined based on a predetermined program chart, and when the "A mode" is the aperture priority, only the shutter speed is determined. In the case of "S mode", shutter speed is prioritized and only the aperture value is determined. Also,
When the “exposure mode” is the “M mode”, the shutter speed and aperture value determined by the user remain unchanged, and the exposure control unit 45 does not determine the exposure control value.

Further, the exposure control unit 45 determines the possibility that the image data acquired after the photographing instruction will be improper exposure (overexposure or underexposure) based on the photometric value, and the determination result will be the device state detection unit. Enter in 47.
For example, when the aperture value is set to "open" when the "exposure mode" is "A mode", and the subject is highly exposed, it is likely that overexposure will occur even if the shutter speed is high. Is input to the device state detection unit 47.

The AF control unit 46 performs focus control for driving the lens group to the in-focus position so that the subject image is in focus. Specifically, the evaluation value calculation unit 2 is transmitted while transmitting a signal for driving the lens group to the lens driving unit 211.
The focus evaluation value acquired at 07 is monitored, and the position of the lens group having the highest focus evaluation value is set as the focus position. The AF control unit 46 also inputs the result of focus control availability to the device state detection unit 47. For example,
When the position of the lens group cannot be determined because the contrast of the subject is low and an appropriate focus evaluation value cannot be obtained, a signal indicating that fact is input to the device state detection unit 47.

The device state detecting section 47 determines whether or not the device state of the digital camera 1 is a notification state for notifying the user of predetermined information based on the signals input from the respective processing sections of the digital camera 1 described above. To detect. The notification state of the digital camera 1 includes an information notification state in which it is possible to shoot information such as a setting conflict, but it is necessary to notify information,
There is a warning notification state in which photographing is impossible due to an abnormality and warning information needs to be notified.

The information display control unit 48 controls the data panel 21.
Also, it controls to display information such as setting contents and device status on the LCD 23 and the like. Further, when the device state detection unit 47 detects that the device state of the digital camera 1 is the notification state, information corresponding to the notification state is displayed. As a display of information according to the notification state, first, notification information indicating that is displayed on the data panel 21 and the LC.
It is designed to be displayed on D23.

<3. Information display> Figure 5 shows data panel 2
1 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is an LCD.
It is a figure which shows the example of the information displayed on 23. Hereinafter, with reference to these figures, the data panel 21 and the LCD
Various kinds of information displayed in 23 and notification information displayed in the notification state will be described.

The area DA1 of the data panel 21 and
In the area LA1 of the LCD 23, the number of photographable image data is displayed. That is, the card I / F 21
The expected number of shootable images is displayed based on the free space of the memory card 9 input from 4 and the set “image size”. When the number of recordable images is "0" due to insufficient free space on the memory card 9 (warning notification status)
Is displayed in blinking on the data panel 21, and “000” is displayed in red on the LCD 23. In addition, the memory card 9 has a card slot 29
If it is not attached to the device (warning notification state), "-" is displayed blinking on the data panel 21,
In the CD 23, "---" is displayed in red.

The area DA2 of the data panel 21 and
In the area LA2 of the LCD 23, the set shutter speed is displayed. Further, the set aperture value is displayed in the area DA3 of the data panel 21 and the area LA3 of the LCD 23. When there is a high possibility that the image data acquired after the shooting instruction will be an improper exposure (information notification state), the value to be changed among the shutter speed and the aperture value is displayed blinking on the data panel 21, On the LCD 23, the shutter speed and the aperture value to be changed are displayed in red.

The area DA4 of the data panel 21 and
In the area LA4 of the LCD 23, a focus mark which is a circular symbol depending on whether focus control is possible or not is displayed.
That is, when the position of the lens group in the taking lens 3 can be moved to the in-focus position, the in-focus mark is displayed on the data panel 21 while maintaining the lighting state, and L
The focus mark is displayed in white on the CD 23. On the other hand, when the position of the lens group cannot be determined (information notification state), the focus mark blinks on the data panel 21 and the focus mark is displayed on the LCD 23 in red.

Area DA5 of the data panel 21, and
In the area LA5 of the LCD 23, the battery capacity in the battery chamber 24 is displayed. That is, based on the voltage value input from the battery chamber 24, a bar symbol having a length corresponding to the battery capacity is displayed. Further, when the battery capacity is lower than the predetermined reference capacity and the shooting cannot be continued (warning notification state), the bar symbol is displayed blinking on the data panel 21, and the bar symbol is red on the LCD 23. Is displayed.

The area DA6 of the data panel 21 and
In the area LA6 of the LCD 23, a symbol indicating a flash (flash symbol) is displayed as needed. Specifically, if the built-in flash 5 is required to emit light when the subject has relatively low brightness or is backlit, but the built-in flash 5 has not moved upward (information notification state), The flash symbol is displayed blinking on the panel 21, and the flash symbol is displayed in red on the LCD 23.

Area DA7 of the data panel 21, and
The "exposure mode" is displayed in the area LA7 of the LCD 23, and the areas DA8 and LC of the data panel 21 are displayed.
The “image size” is displayed in the area LA8 of D23, and the area DA9 of the data panel 21 and the LCD 2 are displayed.
In the area LA9 of 3, "image quality" is displayed. The operation mode of the digital camera 1 is displayed in the area LA11 of the LCD 23. In these, the setting contents by the function dial 16 and the main switch 15 are displayed, and the notification information is not displayed. Further, the area DA10 composed of a plurality of segments of the data panel 21
Is an arrow symbol indicating the direction of the insertion slot of the card slot 29 of the camera body 2, and is displayed as necessary.

When the device state of the digital camera 1 becomes the notification state in this way, the data panel 21 and the LCD 23 are displayed.
The notification information indicating that is displayed on (display notification information). Then, when a predetermined operation is performed in such a notification information display state, the simplified help file 43 indicating the processing procedure (the operation method for responding to the notification state, etc.) to be handled by the user according to the notification state is displayed on the LCD 23. Displayed in (Simple help display). Furthermore, when a predetermined operation is performed in the state of this simple help display, the processing procedure that the user should deal with according to the notification state (operation procedure for responding to the notification state, etc.)
Is displayed on the LCD 23 (video help display). These display controls are performed by the information display control unit 48, and the information display control unit 48 accepts operations from user operations, changes notification information display to simple help display, simple help display to moving image help display, data panel 21 and The display state of the LCD 23 or the like is changed.

A plurality of such simple help files 43 and moving picture help files 44 are prepared to correspond to various notification states, and are stored in advance in the ROM 53 together with the program 41 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 7 shows a moving picture help file 44 (44) for dealing with a state where the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a), and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a moving picture help file 44 (44b) for dealing with a state where the memory card 9 is not mounted in the card slot 29. As shown in these figures, the moving image help file 44 includes a plurality of still images (pictures) FL each showing an operation procedure.
(F11 to f16, f21 to f25) are sequentially arranged and included in the temporal reproduction order of the moving images. When the moving image help file 44 is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 23, the plurality of still images FL are sequentially and continuously displayed according to the temporal reproduction order as a moving image, which gives the user a sense of movement.

The moving picture help file 44 includes header information he. The header information he includes a plurality of still pictures FL (f
11 to f16, f21 to f25) are described. This character information is information that describes each of the plurality of still images FL.

On the other hand, the simple help file 43 shows the outline of the contents of the moving picture help file 44, and is composed of a file in HTML format or the like containing, for example, character information and symbol information other than the moving picture information. It Each of the simple help files 43 has an information amount capable of displaying all information on the display screen of the LCD 23 at one time.

When the information display control unit 48 is in the notification state,
Information such as which segment in the data panel 21 is to be displayed or which simple help file 43 or moving image help file 44 is to be displayed on the LCD 23 is stored in the notification information table 42 (see FIG. 4)). The information display control unit 48 performs various display controls by referring to the notification information table 42.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the notification information table 42. As shown in the figure, in the notification information table 42, for the device status (field 42a) of the digital camera 1 including the notification status, the device status (notification status) is the information notification status or the warning notification status. The information (field 42b) is associated with the control contents (fields 42c to 42k) related to the LCD 23, the data panel 21, and the access lamp 28.
Further, these control contents are displayed when the notification information is displayed (fields 42c to 42e) and when the simple help is displayed (field 4).
2f to 42h) and when the moving picture help is displayed (fields 42i to 42k) are individually set.

The file names of the simple help file 43 or the moving picture help file 44 to be displayed are described in the control contents relating to the LCD 23 at the time of displaying the simple help and the moving picture help, respectively. Further, when there are a plurality of moving image help files 44 for one notification state, the file names of all of them are associated with one notification state.

As an example of the control contents in the notification information table 42, "When the simple help display is performed when the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient, the simple help file 43 with the file name" 0010 "is displayed on the LCD 23. The information "displayed and blinking display of" 000 "is displayed in the area DA1 of the data panel 21".

In FIG. 9, the contents described in the notification information table 42 are expressed in words for the sake of convenience, but in reality, they are described in a format such as a numerical code that can be easily handled by a computer. The device state of the digital camera 1 is managed by a device state flag which is an internal flag. When the notification state is detected, the device state flag is set to a value unique to the notification state (value in parentheses in FIG. 9). It is set by the unit 47. This device state flag is set to "0" when the device state of the digital camera 1 is the normal state.

<4. Operation of Digital Camera> Next, an outline of the operation of the digital camera 1 will be described. Figure 10
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of operations in the shooting mode of the digital camera 1.

When the operation mode of the digital camera 1 is set to the photographing mode, until the shutter button 11 is half-pressed (No in step S7), the CCD 201 displays the live view every predetermined time. Image data is acquired, and live view display for displaying the subject image on the LCD 23 is performed (step S6).

In this live view display state, the device state of the digital camera 1 is monitored by the device state detecting section 47 (step S1). That is, the device state detection unit 47 detects whether or not the device state of the digital camera 1 is in the notification state. Then, in the normal state, the device state flag is set to "0", and in the notification state, the device state flag is set to a value unique to the notification state.

When the device status flag is "0" (Yes in step S3), the information display control unit 48 displays predetermined information on the data panel 21 and the LCD 23 as a normal display because it is in a normal state (step S3). S4).
On the other hand, if the device status flag is other than "0" (step S
No. 3 is a notification state, so the information display control unit 4
The notification information table 42 is referred to by 8, and the information corresponding to the notification state is displayed on the data panel 21 and the LCD 23 (step S5).

When the shutter button 11 is pressed halfway, the overall control unit 50 executes exposure control value setting (AE) and focus control (AF) which are preparations for photographing.
That is, the exposure control unit 45 sets the shutter speed and the aperture value, and the AF control unit 46 moves the lens group of the taking lens 3 to the in-focus position (step S8).

The control result of the exposure control value setting and the focus control is input to the apparatus state detecting section 47 as a signal.
Based on this signal, the device state detection unit 47 determines whether or not it is in the notification state, and sets the device state flag according to the determination result. In other words, if there is a possibility of improper exposure when setting the exposure control value, or if the position of the lens group could not be determined in focus control, the device status flag is set as a notification state. It is set to a value unique to the notification state (step S9).

When the setting of the exposure control value and the focus control are completed, it is subsequently determined whether or not the shutter button 11 is fully pressed (step S10). Here, if the shutter button 11 is not fully pressed,
It will return to the live view display state. At this time, if the notification state is detected in step S9, information corresponding to the notification state is displayed in the data panel 21 in step S5.
And is displayed on the LCD 23.

In this way, the device state of the digital camera 1 is monitored by the device state detecting unit 47 at each operation stage until the shutter button 11 is fully pressed (No in step S10). When the notification state is set, information corresponding to the notification state is displayed in step S5.

By the way, after it is detected that the device state of the digital camera 1 is the notification state, step S
When it is determined that the device state is the normal state in 1, S2 and steps S8, S9, the normal display is performed on the data panel 21 and the LCD 23 in step S4. That is, when the device state of the digital camera 1 disappears from the notification state, information corresponding to the notification state (notification information, simple help file 43, moving image help file 44).
Etc.) is not displayed. As a result, the user can be made aware that the notification state has been canceled, and operability can be improved.

Further, after it is detected that the device state of the digital camera 1 is the notification state, steps S1 and S
2 or when the device status is determined to be another notification status in steps S8 and S9, information corresponding to the other notification status is displayed on the data panel 21 and the LCD 23 in step S5. That is, when the device state of the digital camera 1 shifts from one notification state to another notification state, the information according to the first one notification state is hidden, and the information according to the other notification state after the shift is displayed. Information will be displayed. This allows the user to use the digital camera 1
It is possible to refer to necessary information as appropriate according to the device state, and it is possible to take appropriate measures according to the device state of the digital camera 1.

When the shutter button 11 is fully pressed in step S10, the overall control unit 50 confirms whether or not the device state of the digital camera 1 is the warning notification state (step S11). If you are not in the warning notification state,
Image data for recording is acquired by the CCD 201, subjected to compression processing, etc., and then recorded as a recorded image in the memory card 9 (step S12). When the shooting operation is completed,
The device state flag is once reset to "0" (step S13), and the live view display state is restored again. On the other hand, in the warning notification state (Yes in step S11)
Since shooting is not possible, the shooting operation is not performed,
As it is, it returns to the live view display state.

<5. Display state transition> As described above,
The display state of information according to the notification state in step S5 of FIG.
Transition from notification information display to simple help display and from simple help display to video help display. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining such a transition of the display state, and state S
T1 to ST9 show the respective display states.

Hereinafter, the states ST1 to S in FIG.
Each of T9 will be described, but in this description, a case where the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient will be described as a specific example. Also, FIGS.
0 is a diagram showing a specific example of display states of the data panel 21, the LCD 23, and the access lamp 28, which correspond to the states ST1 to ST9 of FIG. 11, respectively.

State ST1 (FIG. 12) shows a normal display state. On the data panel 21 and the LCD 23, predetermined information in the normal state is displayed. In this state, if the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient,
The state (hereinafter, also referred to as “first notification state”) is detected as the notification state, and the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to the state ST2.

State ST2 (FIG. 13) shows a notification information display state in which the notification information for the first notification state is displayed. In this state, as notification information, “000” is displayed in blinking in the area DA1 of the data panel 21, and “000” is displayed in red in the area LA1 of the LCD 23. This allows the user to select the memory card 9
It is possible to understand that the free space of the is insufficient.

When the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient, the notification state is canceled by replacing the memory card 9 with one having sufficient free space or by deleting the recorded image in the memory card 9. can do. A user having a relatively high degree of proficiency can recognize that the free space of the memory card 9 is insufficient based on only the notification information of the state ST2 and can appropriately respond to the notification state. However, a user having a relatively low level of proficiency may not be able to deal with the notification state because the content indicated by the notification information cannot be grasped or the method of dealing with the notification state is unknown. In such a case, the user can display the simple help file 43 according to the notification state by pressing the help button 13. When the help button 13 is pressed, the display instruction of the simple help file 43 is accepted, and the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to the state ST3.

State ST3 (FIG. 14) shows a simple help display state for the first notification state. In this state, “000” is displayed blinking in the area DA1 of the data panel 21, and the simple help file 43 associated with the first notification state is displayed on the LCD 23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a notification state is explained (the memory card 9 has insufficient free space), and a method of dealing with the notification state (memory card replacement or deletion of recorded image) is performed. (Necessary) is displayed as text information.

A user who is used to the operation of the digital camera 1 to some extent can recognize the notification state by visually recognizing the information in the simple help file 43. However, if the level of proficiency is relatively low and the specific handling procedure is not known even by such a simple help display, the moving picture help file 44 can be reproduced and displayed on the LCD 23. Therefore, the state ST
In item 3, the item Ca indicating the moving picture help file 44 associated with the notification state is selectably displayed. When a plurality of moving image help files 44 are associated with one notification state, a plurality of items Ca indicating each are displayed. If it is in the first notification state, two items Ca of "memory card replacement method" and "recorded image deletion method"
1, Ca2 are displayed.

When the user moves the cursor Cs to the desired item Ca by the direction switch of the cross key 19 and presses the execution button 19C, the display instruction of the moving image help file 44 of the selected item Ca is accepted. As a result, the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to the state ST4.

In the state ST3, the item Cb indicating "return" is displayed together with the item Ca indicating the moving picture help file 44. When this item Cb is selected and the execute button 19C is pressed, the LCD 23
The display states such as "" shift to the state ST2. In addition, even when the help button 13 is pressed, the LCD 23
The display states such as "" shift to the state ST2.

State ST4 (FIG. 15) shows a moving image help display state for the first notification state. In this state, the moving image help file 44 selected in the simple help display state (state ST3) is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 23 (the plurality of still images FL included in the moving image help file 44 are displayed in the order of temporal reproduction as a moving image). Are displayed continuously in sequence). FIG. 15 shows a state in which the moving picture help file 44a (memory card replacement method) shown in FIG. 7 is reproduced and displayed. In addition, in the data panel 21, “000” is displayed in a blinking manner in the area DA1, and a plurality of segments which are the arrow symbols of the area DA10 are sequentially displayed, and the insertion slot of the card slot 29 is displayed in a pseudo animation display. The direction is indicated.
Further, the access lamp 28 is displayed in a slow blinking manner. This allows the user to pay attention to the insertion slot of the card slot 29.

Even a user with a relatively low level of proficiency can clearly understand the specific handling procedure by visually confirming the playback display of the moving picture help file 44, and easily respond to the notification state. can do.

The reproduction display of the moving picture help file 44 can be stopped. That is,
By operating the direction switch of the cross key 19 at an arbitrary time, it is possible to maintain the display of only the still image displayed at the time of the operation. When the direction switch is operated by the user, a reproduction display stop instruction is accepted, and the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to state ST5.

When the help button 13 is pressed in the state ST4, the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to the state ST3.
It is also possible to check the simple help file 43 and change the moving image help file 44 to be displayed.

State ST5 (FIG. 16) shows a moving image frame display state in which the display of the still image included in the moving image help file 44 for the first notification state is held. In this state, only the still image displayed when the direction switch is operated in state ST4 is L
It is displayed on CD23. Further, the character information Tx for explaining the still image being displayed is displayed together with the still image on the LCD 23. This character information is obtained from the header information he of the moving picture help file 44 corresponding to the still image being displayed. The display manners of the data panel 21 and the access lamp 28 are the same as in the state ST4.

As described above, since the display of a plurality of still images sequentially displayed can be stopped at the user's arbitrary time, the user can pay attention to only the still images required in the moving picture help file 44. it can. In addition, since the text information for describing the displayed still image is also written, it is possible to supplement the information that is insufficient with the still image alone, and to provide more appropriate information to the user. Become.

The still image displayed in the state ST5 can be changed to the adjacent still image in the temporal reproduction order as a moving image by operating the direction switch. For example, when the right switch 19R is pressed, the instruction to change the display to the next order is accepted, and the still image next to the displayed still image is displayed on the LCD 23. When the left switch 19L is pressed, an instruction to change the display to the previous rank is accepted, and the still picture in the rank immediately before the displayed still picture is displayed on the LCD 23. Of course, as the display of the still image is changed, the character information Tx written together with the still image is also changed. In this way, the displayed still image is changed according to the user's operation, so that the information desired by the user can be displayed more appropriately.

In the state ST5, when the execute button 19C is pressed, the display state of the LCD 23 or the like shifts to the state ST4, and when the help button 13 is pressed, it shifts to the state ST3. This allows the video help file 44 to be reproduced and displayed again,
It is possible to display the simple help file 43.

As described above, when the digital camera 1 detects the notification state, the display state of the LCD 23 or the like first shifts to the notification information display state (state ST2). Then, only when the operation of the help button 13 is accepted, the simple help display state (state ST3) is entered, and only when the operation of the execution button 19C is accepted, the moving image help display state (state ST4) is entered. That is, the display state is gradually changed according to the user's request, and detailed information is gradually displayed.

A user with a relatively high degree of proficiency can respond according to the notification state by displaying the notification information, and a user with a medium degree of proficiency can respond according to the notification state with the simple help display. A user with a relatively low level of proficiency can respond to the notification state by displaying the moving image help. Therefore, by shifting the stage of the display state in response to the user's request as described above, it is possible to provide appropriate information according to the user's proficiency level.

On the LCD 23 or the like of the digital camera 1, since the display screen is relatively small, the amount of information that can be displayed is limited. For this reason, the notification information, the simple help file 43, and the moving picture help file 44 cannot be displayed at the same time for the purpose of supporting users of all skill levels. However, by selectively displaying these in accordance with the user's request as in this embodiment, only the information necessary for the user can be displayed.
Even a relatively small display screen can be displayed properly.

Even in the warning notification state in which photographing is impossible (imaging impossible state), the user can be quickly and appropriately released from the warning notification state, so that the shutter can be released. It is possible to prevent missing opportunities.

When the recorded image in the memory card 9 is deleted in the above-mentioned states ST2 to ST5,
The lack of free space in the memory card 9 is resolved (the first notification state is released). So in this case,
In any of the states ST2 to ST5, the LCD2
The display state such as 3 shifts to the normal display state (state ST1), and the notification information, the simple help file 43 or the moving picture help file 44 is hidden.

On the other hand, when the memory card 9 is removed to replace the memory card 9 in the states ST2 to ST5, the first notification state is canceled, but the memory card 9 is not inserted (hereinafter, referred to as "second "Notification state") is detected as a new notification state. In such a case, in the notification information display state (state ST2), the state ST6 for displaying the notification information according to the second notification state.
In the simple help display state (state ST3), the state shifts to state ST7 in which the simple help file 43 corresponding to the second notification state is displayed, and the moving image help display state (state ST4) or moving image frame display state (state At the time of ST5), the state shifts to the state ST8 for reproducing and displaying the moving picture help file 44 according to the second notification state. That is, the notification information according to the first notification state, the simple help file 43 or the moving image help file 44 is hidden, and the notification information according to the second notification state so as to maintain the stage of the display state of the LCD 23, The simple help file 43 or the moving picture help file 44 is displayed.

Since each display state stage corresponds to the user's proficiency level, by maintaining the display state stage in this way, the device state of the digital camera 1 shifts from one notification state to another notification state. Even in the case of doing so, it is possible to immediately give information according to the user's proficiency level.

Even after the second notification state is entered, the user can change the display state of the LCD 23 or the like between the states ST6 to ST9 by performing a predetermined operation. This operation method is based on the state ST2 described above.
This is the same as the case of shifting the display state of the LCD 23 or the like between ST5 and ST5. Therefore, the states ST6 to S
T9 will be briefly described.

State ST6 (FIG. 17) is a notification information display state in the second notification state. In this state, "-" is displayed in the area DA1 of the data panel 21.
Is displayed blinking, and "-" is displayed in the area LA1 of the LCD 23.
−− ”is displayed in red.

State ST7 (FIG. 18) is a simple help display state in the second notification state. In this state, in the area DA1 of the data panel 21, "-
"-" Blinks. Further, the LCD 23 displays the simple help file 43 associated with the second notification state. Specifically, an item Ca indicating the moving image help file 44 and an item Cb described as “return” are displayed, together with a description of the notification state and character information indicating a method of responding to the notification state.

State ST8 (FIG. 19) is a moving image help display state in the second notification state. In this state, in the area DA1 of the data panel 21, "-
"-" Is displayed in a blinking manner, a pseudo animation is displayed in the area DA10, and the access lamp 28 is displayed in a slow blinking manner. Further, the moving picture help file 44 (44b: see FIG. 8) associated with the second notification state is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 23.

State ST9 (FIG. 20) is a moving image frame display state in the second notification state. In this state, the LCD 23 displays only the still image of the moving image help file 44 stopped at an arbitrary time, and also displays the character information Tx for explaining the still image being displayed. Data panel 21 and access lamp 28
The display mode of is the same as that of the state ST8.

When a new memory card 9 is inserted into the card slot 29 in the states ST6 to ST9,
The second notification state is released. Therefore, in such a case, in any of the states ST6 to ST9, the LC
The display state such as D23 is the normal display state (state ST1)
Will be moved to.

<6. Modifications> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the notification state relating to the photographing mode has been described as the notification state of the digital camera 1, but the notification state may be in another operation mode such as the reproduction mode.

The notification state in the photographing mode is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. For example, in the case of an image pickup device that uses an external flash, a state in which the external flash is not attached may be detected as a notification state when flash light emission is required, and an image pickup device in which the taking lens can be replaced is used. For example, the state in which the taking lens is not attached may be detected as the notification state.

The user's operation itself may be detected as the notification state. For example, function dial 16
When the user operates, the operation itself is detected as a notification state, and a simple help file 43 or a moving image help file 44 that describes the functions that can be set by the function dial 16 and the operation procedure thereof is displayed. You may

Further, in the above embodiment, the symbol information is displayed as the notification information. However, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, the character information may be displayed overlaid on the subject image. By doing so, it is possible to make the user more clearly understand the content of the notification state. Further, the display state as shown in FIG. 21 may be used as the simple help display state. According to this, since the subject image can be grasped, framing can be continued even in the simple help display state.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the still picture included in the moving picture help file 44 is composed of pictures, but natural pictures may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, various functions are realized by the CPU performing arithmetic processing according to a program, but all or part of these functions may be realized by a dedicated electric circuit. Good. In particular, a high-speed operation can be realized by constructing a place where a repeated operation is performed with a logic circuit. On the contrary, all or part of the function realized by the electric circuit is C
It may be realized by the PU performing arithmetic processing according to a program.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any portable image pickup device such as a silver halide camera can be used. Also, the technology according to the present invention can be applied.

The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.

(1) In the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the notification state includes an unphotographable state in which photographing is not possible, and the moving image information is information for canceling the unphotographable state. An imaging device comprising:

According to this, even when the image pickup apparatus is in the image pickup disabled state, it is possible to provide appropriate information for canceling the image pickup disabled state according to the user's proficiency level. As a result, it is possible for any user of any skill level to quickly cancel the shooting disabled state and prevent missing of a shooting opportunity.

(2) In the image pickup device according to claim 3, when the display means holds the display of the still image, the display means selects one of a plurality of still images included in the moving image information. Display change receiving means for receiving a display change instruction from the user to a still image adjacent to the still image being displayed in the temporal reproduction order as a moving image for the displayed still image;
Further, the display means, when the display change instruction is accepted by the display change accepting means, the temporal reproduction order is set with respect to the still image displayed at the time when the display change instruction is accepted. An imaging device, which displays adjacent still images.

According to this, since the still image displayed on the display means is changed according to the user's operation, the information desired by the user can be displayed.

(3) In the image pickup device according to the third aspect, when the display means holds the display of the still image, the character information according to the displayed still image is also written in the still image. An image pickup apparatus characterized by displaying the same.

According to this, by additionally writing character information on the still image, it is possible to supplement the information which is insufficient with the still image alone, and more appropriate information can be given to the user.

(4) In the image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, when the display means displays the moving image information,
When the state of the imaging device shifts from the notification state to another notification state, the display means hides the moving image information and displays other moving image information according to the other notification state. Image pickup device.

According to this, the user can refer to the moving image information according to the state of the image pickup apparatus, and can take appropriate measures according to the state of the image pickup apparatus.

[0133]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, the moving image information corresponding to the notification information is displayed only when the display instruction of the moving image information is received from the user.
A user having a relatively high degree of proficiency can take action in accordance with the notification state by indicating that the user is in the notification state, and a user having a relatively low degree of proficiency can take action in accordance with the notification state using the moving image information. Therefore, appropriate information corresponding to the notification state can be given according to the user's proficiency level.

According to the invention of claim 2, when the notification state is set, the user is notified that the notification state is set, the simple information is displayed when the display instruction of the simple information is received from the user, and the moving image information is further displayed. When the display instruction of is received, the video information is displayed. Therefore, detailed information can be displayed step by step in response to the user's request, and appropriate information corresponding to the notification state can be given in accordance with the user's proficiency level.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to give appropriate information corresponding to the notification state according to the user's proficiency level. At the same time, the display of a plurality of still images sequentially displayed as moving image information can be stopped at an arbitrary time point of the user, so that the user can pay attention only to the still images that are required among the moving image information.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to give appropriate information corresponding to the notification state according to the proficiency level of the user. At the same time, when the state of the image pickup apparatus disappears from the notification state, the moving image information is hidden so that the user can recognize that the notification state has been released, and the operability is improved.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the moving image information corresponding to the notification information is displayed only when the display instruction of the moving image information is received from the user. According to the fact, it is possible to take a response according to the notification state, and a user with a relatively low level of proficiency can take a response according to the notification state based on the moving image information. Therefore, appropriate information corresponding to the notification state can be given according to the user's proficiency level.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main configuration of a digital camera that is an image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a main configuration of a digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the main configuration of the digital camera.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main internal configuration of a digital camera as functional blocks.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a data panel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on an LCD.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a moving image help file for dealing with a state where the free space of the memory card is insufficient.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a moving picture help file for dealing with a state in which a memory card is not mounted in a card slot.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification information table.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of operations in a shooting mode of the digital camera.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining transition of a display state of an LCD or the like.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a normal display state.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of notification information display in a first notification state.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of a simple help display in a first notification state.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image help display in the first notification state.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image frame display in the first notification state.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of notification information display in a second notification state.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a simple help display in a second notification state.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a moving image help display in a second notification state.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of moving image frame display in the second notification state.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a modification of the notification information display.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital camera 9 memory cards 13 Help button 19C Run button 21 Data panel 23 LCD 29 card slots 41 programs 44 Video Help File

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takehisa Yamaguchi             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H102 AA41 AA71 AB00 BA01 BA12                       BA21 BA27 BB01 BB08 CA11                 5C022 AA13 AC11 AC42 AC69

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus detects whether or not the state of the image pickup apparatus is a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to a user; A notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state when in the state, a reception unit that receives a display instruction of video information corresponding to the notification state from the user, and the video by the reception unit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays the moving image information only when an instruction to display the information is received. 2. A portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus detects whether or not the state of the image pickup apparatus is a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to a user, and the image pickup apparatus notifies the notification. In the state, a notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state, and a simple information display that receives from the user a display instruction of simple information indicating the outline of moving image information according to the notification state A receiving means, a display means for displaying the simple information when a display instruction of the simple information is received by the simple information display receiving means, and a moving image information display receiving means for receiving a display instruction of the moving image information from the user, When the display means displays the simple information, when the display instruction of the moving image information is received by the moving image information display receiving means, the display means is An imaging device characterized by displaying moving image information. 3. A portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus detects whether or not the state of the image pickup apparatus is a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to a user, and the image pickup apparatus notifies the notification. When it is in a state, a notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state, a display reception unit that receives a display instruction of moving image information according to the notification state from the user, and the display reception unit A display unit that sequentially displays a plurality of still images included in the moving image information according to a temporal reproduction order as a moving image when the display instruction of the moving image information is received; and a stop instruction of the moving image information from the user. Stop reception means for receiving, and the display means, when receiving the stop instruction of the moving image information by the stop reception means, at the time of receiving the stop instruction An image pickup apparatus, which holds a display of the displayed still image. 4. A portable image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus detects whether or not the state of the image pickup apparatus is a notification state in which predetermined information should be notified to a user, and the image pickup apparatus notifies the notification. When it is in a state, a notification unit that notifies the user that the imaging device is in the notification state, a display reception unit that receives a display instruction of moving image information according to the notification state from the user, and the display reception unit A display unit that displays the moving image information when the display instruction of the moving image information is received, and when the display unit displays the moving image information, the state of the imaging device disappears from the notification state. When
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the display means hides the moving image information. 5. A computer-executable program included in a portable imaging device, the computer executing the program notifying the computer of the state of the imaging device to the user. A detection step of detecting whether or not it is in a notification state, and a notification step of notifying the user that the imaging device is in the notification state when the imaging device is in the notification state; A program for executing a receiving step of receiving a display instruction of moving image information from the user, and a displaying step of displaying the moving image information only when receiving a display instruction of the moving image information.