JP2005318660A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To choose and display various regenerating functions without adding a new operating member. <P>SOLUTION: If a regenerating mode is chosen in an electronic still camera, the effect that the operation is in regenerating waiting is displayed on a display device 15. When a command dial is not operated even if 16 seconds pass, after starting the display, supplying of supply voltage to each part of the camera is interrupted to reduce power consumption. When the command dial is manipulated within 16 seconds, a video signal is output to an external monitor, and the effect that the operation is in regenerating is displayed on the display device 15. Regenerating of the next frame is performed when the command dial is operated within 3 minutes after starting the regenerating of a certain frame, and the display is returned to one for indicating the regenerating waiting when the command dial is not operated even if 3 minutes pass. When a sensitivity switching switch 21 and the command dial are manipulated simultaneously during regenerating or regenerating waiting, the frame is determined according to rotation and a direction of rotation of the command dial, and a determined frame number is displayed on the display device 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic still camera capable of digitally converting captured image data and recording the data on a recording medium, and reproducing the recorded data with an external playback device.

  An electronic still camera captures a subject image with an image sensor such as a CCD, digitally converts image data as a result of shooting, and then records the image data on a recording medium such as a memory card. The recorded data is played back by a monitor externally connected to the camera. However, most of the conventional electronic still cameras do not have a playback function. When playing back, the playback unit is attached to the camera body. The camera body and the monitor were connected via In addition, since it is troublesome to attach and detach the playback unit every time it switches between shooting and playback, many photographers shoot with the playback unit attached to the camera body.

  However, if shooting is performed with the playback unit attached, shooting may be difficult, and in some cases, a photo opportunity may be missed or camera shake may occur. It is also inconvenient to carry.

  On the other hand, an electronic still camera with a playback function is also known, but if all the functions of the playback unit are incorporated into the camera, the camera body will be enlarged, so it has only the minimum functions necessary for playback. Is common. For this reason, for example, even if the currently reproduced frame number can be displayed on the display unit of the camera, the total number of shots recorded on the memory card cannot be displayed.

  Further, when displaying data recorded on a memory card on an external monitor, it is necessary to convert the recorded data into a video signal, and the NTSC method and the PAL method are widely known as signal methods of the video signal. However, there has never been an electronic still camera with a playback function that can switch and output both NTSC and PAL video signals. Therefore, in order to connect a camera that outputs an NTSC video signal to a PAL monitor, the troublesome work of converting the video signal output from the camera into a PAL video signal before being input to the monitor. Was necessary.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic still camera capable of selecting and displaying various playback functions without adding new operation members by effectively using various operation members provided in a conventional camera body. It is to provide.

The present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the invention. The present invention relates to a first operation member 20 capable of setting information relating to photographing, a display device 15 capable of displaying information relating to photographing, Imaging means 9 for outputting image data relating to the captured subject image, recording means 11 and 12 for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on the recording medium 13, and a video signal for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal Conversion means 24, which is applied to an electronic still camera that can output the converted video signal to an external monitor, and can select either a shooting mode for shooting or a playback mode for playback When the selection unit 19 and the selection unit 19 are switched from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, the display device 15 displays a first index indicating that the reproduction is on standby. When the first operating member 20 is operated while the first index is displayed, the video signal is output to the monitor and the second index indicating that the reproduction is being performed is displayed on the display device 15. And means 14.
Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the shooting mode is switched to the playback mode, an indicator that can identify whether playback standby or playback is in progress is displayed on the display device 15.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the first aspect, when the reproduction mode is selected by the selection means 19, the shooting frame number being reproduced or scheduled to be reproduced and the recording frame number are recorded on the recording medium 13. The control means 14 is configured to display the total number of frames on the display device 15.
In this way, in the invention described in claim 2, when the mode is switched to the playback mode, the number of frames to be played back or to be played back and the total number of frames recorded on the recording medium 13 are displayed on the display device 15, Make it easy to check the playing piece.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the first or second aspect, the first operating member even if the first reference time elapses after the second index is displayed on the display device 15. If 20 is not operated, the first indicator is displayed on the display device 15 and the output of the video signal to the monitor is stopped. Even if the second reference time elapses after the first indicator is displayed. When the first operation member 20 is not operated, the control means 14 is configured to stop the supply of the power supply voltage to each part of the camera.
Thus, in the invention according to claim 3, when the first operation member 20 is not operated even after the first reference time has elapsed since the reproduction state (the second index is displayed), reproduction standby is performed. When the first operation member 20 is not operated even after the second reference time has elapsed after returning to the state (displaying the first index) and the reproduction standby state, the supply of the power supply voltage to each part of the camera is stopped. By doing so, power consumption is reduced.
The invention described in claim 4 is a first operation member 20 capable of setting information relating to photographing, a display device 15 capable of displaying information relating to photographing, and an imaging means 9 for outputting image data relating to the captured subject image. , Comprising recording means 11 and 12 for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on the recording medium 13, and a video signal conversion means 24 for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal. The first operation member 20 can be rotated in the first direction and the second direction, and outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation amount and the rotation direction. The second operation member 21 is provided separately from the operation member 20 and can set information related to photographing, and the first and second modes are selected when the reproduction mode is selected by the selection means 19. When the operation member 21 is linked and operated, the control unit 14 is configured to determine a frame to be reproduced according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the first operation member 20 and to display the determined frame number on the display device 15. To do.
Thus, in the invention described in claim 4, when the first and second operation members 20, 21 are linked and operated during the reproduction mode, the reproduction is performed according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the first operation member 20. The frame number is determined and the frame number is displayed, and the reproduction frame can be determined and displayed without a dedicated operation member.
The invention according to claim 5 is a first operation member 20 capable of setting information relating to photographing, a display device 15 capable of displaying information relating to photographing, and an image pickup means 9 for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image. , Comprising recording means 11 and 12 for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on the recording medium 13, and a video signal conversion means 24 for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal. The third operation member 25 is provided separately from the first operation member 20 and is capable of setting information related to photographing. The first and third operations are performed during reproduction. When the operation members 20 and 25 are linked to each other, whether or not to output any of a plurality of shooting related information provided corresponding to the frame being played back to the monitor is switched according to the linkage operation. When, and constitutes a control means 14 so as to perform the selection of the shooting-related information to be output to the monitor.
As described above, in the invention according to claim 5, by switching the first and third operation members 20 and 25 during reproduction, it is possible to switch whether or not to output the shooting-related information regarding the reproduction frame to the monitor. And selection of shooting-related information to be output to the monitor.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the fifth aspect, the first operation member 20 can be rotated in the first direction and the second direction. When the third operation member 25 is operated in conjunction with the rotation operation in the first direction, the contents of the photographing related information displayed on the monitor are switched in a predetermined order, and the second direction of the first operation member 20 is changed. When the third operation member 25 is operated in conjunction with the rotation operation, the control means 14 is configured to switch the contents of the photographing related information displayed on the monitor in a reverse order to a predetermined order. .
Thus, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the order of switching the photographing related information displayed on the monitor is switched according to the operation direction of the first operation member 20.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the fifth or sixth aspect, at least the shooting-related information is recorded on the recording medium 13, the reproduction order in the recording medium 13, and the frame-specific information. File name.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an identifier indicating a recording order after first recording the photographing frame information on the recording medium 13 is provided in the file name unique to the frame. It is provided.
In this way, in the invention described in claim 8, an identifier is attached to the file name unique to the frame so that the recording order after the recording frame information is first recorded on the recording medium 13 can be understood.
The invention described in claim 9 includes a first operation member 20 capable of setting information relating to photographing, a display device 15 capable of displaying information relating to photographing, and an imaging means 9 for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image. , Comprising recording means 11 and 12 for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on the recording medium 13, and a video signal conversion means 24 for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal. The fourth operation member 22 is provided separately from the first operation member 20 and can set information related to photographing, and the first and fourth operation members 20. , 22 and a fifth operation member 23 capable of setting information relating to photographing, and when the reproduction mode is selected by the selection means 19, the fourth and fifth When work member 22, 23 is coordinated operation, and constitutes a control means 14 so as to display on the display device 15 a signal system of a video signal to be output to the monitor only during linking operation period.
Thus, in the ninth aspect of the invention, when the fourth and fifth operation members 22 and 23 are linked and operated during the reproduction mode, the signal system of the video signal output to the monitor is displayed on the display device 15.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the ninth aspect, when the first, fourth and fifth operation members 20, 22, and 23 are linked and operated, the video signal output to the monitor is displayed. The control means 14 is configured to change the signal system and display the changed signal system on the display device 15.
Thus, in the invention described in claim 10, the signal system of the video signal output to the monitor can be changed by the linkage operation of the first, fourth and fifth operation members 20, 22, and 23.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there are provided imaging means 9 for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image, recording means 11 and 12 for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on the recording medium 13, and recorded digital data. Video signal conversion means 24 for converting data into a video signal, output means for outputting the video signal and shooting-related information related to the video signal to an external monitor in a predetermined signal system, and a preset monitor signal system And imaging-related information changing means for changing part or all of the imaging-related information to be output to the monitor according to the above.
Thus, in the invention described in claim 11, a part or all of the photographing related information is changed according to the signal system of the signal output from the camera to the monitor.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic still camera according to the eleventh aspect, the photographing related information includes at least date information, and the date information displayed on the monitor in accordance with a preset monitor signal system. The photographing related information changing means is configured to change the display form.
Thus, in the invention described in claim 12, the display form of the date information is changed according to the signal system of the signal output from the camera to the monitor.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a new operation member is used to switch between the reproduction standby state and the reproduction state using the first operation member that is originally provided for setting information relating to shooting. It is possible to add a playback function to the electronic still camera without providing a camera. Therefore, even if a playback function is added, the camera body of a conventional camera can be used, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the display form is changed between the reproduction standby state and the reproduction state, it is possible to confirm whether or not the video signal is being output from the camera to the monitor on the display device.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the playback mode is selected, a desired shooting frame is reproduced because the shooting frame number and the total number of frames recorded on the recording medium are displayed on the display device. This makes it easier to determine whether or not the recording medium can be recorded on the recording medium.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the first operation member is not operated even after the first reference time has elapsed since a certain piece is reproduced, the reproduction standby state is set and the reproduction standby state is set. If the first operating member is not operated even after the second reference time has elapsed, the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the power switch is forgotten to be turned off, the power can be automatically turned off, and power consumption can be reduced.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to designate a piece to be reproduced by simultaneously operating two operation members originally provided for setting information relating to photographing, and thus a piece desired to be reproduced. Just select and play. Therefore, the trouble of searching for a desired piece while looking at the monitor can be saved. Further, since a desired piece can be selected without providing a new operation member, a conventional camera body can be used.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since only necessary information can be selected and displayed on the monitor from the shooting related information regarding the frame to be played back, search and arrangement of shooting frame information recorded on the recording medium ( For example, it becomes easier to perform deletion. In addition, since it is possible to switch the shooting-related information displayed on the monitor by the linkage operation of the two operation members originally provided for setting information related to shooting, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated operation member, thereby reducing the cost. Can be planned.
According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, when the operation method of the two operation members originally provided for setting information related to photographing is changed, the photographing related information displayed on the monitor is switched in a different order. Since it is changed, it is possible to easily and quickly select the photographing related information to be displayed.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the identifier indicating the order of recording on the recording medium is added to a part of the file name, the past recording / reproducing history information regarding the recording medium in use is represented by this identifier. I can confirm.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the signal system of the video signal output to the monitor can be displayed on the display device by simultaneously operating the two operation members originally provided for setting the information relating to the photographing. Thus, it is possible to easily and quickly know whether or not the signal system output from the camera matches the monitor signal system. .
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the signal system of the video signal output to the monitor is changed by simultaneously operating the three operation members originally provided for setting the information related to photographing, there are various Various types of monitors can be connected directly to the camera. Further, since the changed signal system is displayed on the display device, the changed contents can be confirmed immediately.
According to the invention described in claims 11 and 12, since part or all of the photographing related information is changed and displayed on the monitor in accordance with a preset monitor signal system, there is no sense of incongruity in accordance with the signal system. Shooting related information can be displayed in a display form. In addition, it is possible to confirm the signal system of the video signal output from the camera only by looking at the shooting-related information on the monitor.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic still camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic still camera according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the subject luminous flux that has passed through the photographing lens 1 is guided to the stop 2. Reference numeral 3 denotes a quick return mirror (hereinafter simply referred to as a mirror) that transmits and reflects a subject light beam that has passed through the diaphragm 2. Are respectively guided to the shutter 5. The multi-split SPD 4 is composed of a plurality of photometric elements, and divides the object field into a plurality of areas for photometry. The output of each photometric element is amplified by the photometric amplifier 6.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes an aperture driving device that controls to change the aperture amount of the aperture 2, and 8 denotes a shutter driving circuit that controls opening and closing of the shutter 5. Reference numeral 9 denotes a CCD that receives a subject luminous flux in response to opening / closing of the shutter 5, accumulates signal charges according to the amount of received light, and outputs the accumulated signal charges as image data. A CCD driving circuit 10 controls charge accumulation and charge transfer by the CCD 9. A signal processing circuit 11 performs correction processing such as white balance adjustment, γ correction, and contour correction on the image data output from the CCD 9. A compression circuit 12 compresses the image data corrected by the signal processing circuit 11, and the compressed data is stored in the memory card 13.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a control circuit that controls the aperture driving device 7, the shutter driving circuit 8, and the CCD driving circuit 10. Reference numeral 15 denotes a display device that displays various types of information necessary for shooting and reproduction, and is provided on the upper surface of the camera, for example. Reference numeral 16 denotes a power switch for switching whether or not to supply a power supply voltage to each part of the camera. Reference numeral 17 denotes a half-press switch that is turned on when a release button (not shown) is half-pressed. Reference numeral 18 denotes a full-switch that is turned on when the release button is fully pressed. It is a push switch. Reference numeral 19 denotes a shooting / playback selection switch for selecting either a shooting mode for shooting or a playback mode for playback. A pulse generator 20 outputs a pulse signal every time a command dial (not shown) is rotated by a predetermined amount. 21 is a sensitivity changeover switch for changing the sensitivity of the CCD 9, 22 is a photometry mode changeover switch for changing over the photometry mode, 23 is an exposure correction changeover switch for changing the exposure correction amount, and 24 is a video signal obtained by taking the image data stored in the memory card. It is a video signal conversion circuit for conversion. As will be described later, the video signal conversion circuit 24 switches the video signal to the video signal of either the NTSC system or the PAL system and outputs it. Reference numeral 25 denotes a shooting mode switching switch for switching various shooting modes (program mode, aperture priority mode, shutter priority mode, etc.).

  2 to 4 are diagrams showing display contents displayed on the display device 15. FIG. 2A is a diagram in which the display elements in all the display areas are turned on, and FIG. 2B is a diagram when the shooting mode is selected. It is a figure which shows the display content. As shown in FIG. 2A, the display area A has a compression mode, the display area B has a photographing sensitivity, that is, the sensitivity of the CCD 9, and the display area C has a white balance setting mode. Indicates the exposure mode, and the display area E indicates whether or not exposure correction is performed. Further, the metering mode can be recorded in the display area F, the battery capacity in the display area G, the aperture value in the display area H, the shutter speed in the display area I, and the memory card 13 in the display area J. The remaining number is displayed in the display area K, and the frame number at the next shooting is displayed.

  FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the display contents of the display device 15 when the reproduction mode is selected. As shown in the figure, the character “Pb” indicating the playback mode is recorded in the display area H, the currently played frame number is recorded in the display area I, and the memory card 13 is recorded in the display area K. The total number of frames is displayed. On the other hand, the display content of the display area C is different from that during reproduction standby and during reproduction.

  FIG. 3 shows a display change in the display area C during reproduction standby, and FIG. 4 shows a display change in the display area C during reproduction. As shown in FIG. 3, during playback standby, the display in FIGS. 3A and 3B is switched at a high speed. On the other hand, during playback, FIG. 4 (a) → FIG. 4 (b) → FIG. 4 (c) → FIG. 4 (d) → FIG. 4 (e) → FIG. 4 (f) → FIG. In this way, the display of the display area C is switched in order. In this way, by switching the display mode of the display area C during reproduction and during reproduction standby, it is possible to identify whether reproduction is currently being performed or whether standby is being performed for reproduction. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a video signal is being output from the camera to the monitor only by displaying the display device 15.

  5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the processing of the control circuit 14, and the operation of the embodiment will be described below based on this flowchart. The control circuit 14 starts the processes shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 when the release button is half-pressed. In step S1 of FIG. 5, a power supply voltage is supplied to each part of the camera. Thereby, an initial screen is displayed on the display device 15 on the upper surface of the camera and a finder display unit (not shown). In step S2, it is determined which one of the playback mode and the shooting mode is selected by the shooting / playback selection switch 19.

  When the photographing mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S3, and various settings necessary for the photographing operation, such as a photometric mode, sensitivity, aperture value, shutter speed, and the like are set. In step S4, numerical values indicating an aperture value, a shutter speed, and the like are displayed on the finder display unit and the display device 15 on the upper surface of the camera. In step S5, it is determined whether or not a mode for performing autofocus is selected. If the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the AF motor is driven to perform focus adjustment information detection processing. When the process of step S6 is completed and when the determination at step S5 is negative, the process proceeds to step S7, where it is determined whether or not the release button has been fully pressed, that is, whether or not the full-press switch 18 is on. If it does, it will progress to step S8, will perform imaging | photography control, such as exposure control and shutter control, and will return to step S2.

  If the determination in step S7 is negative, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is changed by operating any operation member that sets the shooting mode, and the shooting mode is changed due to some operation. In step S3, the photographing operation is set. If the shooting mode has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S10, and it is determined whether 16 seconds have elapsed since the release button was pressed halfway. If 16 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S7, and if 16 seconds has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S11 to stop the supply of power supply voltage to each part of the camera to reduce power consumption.

  On the other hand, when the reproduction mode is selected in step S2, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 6, and the driving of the AF motor is prohibited to reduce power consumption. In step S13, the viewfinder display unit is turned off. Thus, the photographer is notified that photographing cannot be performed, and power consumption is reduced. Instead of turning off the viewfinder display unit, a message indicating that the playback mode is selected may be displayed. However, in order to display that playback is in progress or waiting for playback on the display device 15 on the upper surface of the camera, a double display is performed. In this embodiment, the finder display unit is turned off from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption. In step S14, the release button is not fully pressed. This prevents shooting data from being accidentally recorded on the memory card 13 during the playback mode.

  When the process of step S14 is completed, the process proceeds to step S15, and a reproduction standby display is performed. That is, as described above, the display in the display area C is switched at a high speed as shown in FIG. 3 (a) → FIG. 3 (b) → FIG.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the command dial has been operated. Here, if a pulse signal is output from the pulse generator 20, it is determined that the command dial has been operated. If the determination in step S16 is negative, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is determined whether 16 seconds have elapsed since the reproduction standby display was started. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S15. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S18 to turn off the camera and end the process.

  If the determination in step S16 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S19, and it is determined whether or not the sensitivity changeover switch 21 is operated at the same time when the command dial is operated. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S20, and it is determined whether or not the exposure correction changeover switch 23 and the photometry mode changeover switch 22 are simultaneously operated when the command dial is operated. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S21, where the first frame recorded on the memory card 13 is reproduced and the display on the display device 15 is changed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, “Pb” indicating that playback is in progress is displayed in the display area H, and the first frame is displayed in the display area I. “1” is displayed, and the total recording number “12” recorded on the memory card 13 is displayed in the display area K. Further, the display in the display area C is changed from FIG. 4 (a) → FIG. 4 (b) → FIG. 4 (c) → FIG. 4 (d) → FIG. 4 (e) → FIG. 4 (f) → FIG. Informs that playback is in progress by switching in order like

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S20 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is determined whether the current reproduction method is the NTSC method or the PAL method. If the current playback system is the PAL system, the process proceeds to step S23 to change to the NTSC system, and if the current playback system is the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S24 to change to the PAL system. When the process of step S23 or S24 ends, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S19 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S25, where a reproduction frame number corresponding to the operation amount of the command dial is displayed on the display device 15, and this frame is reproduced. When the process of step S21 or S25 ends, the process proceeds to step S26 of FIG. 7 to determine whether or not the command dial has been operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S27, and it is determined whether or not the sensitivity changeover switch 21 is operated at the same time when the command dial is operated. If the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S28, where a reproduction frame number corresponding to the operation amount of the command dial is displayed, and this frame is reproduced. If the determination in step S27 is negative, the process proceeds to step S29, and it is determined whether or not the exposure correction changeover switch 23 and the photometry mode changeover switch 22 are simultaneously operated when the command dial is operated. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S30, where the next frame is reproduced and the frame number of the next frame is displayed on the display device 15. When the process of step S28 or S30 ends, the process returns to step S26.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S29 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S31, and it is determined whether the current reproduction method is the NTSC method or the PAL method. If the current playback system is the PAL system, the process proceeds to step S32 to change to the NTSC system, and if the current playback system is the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S33 to change to the PAL system. When the process of step S32 or S33 ends, the process returns to step S30.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S26 is negative, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is determined whether or not 3 minutes have elapsed since the start of the reproduction of the current frame. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S26, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S35 of FIG. In step S35, playback standby display is performed. In step S36, it is determined whether 16 seconds have elapsed since the reproduction standby display was started. If the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S37, the power is turned off, and the process is terminated. If the determination in step S36 is negative, the process proceeds to step S38 to determine whether or not the command dial has been operated. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S35, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, as in step S27 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the sensitivity changeover switch 21 has been operated simultaneously when the command dial is operated. If the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S40, where a reproduction frame number corresponding to the operation amount of the command dial is displayed, and this frame is reproduced. If the determination in step S39 is negative, the process proceeds to step S41, and it is determined whether or not the exposure correction selector switch 23 and the photometry mode selector switch 22 are operated simultaneously when the command dial is operated. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S42, and the frame displayed before the reproduction standby is reproduced.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S41 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S43, and it is determined whether the signal system of the currently selected video signal is the NTSC system or the PAL system. If the current signal system is the PAL system, the process proceeds to step S44 to change to the NTSC system, and if the current signal system is the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S45 to change to the PAL system. When the process of step S44 or S45 ends, the process returns to step S42.

  To summarize the processing of FIGS. 5 to 8 described above, when the reproduction mode is selected, the driving of the AF motor is prohibited and the finder display unit is turned off to reduce power consumption. Further, the release button cannot be fully pressed so that it cannot be recorded on the memory card 13 during reproduction. Then, a display indicating that reproduction is in standby is performed on the display device 15. If the command dial is not operated even after 16 seconds have elapsed since the start of the display indicating that reproduction is in progress, the supply of power supply voltage to each part of the camera is stopped to reduce power consumption. On the other hand, when the command dial is operated within 16 seconds, a video signal is output to an external monitor and a display indicating that playback is in progress is performed on the display device 15. If the command dial is operated within 3 minutes from the start of playback of a certain frame, the next frame is played back. On the other hand, if the command dial is not operated even after 3 minutes have elapsed, the display returns to the standby display.

  Further, when the sensitivity selector switch 21 and the command dial are operated simultaneously during playback or during playback standby, the frame to be played is determined according to the amount and direction of rotation of the command dial, and the determined frame number is displayed on the display device 15. indicate. Further, when the exposure correction selector switch 23 and the photometry mode selector switch 22 are simultaneously operated during the command dial operation, the video signal signal system is switched.

  As described above, according to the processing of FIGS. 5 to 8, various settings at the time of reproduction are made by using the command dial or sensitivity changeover switch 21 which is originally provided for setting information relating to photographing. It is not necessary to add an operation member, and the camera body of a conventional camera can be used as it is. In addition, if the command dial is not operated within 3 minutes after playing a certain piece, it automatically enters the playback standby state, and if the command dial is not operated within 16 seconds after entering the playback standby state, it is automatically set. Since power is turned off, power consumption is not wasted. Further, when the playback mode is selected, the number of frames currently being played or scheduled to be played back and the total number of frames recorded on the memory card 13 are always displayed on the display device 15, so As well as the number of images that can be recorded on the memory card 13 thereafter, the memory card 13 can be used effectively. In addition, since the signal system of the video signal output from the camera can be changed according to the type of monitor connected to the camera, even different types of monitors can be connected to the camera without any problem.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing shooting-related information switching processing performed by the control circuit 14 when the command dial is rotated at the same time as the shooting mode switch 25 is operated during shooting frame data reproduction. is there. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes in the photographing related information displayed on the monitor. At the time when the reproduction of the shooting frame data is started, no shooting related information is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. 11A, and when the user rotates the command dial simultaneously with the operation of the shooting mode switch 25 after that. Then, the control circuit 14 starts the process of FIG.

  In step S51 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the command dial has been rotated in the forward direction (for example, clockwise). When the rotation operation is performed in the forward direction, the process proceeds to step S52, and the reproduction frame number is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. In step S53, it is determined again whether or not the command dial has been rotated simultaneously with the operation of the photographing mode changeover switch 25. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S54 to determine whether or not the command dial has been rotated in the forward direction. If the rotation is performed in the reverse direction, the process proceeds to step S55, where the reproduction frame number being displayed on the monitor is deleted, and the process returns to step S51.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the command dial has been operated in the forward direction, the process proceeds to step S56, where it is determined whether or not the signal system of the currently selected video signal is the NTSC system. In the case of the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S57, and the date information is displayed in the order of month, day, and year. If it is determined in step S56 that the system is not the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S58, and the date information is displayed in the order of day, month, and year.

  When the process of step S57 or S58 ends, the process proceeds to step S59, where date information and time information are displayed in addition to the playback frame number as shown in FIG. In step S60, it is determined again whether or not the command dial has been rotated simultaneously with the operation of the photographing mode changeover switch 25. If the determination is negative, the process stays at step S60. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S61 to determine whether or not the command dial has been rotated in the forward direction. If the rotation is performed in the reverse direction, the process proceeds to step S62, and the date information and time information displayed so far are deleted, and the process returns to step S53. If it is determined in step S61 that the rotation operation has been performed in the forward direction, the process proceeds to step S63 in FIG. 10, and the file name is displayed in addition to the playback frame number, date information, and time information as shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S64, it is determined again whether or not the command dial has been rotated simultaneously with the operation of the photographing mode switch 25. If the determination is negative, the process remains in step S64, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, it is determined whether or not the command dial has been rotated in the forward direction. If the rotation is performed in the reverse direction, the process proceeds to step S66, the file name displayed so far is deleted, and the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S65 that the rotation operation has been performed in the forward direction, the process proceeds to step S67, where all the shooting-related information that has been displayed so far is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S68.

  In step S68, it is determined again whether or not the command dial has been rotated simultaneously with the operation of the photographing mode changeover switch 25. If the determination is negative, the process stays at step S60, and if the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step S51.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 in FIG. 9 that the command dial has been operated in the reverse direction, the process proceeds to step S69 in FIG. 10, and thereafter, in steps S69 to S74, all shooting related information is displayed as shown in FIG. Process to display. First, in step S69, the playback frame number is displayed. In step S70, it is determined whether the signal system to be output to the monitor is the NTSC system. In the case of the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S71, and the date information is displayed in the order of month, day, and year. If it is determined in step S71 that the system is not the NTSC system, the process proceeds to step S72, and the date information is displayed in the order of date, month, and year. When the process of step S71 or S72 ends, the process proceeds to step S73, and the date information and time information are displayed in addition to the reproduction frame number. Next, in step S74, the file name of the playback frame is also displayed, and the process proceeds to step S64.

  As described above, when the user rotates the command dial while operating the shooting mode changeover switch 25 during the reproduction of the shooting frame data, the shooting related information displayed on the monitor is changed according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction. . In the present embodiment, the playback frame number, the shooting date / time information of the playback frame, and the file name of the playback frame are provided as shooting related information, and the command dial is forwarded simultaneously with the operation of the shooting mode switch 25 ( When it is rotated clockwise, the shooting-related information is switched in the order of FIG. 11 (a) → FIG. 11 (b) → FIG. 11 (c) → FIG. 11 (d) → FIG. 11 (a) →. Conversely, when the command dial is rotated in the reverse direction (counterclockwise) simultaneously with the operation of the shooting mode changeover switch 25, FIG. 11 (a) → FIG. 11 (d) → FIG. 11 (c) → FIG. The shooting-related information is switched in the order of b) → FIG.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the shooting-related information displayed on the playback screen can be changed by linking the shooting mode changeover switch 25 originally used for setting the shooting mode and the operation of the command dial. Therefore, only desired shooting-related information can be displayed on the monitor without newly adding a key, and it becomes easy to search for shooting frame data. In the present embodiment, the date information display mode is switched in accordance with the signal system of the video signal output from the camera. That is, when a video signal is output in the NTSC format, it is displayed in the order of month, day, and year as shown in FIG. 12A, and when a video signal is output in the PAL format, it is displayed in FIG. The video signal is output in the order of day, month, and year. The reason why the display order is switched in this way is to match the conventions of date order in the United States and Europe that employ the respective signal systems.

  In FIG. 11D, the file name displayed in the upper left corner of the screen is unique to each frame, and a name according to the file format of MS-DOS which is a kind of personal computer OS is automatically added. To do. Specifically, each file name is composed of 7 digits, and the lower 4th digit (right side) of the file name is given a number indicating the order recorded in the memory card 13. For example, the file name DSC0005 displayed in FIG. 11D indicates that the frame data is the fifth frame data recorded after the first shooting frame data is recorded on the memory card 13.

  Here, the memory card 13 is provided with an area P for storing shooting frame data of each frame and an area Q for storing shooting-related information (hereinafter referred to as management information) such as the file name and date of each frame. Each time a new frame is photographed, data is recorded in both areas P and Q. The management information recorded on the memory card 13 can be taken into a personal computer via a card reader, and the taken management information can be displayed on a monitor screen connected to the personal computer. Then, a list of file names stored in the memory card 13 is displayed by operation of the personal computer, a part or all of the file names are selected from the displayed list, and the selected file is deleted from the memory card 13 Can do.

  If some files recorded on the memory card 13 are erased, new shooting frame data can be recorded in the erased area, but in this case, a name different from the erased file name is used. Attached. For example, FIG. 13A shows an example in which five files from DSC0001 to DSC0005 are recorded on the memory card 13, and then DSC0003 is erased and new photographing frame data is recorded in the area. In this case, the file name corresponding to the new frame is DSC0006, which is the file name next to the file name DSC0005 recorded immediately before that. Thus, the lower 4 digits of each file name is an identifier indicating the number of recording since the recording to the memory card 13, and the history of how many times recording and erasure were repeated in the memory card 13 by this identifier. Can know.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 11D, the playback frame number displayed in the upper right corner of the screen indicates the playback order in the memory card 13, and “5” is displayed when playing back DSC0006 in FIG. Is done. This is because the playback order is played back in the order recorded in the memory card 13, that is, in the order of the lower four digits of each file name. FIG. 13B shows the correspondence between file names and playback frame numbers.

  However, when erasure / re-recording of the memory card 13 is repeated, the order of reproduction and the order of recording on the memory card 13 gradually differ. For this reason, for example, if only the playback frame number is displayed, the number may be mistaken for the order recorded in the memory card 13. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the playback frame number can be confirmed by displaying the upper right corner of the screen, and the order recorded on the memory card 13 can be confirmed by the file name displayed at the upper left corner of the screen. Also, by displaying the file name, the file name can be specified and deleted from the personal computer.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the photometry mode changeover switch 22 and the exposure correction changeover switch 23 are simultaneously operated during the reproduction of the photographed frame data, the signal system of the video signal is displayed on the display device 15 only in the meantime. The information indicating is displayed. FIG. 14 is a view showing a screen display example displayed on the display device 15 while the photometry mode changeover switch 22 and the exposure correction changeover switch 23 are operated simultaneously. FIG. 14A shows an NTSC video signal. An example of outputting, FIG. 14B shows an example of outputting a PAL video signal.

  As described above, since the current signal system of the video signal can be displayed on the display device 15, it can be confirmed in advance whether or not the signal system matches the signal system of the monitor.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the memory card 13 is used as the recording medium has been described. However, a recording medium other than the memory card 13 such as a floppy disk or an optical disk may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the example of switching between the NTSC system and the PAL system has been described. However, other signal systems may be switched.

  In the above embodiment, various functions at the time of reproduction are switched using the command dial, the sensitivity switch 21 or the like, but the switch for switching various functions is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment. That is, any switch may be used as long as it is a switch provided in advance in the camera in order to set information relating to shooting. In the above-described embodiment, display related to the playback mode is performed on the display device 15 provided in advance on the upper surface of the camera. In the above embodiment, when selecting various playback functions, the selection condition is whether or not a plurality of operation members are operated at the same time. However, the selection is not necessarily performed simultaneously. It may be a condition for selecting the playback function that a plurality of operation members are operated in some form in cooperation, for example, when they are operated in time.

  In the embodiment configured as described above, the command dial and the pulse generator 20 are the first operation member, the CCD 9 is the imaging means, the memory card 13 is the recording medium, the signal processing circuit 11 and the compression circuit. 12 is a recording means, a video signal conversion circuit 24 is a video signal conversion means, a shooting / reproduction selection switch 19 is a selection means, a control circuit 14 is a control means, and a sensitivity changeover switch 21 is a second operation member. The mode changeover switch 25 is the third operation member, the photometry mode changeover switch 22 is the fourth operation member, the exposure correction changeover switch 23 is the fifth operation member, and steps S56 to S58 or S70 to S72 of FIG. 3A and 3B, the display change in the display area C in FIGS. 3A and 3B is the first index, and the display change in the display area C in FIGS. index , Each corresponding.

  In addition, the above description is an example to the last, and when interpreting invention, it is not limited to the correspondence of the component of said embodiment and the component of this invention at all.

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic still camera according to the present invention. The figure which shows the display content displayed on a display apparatus. The figure which shows the display change of the display area C in the reproduction standby. The figure which shows the display change of the display area C during reproduction | regeneration. The flowchart which shows the processing operation of a control circuit. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which shows the imaging | photography related information switching process which a control circuit performs during reproduction | regeneration. The flowchart following FIG. The figure which shows the display change of the imaging | photography related information displayed on a monitor. The figure which shows that the display form of a date differs about each of an NTSC system and a PAL system. The figure explaining how to give the file name of the imaging | photography frame data stored in a memory card. The figure which shows the example of a display of a display apparatus at the time of operating a photometry mode switch and an exposure correction switch simultaneously at the time of reproduction | regeneration mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Photography lens 2 ... Aperture 3 ... Quick return mirror 4 ... Multi-split SPD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Shutter 6 ... Photometry amplifier 7 ... Diaphragm drive circuit 8 ... Shutter drive circuit 9 ... CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... CCD drive circuit 11 ... Signal processing circuit 12 ... Compression circuit 13 ... Memory card 14 ... Control circuit 15 ... Display device 16 ... Power switch 17 ... Half press switch 18 ... Full press switch 19 ... Shooting / reproduction selection switch 20 ... Pulse Generator 21 ... Sensitivity switch 22 ... Metering mode switch 23 ... Exposure compensation switch 24 ... Video signal conversion circuit 25 ... Shooting mode switch

Claims (12)

A first operation member capable of setting information relating to photographing; a display device capable of displaying information relating to photographing; imaging means for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image; and converting the image data into digital data and recording. In an electronic still camera comprising recording means for recording on a medium and video signal conversion means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal, and capable of outputting the converted video signal to an external monitor.
A selection means capable of selecting either a shooting mode for shooting or a playback mode for playback;
When the selection unit switches from the shooting mode to the playback mode, the display device displays a first indicator indicating that playback is on standby, and the first indicator is displayed while the first indicator is displayed. And a control unit that outputs the video signal to the monitor when the one operation member is operated, and causes the display device to display a second index indicating that the operation is being performed. Still camera. The electronic still camera according to claim 1.
When the playback mode is selected by the selection unit, the control unit causes the display device to display the number of frames to be played back or to be played back and the total number of frames recorded on the recording medium. A featured electronic still camera. The electronic still camera according to claim 1 or 2,
If the first operating member is not operated even after a first reference time has elapsed since the second index is displayed on the display device, the control means causes the display device to display the first indicator. In the case where the first operation member is not operated even after the second reference time has elapsed since the display of the index, the output of the video signal to the monitor is stopped, and the first index is displayed. An electronic still camera, wherein supply of power supply voltage to each part of the camera is stopped. A first operation member capable of setting information relating to photographing; a display device capable of displaying information relating to photographing; imaging means for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image; and converting the image data into digital data and recording. In an electronic still camera comprising recording means for recording on a medium and video signal conversion means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal, and capable of outputting the converted video signal to an external monitor.
The first operation member is configured to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and configured to output a signal corresponding to a rotation amount and a rotation direction.
A second operating member that is provided separately from the first operating member and that can set information relating to shooting;
When the first and second operation members are linked and operated when the reproduction mode is selected by the selection unit, the control unit is responsive to a rotation amount and a rotation direction of the first operation member. An electronic still camera, wherein a frame to be reproduced is determined and the determined frame number is displayed on the display device. A first operation member capable of setting information relating to photographing; a display device capable of displaying information relating to photographing; imaging means for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image; and converting the image data into digital data and recording. In an electronic still camera comprising recording means for recording on a medium and video signal conversion means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal, and capable of outputting the converted video signal to an external monitor.
A third operating member provided separately from the first operating member and capable of setting information relating to photographing;
When the first and third operation members are linked and operated during reproduction, the control means selects one of a plurality of shooting-related information provided corresponding to the frame being reproduced according to the linkage operation. An electronic still camera comprising: switching whether to output to the monitor; and selecting the shooting-related information to be output to the monitor. A first operation member capable of setting information relating to photographing; a display device capable of displaying information relating to photographing; imaging means for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image; and converting the image data into digital data and recording. In an electronic still camera comprising recording means for recording on a medium and video signal conversion means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal, and capable of outputting the converted video signal to an external monitor.
The first operation member is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction,
The control means predetermines contents of the photographing related information displayed on the monitor when the third operation member is operated in conjunction with a rotation operation of the first operation member in the first direction. When the third operating member is operated in conjunction with the rotation operation of the first operating member in the second direction, the contents of the photographing related information displayed on the monitor are An electronic still camera characterized by switching in a reverse order to a predetermined order. The electronic still camera according to claim 5 or 6,
The electronic still camera, wherein the shooting-related information is at least one of a date recorded on the recording medium, a reproduction order in the recording medium, and a file name unique to the frame. The electronic still camera according to claim 7.
2. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the file name unique to the frame has an identifier indicating a recording order after first recording frame information is recorded on the recording medium. A first operation member capable of setting information relating to photographing; a display device capable of displaying information relating to photographing; imaging means for outputting image data relating to a captured subject image; and converting the image data into digital data and recording. In an electronic still camera comprising recording means for recording on a medium and video signal conversion means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal, and capable of outputting the converted video signal to an external monitor.
A fourth operation member provided separately from the first operation member and capable of setting information relating to photographing;
A fifth operation member that is provided separately from the first and fourth operation members and that can set information relating to photographing;
When the fourth and fifth operation members are linked and operated when the reproduction mode is selected by the selection means, the control means outputs a video signal to be output to the monitor only during the linkage operation period. An electronic still camera, wherein a signal system is displayed on the display device. The electronic still camera according to claim 9.
When the first, fourth, and fifth operation members are linked and operated, the control unit changes a signal system of a video signal output to the monitor and displays the changed signal system on the display device. This is an electronic still camera. Imaging means for outputting image data relating to the captured subject image;
Recording means for converting the image data into digital data and recording it on a recording medium;
Video signal converting means for converting the recorded digital data into a video signal;
Output means for outputting the video signal and shooting-related information related to the video signal to an external monitor in a predetermined signal system;
An electronic still camera comprising: an imaging related information changing unit that changes a part or all of the imaging related information output to the monitor in accordance with a preset signal system of the monitor. The electronic still camera according to claim 11.
The shooting-related information includes at least date information,
The photographing related information changing means changes the display form of the date information displayed on the monitor in accordance with a preset signal system of the monitor.

Images