JP2005223710A - Image pickup device, control method thereof, image pickup system, information processor, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device, a control method thereof, an image pickup system, an information processor, a program, and a storage device, which allow a user to select whether a selection position of a menu should be stored or not and whether execution confirmation should be performed or not. <P>SOLUTION: An image pickup device 100 is provided with a CPU 103, imaging devices 102 connected to the CPU 103, a secondary storage device 105, a storage medium 106, a display device 107, a cross button 108, a communication device 109, a determination button 110, a shortcut button 111, and a menu button 112, and the cross button 108, the determination button 110, the shortcut button 111, and the menu button 112 constitute an operation device 120. When the determination button 110 is depressed, a transfer confirmation picture 302 is displayed without recording a selection record. When the shortcut button 111 is depressed, a selection record is recorded, and the transfer confirmation picture 302 is not displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, an imaging system, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium, and more particularly, an imaging apparatus having a function of transferring captured image data to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, an imaging system, The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium.

  A conventional imaging system includes a digital camera and a computer that can be connected to each other. When an image taken by a user with a digital camera is transferred to a computer, the digital camera and the computer are connected, and the transfer operation is performed from the computer.

On the other hand, the digital camera is provided with a liquid crystal display and some buttons, and the user can call up the menu and perform various settings by operating these buttons. An example of the operation at this time is
1. Press the [MENU] button to call up the setting menu.

  2. Operate the cross button to move the display indicating the menu item to be selected to the item to be selected (hereinafter, this display operation is called “focus”. ""

  3. Press the [SET] button to determine the focused item.

4). The function corresponding to the determined item is executed.
(For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Depending on the model of the digital camera, there are menus that do not store the last selected state and those that store the menu. The former always focuses on a default item, for example, the top item when the menu is displayed. In the latter case, when the menu is displayed, the previously selected item is in focus. For example, if the second item from the top is selected last time, the next time the menu is displayed, The second item is in focus.

  The former has the advantage of being easy to understand because the focused item is always constant when the menu is displayed, whereas the latter has the advantage that if you select a particular item well, that item from the beginning. There is an advantage that there is a high possibility that the focus is in focus, and the effort to move the focus can be saved.

In addition, when an item is selected from the menu, it may be confirmed whether or not the function is actually executed. The user selects [OK] to execute, or [Cancel] to cancel. This confirmation is performed mainly for functions that involve the risk of losing data, such as erasing all images.
JP-A-11-272389

  As described above, the above two methods have different advantages, but it is not possible to determine which one of them is suitable depending on the user and usage situation. There is a disadvantage that one must be selected.

  In addition, the confirmation of execution when an item is selected from the menu has the advantage of improving safety, but also has the disadvantage of increasing the operation effort.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that allows a user to select whether or not to store a menu selection position and whether or not to confirm execution, a control method therefor, an imaging system, an information processing device, a program, and It is to provide a storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, a display for displaying a menu, a menu determination button for determining a menu displayed on the display, and a menu for storing the determined menu. In an imaging apparatus comprising storage means, execution confirmation means for confirming whether or not to execute the determined menu, and a shortcut button for omitting the confirmation by the execution confirmation means, the menu determination button is pressed When the shortcut confirmation button is pressed, the execution confirmation unit is caused to execute the confirmation without storing the determined menu in the menu storage unit, and the determined menu is stored in the menu storage unit. Control means for storing and not causing the execution confirmation means to execute the confirmation.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the first aspect, the display device transfers image data from the imaging device to an external device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the display device is activated by a menu display command from an external device.

  The imaging device according to claim 4 is the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shortcut button is turned on when the shortcut button is valid, and is turned off or blinked when the shortcut button is not valid. It is characterized by doing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is an information processing apparatus connected to the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and is transferred from the imaging apparatus. Image acquisition means for acquiring the acquired image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging system according to a sixth aspect includes the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 7 is a display for displaying a menu, a menu display button for displaying a menu on the display, and a menu for determining the displayed menu. An imaging apparatus control method comprising a determination button and a shortcut button for shortcuting an execution confirmation step, wherein a menu storage step for storing the determined menu and confirmation as to whether or not to execute the selected menu And when the menu decision button is pressed, the confirmation is executed in the execution confirmation step without storing the determined menu in the menu storage step, and the shortcut button is pressed. When the determined menu is stored in the menu storing step And a controlling step of in serial execution confirmation step does not execute the confirmation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the program according to claim 8 includes a display for displaying a menu, a menu display button for displaying a menu on the display, a menu determination button for determining the displayed menu, A program that causes a computer to execute a control method of an imaging apparatus that includes a shortcut button that shortcuts an execution confirmation module, the menu storage module storing the determined menu, and whether to execute the selected menu When the menu confirmation button is pressed and the execution confirmation module is confirmed, the execution confirmation module executes the confirmation without storing the determined menu in the menu storage module, and the shortcut button is pressed. The determined menu Characterized in that to execute a control module which does not execute the confirmation to the execution confirmation module is stored in the menu memory module to the computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to a ninth aspect stores the program according to the eighth aspect.

  An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, an information processing apparatus according to claim 5, an imaging system according to claim 6, a control method according to claim 7, a program according to claim 8, and a computer readable medium according to claim 9. According to the storage medium, when the menu determination button is pressed, the execution confirmation means is executed without storing the determined menu in the menu storage means, and when the shortcut button is pressed, it is determined. Since the menu is stored in the menu storage means and the execution confirmation means is not executed, the user can select whether to store the selected position of the menu and whether to confirm the execution.

  According to the imaging device of the fourth aspect, since the light is turned on when the shortcut button is valid and is turned off or blinking when the shortcut button is not valid, the user can easily check whether the menu selection position is stored. can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, for example, an imaging device 100 of a digital camera includes a CPU 103, an imaging device 102 connected to the CPU 103, a primary storage device 104, a secondary storage device 105 (menu storage means), a storage medium 106, a display 107, A cross button 108, a communication device 109, a determination button 110 (menu determination button), a shortcut button 111, and a menu button 112 are provided. The imaging device 100 also includes an optical system 101 connected to the imaging device 102. The cross button 108, the enter button 110, the shortcut button 111, and the menu button 112 constitute the operation device 120.

  The CPU 103 performs various calculations and controls each part of the imaging apparatus 100. The optical system 101 includes a lens, a shutter, and an aperture, and forms an image of light from a subject on the image sensor 102 with an appropriate amount and timing. The image sensor 102 converts light imaged through the optical system 101 into image data.

  The primary storage device 104 stores temporary data and is used for the work of the CPU 103. The secondary storage device 105 stores a program (firmware) for controlling the imaging device 100 and various setting information. The storage medium 106 stores captured image data and the like. After shooting, the storage medium 106 can be removed and attached to a personal computer or the like to read data. The display unit 107 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays a shot image, displays characters for interactive operation, displays a menu, and the like. The cross button 108 accepts input in the vertical and horizontal directions. The communication device 109 is connected to an information processing device 200 shown in FIG. 3 described later as an external device, and exchanges control commands and data. It does not matter whether the communication device 109 is wired or wireless, is connected directly to the information processing device 200, or is connected via a network.

  The decision button 110 and the shortcut button 111 are both for making a decision on the focused item in the menu, but there is a difference that the decided item is not stored in the former and the latter is stored. Further, the shortcut button 111 has a light emitting function, and indicates the reception state of the button by turning on, turning off, and blinking. In this light emitting function, the button itself shines, and a light emitting device may be provided at a location different from the button.

  When the menu item is determined by pressing the enter button 110, the item at that time is not stored, and the next time the menu is called, the same item as the previous item is displayed in focus. When the menu item is determined by pressing the shortcut button 111, the item at that time is stored, and the next time the menu is called, the item selected last time is displayed in focus.

  The menu button 112 has a function for calling the menu 301.

  FIGS. 2A to 2D are diagrams used to explain a display example of the display unit 107 in FIG.

  A menu display screen 301 in FIG. 2A represents a menu for selecting a function to be executed. The underlined item is the focused item. Move this focus to specify the item you want to select.

  The transfer confirmation screen 302 in FIG. 2B is a screen that prompts the user to confirm whether or not to perform the transfer. Displayed before executing a function of transferring a plurality of normal image data collectively such as [all images], [untransferred images], and [transmission designated images].

  A transfer-in-progress display screen 303 in FIG. 2C indicates that image data is currently being transferred. Usually displayed during execution of a function for transferring a plurality of image data collectively, such as [all images], [untransferred images], and [transmission designated images].

  An image selection screen 304 in FIG. 2D is a screen for designating transfer while viewing images one by one. Displayed when [Select and transfer images] or [PC background] is selected.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, for example, an information processing apparatus 200 of a computer includes a CPU 203, a display device 201, an operation device 202, a primary storage device 204, a secondary storage device 205, and a communication device 206 connected to the CPU 203.

  The CPU 203 controls various parts constituting the information processing apparatus 200 and various calculations. The display 201 displays characters, images, and the like. The operation device 202 receives a user's operation. The primary storage device 204 stores temporary data and is used for the work of the CPU 203. The secondary storage device 205 stores an operating system and various application programs for controlling the information processing device 200.

  The data referred to by the program in the imaging apparatus 100 includes previously selected record data, and this previously selected record data is a record of the item last selected in the menu 301. However, when an item is selected, it may or may not be stored as will be described later. Since the previous selection record is recorded in the secondary storage device 105, it is retained even after the power is turned off.

  In the following description, specific names are used as values stored in these variables and data, but actually, numerical values and characters corresponding to them are used.

  The imaging apparatus in FIG. 1 and the information processing apparatus in FIG. 3 constitute an imaging system. In this imaging system, when image transfer from the imaging device 100 to the information processing device 200 is performed, the imaging device 100 executes image transfer processing of FIGS. 4 to 6 described later. The image transfer process of FIG. 7 to be described later is executed in cooperation with the image transfer process of FIG.

  4 to 6 are flowcharts of image transfer processing executed by the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing in FIGS. 4 to 6 is performed by the CPU 103 executing a program stored in the secondary storage device 105 when the imaging device 100 is connected to the information processing device 200 in the imaging device 100.

  4, when a menu display request is received from the information processing apparatus 200 (YES in step S401), the previous selection record stored in the secondary storage device 105 is read (step S402), and the menu display screen 301 is displayed on the display 107. (Step S403), and the focus is displayed on the menu display screen 301 according to the previous selection record (Step S404). Next, the shortcut button 111 is turned on to indicate that this button can be operated (step S405), and the operation of the cross button 108 by the user is accepted (step S406). The focus display 301 is changed, and the focus display is moved up and down by the up and down input of the cross button 108 (step S407).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination button 110 has been pressed (step S408), and whether or not the shortcut button 111 has been pressed (step S409). As a result of each determination in steps S408 to S409, the determination button 110 is determined. Is not pressed (NO in step S408), and when the shortcut button 111 is pressed (YES in step S409), the focused item, that is, the selected item is recorded in the previous selection record (step S409). S410) (control means), the process proceeds to step S500 of FIG.

  If the determination button 110 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S408, the process proceeds to step S500 in FIG. 5 without executing the processing in steps S409 to S410. Also, as a result of the determination in step S409, the shortcut button 111 is When not pressed, the processes in steps S406 to S409 are repeated.

  In the subsequent step S500 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the selected item is [all images], [untransferred images] or [transmission designated images], and [all images], [untransferred images] or [ If it is not “transmission designated image”, it is determined whether it is “select and transfer image” or “background of personal computer” (step S501).

  As a result of each determination in steps S500 to S501, when the selected item is [all images], [untransferred images] or [transmission designated images] (YES in step S500), or [select and transfer images] or If it is other than [PC background] (NO in step S501), the shortcut button 111 is turned off (step S502).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the button pressed when selecting an item is the enter button 110 (step S503a). If it is the enter button 110, a transfer confirmation display screen is displayed (step S504), (Execution confirmation means, control means), and input of transfer confirmation is accepted by the cross button 108 and the decision button 110 (step S505), and it is determined whether or not the input content in step S505 is OK (step S506). This processing is immediately terminated, and if it is OK, the transfer display screen 303 is displayed on the display 107 (step S507), and the image data to be transferred is read from the storage medium 106 (step S508). The image data to be transferred is all image data for [All images], image data that has not yet been transferred for [Untransferred images], and a transmission designation list that has been designated for transmission in advance for [Transmission designated images]. Is added to the image data.

  Next, the image data read out in step S508 is transferred to the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication device 109 (step S509). When the transfer is completed (YES in step S510), this process ends.

  If the determination button 110 is not pressed as a result of the determination in step S503a, it is determined whether or not the shortcut button 111 is pressed (step S503b). If the shortcut button 111 is pressed, the processing in steps S504 to S506 is performed. Without execution, the process proceeds to step S507.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, if the selected item is [select and transfer image] or [personal computer background], the process proceeds to step S601 in FIG. 6 and an image selection screen 304 is displayed. When the right or left of the cross button 108 is not pressed (NO in step S602), the enter button 110 and the shortcut button 111 are not pressed (NO in steps S604 and S604b), and the menu button 112 is pressed (step S609). YES), the process proceeds to step S402 in FIG.

  As a result of the determination in step S602, when the right or left button of the cross button 110 is pressed, an image immediately before or after the image displayed so far is selected according to the key pressed in step S602. After displaying the image selection screen 304 and updating the display, the process returns to step S602.

  When the determination button 110 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S604, or when the shortcut button 111 is pressed as a result of the determination in step S604b, the shortcut button 111 is blinked (step S605), and the image to be transferred Data is read (step S606), image data is transferred (step S607), the shortcut button 111 is turned on (step S608), and the process returns to step S602.

  4 to 6, when the determination button 110 is pressed (YES in each of steps S408 and S503a), the transfer confirmation screen 302 is displayed without recording the selection record (step S410) ( Step S504) When the shortcut button 111 is pressed (YES in Steps S409 and S503b, respectively), the selection record is recorded (Step S410), and the transfer confirmation screen 302 is not displayed (Step S504). The user can select whether or not to record and whether or not to confirm transfer execution.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of image transfer processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing in FIG. 7 is performed by the CPU 203 executing a program stored in the secondary storage device 205 when the information processing device 200 is connected to the imaging device 100 in the information processing device 200.

  In FIG. 7, first, a menu display request is transmitted to the imaging device 100 via the communication device 206 (step S701), and when image data is received from the imaging device 100 (YES in step S702), the received image data is secondarily converted. The process is saved in the storage device 205 (step S703), and steps S702 to S704 are repeated until all the image data is received (YES in step S704), and this process ends.

  According to the processing in FIG. 7, when image data is received from the imaging apparatus 100 (YES in step S702), the received image data is stored in the secondary storage device 205, so that the image data to be transferred in the imaging apparatus 100 is stored as information. It can be stored in the secondary storage device 205 of the processing device 200.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The above-described program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes forms such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS. But you can.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW), magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, other ROM, etc. may be used as long as they can store the above programs. Alternatively, the program is supplied by downloading from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A)-(d) is a figure used for demonstrating the example of a display of the indicator in FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the image transfer process performed by the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the image transfer process performed by the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the image transfer process performed by the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the process in the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Imaging device 103 CPU
105 Secondary Storage Device 107 Display 109 Communication Device 110 Enter Button 111 Shortcut Button 200 Information Processing Device

Claims (9)

  A display for displaying a menu, a menu determination button for determining a menu displayed on the display, a menu storage means for storing the determined menu, and whether or not to execute the determined menu When the menu determination button is pressed, the determined menu is not stored in the menu storage unit when the menu determination button is pressed. Control means for causing the execution confirmation means to execute the confirmation and storing the determined menu in the menu storage means when the shortcut button is pressed, so that the execution confirmation means does not execute the confirmation. An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display device transfers image data from the imaging device to an external device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device is activated by a menu display command from an external device.   The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shortcut button is turned on when the shortcut button is valid, and is turned off or blinks when the shortcut button is not valid.   5. An information processing apparatus connected to the imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image acquisition unit configured to acquire image data transferred from the imaging apparatus.   An imaging system comprising the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the information processing device according to claim 5.   A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display for displaying a menu; a menu display button for displaying a menu on the display; a menu determination button for determining the displayed menu; and a shortcut button for shortcuting an execution confirmation step A menu storing step for storing the determined menu, an execution confirming step for confirming whether or not to execute the selected menu, and the determination when the menu determination button is pressed. The menu is not stored in the menu storage step but the confirmation is executed in the execution confirmation step. When the shortcut button is pressed, the determined menu is stored in the menu storage step and the execution confirmation is performed. And a control step that prevents the confirmation from being executed in the step. Control method for an imaging apparatus according to claim Rukoto.   A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display for displaying a menu; a menu display button for displaying a menu on the display; a menu determination button for determining the displayed menu; and a shortcut button for shortcuting an execution confirmation module A menu storage module for storing the determined menu, an execution confirmation module for confirming whether or not to execute the selected menu, and the menu determination button being pressed. The execution confirmation module executes the confirmation without storing the determined menu in the menu storage module, and when the shortcut button is pressed, the determined menu is displayed in the menu storage module. Save the execution confirmation mode A program characterized by executing a control module which does not execute the confirmation Yuru the computer.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 8.

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