JP2003319226A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device capable of properly displaying help information or the like on a plurality of display parts. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera is provided with an LCD 10, an EVF (electronic viewfinder) 20 and an i button (help button) for switching information display. When a user presses down the i button with an information display IG and an image LG corresponding to a camera mode displayed on the LCD 10, help information H1 relating to the preceding operation performed by the user is displayed on the LCD 10. When the i button is further pressed down, a help menu H2 corresponding to instructions for use of the digital camera is displayed. Thus, it is possible to properly display the help information or the like on the plurality of display parts. <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 an image pickup device having a plurality of display sections.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a digital camera (imaging device),
As the number of functions increases, the adverse effects of not being able to use all the functions or having to read the manual thoroughly to use them are increasing. As a method of eliminating this adverse effect, a digital camera provided with a help function has been proposed. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-66684 discloses a digital camera that displays help information related to an operating button by pressing an operating button and a help button at the same time, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-64947 discloses a manual of a camera on a display unit. A displayed digital camera is disclosed.

On the other hand, in a digital camera, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
As disclosed in 001-177742, it is known to display different information on a plurality of display units in order to improve operability.

[0004]

However, in the digital camera having a plurality of display sections as described above, a large amount of information can be provided to the user by using the plurality of display sections, but on the other hand, for beginners unfamiliar with the operation. However, there is a problem that it is likely to cause confusion.

In this case, if the help information can be appropriately provided, the confusion of the user may be eliminated, but in the conventional digital camera, even if a plurality of display units are provided, the idea is to apply the help information to the help display. Absent.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of appropriately providing help information and the like on a plurality of display sections.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of display sections, wherein (a) an operation section for receiving an operation input, and (b) Help display commanding means for commanding display of help information, and (c) in response to the help information display command, the help information corresponding to the operation input accepted by the operation part is displayed in the plurality of display parts. Display control means for displaying on at least one of the display units.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, (d) a setting item for displaying a setting item relating to the image pickup apparatus on a predetermined display section of the plurality of display sections. Item display control means, and (e) when the help information is displayed in a state where the setting items are displayed on the predetermined display unit, the setting items are substantially displayed on the predetermined display unit. And a means for displaying help information regarding the setting item on at least one display unit of the plurality of display units excluding the predetermined display unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of display sections, wherein (a) when notifying the user of the notification information, the notification information is displayed in one of the plurality of display sections. First display control means for displaying on the above display section, and (b)
A second display control means is provided for displaying detailed information related to the notification information on at least one display unit of the plurality of display units excluding the one or more display units during the display of the notification information.

Further, the invention of claim 4 is an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of display sections each having a different function, and (a) help display command means for commanding display of help information, and (b)
Display control means for displaying help information about the specific display unit itself on the specific display unit of the plurality of display units in response to the help information display command.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the plurality of display sections include an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting an eyepiece. Means, (b-1) when the eyepiece is detected by the eyepiece detection means in a state where the help information is displayed, a means for setting the electronic viewfinder as the specific display unit, and (b- 2) The electronic viewfinder has means for displaying help information regarding eyepiece detection.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment><Structure of Main Parts of Digital Camera> FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a digital camera 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 corresponds to a front view, FIG. 2 corresponds to a top view, and FIG. 3 corresponds to a rear view. These figures do not necessarily follow the trigonometric projection, and the digital camera 1A
The main purpose is to conceptually exemplify the configuration of the main part.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1A
Is a lens group with macro function (hereinafter,
An image pickup unit 3 including a (also simply referred to as “lens”) 30 is provided. Further, the digital camera 1A has a zoom function, and the photographing magnification can be changed by rotating the zoom ring 33 or the like. Further, the digital camera 1A includes a macro switching lever 34, and can switch between macro shooting and normal shooting. A shutter button 9 is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 1A.

On the upper surface of the digital camera 1A, there is provided a mode switching dial 14 for switching and setting a camera mode, that is, a "shooting mode", a "playback mode", a "setting mode" and a "communication mode". The photographing mode is a mode for taking a picture, and the reproduction mode is a mode for reproducing and displaying the photographed image data recorded in the memory card 8 on a rear LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 10. The setting mode is digital camera 1A.
The communication mode is a mode in which data is transferred to an external personal computer 225 or the like via a USB terminal 226 provided on the side surface of the digital camera 1A. Further, a data panel (upper panel) 36 is further provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 1A, and the data panel 36 displays the setting status of the camera and the like.

Furthermore, on the upper surface of the digital camera 1A,
A dial 17 is provided for changing various settings.

A function dial 15 and a function button 16 for setting and changing shooting conditions and shooting methods are provided above the side surface of the digital camera 1A. In the shooting mode, the function dial 15 is rotated. By selecting an item and pressing the function button 16, the shooting condition or shooting method of the selected item is set.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the left rear side of the digital camera 1A, a liquid crystal display (rear LCD) 10 for performing live view display of captured images and reproduction display of recorded images and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). ) 20 and. This rear LCD 10 and EVF 2
At 0, color image display is performed. In addition, EVF2
0 has a display screen smaller than that of the rear LCD 10 and includes an eye sensor 201 for eyepiece detection (detailed later).

A control button 35 including cursor buttons (cross keys) U, D, L, R and an execution button 32 is provided on the right side of the rear surface of the digital camera 1A. The operation is performed.

A menu button 37 is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1A. This menu button 37
When is pressed, various menus are displayed on the rear LCD.
It is displayed on 10. By operating the control button 35 on the displayed menu screen,
Similar to the case of selecting the setting mode with the mode switching dial 14, various settings for the digital camera 1A are possible.

A quick view button 38 is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1A. When the quick view button 38 is pressed after shooting in the shooting mode, the latest shooting result (still image) is displayed on the rear surface LC.
Displayed on D10 or EVF20 (quick view display). Further, from that state, the control button 35
The selected image can be deleted by the operation of and the pressing of the quick view button 38.

On the rear surface of the digital camera 1A, a display switching button (hereinafter also referred to as "i button") 39,
An annular display switching lever 31 arranged to surround the display switching button 39 and a video output terminal 222 are provided. The display switching button 39 serves as both an information display button for displaying predetermined information and a help button for displaying help information. The display of information and the display of help information can be selectively switched. The display switching lever 31 is
It is a lever for switching the display of the rear LCD 10 and the display of the EVF 20, and the like. The video output terminal 222 is a terminal for connecting to the external monitor 223 via a communication line.

A memory slot 81 into which the memory card 8 can be inserted and installed is provided on the side surface of the digital camera 1A.

<Functional Block of Digital Camera 1A> FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the digital camera 1A. In the figure, the CCD 303 has 1280 × 960 pixels, and the optical image of the subject formed by the lens group 30 is
Image signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components (signals composed of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel) are photoelectrically converted and output. Timing generator 314
Are for generating various timing pulses for controlling the driving of the CCD 303.

The exposure control in the image pickup unit 3 is performed by the lens drive unit 306, the aperture of the lens group 30, and the exposure amount of the CCD 303, that is, the CCD 3 corresponding to the shutter speed.
This is performed by adjusting the charge storage time of 03. Here, if an appropriate shutter speed cannot be set when the subject brightness is low, an inappropriate exposure due to insufficient exposure is corrected by adjusting the level of the image signal output from the CCD 303. That is, when the luminance is low, exposure control is performed by combining the aperture, the shutter speed, and the gain adjustment of the signal processing circuit 313.

The timing generator 314 controls the CCD 3 based on the reference clock transmitted from the overall controller 211.
03 drive control signal. The timing generator 314 generates a clock signal such as a timing signal of start / end of integration (start / end of exposure) and a read control signal (horizontal synchronizing signal, vertical synchronizing signal, transfer signal, etc.) of a light receiving signal of each pixel. , To the CCD 303.

The signal processing circuit 313 subjects the image signal (analog signal) output from the CCD 303 to predetermined analog signal processing. This signal processing circuit 313
Has a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit and an AGC (auto gain control) circuit. The CDS circuit performs noise reduction processing on the image signal, and the AGC circuit adjusts the gain to adjust the level of the image signal. To do.

The A / D converter 205 converts each pixel signal of the image signal into a 12-bit digital signal. The A / D converter 205 converts each pixel signal (analog signal) into a 12-bit digital signal based on the A / D conversion clock input from the timing generation circuit.

The WB (white balance) circuit 207 is
The level of pixel data of each color component of R, G, B is converted. The WB circuit 207 is provided in the overall control unit 21.
R, G, B using the level conversion table stored in 1.
The level of the pixel data of each color component is converted. The parameters (gradient of characteristics) of each color component of the level conversion table are set automatically or manually for each captured image by the overall control unit 211. The γ correction circuit 208 is
The gradation of pixel data is corrected.

The color conversion / color correction circuit 231 applies, for example, YC to the image data input from the γ correction circuit 208.
The color space is converted to the rCb system to perform color correction to improve color reproducibility.

The resolution conversion unit 232 generates image data (320 × 240 pixels) obtained by thinning out the image data acquired by the CCD 303 to ¼ during live view shooting.

The AF evaluation value calculation unit 233 performs an evaluation value calculation operation for performing contrast AF when the shutter button 9 is half pressed (S1).
Here, with respect to the data corresponding to the AF area in the captured image data, an evaluation value that is the sum of absolute values of differences between adjacent pixels is calculated. And the lens group 30
Is driven, and the lens position having the highest evaluation value is set as the in-focus position. As a result, the lens group 3 with respect to the AF area
Since 0 is driven for focusing, it is possible to focus on the main subject.

In the photometric calculation unit 234, the resolution conversion unit 23
The image data output from 2 is, for example, 300 (20 × 1
5) It is possible to perform multi-division photometry by dividing into blocks and calculating photometry data for each block.

The image memory 209 is a memory for temporarily storing the image data (still image) acquired by the CCD 303 and subjected to the above image processing. Image memory 20
9 has a storage capacity of at least several frames. That is, the image memory 209 has at least a storage capacity of 1280 × 960 pixels of pixel data corresponding to the number of pixels of CCD 303, and each pixel data is stored in a corresponding pixel position.

The EVF / LCD switching unit 235 sets the display switching lever 31 or the eye contact detecting unit 202.
Based on the eyepiece detection by the rear LCD 10 and EVF2
The display is switched to 0.

When the digital camera 1A is in the photographing standby state,
Each pixel signal of the image captured by the CCD 303 every 1/30 (second) is converted from the A / D converter 205 to the resolution converter 23.
After the predetermined signal processing is performed by 2, the overall control unit 21
1 is transferred to the EVF / LCD switching unit 235 via 1 and displayed on the rear LCD 10 or the EVF 20 (live view display). As a result, the user can visually recognize the subject image captured by the CCD 303. Further, in the reproduction mode, after the image read from the memory card 8 is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the overall control unit 211, the EVF
It is transferred to the / LCD switching unit 235 and the rear LCD 10 or E
It is reproduced and displayed on the VF 20.

The card I / F 212 has a memory slot 8
1 is an interface for reading and writing image data and audio data to and from the memory card 8 attached to the memory card 1. In reading / writing image data from / to the memory card 8, a still image is compressed / expanded by the compression / expansion unit 236 by, for example, the JPEG method.

The USB I / F 224 is a U for enabling communication with an external personal computer 225.
It is a communication interface conforming to the SB standard. The control program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM set in the memory card 8 or the personal computer 225 via the card I / F 212 and the USB I / F 224 is stored in the ROM 21 of the overall control unit 211.
It can be captured in 1b.

The eyepiece detection unit 202 has the above-mentioned eye sensor 201, and the user looks into the EVF 20 and looks at the EVF.
This is a part for detecting whether the eyepiece 20 is approached (approached). The eyepiece detection will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining eyepiece detection.

The eye sensor 201 has a pair of light emitting element and light receiving element. Then, the output light LS emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the eyes of the user, and the reflected light LR
When is detected by the light receiving element, the eyepiece is detected.

The operation section 250 is a section for receiving an operation input from the user, and is the shutter button 9, the display switching lever 31, and the function dial 1 described above.
5, various buttons such as the function button 16, the dial 17, the control button 35, and the quick view button 38, and the lever.

The shutter button 9 is pressed halfway (S
It is a two-step switch that can detect 1) and the pressed state (S2). When the shutter button 9 is set to the S1 state in the standby state, the lens drive for AF is started,
While the AF evaluation value calculation unit 233 evaluates the contrast of the image, the lens is driven and stopped so that the contrast becomes the highest. On the other hand, press the shutter button 9 to S2.
In this state, the image data acquired by the CCD 303 and subjected to the image processing is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 236, and the thumbnail image is generated by the overall control unit 211. Then, the generated image data and the thumbnail image data are stored in the image memory 209 and then converted into an image file and recorded in the memory card 8 via the card I / F 212.

The external monitor I / F 221 is an EVF / LC.
If the image data transferred from the D switching unit 235 is, for example, N
An interface that converts signals into the TSC system,
The image signal is transmitted to the external monitor 223 via the video output terminal 222.

The overall control unit 211 includes a CPU acting as a microcomputer, a RAM 211a and a ROM 21.
1b, and organically controls the driving of each member of the above-mentioned camera to integrally control the operation of the digital camera 1A.

Further, the ROM 211b of the overall control unit 211
The help information to be described later is stored in. Based on this help information, in response to the user's operation on the display switching button 39, help display on the rear LCD 10 or the like becomes possible.

<Operation of Digital Camera 1A> FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram for explaining the basic operation of the digital camera 1A. This operation is executed by the control unit 211.

In the state ST1, the EVF 20 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the rear LCD 10 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, on the rear LCD 10, a display corresponding to the camera mode, for example, the mode switching dial 1
If the shooting mode is set in 4, image display such as live view display is performed. Here, the eyepiece detection unit 202
When the eyepiece is detected at, the state shifts to state ST2, and when the display switching button (i button) 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST3.

In the state ST2, the rear LCD 10 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the EVF 20 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, in the EVF 20, the state ST
Similar to the rear LCD 10 of No. 1, only the image corresponding to the camera mode is displayed. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 does not detect the eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST1, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST4.

In the state ST3, the EVF 20 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the rear LCD 10 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, on the rear LCD 10, a display corresponding to the camera mode, for example, the mode switching dial 1
If the shooting mode is set in 4, the information display IG such as the display IGa indicating the selected camera mode and the display IGb indicating the number of shootable images is displayed together with the live view image LG as shown in FIG. 7A. Is done. Note that FIG.
In (a), the rear surface of the digital camera 1A is conceptually shown. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST4, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST5.

In the state ST4, the rear LCD 10 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the EVF 20 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, in the EVF 20, the state ST
Similar to the rear LCD 10 of 3, the display according to the camera mode, that is, the image display and the information display are performed. Here, when the eyepiece is not detected by the eyepiece detector 202,
If the i button 39 is pressed after shifting to the state ST3, the state shifts to the state ST2.

In the state ST5, the EVF 20 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the rear LCD 10 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, on the rear LCD 10,
The help mode is displayed, that is, the explanation about the last operation performed by the user (excluding the operation on the display switching button 39) is performed. For example, the display switching button 39 immediately after the operation of selecting the portrait mode in the shooting mode.
When is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7B, help information (operation help information) H for explaining the portrait mode is displayed.
1 is displayed on the rear LCD 10. That is, the state ST
When the help display function is activated by pressing the display switching button 39 in step 3 and the help display function is activated, the help information according to the operation input received from the user is displayed on the rear LCD 10. Becomes Here, the content of the last operation (the latest operation input information) is stored in the RAM 211a of the overall control unit 211, and the help information on the immediately previous operation can be displayed by reading this.

In the state ST5, when the eyepiece detecting unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to the state ST4, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to the state ST6.

In the state ST6, the EVF 20 is off, that is, the non-display state, and the rear LCD 10 is on, that is, the display state. In this case, in the rear LCD 10, the second
Display of help mode, that is, help menu (function help information) H2 such as instruction manual of digital camera 1A
(See FIG. 7C) is displayed. This help menu H2
Is larger than the help information H1 in the state ST5,
By pressing the display switching button 39, the amount of help information increases step by step. Therefore, it is convenient for the user who wants to obtain help information, and the human interface is improved. Here, the eyepiece detector 2
When the eyepiece is detected in 02, the state is changed to ST4, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state is changed to ST1.

By the above operation of the digital camera 1A,
By operating the display switching button 39, it is possible to display on the rear LCD 10 help information and the like regarding the immediately previous operation.
Help information can be appropriately provided on the display unit.

Further, in the digital camera 1A, when the eyepiece is detected in the state ST5 and when the eyepiece is detected in the state ST6, the state shifts to the state ST4, and the display control immediately after the eyepiece detection is substantially the same. Has become. As a result, the display can be switched without causing the user to feel uncomfortable.

<Second Embodiment> A digital camera 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.
(See FIGS. 1 to 4), but the control unit 211 is different.

That is, the control unit 2 of the digital camera 1B
11, the program for executing the operation described below is stored in the ROM 211b.

<Operation of Digital Camera 1B> FIG. 8 is a state transition diagram for explaining the basic operation of the digital camera 1B.

States ST11 to ST14 are operating states similar to states ST1 to ST4 shown in the state transition diagram of FIG.

In the state ST15, the state ST5 shown in FIG.
Similarly, the EVF 20 is off, the rear LCD 10 is on, and the first help mode as shown in FIG. 7B is set. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the EVF 20 is designated as the designated display unit and the state ST1 is set.
When the i button 39 is pressed after shifting to step 6, the state ST1
Move to 7.

In the state ST16, the rear LCD 10 is off and the EVF 20 is on. In this case, EVF
20 describes the eyepiece detection function, that is, the EVF.
20 Help information of itself is displayed. Here, when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST12, and when the eyepiece detection unit 202 brings the eyepiece into a non-detection state, the state shifts to state ST15 as described below.

In the state ST16, the digital camera 1
When the user's operation is performed on B, the information regarding the latest operation input is displayed in the RAM 211 of the overall control unit 211.
RAM 211a when the eyepiece is not detected
Based on the information recorded in (1), help information regarding the latest operation input is displayed on rear LCD 10 (state ST15). On the other hand, when the digital camera 1B is not operated, the rear LCD 10 is designated as the designated display unit when the eyepiece is in the non-detection state, and the explanation about the eyepiece detection function is displayed on the rear LCD 10 (state ST15). .

In the state ST17, the state ST6 shown in FIG.
Similarly, the EVF 20 is off, the rear LCD 10 is on, and the second help mode as shown in FIG. 7C is set. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST18, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST11.

In state ST18, rear LCD 10 is off and EVF 20 is on. In this case,
The help menu H2 displayed on the rear LCD 10 in (c)
Is displayed on the EVF 20. Here, the eyepiece detection unit 20
When the eyepiece is in the non-detection state in 2, the state shifts to state ST17, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST12.

By the above operation of the digital camera 1B,
By operating the display switching button 39 or detecting the eyepiece, the rear surface LC
Since various kinds of help information can be displayed on the D10 and the EVF 20, the help information can be appropriately provided on the plurality of display units.

In the digital camera 1B, when the eyepiece is detected in the state ST15, the state shifts to the state ST16 which displays help information different from the state ST15, and when the eyepiece is detected in the state ST17, the state ST17.
The state shifts to the state ST18 where the same help information is displayed, and the display control immediately after the eyepiece detection is different. As a result, appropriate help information can be provided depending on the situation, so that the human interface is improved.

<Third Embodiment> A digital camera 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.
(See FIGS. 1 to 4), but the control unit 211 is different.

That is, the control unit 2 of the digital camera 1C
11, the program for executing the operation described below is stored in the ROM 211b.

<Operation of Digital Camera 1C> FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram for explaining the basic operation of the digital camera 1C.

States ST21 to ST24 are similar to the states ST1 to ST4 shown in the state transition diagram of FIG.

In the state ST25, the state ST5 shown in FIG.
Similarly, the EVF 20 is off, the rear LCD 10 is on, and the first help mode as shown in FIG. 7B is set. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the help display is canceled and the state shifts to the state ST26.
When the button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to the state ST27.

In the state ST26, the rear LCD 10 is off and the EVF 20 is on. In this case, EVF
At 20, as in the state ST2 shown in FIG. 6, only the image corresponding to the camera mode is displayed. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 brings the eyepiece into a non-detection state, the state ST25
When the i button 39 is pressed, the status is ST28.
Move to.

In the state ST27, the state ST6 shown in FIG.
Similarly, the EVF 20 is off, the rear LCD 10 is on, and the second help mode as shown in FIG. 7C is set. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the help display is canceled and the state shifts to state ST28, where i
When the button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to the state ST21.

In the state ST28, the rear LCD 10 is off and the EVF 20 is on. In this case, EVF
In 20, the display according to the camera mode is performed as in the state ST4 shown in FIG. Here, the eyepiece detection unit 202
When the eyepiece becomes a non-detection state in, transition to state ST27,
When the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to ST26.

By the above operation of the digital camera 1C,
By operating the display switching button 39, it is possible to display on the rear LCD 10 help information and the like regarding the immediately previous operation.
Help information can be appropriately provided on the display unit.

In the states ST25 and ST27 shown in FIG. 9, the help information may be displayed on the rear LCD 10 and the EVF 10 may be displayed according to the camera mode. Thereby, the information of the camera mode can be provided to the user, and the help information can be displayed on the rear LCD 10 having a large display screen, which facilitates the visual recognition.

<Fourth Embodiment> A digital camera 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.
(See FIGS. 1 to 4), but the control unit 211 is different.

That is, the control unit 2 of the digital camera 1D
11, the program for executing the operation described below is stored in the ROM 211b.

<Operation of Digital Camera 1D> FIG.
It is a state transition diagram for explaining a basic operation of the digital camera 1D. In the operation of this digital camera 1D,
The point that necessary information is displayed on the data panel 36 is different from the above digital cameras 1A to 1C.

In the state ST31, the rear LCD 10 is on and the EVF 20 is off, and the data panel 36 displays the state of the digital camera 1D such as the number of shootable images. In this case, the rear LCD 10 displays a display according to the camera mode, for example, a live view image if the shooting mode is set by the mode switching dial 14. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST32, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST33.

In the state ST32, the rear LCD 10 is off and the EVF 20 is on, and the state of the digital camera 1D such as the number of shootable images is displayed on the data panel 36. In this case, in the EVF 20, the above-mentioned state ST3
Similar to 1, the image display according to the camera mode is performed. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 does not detect the eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST31, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST34.

In state ST33, rear LCD 10 is on, EVF 20 is off, and the state of digital camera 1D is displayed on data panel 36. In this case, the back L
In the CD 10, a display according to the camera mode, for example, if the shooting mode is set by the mode switching dial 14, the information display IG is performed together with the live view image LG as shown in FIG. 7A. Here, the eyepiece detection unit 202
When the eyepiece is detected at, the state is changed to state ST34, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state is changed to state ST31. Further, when the setting mode is selected by the mode switching dial 14, the state transits to the state ST35.

In state ST34, rear LCD 10 is off, EVF 20 is on, and the state of digital camera 1D is displayed on data panel 36. In this case, EVF
In 20, the display according to the camera mode, that is, the information display together with the live view image and the like is performed as in the rear LCD 10 in the state ST33. Here, the eyepiece detection unit 20
When the eyepiece is in the non-detection state in 2, the state moves to state ST33, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST32. Further, when the setting mode is selected by the mode switching dial 14, the state transits to the state ST36.

In the state ST35, the rear LCD 10 is on, the EVF 20 is off, and the state of the digital camera 1D is displayed on the data panel 36. That is, FIG.
As shown in (a), the rear LCD 10 displays, for example, an image quality setting menu (setting item) MS, and the data panel 36 displays the camera state such as the number of shootable images. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST36, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST37. When a mode other than the set mode is selected by the mode switching dial 14, the state shifts to state ST33.

In state ST36, rear LCD 10 is off and EVF 20 is on, and the state of digital camera 1D is displayed on data panel 36. That is, FIG.
The setting menu MS on the rear LCD 10 shown in (a) is EVF.
20, the camera status display DS is displayed on the data panel 36. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 brings the eyepiece into a non-detection state, the state ST35
When the i button 39 is pressed after shifting to state ST38
Move to. When a mode other than the setting mode is selected by the mode switching dial 14, the state ST34
Transition to.

In the state ST37, the setting menu is displayed on the rear LCD 10, and the help content regarding the item selected in the setting menu is displayed on the EVF 20 and the data panel 36. Specifically, FIG. 11 (b)
As shown in, the rear LCD 10 displays, for example, an image quality setting menu MS, and the EVF 20 and the data panel 36 display help information (detailed information) H3 for the item "SFINE" selected in the menu MS. Will be displayed. That is, in the state ST35, the rear LCD
The display of the setting item displayed in 10 is not substantially changed, and the help information of the setting item is displayed on the EVF 20 and the data panel 36 while the setting item is being displayed. Here, when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST35. In the state ST37, the eyepiece detection unit 20
By disabling the function of 2, the state ST37 is maintained without shifting to the state ST38 or the like even when the eyepiece is detected. This is to avoid confusion for the user.

In the state ST38, the rear LCD 10 is off, the EVF 20 displays the setting menu, and the data panel 36 displays the help content regarding the item selected in the setting menu. That is, the setting menu MS shown in FIG. 11B is displayed on the EVF 20, and the help information H3 is displayed on the data panel 36. Here, when the i button 39 is pressed, the state ST3
Go to 6. In the state ST38, by disabling the function of the eyepiece detection unit 202, even if the eyepiece becomes a non-detection state, the state does not shift to the state ST37 or the like, and the state S
Maintain T38. This is to avoid confusion for the user.

By the above operation of the digital camera 1D,
By operating the display switching button 39, the help information regarding the setting menu can be displayed on the EVF 20 and the data panel 36 in parallel in time while the setting menu is being displayed, so that the help information can be appropriately provided on a plurality of display units.

<Fifth Embodiment> A digital camera 1E according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment.
(See FIGS. 1 to 4), but the control unit 211 is different.

That is, the control unit 2 of the digital camera 1E
11, the program for executing the operation described below is stored in the ROM 211b.

<Operation of Digital Camera 1E> FIG.
It is a state transition diagram for explaining a basic operation of the digital camera 1E. In the operation of this digital camera 1E,
The difference from the digital cameras 1A to 1D is that warning information corresponding to notification information to be notified to the user is displayed.

State ST41 and state ST42 are shown in FIG.
The operation state is the same as the state ST31 and the state ST32 shown in 0.

In the state ST43, the state ST shown in FIG.
Similar to 33, the rear LCD 10 is on, a display according to the camera mode is performed, and the EVF 20 is off.
The data panel 36 also displays the status of the digital camera 1E. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST44, and when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST41. When an abnormality occurs and a warning is issued, the state transits to state ST45.

In the state ST44, the state ST shown in FIG.
Similar to 34, the EVF 20 is turned on, a display according to the camera mode is performed, and the rear LCD 10 is turned off. Also,
On the data panel 36, the status of the digital camera 1E is displayed. Here, if the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects no eyepiece, the state shifts to state ST43, and if the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST42. When an abnormality occurs and a warning is issued, the state transitions to state ST46.

In state ST45, rear LCD 10 is on, EVF 20 is off, and the state of digital camera 1E is displayed on data panel 36. In this case, FIG.
As shown in (a), the rear LCD 10 displays, for example, a warning display (red display) A1 indicating that the number of recordable images is 0, and the number of recordable images is also 0 on the data panel 36.
A warning display (display accompanied by blinking) A2 indicating that the number of sheets is one is displayed. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects an eyepiece,
When the state is changed to ST46 and the i button 39 is pressed,
The process moves to the state ST47 where the warning information and its detailed information are displayed. Further, when the warning is canceled by replacing the memory card or the like, the state transits to the state ST43.

In state ST46, rear LCD 10 is off and EVF 20 is on, and the state of digital camera 1D is displayed on data panel 36. In this case, FIG.
The warning display A1 on the rear LCD 10 shown in FIG.
The warning is displayed on the data panel 36 as well.
2 is displayed. Here, when the eyepiece detection unit 202 detects a non-eyepiece state, the state shifts to state ST45, and the i button 3
When 9 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST48. Further, when the warning is canceled by replacing the memory card or the like, the state transits to the state ST44.

In state ST47, rear LCD 10 and EVF 20 are on, and the state of digital camera 1E is displayed on data panel 36. In this case, FIG. 13 (b)
As shown in, the EVF 20 is provided with a warning display (red display) A1 indicating that the number of recordable images is 0, and the data panel 36 also displays a warning display indicating that the number of recordable images is 0.
(Display accompanied by blinking) A2 is performed, and the explanation (detailed information) H4 of the warning is displayed on the rear LCD 10 during the warning display. Here, when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to state ST45. Incidentally, the state ST47
In the above, by disabling the function of the eyepiece detection unit 202, the state ST47 is maintained without shifting to the state ST48 or the like even when the eyepiece is detected. This is to avoid confusion for the user. Further, the reason why the warning content is displayed on the rear LCD 10 is that it is easier to visually recognize it when it is displayed on a large-sized display unit.

In the state ST48, the state ST47 (see FIG.
As in (b), the EVF 20 displays a warning display A1, the rear LCD 10 displays a description of the warning, and the data panel 36 displays a warning display A2. Here, when the i button 39 is pressed, the state shifts to the state ST46. In the state ST48,
Even if the eyepiece is in the non-detection state by disabling the function of the eyepiece detection unit 202, the state does not shift to ST47 or the like,
The state ST48 is maintained. This is to avoid confusion for the user.

By the above operation of the digital camera 1E,
The rear LCD 10 and the EVF 20 can display the warning and the description thereof in parallel in time, so that the warning information can be appropriately provided on the plurality of display units.

In the digital camera 1E of this embodiment, dialog information may be displayed instead of the warning information. Also in this case, the rear LCD 10 and the EVF 20 can display the dialog and the description of the contents thereof, so that the dialog information can be appropriately provided on the plurality of display units.

<Modification> ◎ The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.

(1) Information display command means for commanding the display of predetermined information is further provided, and the operation section has one button for selectively activating the help display command means and the information display command means. An imaging device characterized by.

As a result, the operability is improved.

(2) The operation section has one button for activating the help display commanding means, and the help information is composed of operation help information regarding the operation of the image pickup apparatus and function help information regarding the function of the image pickup apparatus. The image pickup apparatus is provided with a switching unit that switches between operation help information and function help information in response to an operation input to the one button.

As a result, it becomes easy to switch between the operation help information and the function help information.

(3) The operation help information has a smaller amount of information than the function help information, and the display control means has means for displaying the operation help information immediately after the help display command means is activated. Imaging device.

As a result, since the amount of help information increases step by step, the human interface improves.

(4) Eyepiece detection means for detecting eyepieces is provided, and eyepiece detection means detects eyepieces when operation help information is displayed, and eyepiece detection means when function help information is displayed. An image pickup apparatus characterized in that display control immediately after that is different when the means detects an eyepiece.

As a result, appropriate information can be provided according to the situation, and the human interface is improved.

(5) An eyepiece detecting means for detecting eyepieces is provided, and the eyepiece detecting means detects the eyepiece in the state where the operation help information is displayed, and the eyepiece detecting means when the function help information is displayed. An image pickup apparatus characterized in that the display control immediately after that is substantially the same regardless of whether or not the detection means detects an eyepiece.

As a result, it is possible to switch the display without feeling awkward to the user.

(6) The plurality of display portions are composed of the first display portion and the second display portion having a display screen smaller than that of the first display portion, and the display control means is provided when a help information display command is issued. The image pickup apparatus includes means for displaying help information on the first display unit and displaying information according to the mode of the image pickup apparatus on the second display unit.

As a result, the help information is displayed on the large display portion of the display screen, which facilitates visual recognition.

(7) The plurality of display portions include a top panel,
When the display of help information is disabled, specific information is displayed on the top panel, and when the display of help information is activated, detailed information about the setting information of the imaging device is displayed on the top panel. An imaging device characterized by.

As a result, the top panel can be effectively used.

(8) The plurality of display sections include an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting an eyepiece,
The display control means includes means for disabling the eyepiece detection means when the display of the help information is activated.

As a result, even when the help information is displayed on the electronic viewfinder, the display is not switched according to the eyepiece detection, so that the user can be prevented from being confused.

(9) Display control responding to the eyepiece detection is performed by the eyepiece detecting means for detecting the eyepiece, the state in which the help display command means is activated, and the state in which the help display command means is disabled. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a changing unit.

As a result, optimum display control can be performed according to the presence or absence of help display.

(10) Warning display starting means for starting the display of the warning information, and in the warning display, the warning information is displayed on one or more display sections of the plurality of display sections, and the one or more display sections are excluded. At least one of the plurality of display units
And a unit for displaying detailed information on the warning information on the display unit.

With this, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of the warning and the reason for the warning easily by using the plurality of display sections.

(11) The plurality of display sections are composed of a liquid crystal display and an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting eyepieces. When displaying detailed information on one or more display sections, the eyepiece detecting means is used. An imaging device characterized by disabling.

As a result, even when the content of the warning is displayed, the display is not switched according to the eyepiece detection, so that the user can be prevented from being confused.

(12) The plurality of display portions are composed of a liquid crystal display and an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting eyepieces, and only display warning information and display warning information and detailed information. An image pickup device characterized in that display control is changed in response to eye detection.

As a result, optimum display control can be performed according to the display of the warning information.

(13) First display control means for displaying dialog information on one or more of the plurality of display units, and a plurality of display units excluding the one or more display units during the display of the dialog information. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a second display control unit that displays detailed information regarding the dialog information on at least one of the display units.

With this, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of the dialog and the contents of the dialog easily by using the plurality of display sections.

(14) The plurality of display portions are composed of a liquid crystal display and an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detecting means for detecting eyepieces, and the eyepiece detecting means are used when displaying dialog information on one or more display portions. An imaging device characterized by being disabled.

As a result, when the content description of the dialog is displayed, the display is not switched according to the eyepiece detection, so that the user can be prevented from being confused.

(15) The plurality of display sections are composed of a liquid crystal display and an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detection means for detecting eyepieces, and only display dialog information or display dialog information and description. An image pickup apparatus characterized in that display control is changed in response to eye detection.

As a result, optimum display control can be performed according to the display of the dialog information.

(16) The display control means is provided with one button for receiving an operation input, and the display control means displays the notification information on one or more display units before the operation input for the one button is performed, and the above-mentioned one. An image pickup apparatus comprising: means for displaying the notification information on the one or more display units and displaying detailed information on at least the one display unit after an operation input to the button is performed.

As a result, the detailed information is displayed only when necessary for the notification information, so that the convenience is improved.

(17) The plurality of display sections include an upper panel, and the image pickup apparatus is provided with means for displaying a state relating to the image pickup apparatus on the upper panel.

Thus, together with the display of the notification information and the detailed information, the reason for the occurrence of the notification information can be easily understood.

(18) The plurality of display sections include a liquid crystal display, and the display control means is means for setting the liquid crystal display as the specific display section when the eyepiece detection means does not detect the eyepiece. An image pickup apparatus comprising means for displaying help information regarding eyepiece detection on a liquid crystal display.

As a result, when the eyepiece is not detected, the help information regarding the eyepiece detection is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and the visibility is improved.

(19) The plurality of display sections include a liquid crystal display and an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detection means for detecting eyepieces, and the display control means is in a state where the eyepiece detection means detects the eyepieces. When the operation input is performed with, the recording unit that records the information related to the latest operation input, and the help information about the latest operation input when the eyepiece is not detected by the eyepiece detection unit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a means for displaying on a liquid crystal display.

Thus, when the eyepiece is in the non-detection state, the help information regarding the latest operation information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display, and the human interface is improved.

[0140]

As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, in response to the help information display command, a plurality of pieces of help information corresponding to the operation input received by the operation unit are displayed. Since the information is displayed on at least one of the display units, the help information can be appropriately provided on the plurality of display units.

Particularly, in the invention of claim 2, when the help information is displayed in the state where the setting items are displayed on the predetermined display portion, the setting items are substantially displayed on the predetermined display portion. The help information regarding the setting item is displayed on at least one of the plurality of display units except the predetermined display unit without changing. As a result, the operation related to setting can be performed easily and surely.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when notifying the user of the notification information, the first display control means for displaying the notification information on one or more of the plurality of display sections, and the notification While displaying the information, the detailed information regarding the notification information is displayed in at least one of the plurality of display units excluding the one or more display units.
Second display control means for displaying on the display section of. As a result, the notification information can be appropriately provided on the plurality of display units.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 4 and 5, in order to display the help information on the specific display unit itself in the specific display unit among the plurality of display units in response to the help information display command, Help information can be appropriately provided on a plurality of display units.

In particular, in the invention of claim 5, when the eyepiece detecting means detects the eyepiece in the state where the help information is displayed, the electronic viewfinder is set as the specific display section and the eyepiece is attached to the electronic viewfinder. Help information about detection is displayed so that you can easily understand the special functions related to the electronic viewfinder.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a digital camera 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a front view which shows the principal part structure of A.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a main configuration of a digital camera 1A.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the main configuration of the digital camera 1A.

FIG. 4 is a digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a functional block diagram of A.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining eyepiece detection.

FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram for explaining a basic operation of the digital camera 1A.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1A.

FIG. 8 is a digital camera 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a state transition diagram for demonstrating the basic operation | movement of B.

FIG. 9 is a digital camera 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
It is a state transition diagram for demonstrating the basic operation | movement of C.

FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram for explaining a basic operation of the digital camera 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1D.

FIG. 12 is a state transition diagram for explaining a basic operation of the digital camera 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1E.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E digital cameras 10 Rear LCD 14 Mode switching dial 20 Electronic viewfinder (EVF) 39 Display switching button (i button) 201 eye sensor 202 Eyepiece detector 211 Overall control unit A1, A2 warning display DS camera status display H1 and H3 help information H2 help menu H4 Warning content explanation IG information display MS setting menu

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An imaging device having a plurality of display units, comprising: (a) an operation unit that receives an operation input; (b) a help display command unit that commands the display of help information; and (c) the help information. Display control means for displaying the help information corresponding to the operation input received by the operation unit on at least one display unit of the plurality of display units in response to the display command. A characteristic imaging device. 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein (d) a setting item display control means for displaying a setting item relating to the image pickup device on a predetermined display portion of the plurality of display portions, ) When the help information is displayed in a state where the setting items are displayed on the predetermined display unit, the display of the setting items on the predetermined display unit is not substantially changed, and the predetermined information is displayed. An image pickup apparatus, further comprising: a unit that displays help information regarding the setting item on at least one display unit of the plurality of display units excluding the display unit. 3. An imaging device having a plurality of display units, wherein (a) when notifying the user of the notification information, the notification information is displayed on one or more of the plurality of display units. A first display control means, and (b) displaying detailed information related to the notification information on at least one display unit of the plurality of display units excluding the one or more display units while displaying the notification information. 2 display control means, and an imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. An imaging device having a plurality of display units each having a different function, comprising: (a) help display command means for instructing to display help information; and (b) in response to the help information display command. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display control unit that displays help information about the specific display unit itself on the specific display unit of the plurality of display units. 5. The image pickup device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of display units include an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece detection unit that detects an eyepiece, and the display control unit is (b-1). When eye contact is detected by the eye contact detection means in a state where the help information is displayed, means for setting the electronic viewfinder as the specific display section, (b-2) in the electronic viewfinder, And a unit for displaying help information regarding eyepiece detection.