JP2005295602A - Camera apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain diversification of a sample picture, while assuring uniformity to a data of the sample picture in a camera apparatus which enables setting of photography condition at the time of photography only by selecting the sample picture. <P>SOLUTION: When the data (120) of the sample picture is fetched from a CD-ROM etc. to the camera apparatus, or when displaying the sample picture on the basis of the fetched data, a serial number (120b) preliminarily given to the data (120) is rewritten for a number which follows a number given to other data in the camera apparatus. Moreover, an operation guide (12e) corresponding to an operation system of the used camera apparatus is added. When displaying the sample picture on the occasion of setting of photography condition, a scene number displayed simultaneously can be made into a continuous number. Moreover, the identical operability is securable if the sample picture currently prepared by an initial state is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device capable of setting shooting conditions mainly using sample images.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some electronic still cameras have a function that enables setting of shooting conditions (operation contents of the apparatus) at the time of shooting, for example, setting of a shutter speed and an aperture value only by selecting a sample image. This is because a plurality of sample images, a plurality of setting parameters such as a shutter speed and an aperture value corresponding to each sample image are prepared in advance, and a plurality of sample images are assigned numbers according to a photographer's request. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device as a selected image together with additional information such as a title and advice information at the time of shooting. After the photographer selects a desired sample image, shooting conditions are set according to the setting parameters corresponding to the selected sample image. It is to set.

  In an electronic still camera having such a function, a photographer simply selects a sample image that represents a shooting result of a scene similar to the subject to be photographed or an atmosphere according to his / her preference. Therefore, it is possible to easily set shooting conditions for obtaining shooting results according to preferences.

  Here, it is desirable to prepare a large number of the sample images described above so as to correspond to the shooting environment at that time, the type of the subject (scene), and the user's preference. In some cases, the number of sample images that are not used increases, which causes a reduction in workability when selecting (searching) sample images. Therefore, a large number of sample images and shooting mode setting data such as setting parameters associated with them are provided to the user via another recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and the data electronic still camera is provided with a CD- It has been considered to provide a function for fetching data relating to sample images that are selectively read from the ROM as needed.

  However, in that case, for example, between the shooting mode setting data captured from the outside and other shooting mode setting data, and between them and the shooting mode setting data existing on the electronic still camera side, the sample images thereof Unification of the plurality of shooting mode setting data used collectively is hindered, for example, the number numbers assigned to are discontinuous. That is, there has been a new problem that when the shooting mode is set, that is, when the sample image is selected, the user feels uncomfortable or the operability is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and a camera device and data supply capable of diversifying sample images while ensuring uniformity in a plurality of shooting mode setting data including sample images. An object is to provide an apparatus, a camera system, a method, and a recording medium.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention of claim 1, a plurality of sample images are displayed, and a user selects a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and corresponds to the selected sample image. In a camera device for setting a shooting mode of an operation content to be performed, a plurality of data recorded on an external recording medium, each of which corresponds to a sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and a sample Storage means for selectively storing shooting mode setting data including additional information used at the time of image selection, and shooting mode setting data recorded on the external recording medium, the storage means And additional processing means for performing processing for adding new additional information in accordance with the use environment in the state stored in the computer.

  In such a configuration, the storage unit stores shooting mode setting data stored in an external recording medium in the storage unit as necessary. In addition, new additional information corresponding to the use environment in the state stored in the storage unit is given to the new shooting mode setting data stored by the additional processing unit. That is, it is possible to ensure uniformity (certain regularity, identity, etc.) for a plurality of shooting mode setting data used collectively when setting the shooting mode.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the process related to the addition of new additional information by the additional processing means is a rewriting process of the additional information given in advance to the photographing conditions.

  In such a configuration, the additional information included in the new shooting mode setting data stored in the storage unit is rewritten by the additional processing unit into additional information according to the usage environment stored in the storage unit.

  In the invention of claim 3, the additional information is image information that is displayed together with each sample image and constitutes a sample image selection screen.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the additional information includes a serial number assigned to each sample image.

  In the invention of claim 5, the additional information includes an operation guide related to a sample image selection operation corresponding to the structure of the apparatus.

  Further, the present invention is used for a camera device that displays a plurality of sample images, allows a user to select a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and sets a shooting mode of operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. Shooting including the sample image corresponding to the predetermined shooting mode, the setting parameter indicating the operation content, and additional information used when selecting the sample image, which is stored in the storage unit in the predetermined other recording unit In the data supply device for storing the mode setting data, a confirmation unit for confirming a use environment of the shooting mode setting data in a state stored in the storage unit, and a new one corresponding to the use environment confirmed by the confirmation unit Additional processing means for adding additional information to the shooting mode setting data read by the reading means may be provided.

  In such a configuration, when the shooting mode setting data is read from the external recording medium by the reading unit, the use environment in the state where the read shooting mode setting data is stored in the storage unit used in the camera device is confirmed. After the additional information corresponding to the confirmed use environment is added to the read shooting mode setting data by the additional processing means, the shooting mode setting data is written in the storage means. Therefore, the shooting mode setting data stored in the external recording medium can be stored in the storage unit of the camera device as necessary. In addition, it is possible to ensure uniformity (a certain regularity, identity, etc.) for a plurality of shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means and used collectively when setting the shooting mode.

  In addition, the storage unit stores a plurality of sample mode setting data including a sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and additional information used when the sample image is selected. A sample image that constitutes the shooting mode setting data stored in is displayed, the user selects a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and the setting that constitutes the shooting mode setting data together with the selected sample image A camera device that sets the shooting mode of the operation content indicated by the parameter, and a checking unit that checks the usage environment of the shooting mode setting data recorded in the predetermined recording unit in a state stored in the storage unit; An additional process for adding new additional information according to the use environment confirmed by the confirmation means to the shooting mode setting data. It may consist of a data supply and means.

  In such a configuration, the data supply device reads the shooting mode setting data from a predetermined recording medium, and adds new additional information according to the use environment in a state where the shooting mode setting data is stored in the storage unit to the read shooting mode setting data. After that, the data is written in the storage means of the camera device. Therefore, the shooting mode setting data stored in the external recording medium can be stored in the storage unit of the camera device as necessary. In addition, it is possible to ensure uniformity (a certain regularity, identity, etc.) for a plurality of shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means and used collectively when setting the shooting mode.

  Further, it is data selectively fetched from an external recording medium as necessary, and is a sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and an addition used when selecting the sample image Storage means for storing a plurality of shooting mode setting data including information is displayed, a sample image constituting shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means is displayed, and a desired sample image is displayed from the displayed sample images. In the method of using the shooting mode setting data in the camera device for setting the shooting mode of the operation content indicated by the setting parameter constituting the shooting mode setting data together with the selected sample image, the sample image is displayed. Prior to this, new additional information corresponding to the use environment in the state stored in the storage means is added to the shooting mode setting data. It is also possible to Azukasuru way.

  According to such a method, even if the shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means is taken from an external recording medium, each shooting mode setting data used collectively when setting the shooting mode is used. Therefore, it is possible to ensure uniformity (such as certain regularity and identity) before each sample image is displayed.

  Further, the present invention is used for a camera device that displays a plurality of sample images, allows a user to select a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and sets a shooting mode of operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. In addition, an external recording medium stores the sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and shooting mode setting data including additional information used when selecting the sample image. In the data supply method for storing a plurality of recorded shooting mode setting data, when the new shooting mode setting data is stored in the storage unit, the use environment in the state stored in the storage unit is confirmed and confirmed. New additional information according to the use environment can be added to the new shooting mode setting data.

  According to this method, the shooting mode setting data stored in the external recording medium can be stored in the storage unit of the camera device as necessary. In addition, it is possible to ensure uniformity (a certain regularity, identity, etc.) for a plurality of shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means and used collectively when setting the shooting mode.

  Further, it is data selectively fetched from an external recording medium as necessary, and is a sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and an addition used when selecting the sample image Storage means for storing a plurality of shooting mode setting data including information is displayed, a sample image constituting shooting mode setting data stored in the storage means is displayed, and a desired sample image is displayed from the displayed sample images. Prior to the display of the sample image, the computer having the camera device that sets the shooting mode of the operation content indicated by the setting parameter constituting the shooting mode setting data together with the selected sample image is selected by the user. In order to execute processing for adding new additional information to the data according to the use environment in the state stored in the storage means It may be a computer-readable recording medium a program.

  Further, the present invention is used for a camera device that displays a plurality of sample images, allows a user to select a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and sets a shooting mode of operation content corresponding to the selected sample image. And an external recording medium for storage means for storing sample images corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, setting parameters indicating the operation contents, and shooting mode setting data including additional information used when selecting the sample images. A program for newly storing a plurality of the shooting mode setting data recorded in the computer, according to the processing for checking the use environment in the state stored in the storage means in the computer and the confirmed use environment A computer-readable recording of a program for executing a process of adding new additional information to the new shooting mode setting data It is also possible to allow a recording medium.

  As described above, in the present invention, the storage unit of the camera device can store the shooting mode setting data stored in the external recording medium as necessary, and is further stored in the storage unit. Uniformity (fixed regularity, identity, etc.) can be ensured for a plurality of shooting mode setting data used at once when setting a shooting mode.

  Therefore, it is possible to diversify the sample images without giving a sense of incongruity when the shooting mode is set, that is, when selecting the sample images, while ensuring good operability.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1A and 1B are views showing the appearance of an electronic still camera 1 which is a camera apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a rear view, FIG. 1B is a plan view, and FIG. 1C is a front view. It is.

  This electronic still camera 1 has an operation mode (scene selection mode) that enables setting of photographing conditions by selecting a sample image described in the prior art, and includes a fixed lens 4 and a rear surface on the front side of the main body. On the side, a TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 is disposed, and an optical finder 51 and a strobe 16 are provided. Further, a power switch 52, a shutter key 53, a zoom operation switch 54, an operation mode switching switch 55 for switching between a recording mode (REC mode) and a playback mode (PLAY mode), a liquid crystal monitor, Various switches such as a switch 56, a flash key 57, a self-timer key 58, and a menu key 59 are provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the electronic still camera 1. The electronic still camera 1 compresses and expands an image picked up by the CCD 2 as an image pickup means, and a predetermined format, for example, a unified standard. The MPU 3 is mainly configured with an image processing function that generates and reproduces an image file in a format that conforms to DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group). An optical image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 2 through the fixed lens 4, the focus lens 5, and the diaphragm 6. The focus lens 5 is held by a drive mechanism 7 made of an AF motor or the like, and moves forward and backward on the optical axis when a drive signal output from the AF driver 8 is supplied to the drive mechanism 7 by a control signal from the MPU 3. Perform focusing operation. The diaphragm 6 is driven by a drive signal generated by the diaphragm drive unit 9 based on a control signal from the MPU 3 and adjusts the light quantity of the subject image incident on the CCD 2.

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

  The MPU 3 is connected to a power supply circuit 13, an operation key unit 14 including various switch groups shown in FIG. 1, the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15, the strobe 16, the DRAM 17, the MROM 18, and a card drive 19. A CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card 20 is attached to the drive 19. The CF card 20 is a detachable storage medium which is a storage means of the present invention, and the DRAM 17 is a working memory. A digital signal (imaging signal) sent from the CCD 2 to the MPU 3 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 17 and MPU 3 Are subjected to various image processing, and finally recorded on the CF card 20 as a compressed video signal. The recorded video signal is read out to the MPU 3 as necessary, and is generated into a digital video signal or an analog video signal through processes such as expansion processing, addition of a luminance signal and a color signal, and is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15. The That is, on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15, images sequentially captured are displayed as through images in the recording mode, and images based on the image data recorded on the CF card 20 are displayed in the reproduction mode.

  The MROM 18 is a program ROM in which various operation programs necessary for control of each unit and data processing in the MPU 3 are recorded. The MROM 18 stores various data such as program AE data constituting a program diagram showing a combination of an aperture value (F) corresponding to an appropriate exposure value (EV) at the time of shooting and a shutter speed. Then, according to the program diagram, the MPU 3 performs AE control such as the charge accumulation time of the CCD 2, which is the shutter speed, the degree of opening of the diaphragm 6, and the gain setting of the gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) of the unit circuit 12. Then, AF (auto focus) control for driving the focus lens 5 is performed according to a predetermined program. Further, when the shutter key 53 is operated (during shooting), the flash 16 emits auxiliary shooting light and controls the amount of light emission as necessary, and controls related to the setting of shooting conditions in the scene select mode. Do.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data storage structure in the CF card 20. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the CF card 20 is first inserted in the card drive 19, an initial sample image area 20a, a file name data area 20b, a custom sample image area 20c, A captured image data area 20d is secured. The captured image data area 20d stores a plurality of captured image data 101 captured and compressed as described above. In the initial sample image area 20a, sample image data 102 copied from the MROM 18 when it is first attached to the card drive 19 is stored. The custom sample image area 20c is an area that constitutes a predetermined scene / folder secured in the CF card 20 when it is first attached to the card drive 19, and is supplied from the outside and then has a predetermined later described later. Arbitrary sample image data 102 subjected to the above process is stored. The file name data area 20b stores all file names of the sample image data 102 (image files in the present embodiment) stored in the custom sample image area 20c.

  Each sample image data 102 stored in the initial sample image area 20a and the custom sample image area 20c is the shooting mode setting data of the present invention, and has the structure shown in FIG. That is, the sample image data 102 is image data in JPEG format, and includes selection screen data 111 and a plurality of shooting condition data 112 added thereto. The selection screen data 111 is image data for selection displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 when the scene selection mode is set. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the selection image 120 in the present embodiment. The selection image 120 includes a sample image area 120a, a number display area 120b, a title area 120c, a comment area 120d, and an operation guide area 120e. It is configured.

  The sample image area 120a is a type of subject (photographing scene) that is expected to be frequently photographed, such as various portraits, two shots where two people are lined up, a person and scenery, a mountain in the sunset, an amusement park, The number display area 120b is an area for displaying each sample image, that is, a serial number assigned to each sample image data 102. The title area 120c is an area for displaying a scene description indicating what kind of scene the sample image should be used for, such as “Take a landscape and a person.” The comment area 120d An operation guide area 120e for displaying various information for the photographer such as “A frame is displayed” and an operation guide area 120e are areas for displaying an operation guide for the apparatus when the selection image 120 is displayed in the scene selection mode. In the present embodiment, the serial number (scene number) displayed in the number display area 120b and the operation guide displayed in the operation guide area 120e are the additional information of the present invention.

  The shooting condition data 112 includes setting contents of a plurality of control items (focus, shutter speed, aperture, EV shift amount, sensitivity,..., Flash) that can be controlled at the time of shooting when the shutter key 53 is pressed. It is a parameter to show. More specifically, numerical data or switch flag data for ensuring the electronic still camera 1 with photographing conditions for obtaining the same photographing result as the sample image constituting the selection image 120. Data is preset.

  The electronic still camera 1 configured as described above operates as follows when the scene selection mode is selected by a predetermined key operation of the photographer.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic still camera 1 at that time. When the scene select mode is selected, the electronic still camera 1 has the above-described initial sample image area 20a and custom sample image area of the CF card 20. The above-described selection image 120 based on the sample image data 102 stored in both of the images 20c is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 (step SA1). In this state, when the user operates a predetermined selection button (in this embodiment, [+] and [−] of the zoom button 54), as shown in FIG. 6, the selection image to be displayed is displayed. 120 is sequentially switched to another selection image 120 having different sample images in ascending order or descending order in the order of the scene numbers assigned thereto. When the shutter key 53 (decision key) is pressed in a state where any one of the selection images 120 is displayed (YES in step SA2), that is, when any sample image is selected, the selection image being displayed is displayed. Based on the photographing condition data 112 constituting the sample image data 102 together with 120 (selection screen data 111), photographing conditions at the time of photographing in the electronic still camera 1 are set, and a photographing standby state is set (step SA3). Thereafter, when the shutter key 53 is pressed (YES in step SA4), image data is captured (step SA5), and the captured image data is recorded in the photographed image data area 20d of the CF card 20 (step SA6).

  Thus, if the photographer selects a sample image similar to the subject to be photographed, photographing conditions suitable for photographing the subject can be automatically set, and photographing under the photographing conditions becomes possible. .

  On the other hand, in the electronic still camera 1, when the user appropriately stores a plurality of sample image data 102 supplied from the outside in the custom sample image area 20 c of the CF card 20 as necessary, an initial is obtained. It is possible to set shooting conditions using sample images that have not been prepared. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the user removes the CF card 20 from the electronic still camera 1 as necessary (A), and inserts it into a personal computer (hereinafter, personal computer) 60 that can use the CF card 20. Wear (b). Next, a predetermined CD-ROM 70 in which a plurality of sample image data 102 is recorded in advance is set in the personal computer 60, and a plurality of sample image data 102 (image data) is displayed to select a desired one. It is copied to a predetermined folder (custom sample image area 20c) of the CF card 20 using an arbitrary file operation program. Thereafter, the CF card 20 is removed from the personal computer 60 (C), and is inserted into the electronic still camera 1 again (D). As a result, new sample image data 102 is taken into the electronic still camera 1, and it is possible to set shooting conditions using the new sample image.

  In the electronic still camera 1, the following adjustment process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed when the CF card 20 is inserted. In the following description, the sample image data 102 recorded on the CD-ROM 70 is general-purpose data used for the electronic still camera 1 of a different model, and the selection image included in each sample image data 102. As shown in FIG. 9A, it is assumed that the serial number in the CD-ROM 70 is displayed in the number display area 120b and nothing is displayed in the operation guide area 120e.

  In the following, when the CF card 20 is inserted (YES in step SB1), the electronic still camera 1 confirms all file names stored in the file name data area 20b described above (step SB2). The contents are compared with the names of all the files stored in the scene folder (custom sample image area 20c) at that time to determine whether the data contents in the scene folder have changed. (Step SB3). If there is no change, the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when there is a change and only adding new data (both YES in steps SB3 and SB4), first, based on the number of all file names stored in the file name data area 20b, The last number of the serial number assigned to the sample image data 102 stored in the custom sample image area 20c before the new data is added is calculated (step SB5). Specifically, the number of sample images stored in the custom sample image area 20c before the addition of new data is added to the number of sample image data 102 stored in the initial sample image area 20a, and the last Number. Next, the number display area 120b in the selection image 120 included in the added one or more sample image data 102 is rewritten to a consecutive number following the last calculated number and stored in the MROM 18. Then, the processing for adding the operation guide data corresponding to the configuration of the above-described various switches included in the own apparatus to the operation guide area 120e is performed (step SB6). As a result, the selection image 120 included in the newly added sample image data 102 has the same appearance as the sample image data 102 stored in the initial sample image area 20a, as shown in FIG. 9B. In addition, a continuous number (“23” in the illustrated example) is assigned to them.

  If the determination result in step SB4 is NO, that is, if the data content change in the scene folder includes data deletion, it is stored in the custom sample image area 20c at that time. The same processing as step SB6 is performed on all the sample image data 102 (step SB7). Thereby, continuity is ensured in the numbers of all the sample image data 102. Then, after step SB6 or SB7, the data in the file name data area 20b is updated (step SB8), and the process is terminated.

  Therefore, the continuity between the sample image data 102 captured by the user in the custom sample image area 20c as necessary and the sample image data 102 previously stored in the initial sample image area 20a of the CF card 20 is continuous. And unity can be ensured. Further, even when the sample image data 102 in the custom sample image area 20c is increased or decreased, it can be secured. That is, when the photographer sends a sample image in the above-described scene select mode, the scene numbers of the selection image 120 displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 can be made consecutive. Further, even when the captured image is displayed as necessary, the same operability as that in the state where the sample image prepared in the initial state is displayed can be ensured. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the sample images without giving a sense of incongruity when the shooting mode is set, that is, when selecting the sample images, while ensuring good operability.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic still camera 1 is configured to include the CF card 20 in which the sample image data 102 can be freely attached to and detached from the main body. However, if the stored data can be rewritten, another storage medium is used. It is good also as a structure which provides in the electronic still camera 1 and records the sample image data 102 in it. Further, if it is fixed to the main body of the electronic still camera 1, the electronic still camera 1 is separately provided with data communication means for enabling communication with the personal computer 60 or the like using infrared rays or a cable. The sample image data 102 may be copied by the above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the electronic still camera 1 is inserted with the CF card 20, the adjustment process described above is performed, so that a plurality of sample images used when setting the shooting mode in the scene select mode are continuously provided. However, when the sample image data 102 is copied to the CF card 20, the personal computer 60 is made to perform the adjustment processing described above. That is, the personal computer 60 is used as the data supply device of the present invention. In addition, the electronic still camera 1 and the personal computer 60 may constitute the camera system of the present invention. In that case, a predetermined program necessary for this may be provided to the user by the CD-ROM 70 together with a plurality of sample image data 102.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 when a scene select mode is selected instead of the adjustment process described above in an electronic still camera having the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. It is to perform the operation. In the following description, the file name data area 20b is not secured in the CF card 20, and a plurality of sample image data 102 are stored in the custom sample image area 20c in the same procedure as in the first embodiment. Is stored.

  That is, also in the electronic still camera of the present embodiment, when the scene select mode is selected (YES in step SC1), the selection screen based on the sample image data 102 in the initial sample image area 20a of the CF card 20 is displayed on the TFT. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 15 (step SC2). Next, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a sample image feeding operation using a predetermined selection button ([+] and [−] of the zoom button 54) (step SC3). Here, if there is no feeding operation, it is determined whether or not the sample image at that time is selected by continuously pressing the shutter key 53 (step SC10), and if not selected, the process returns to step SC3.

  If there is a feed operation at step SC3 (YES at step SC3), the data of the selection screen to be displayed next (if the feed operation is in ascending order, the data of the next scene number, and the feed operation is in descending order) Is the sample image data 102 stored in the custom sample image area 20c of the CF card 20, that is, whether or not the data is previously acquired by the user. A determination is made (step SC4). When the determination result is NO, the selection screen based on the sample image data 102 next to the initial sample image area 20a is displayed as it is (step SC5), and the process returns to step SC3.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step SC4 becomes YES while the feeding operation is repeated, the order in the CF card 20 in the next sample image data 102 is first confirmed (step SC6). The order of the sample image data 102 stored in the custom sample image area 20c in the CF card 20 is, for example, the order of file names. In addition, when there is date data to which it is added, the order may be added. Thereafter, for the sample image data 102 stored in the custom sample image area 20c, the number in the number display area 120b in the selection image 120 included in the sample image data 102 is rewritten to the sequential number in the order confirmed in step SC6. The image data stored in the MROM 18 is processed to add operation guide data corresponding to the configuration of the various switches described above to the operation guide area 120e (step SC7), and selection after processing The work image 120 is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 (step SC8).

  As a result, the sample image data 102 captured by the user in the custom sample image area 20c as necessary is continuously between the sample image data 102 previously stored in the initial sample image area 20a of the CF card 20. And uniformity can be ensured.

  When the shutter key 53 (decision key) is pressed while the above processing is repeated and any sample image is selected (YES in step SC9), the currently displayed selection image 120 (selection screen data 111). In addition, based on the photographing condition data 112 constituting the sample image data 102, photographing conditions at the time of photographing with the electronic still camera 1 are set, and the photographing standby state is set (step SC10). When the shutter key 53 is pressed (step SC11). YES), the image data is captured, and the captured image data is recorded in the captured image data area 20d of the CF card 20 (step SC12).

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, the sample image data 102 captured by the user in the custom sample image area 20c as necessary and stored in the initial sample image area 20a of the CF card 20 before that. Since continuity and uniformity can be ensured with the sample image data 102, the sample image can be obtained without giving a sense of incongruity when setting the shooting mode, that is, when selecting the sample image, and ensuring good operability. Can be diversified.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the sample image data 102 is image data in JPEG format, and includes the selection screen data 111 and a plurality of shooting condition data 112 added thereto. However, the data may be recorded in the CD-ROM 70 as data different from the selection screen data 111 or stored in the CF card 20. Furthermore, the selection screen data 111 shows a case where data constituting the sample image area 120a, the number display area 120b, the title area 120c, the comment area 120d, and the operation guide area 120e of the selection image 120 are collectively included. The display contents of the areas 120a to 120e may be prepared as character data different from the selection screen data 111, and may be combined with the selection image 120 as necessary.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic still camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram of the same electronic still camera. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data storage structure in CF card. It is a figure which shows the image for selection containing a sample image. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of selection of the scene selection mode in an electronic still camera. It is a figure which shows the selection screen displayed on a TFT liquid crystal monitor in scene selection mode, and its change. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the taking-in operation | work of the sample image using the personal computer by a user. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on the adjustment process of the sample image data which an electronic still camera performs. It is a figure which shows the content of the adjustment process, Comprising: (a) is explanatory drawing of the content of the sample image data before adjustment, (b) is explanatory drawing of the content of the sample image data after adjustment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of selection of the scene selection mode in the electronic still camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic still camera 2 CCD
3 MPU
17 DRAM
18 MROM
20 CF card 20a Initial sample image area 20b File name data area 20c Custom sample image area 60 Personal computer 70 CD-ROM
102 Sample image data 111 Selection screen data 120 Selection image 120a Sample image area 120b Number display area 120e Operation guide area

Claims (5)

In a camera device that displays a plurality of sample images, causes a user to select a desired sample image from the displayed sample images, and sets a shooting mode of operation content corresponding to the selected sample image.
A plurality of data recorded on an external recording medium, each including a sample image corresponding to a predetermined shooting mode, a setting parameter indicating the operation content, and additional information used when selecting the sample image Storage means for selectively storing setting data as required;
And additional processing means for performing processing for adding new additional information corresponding to the use environment in the state stored in the storage means to the shooting mode setting data recorded in the external recording medium. A camera device.   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process related to the addition of new additional information by the additional processing means is a rewriting process of additional information given in advance to the shooting condition.   3. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is image information that is displayed together with each sample image and constitutes a sample image selection screen.   4. The camera apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the additional information includes a serial number assigned to each sample image.   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional information includes an operation guide related to a selection operation of a sample image corresponding to a structure of the apparatus.

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