JP2005253003A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera in which the visibility of a display means for displaying an object image can be enhanced. <P>SOLUTION: In the case of controlling a liquid crystal display device 38 by a CPU 40 so as to display either of a first object image whose aspect ratio is the same as that of a display area of the liquid crystal display device 38 and a second object image with an aspect ratio different from the above display area and so as to display either of a third object image different from the first object image or the second object image to be displayed and information with respect to a photographing condition of the first object image or the second object image to be displayed, when the first object image is displayed, the CPU 40 controls the liquid crystal display device 38 so as to display either of the third object image and the information with respect to the photographing condition overlappingly onto the first object image and when the second object image is displayed, the CPU 40 controls the liquid crystal display device 38 to display either of the third object image and the information with respect to the photographing condition in a free area of the display area of the liquid crystal display device 38. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly to a digital camera provided with display means such as a liquid crystal display for displaying a photographed subject image.

  In a digital camera equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display for monitoring a subject image, in general, the display device displays a moving image (through image) obtained by continuous imaging by an imaging element at the time of shooting. Used as a finder, after shooting, it is used to reproduce and display a subject image based on digital image data obtained by shooting.

  As a technique related to a digital camera provided with this type of display device, conventionally, there is a technique for displaying captured images and shooting information on separate display devices for the purpose of improving the visibility of both the captured images and shooting information. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, for the purpose of enabling a captured still image to be confirmed without interrupting the display of a moving image, the imaging device includes a moving image display unit that displays a subject image as a moving image. There is also a technique of recording the recorded subject image as a still image and displaying the recorded still image in a display area different from the display area of the moving image (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, for the purpose of easily reducing the size without increasing the manufacturing cost and improving operability, a first display area for displaying an image created based on the setting information on one display unit; There is also a technology in which two display areas, a second display area for displaying a subject image indicated by an image signal obtained by imaging, are provided and the position and number of scanning lines constituting each display area can be changed. (For example, see Patent Document 3).
JP 2001-292349 A JP-A-10-32734 JP 2002-57917 A

  However, in the above-described technique for displaying the captured image and the captured information on separate display devices, the captured image can be displayed without being reduced, but the visibility of the captured image can be improved. Since shooting information is displayed on a display device different from the shot image, it is necessary to move the line of sight between the display devices when referring to the shooting information while referring to the shot image. There was a problem that it could not be said.

  In the above-described technique for displaying a recorded still image in a display area different from the moving image display area, it is necessary to display at least one of the still image and the moving image in a reduced size, which is not always excellent in visibility. There was a problem that it cannot be said.

  Further, in the above-described technique in which the display unit is provided with two display areas, the first display area and the second display area, and the position and the number of scanning lines constituting each display area can be changed, the subject image Therefore, there is a problem that the subject image is not necessarily excellent in visibility.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of improving the visibility with respect to a display means for displaying a subject image.

  In order to achieve the above object, the digital camera according to claim 1 is an imaging unit that acquires digital image data indicating a subject image by imaging, and a display unit that displays the subject image indicated by the digital image data. Any one of a first subject image indicated by the digital image data and having the same aspect ratio as the display region by the display means, and a second subject image having an aspect ratio different from the display region A third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed and an image related to the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed. Control means for controlling the display means to display any one of the related information, and when the control means displays the first subject image The display means is controlled to display either the third subject image or the image-related information superimposed on the first subject image, and the third subject image is displayed when the second subject image is displayed. The display means is controlled to display either one of the subject image or the image related information in an empty area in the display area of the display means.

  According to the digital camera of the first aspect, digital image data indicating a subject image is acquired by imaging by the imaging unit, and the subject image indicated by the digital image data is displayed by the display unit. The imaging means includes various imaging devices such as a charge coupled device and a CMOS image sensor. The display means includes various displays such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, a plasma display, and an organic EL display.

  In the present invention, the control means causes the first subject image indicated by the digital image data and having the same aspect ratio as the display area by the display means to have an aspect ratio different from the display area. Either one of the second subject image is displayed, the third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and the first subject image to be displayed or the The display means is controlled to display any one of the image related information related to the second subject image. As a result, two types of the first subject image or the second subject image and the third subject image or the image related information are displayed in the display area of the display means.

  Here, in the present invention, when the first subject image is displayed by the control means, either the third subject image or the image-related information is displayed superimposed on the first subject image. When the display means is controlled and the second subject image is displayed, either the third subject image or the image related information is displayed in an empty area in the display area of the display means. The display means is controlled.

  That is, in the present invention, when the subject image to be displayed is the first subject image having the same aspect ratio as the display area of the display means, the third subject image or the image related information is added to the first subject image. By displaying the images in a superimposed manner, the entire area of the first subject image can be displayed without reducing the first subject image or cutting out a partial area of the first subject image. The visibility of one subject image is improved.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, when the subject image to be displayed is the second subject image having an aspect ratio different from that of the display area of the display means, the second subject image is reduced or a part of the second subject image is displayed. Even if the entire area of the second subject image is displayed without cutting out the area, there is an empty area in the display area of the display means. Therefore, the third object image or the image related information is displayed in the empty area. Thus, the visibility of both the second subject image and the third subject image or image related information displayed at the same time is improved.

  Thus, according to the digital camera of the first aspect, the first subject image having the same aspect ratio as the display area by the display unit and the second subject image having an aspect ratio different from that of the display area. One of the subject images is displayed, the third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and the first subject image or the second subject to be displayed. When the display means is controlled to display any one of the image related information related to the subject image, when the first subject image is displayed, any of the third subject image and the image related information is displayed. The display means is controlled to display one of them overlaid on the first subject image, and when displaying the second subject image, either the third subject image or the image related information is displayed. Display of the display means Since the controls the display unit to display the free space in the frequency range, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display means for displaying the object image.

  By the way, depending on the state of the main subject in the subject image, such as the position and size of the subject image, even if the subject image is reduced or only a part of the subject image is cut out and displayed, there may be no problem in visibility.

  Therefore, as in the invention described in claim 2, the control means of the present invention reduces the first subject image when displaying the first subject image, or displays the first subject image. By cutting out and displaying only a partial area of the subject image, an empty area is provided in the display area of the display means, and either the third subject image or the image related information is displayed in the empty area. The display means may be controlled. Thereby, the visibility with respect to the 3rd to-be-displayed subject image or image related information can be improved.

  In the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 3, the third subject image may be a reproduced image of a subject image that has already been captured by the imaging means. Accordingly, the reproduced image can be displayed together with the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed on one screen, and convenience can be improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, as in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the third subject image may be a reproduced image of a plurality of subject images that have already been captured by the imaging means. . As a result, the reproduced images of the plurality of subject images can be displayed together with the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and the convenience can be further improved.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 3 or 4, as in the invention according to claim 5, the erasure for inputting the erasure instruction information for instructing the erasure of the reproduced image displayed as the third subject image. Instruction input means may be further provided, and the control means may perform control for erasing the reproduced image instructed to be erased by the erase instruction information. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience when erasing a subject image already obtained by photographing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image-related information is information related to photographing conditions for the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, or histogram information indicating a luminance distribution. It is good. Thus, the user can easily grasp these pieces of information with good visibility.

  Further, according to the present invention, the aspect ratio of the first subject image may be 16: 9 and the aspect ratio of the second subject image may be 4: 3. Thereby, it is possible to cope with a display means that is a wide-sized display area that is expected to be rapidly spread in the future.

  According to the present invention, either the first subject image having the same aspect ratio as the display area by the display unit or the second subject image having an aspect ratio different from the display area is displayed. And a third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and image-related information related to the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed. When controlling the display means to display any one of them, when displaying the first subject image, either the third subject image or the image related information is used as the first subject image. When the display unit is controlled to display the second subject image in an overlapping manner, either the third subject image or the image related information is displayed in a free area in the display region of the display unit. As shown Since controlling the serial display means, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display means for displaying the object image, the effect is obtained that.

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

  First, an external configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In front of the digital camera 10, a lens 21 for forming a subject image, a strobe 44 that emits light to irradiate the subject when necessary, and a viewfinder used to determine the composition of the subject to be photographed. 20 is provided. Further, on the upper surface of the digital camera 10, a release switch (so-called shutter) 56A, a power switch 56B, and a mode changeover switch 56C that are pressed when performing shooting are provided.

  Note that the release switch 56A of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment is pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”) and to a final pressed position beyond the intermediate position. A two-stage pressing operation of a state (hereinafter referred to as a “fully pressed state”) can be detected.

  In the digital camera 10, the release switch 56A is pressed halfway to activate the AE (Automatic Exposure) function and set the exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state), and then AF (Auto Focus). , Automatic focusing) function is performed to control focusing, and then exposure (photographing) is performed when the button is fully pressed.

  The mode changeover switch 56C is rotated when setting to any one of a shooting mode that is a mode for shooting and a playback mode that is a mode for playing back a subject image on the LCD 38 described later.

  On the other hand, on the back of the digital camera 10, an eyepiece of the finder 20 described above, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 38 for displaying a photographed subject image, a menu screen, and the like, and a cross cursor A switch 56D. The cross-cursor switch 56D includes four arrow keys that indicate four moving directions of up, down, left, and right in the display area of the LCD 38. In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, a so-called wide-size LCD 38 having a display area aspect ratio of 16: 9 is applied as the LCD 38.

  Furthermore, on the back of the digital camera 10, a menu switch that is pressed when displaying the menu screen on the LCD 38, a determination switch that is pressed when confirming the operation content up to that point, and the previous operation content are displayed. A cancel switch that is pressed when canceling, a strobe switch that is pressed when setting the light emission state of the strobe 44, and a macro shooting switch that is pressed when performing macro shooting are provided. .

  Next, the main configuration of the electrical system of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The digital camera 10 includes an optical unit 22 including the lens 21 described above, a charge coupled device (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 24 disposed behind the optical axis of the lens 21, and an input analog. And an analog signal processing unit 26 that performs various analog signal processing on the signal.

  The digital camera 10 also performs an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 28 that converts an input analog signal into digital data, and performs various digital signal processing on the input digital data. And a digital signal processing unit 30.

  The digital signal processing unit 30 has a built-in line buffer having a predetermined capacity, and also performs control to directly store the input digital data in a predetermined area of the memory 48 described later.

  The output terminal of the CCD 24 is connected to the input terminal of the analog signal processing unit 26, the output terminal of the analog signal processing unit 26 is connected to the input terminal of the ADC 28, and the output terminal of the ADC 28 is connected to the input terminal of the digital signal processing unit 30. . Accordingly, the analog signal indicating the subject image output from the CCD 24 is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing by the analog signal processing unit 26, converted into digital image data by the ADC 28, and then input to the digital signal processing unit 30.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 generates a signal for displaying a subject image, a menu screen or the like on the LCD 38 and supplies the signal to the LCD 38, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40 that controls the operation of the entire digital camera 10. A memory 48 for storing digital image data obtained by photographing, and a memory interface 46 for controlling access to the memory 48 are included.

  Further, the digital camera 10 includes an external memory interface 50 for enabling the portable memory card 52 to be accessed by the digital camera 10, and a compression / decompression processing circuit 54 for performing compression processing and decompression processing on the digital image data. It is configured to include.

  In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, a VRAM (Video RAM) is used as the memory 48 and a smart media (Smart Media®) is used as the memory card 52.

  The digital signal processing unit 30, the LCD interface 36, the CPU 40, the memory interface 46, the external memory interface 50, and the compression / decompression processing circuit 54 are connected to each other via a system bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 40 controls the operation of the digital signal processing unit 30 and the compression / decompression processing circuit 54, displays various information via the LCD interface 36 to the LCD 38, the memory interface 46 to the memory 48 and the memory card 52, and the external memory interface. 50 can be accessed each.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 10 includes a timing generator 32 that mainly generates a timing signal for driving the CCD 24 and supplies the timing signal to the CCD 24, and the driving of the CCD 24 is controlled by the CPU 40 via the timing generator 32.

  Further, the digital camera 10 is provided with a motor drive unit 34, and driving of a focus adjustment motor, a zoom motor, and an aperture drive motor (not shown) provided in the optical unit 22 is also controlled by the CPU 40 via the motor drive unit 34. The

  In other words, the lens 21 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of lenses, is configured as a zoom lens that can change (magnify) the focal length, and includes a lens driving mechanism (not shown). The lens drive mechanism includes the focus adjustment motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture drive motor, and these motors are each driven by a drive signal supplied from the motor drive unit 34 under the control of the CPU 40.

  Further, various switches such as the release switch 56A, the power switch 56B, the mode switch 56C, the cross cursor switch 56D, and the menu switch (generically referred to as “operation unit 56” in the figure) are connected to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 can always grasp the operation state with respect to the operation unit 56.

  In addition, the digital camera 10 includes a charging unit 42 that is interposed between the strobe 44 and the CPU 40 and charges power for causing the strobe 44 to emit light under the control of the CPU 40. Further, the strobe 44 is also connected to the CPU 40, and the light emission of the strobe 44 is controlled by the CPU 40.

  Next, an overall operation at the time of shooting of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described.

  First, the CCD 24 performs imaging through the optical unit 22 and sequentially outputs analog signals for R (red), G (green), and B (blue) indicating the subject image to the analog signal processing unit 26. The analog signal processing unit 26 performs analog signal processing such as correlated double sampling processing on the analog signal input from the CCD 24 and sequentially outputs the analog signal to the ADC 28.

  The ADC 28 converts the R, G, and B analog signals input from the analog signal processing unit 26 into 12-bit R, G, and B signals (digital image data) and sequentially outputs them to the digital signal processing unit 30. To do. The digital signal processing unit 30 accumulates digital image data sequentially input from the ADC 28 in a built-in line buffer and temporarily stores the digital image data directly in a predetermined area of the memory 48.

  Digital image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 48 is read out by the digital signal processing unit 30 under the control of the CPU 40, and a white balance is adjusted by applying a digital gain according to a predetermined physical quantity. Processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate 8-bit digital image data.

  The digital signal processing unit 30 performs YC signal processing on the generated 8-bit digital image data to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (hereinafter referred to as “YC signal”), and the YC signal. Are stored in an area different from the predetermined area of the memory 48.

  The LCD 38 is configured to display a moving image (through image) obtained by continuous imaging by the CCD 24 and can be used as a finder. When the LCD 38 is used as a finder, the LCD 38 is generated. The YC signals thus output are sequentially output to the LCD 38 via the LCD interface 36. As a result, a through image is displayed on the LCD 38.

  Here, at the timing when the release switch 56A is half pressed by the user, after the AE function is activated and the exposure state is set as described above, the AF function is activated and the focus control is performed, and then the fully pressed state is continued. The YC signal stored in the memory 48 at that time is compressed in a predetermined compression format (in this embodiment, JPEG format) by the compression / decompression processing circuit 54 and then the external memory interface 50 is To the memory card 52.

  By the way, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the aspect ratio of the captured subject image is set to either 16: 9 or 4: 3 on the menu screen displayed on the LCD 38 by pressing the menu switch. One can be selectively set. In the digital camera 10, when the shooting mode is executed, a subject image having the set aspect ratio is displayed as a through image on the LCD 38, and when the release switch 56A is fully pressed, the set aspect ratio is set. Digital image data indicating the subject image is recorded on the memory card 52.

  Here, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the CCD 24 having an imaging area aspect ratio of 4: 3 is applied, and the aspect ratio of the subject image is set by the user as 16: 9. The pixel data is deleted from the digital image data obtained by the image pickup by the CCD 24 so that the image area on the upper end side and the image area on the lower end side of the subject image indicated by the digital image data are equally deleted. By doing so, a subject image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is shown.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, when a CCD 24 having an imaging area aspect ratio of 16: 9 is applied and the user sets the aspect ratio of the subject image to 4: 3, the CCD 24 By deleting the pixel data from the digital image data obtained by the imaging so that the image area on the left end side and the image area on the right end side of the subject image indicated by the digital image data are equally deleted. A subject image having an aspect ratio of 3: can be displayed.

  On the other hand, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, execution of any of the following four types of operation modes for the display image on the LCD 38 is performed on the menu screen displayed on the LCD 38 by pressing the menu switch. It can also be set selectively.

  The first operation mode is any digital image data recorded on the memory card 52 together with a through image on the LCD 38 during execution of the shooting mode (here, digital image data recorded immediately before (immediately before) the current time point). ) Is a shooting image reproduction combined mode (hereinafter referred to as “first operation mode”) in which the subject image indicated by () is reproduced and displayed.

  The second operation mode is a photographing condition display mode (hereinafter referred to as “second operation mode”) in which information regarding the photographing conditions of the digital camera 10 is displayed on the LCD 38 together with a through image when the photographing mode is executed. is there.

  On the other hand, in the third operation mode, when the playback mode is executed, a predetermined playback image is recorded on the LCD 38 and any digital image data recorded on the memory card 52 (here, recorded immediately before (immediately before) that time). This is an image reproduction combined mode (hereinafter referred to as “third operation mode”) in which another subject image indicated by the digital image data is reproduced and displayed.

  Furthermore, the fourth operation mode is a reproduction shooting condition display mode (hereinafter referred to as “fourth operation mode”) in which information regarding shooting conditions at the time of shooting of the reproduction image is displayed on the LCD 38 together with a predetermined reproduction image when the reproduction mode is executed. ").

  In order to avoid complications, one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode and one of the third operation mode and the fourth operation mode are set in advance by the user of the digital camera 10 below. The case will be described.

  Next, processing (hereinafter referred to as “operation mode processing”) executed by the digital camera 10 to execute these set operation modes will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation mode process at the time of executing the photographing mode will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the imaging display processing program executed by the CPU 40 every predetermined period for the operation mode processing.

  In step 100 in the figure, it is determined whether or not wide-size shooting is set by determining whether or not the aspect ratio of the subject image set by the user is 16: 9. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 102, where it is determined whether or not the operation mode set by the user is the first operation mode (image playback combined use mode). The process proceeds to step 104.

  In step 104, a partial area from the through image of the subject image having a wide size (in this embodiment, an area in which the aspect ratio is 4: 3 without reducing the vertical width around the center in the left-right direction) Is cut out and displayed as a through image on one end side in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (in this embodiment, on the left end side), and a predetermined reproduction image (in this embodiment, immediately before (immediately before) this point in time is displayed. A subject image recorded in the memory card 52 by shooting) is generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36 so that an image signal that can be displayed in a free area on the other end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 is generated.

  By the processing of this step 104, as shown in FIG. 4 as an example, a partial image of the through image and a reproduced image of the subject image indicated by the digital image data obtained by the immediately preceding photographing are displayed on the LCD 38.

  In the next step 106, the image selective erasure process is executed as follows.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 40 operates to switch the playback image being displayed on the LCD 38 to another captured image (in this embodiment, the left arrow key and the right key in the cross cursor switch 56D). A symbol indicating a direction arrow key) and an “erase” button that is designated when erasing digital image data corresponding to the displayed reproduction image from the memory card 52 are displayed on the LCD 38 by an OSD (On Screen Display) function. .

  In response to this, the user of the digital camera 10 operates the left arrow key and right arrow key of the cross cursor switch 56D when switching the displayed reproduced image to another captured image. Further, when erasing the digital image data corresponding to the displayed reproduced image from the memory card 52, the user designates an “erase” button by operating the remaining arrow keys of the cross cursor switch 56D.

  Therefore, every time the left arrow key is pressed once, the CPU 40 performs control for switching the reproduced image to the one at the previous shooting point, and every time the right arrow key is pressed once. Control is performed to switch the reproduced image to the one after the shooting point. Then, when the “delete” button is designated by the user, the CPU 40 deletes the digital image data corresponding to the reproduced image currently displayed on the LCD 38 from the memory card 52.

  After executing the image selection / erasing process as described above, the photographing display process program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 102, the operation mode set by the user is regarded as the second operation mode (shooting condition display mode during shooting), and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, the through image of the subject image having a wide size is displayed without being scraped, and information relating to a predetermined shooting condition (in this embodiment, the flash set to the digital camera 10 at this time). Image information that can be displayed on the LCD 38 by the OSD function is generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36. The information includes information on light emission settings, macro shooting settings, ISO sensitivity, image quality, aperture setting, and shutter speed.

  By the processing of this step 108, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the entire through image is displayed on the entire display area on the LCD 38 and is set at this point in a state of being superimposed on the through image. Information indicating shooting conditions is displayed.

  After executing the processing of step 108 as described above, the photographing display processing program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 100, it is assumed that the aspect ratio of the subject image set by the user is 4: 3, and the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, it is determined whether or not the operation mode set by the user is the first operation mode (shooting image reproduction combined mode). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, a through image of the subject image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed on one end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (in the present embodiment, on the left end), and a predetermined reproduced image ( In the present embodiment, an image signal that can display the subject image recorded on the memory card 52 immediately before (immediately) at this point in the empty area on the other end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 is generated. This is supplied to the LCD interface 36.

  By the processing of this step 112, as shown in FIG. 6 as an example, a through image and a reproduced image of the subject image indicated by the digital image data obtained by the immediately preceding photographing are displayed on the LCD 38.

  In the next step 114, the image selection / erasing process is executed in the same manner as in step 106 described above, and then the main photographing display processing program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 110, the operation mode set by the user is regarded as the second operation mode (shooting condition display mode during shooting), and the process proceeds to step 116.

  In step 116, a through image of a subject image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed on one end side in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (in this embodiment, on the left end side), and a predetermined shooting condition is related. Information (in this embodiment, information on the resolution, image quality, shutter speed, aperture setting, and ISO sensitivity of the captured image set in the digital camera 10 at this time) is available on the other end in the horizontal direction of the LCD 38. An image signal that can be displayed in the area is generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36.

  By the processing of this step 116, as shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the entire through image is displayed on the LCD 38 on the left end side, and information indicating the shooting conditions set at this time is displayed on the right end of the LCD 38. Displayed on the department side.

  After executing the processing of step 116 as described above, the photographing display processing program is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation mode processing at the time of executing the reproduction mode will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the reproduction display processing program executed by the CPU 40 every predetermined period for the operation mode processing.

  In step 200 of the figure, it is determined whether or not the wide-size subject image is to be reproduced by determining whether or not the aspect ratio of the photographed image previously selected by the user to be reproduced by the LCD 38 is 16: 9. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202 to determine whether or not the operation mode set by the user is the third operation mode (image reproduction combined mode during reproduction). If YES, step 204 follows.

  In step 204, a partial area (in this embodiment, an area having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 without cutting the vertical width around the center in the left-right direction) is cut out from the subject image having a wide size. Displayed as a playback image on one end side in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (left end portion in the present embodiment), and a predetermined playback image (in this embodiment, memory by shooting immediately before (immediately) at this point in time. An image signal that can display the subject image recorded on the card 52 in a free area on the other end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 is generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36.

  It should be noted that the image displayed on the LCD 38 by the processing of this step 204 is only that a partial area of the reproduction image selected in advance by the user is displayed instead of the through image on the display screen shown in FIG. Since they are different, illustration is omitted here.

  In the next step 206, the image selection / erasing process is executed in the same manner as the process in step 106 of the above-described photographing display processing program (see also FIG. 3), and then the reproduction display processing program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 202, the operation mode set by the user is considered to be the fourth operation mode (playback shooting condition display mode), and the process proceeds to step 208.

  In step 208, the playback image selected in advance by the user and displayed as a wide-size playback image is displayed without being scraped, and information on predetermined shooting conditions (in this embodiment, the playback image of the playback image is displayed). Generates an image signal that can be displayed on the LCD 38 using the OSD function (strobe light emission setting, macro shooting setting presence / absence, ISO sensitivity, image quality, aperture setting, shutter speed information) set by the digital camera 10 at the time of shooting. To the LCD interface 36.

  Note that the image displayed on the LCD 38 by the processing of this step 208 differs from the display screen shown in FIG. 5 only in that a playback image pre-selected by the user is displayed instead of the through image. The illustration is omitted.

  After executing the processing of step 208 as described above, the reproduction display processing program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made at step 200, the aspect ratio of the reproduction image selected in advance by the user is assumed to be 4: 3, and the process proceeds to step 210.

  In step 210, it is determined whether or not the operation mode set by the user is the third operation mode (image playback combined use mode). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 212.

  In step 212, a playback image that has been selected in advance by the user and has an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed on one end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (in the present embodiment, on the left end). A predetermined reproduction image (in this embodiment, a subject image recorded on the memory card 52 immediately before (immediately) at this time point) is displayed in an empty area on the other end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38. An image signal capable of being generated is generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36.

  Note that the image displayed on the LCD 38 by the processing of this step 212 differs from the display screen shown in FIG. 6 only in that the entire reproduction image selected in advance by the user is displayed instead of the through image. Illustration is omitted here.

  In the next step 214, the image selection / erasing process is executed in the same manner as in the above-described step 206, and then the reproduction / display processing program is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 210, the operation mode set by the user is considered to be the fourth operation mode (playback shooting condition display mode), and the process proceeds to step 216.

  In step 216, a playback image that has been selected in advance by the user and has an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed on one end in the left-right direction of the LCD 38 (in this embodiment, on the left end). Information relating to predetermined shooting conditions (in this embodiment, each information of resolution, image quality, shutter speed, aperture setting, ISO sensitivity of the shot image set by the digital camera 10 when shooting the reproduced image) Are generated and supplied to the LCD interface 36.

  Note that the image displayed on the LCD 38 by the processing of this step 216 is different from the display screen shown in FIG. 7 only in that a reproduced image selected in advance by the user is displayed instead of the through image. The illustration is omitted.

  After executing the processing in step 216 as described above, the reproduction display processing program is terminated.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the first subject image having the same aspect ratio as the display area by the display means (LCD 38) and the second object ratio having a different aspect ratio from the display area. And a third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and the first subject image or the second subject to be displayed. When displaying the first subject image when controlling the display means to display any one of the image-related information related to the subject image (information relating to the shooting conditions), the third subject image is displayed. And when the second subject image is displayed, the third subject image and the image are controlled by controlling the display means to display one of the image related information and the first subject image. Related information Well, that either one controls the display unit to display the free space in the display area of the display unit, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display means for displaying the object image.

  In the present embodiment, when displaying the first subject image, only a partial region of the first subject image is cut out and displayed to provide an empty area in the display area of the display means. Since the display means is controlled to display the third subject image in the empty area, the visibility with respect to the third subject image can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, since the third subject image is a reproduced image of the already captured subject image, the reproduced image is also displayed within one screen together with the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed. It is possible to improve the convenience.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to input an instruction for erasing the reproduced image displayed as the third subject image, and when the erasing instruction is input, an erasing process corresponding thereto is performed. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience when erasing a subject image already obtained by photographing.

  In the present embodiment, the image-related information is information related to the shooting conditions for the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, so that the user can keep the information in a highly visible state. It can be easily grasped.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the first subject image is 16: 9 and the aspect ratio of the second subject image is 4: 3. It is possible to correspond to a display means having a size display area.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera that captures a still image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to still image shooting, a moving image The present invention can also be applied to a digital camera having a function of taking an image. In this case, a moving image obtained by photographing with the digital camera can be applied as the reproduced image in the present embodiment. Also in this case, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described where one captured image is applied as a playback image to be displayed on the LCD 38 together with a through image and a preselected playback image (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 as an example, a plurality of captured images may be applied. In this case, it is preferable that any one of the plurality of captured images can be selected and the digital image data corresponding to the selected captured image can be erased from the memory card 52. As a result, the playback images of the plurality of subject images can be displayed in one screen together with the through image and the playback image, and the convenience can be further improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which information indicating shooting conditions is applied as image-related information to be displayed on the LCD 38 together with a through image and a preselected reproduction image (see FIGS. 5 and 7). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a histogram indicating the luminance distribution in the displayed image (through image or reproduced image) may be applied. In this case, the user can easily grasp the histogram with good visibility.

  In addition, the configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is merely an example, and it is needless to say that the configuration can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the LCD 38 in which the aspect ratio of the display area is 16: 9 is applied as the display means of the present invention. For example, an LCD in which the aspect ratio of the display area is 4: 3 is applied. It can also be.

  In this case, if the image to be displayed on the LCD has an aspect ratio of 16: 9, an empty area is created in the display area when the image is displayed on the LCD without deleting part of the image. Therefore, the reproduced image and the image related information are displayed in the empty area. In this case, if the image to be displayed on the LCD has an aspect ratio of 4: 3, a part of the image is deleted and displayed on the LCD, and the image obtained by the deletion is obtained. Display the playback image and the image related information in the free space of the display area, or display the playback image and the image related information on the LCD without deleting the image. . Also in this case, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, the processing flow (see FIGS. 3 and 8) of the shooting display processing program and the reproduction display processing program described in this embodiment is also an example, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the processing of step 104 of the photographing display processing program and the processing of step 204 of the reproduction display processing program, only a partial area of the through image or the reproduction image is cut out and displayed on the LCD 38. It is also possible to reduce the entire display. Also in this case, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

It is an external view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera 10 which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the electric system of the digital camera 10 which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the imaging | photography display processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the display state of LCD38 by the process of step 104 of the imaging | photography display processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the display state of LCD38 by the process of step 108 of the imaging | photography display processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the display state of LCD38 by the process of step 112 of the imaging | photography display processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the display state of LCD38 by the process of step 116 of the imaging | photography display processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the reproduction | regeneration display processing program concerning embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the display state of the LCD 38 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the display state of the LCD 38 illustrated in FIG. 7.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital camera 24 CCD (Imaging means)
38 Liquid crystal display (display means)
40 CPU (control means)
56D cross cursor switch (erase instruction input means)

Claims (7)

Imaging means for acquiring digital image data indicating a subject image by imaging;
Display means for displaying a subject image indicated by the digital image data;
One of the first subject image indicated by the digital image data and having the same aspect ratio as the display region by the display means, and the second subject image having an aspect ratio different from the display region And a third subject image different from the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed, and an image related to the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed. Control means for controlling the display means to display any one of the information,
The control means controls the display means to display either the third subject image or the image related information superimposed on the first subject image when displaying the first subject image. When displaying the second subject image, the display means is controlled to display either the third subject image or the image-related information in an empty area in the display area of the display means. A digital camera characterized by The control means reduces the first subject image when displaying the first subject image, or cuts out and displays only a partial region of the first subject image. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein an empty area is provided in a display area of the display means, and the display means is controlled to display one of the third subject image and the image related information in the empty area. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the third subject image is a reproduced image of a subject image that has already been taken by the imaging unit. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the third subject image is a reproduced image of a plurality of subject images already captured by the imaging unit. An erasure instruction input means for inputting erasure instruction information for instructing erasure of the reproduced image displayed as the third subject image;
5. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs control for erasing a reproduced image instructed to be erased by the erase instruction information. 6. The digital according to claim 1, wherein the image-related information is information relating to shooting conditions for the first subject image or the second subject image to be displayed or histogram information indicating a luminance distribution. camera. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an aspect ratio of the first subject image is 16: 9 and an aspect ratio of the second subject image is 4: 3.

Images