JP2006148705A - Camera and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily present a function desired by a presenter side. <P>SOLUTION: The camera comprises: an operating unit 20 which selects either an ordinary mode for performing ordinary camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing camera operation for demonstration; a file analytic unit 62 which analyzes a file (demonstration file) describing operational conditions of the camera operation for demonstration if the demonstration mode is selected; and an operational condition setting means 63 which sets the operational conditions of the camera operation during the demonstration based on an analyzed result of the file. The ordinary mode and the demonstration mode are not switched by the operating unit 20, but may be switched in accordance with whether the demonstration file is detected. A change history of the operational conditions set and changed during the demonstration mode is recorded, and an initial value for the operational conditions of the camera operation during the demonstration mode may be changed on the basis of the change history. A means for creating a file describing selectively inputted operational conditions may also be provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a demonstration camera used in a store or an exhibition and a control method thereof.

  In order to introduce products and promote sales, actual samples are generally exhibited at stores and exhibitions.

Conventionally, a camera having a mode and a function for performing a demonstration operation in such an exhibition has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a demo mode setting means for setting to switch from a normal camera mode in which a normal camera operation is performed to a demonstration camera mode in which a demonstration camera operation is performed. As an initial setting, a demonstration condition setting means for setting operation conditions (photographing conditions and reproduction conditions) dedicated to the demonstration mode is described.
JP 2001-352479 A

  However, with the conventional camera, the operating conditions for demonstration are fixed in advance, so the functions desired by the exhibitor can be easily presented even though the functions to be introduced differ depending on the purpose and location of the exhibition. I could not.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a camera capable of easily presenting a function desired by the exhibiting side.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, mode selection means for selecting a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demo mode for performing a demonstration camera operation, and the demo mode are selected. A file analysis means for analyzing a file in which operating conditions for the camera operation for the demonstration are described, and an operation condition setting means for setting the operating conditions for the camera operation for the demonstration based on the analysis result of the file. It is configured.

  The mode selection mode is not particularly limited. For example, a mode in which a specific key (demo key) is provided to perform mode selection operation, a predetermined plurality of keys that are not normally operated without a special key being provided simultaneously There is a mode in which a mode selection operation is performed by pressing.

  With this configuration, by creating a file (demonstration file) describing the operating conditions of the demonstration camera operation, the exhibitor can arbitrarily decide the operation of the demonstration. Functions can be presented easily.

  The invention according to claim 2 sets a file detection means for detecting the presence / absence of a file in which operation conditions for demonstration camera operation are described, and a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation when the file is not detected. On the other hand, when the file is detected, control means for performing control to set a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation, file analysis means for analyzing the detected file, and based on the analysis result of the file The operation condition setting means for setting the operation condition of the camera operation for demonstration is provided.

  Note that the mode of detecting the demonstration file is not particularly limited, and examples include a mode of detection based on the extension of the file and a mode of detection based on the content of the file.

  With this configuration, a file describing the operating conditions of the camera operation for demonstration without requiring special key operations such as pressing multiple keys at the same time, without providing a special means for selecting the demo mode. By creating a (demo file) in advance, the demo mode can be automatically selected, and the exhibitor can decide any demonstration operation, so the functions desired by the exhibitor can be easily done. Can be presented.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demo mode for performing a demonstration camera operation. An operating condition setting means for setting a value as an operating condition for camera operation in the demo mode, an operating condition changing means for changing the operating condition set by the operating condition setting means, and a demo mode being operated by the operating condition changing means The change history recording means for recording the change history of the operating condition changed to, and the initial value changing means for changing the initial value in the storage means based on the change history.

  The storage means is not particularly limited, and there are, for example, an aspect of storing in a removable recording means and an aspect of storing in a storage means in the camera.

  With this configuration, the operating conditions of the demonstration camera operation are automatically set in accordance with the setting change results in the demonstration mode, and the functions desired by the exhibitor can be easily presented.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the input means for selectively inputting the operating condition of the demonstration camera operation, and the selectively input demonstration. It is configured to include a file creation means for creating a file describing the operating conditions of camera operation.

  With this configuration, the exhibiting side can easily determine the camera operation for demonstration arbitrarily.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the camera control method having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demo mode for performing a demonstration camera operation, when the demonstration mode is selected, the camera operation for the demonstration is performed. The method includes a step of analyzing a file in which operating conditions are described, and a step of setting operating conditions of a camera operation for demonstration based on the analysis result of the file.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a method for controlling a camera having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation, and existence of a file in which operation conditions for the demonstration camera operation are described. Detecting the presence or absence of, and setting a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation when the file is not detected, while setting a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation when the file is detected, The method includes a step of analyzing the detected file, and a step of setting operating conditions of a demonstration camera operation based on the analysis result of the file.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera control method having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation. A step of setting an initial value as an operating condition of the camera operation in the demo mode; a step of recording a change history of the changed operating condition when the set operating condition is changed during the demo mode; and the change The configuration includes a step of changing the initial value in the storage means based on the history.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, a screen for selectively inputting the operation condition of the demonstration camera operation is displayed, and the operation of the demonstration camera operation is displayed. The method includes a step of receiving a selective input of conditions, and a step of creating a file describing operating conditions of the camera operation for the demonstration input selectively.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily present a function desired by the exhibiting side.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front view showing the appearance of an example of a camera according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear view thereof, FIG. 3 is a top view (plan view) thereof, and FIG. 4 is a side view thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the main body of the camera 10, a lens 30 for focusing a subject image on a predetermined imaging plane, a finder 11 for directly viewing the angle of view, and a subject A strobe 12 for irradiating light and an LED 13 for self-timer confirmation are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the main body of the camera 10, a display unit 37 composed mainly of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying a menu screen, images, etc., a finder 11, a shooting mode and a playback mode. A shooting / playback mode changeover switch 22 for performing a switching operation, a menu key for instructing display of a menu, a menu / OK key 24 which also functions as an OK key for instructing execution of a specific item, etc. A cross key 25 including an upper key 251, a lower key 252, a left key 253, and a right key 254, a cancel key 26 for instructing cancellation, and a display key for performing a switching operation for whether or not to perform display on the liquid crystal display device 37. 27 is disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 21 for performing an operation of switching the power of the camera 10 on and off and a release key 23 for instructing shooting preparation and shooting start are mainly provided on the upper surface of the main body of the camera 10. It is arranged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, on one side of the main body of the camera 10, a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation (hereinafter simply referred to as “demo mode”). A demo key 28 for performing a selection operation, a shift key 29 for function expansion, a USB terminal 38 for communicating with an external device via USB (Universal Serial Bus), and a DC terminal 71 for DC power input. Yes.

  Hereinafter, the internal configuration and operation of the camera of the present invention will be described in detail for each of the first to fourth embodiments.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, the camera 10 of the first embodiment mainly includes an operation unit 20, a lens 30, a solid-state imaging device 31, an A / D converter 32, an image processing unit 33, a media interface 34, a file control unit 35, a D / D A converter 36, display unit 37, communication interface 38, communication control unit 39, ROM (Read Only Memory) 51, EEPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM) 52, RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, central processing unit (CPU: Central) Processing Unit) 60, a file detection unit 61, a file analysis unit 62, an operation condition setting unit 63, and a power supply unit 70.

  The operation unit 20 includes a power switch 21, a shooting / playback mode switch 22, a release key 23, a menu / OK key 24, a cross key 25 (up key 251, down key 252, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. , Left key 253, right key 254), cancel key 26, display key 27, demo key 28, and shift key 29.

  The power supply unit 70 supplies power to each unit of the camera 10 when the power switch 21 is in an on state.

  The solid-state image sensor 31 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the lens 30 and outputs an analog image signal. The A / D converter 32 converts the analog image signal output from the solid-state image sensor 31 into a digital image signal. The image processing unit 33 performs predetermined signal processing on the digital image signal.

  The media interface 34 is detachably mounted with a recording medium 54 for recording files. Although not shown in the external view of the main body of the camera 10, in general, the recording medium 54 can be inserted into and removed from the camera 10 from a predetermined surface (for example, one side surface) of the main body of the camera 10. Yes.

  The file control unit 35 controls file input / output with respect to the recording medium 54 via the media interface 34.

  The D / A converter 36 converts a digital image signal into an analog image signal. The display unit 37 displays an image according to an analog image signal.

  The communication interface 38 is an interface for communicating with an external device by a predetermined communication method. Hereinafter, a case where communication with an external device is performed using USB (Universal Serial Bus) will be described as an example, but the communication method is not particularly limited to USB. The communication control unit 39 controls communication with an external device via the communication interface 38.

  The ROM 51 stores programs and fixed data. The EEPROM 52 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores various setting data such as operating condition information in the normal mode and the demo mode, and various logs. The RAM 53 is used for temporary storage of image data and information necessary for program execution.

  The CPU 60 controls each part of the camera 10 according to a predetermined program.

  The file detection unit 61 detects whether or not a file (referred to as “demonstration file”) indicating the operation conditions of the demonstration camera operation exists on the recording medium 54. For example, the presence or absence of a demonstration file is detected based on the extension of the file and the content of the file.

  The file analysis unit 62 analyzes the demonstration file recorded on the recording medium 54 when the demonstration mode is selected.

  When the demo mode is selected, the operation condition setting unit 63 sets the operation condition of the demonstration camera operation in the camera 10 based on the analysis result of the file by the file analysis unit 62. Specifically, an operation condition as a file analysis result is set in a predetermined area in the RAM 53 (or the EEPROM 52) referred to by the CPU 60 that performs overall control of camera operation (shooting operation and reproduction operation) according to a program. On the other hand, when the normal mode is selected, the operation condition of the normal mode is set to a predetermined area.

  The file detection unit 61, the file analysis unit 62, and the operation condition setting unit 63 may be configured by the CPU 60.

  FIG. 6 shows a demonstration file 540 as an example. The demonstration file 540 is created in an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format having a predetermined document structure, and “.demonstration” is given as an extension.

  This demonstration file 540 includes a mode-specific description part (dsc_mode) 541 in which operation conditions are described for each operation mode in the demo mode (in this embodiment, the shooting mode and the playback mode), and a common operation in the demo mode. A common description part (dsc_setup) 542 in which conditions are described is included.

  The mode-specific description section 541 shown as an example in FIG. 6 describes the operating conditions (shooting conditions) related to the shooting operation during the demo mode, and particularly the shooting conditions related to person shooting (PORTRAIT). More specifically, in human photography, the number of recorded pixels is “4M”, the image quality is “fine” (high quality), the sensitivity is “ISO400”, and the strobe mode cannot be set by the user. It is described to work.

  The common description section 542 describes that the auto power-off function is off during the demonstration mode, and the images are stored in the recording medium 54 with serial numbers.

  In this example, the demonstration file 540 is an XML format file, but may be described in a script language such as “Perl” or “Java Script”, or may be described in an original language. Also good.

  Further, the place where the demonstration file 540 exists is used as the recording medium 54 for image recording. However, even if the memory (for example, the EEPROM 52) built in the camera 10 is used, the communication of the camera 10 that communicates via the communication interface 38. It may be a storage means in the previous external device (for example, in the personal computer of the communication destination).

  Next, the flow of processing in the camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Each step of this process is executed by the overall control of the CPU 60 according to a predetermined program.

  In FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, the operation state of the camera 10 is set to the normal mode and the camera 10 is activated (S101). In this normal mode, it is determined whether or not the demo key 28 is pressed (S102). When the demo key 28 is pressed by the user, the demo mode is started (S103).

  When the demo mode is started, it is confirmed whether or not a demo file having a predetermined format exists in the recording medium 54 for image recording (S104). For example, it is checked whether or not a file with the extension “.demonstration” exists in the recording medium 54, and it is determined that the file with such an extension is a demonstration file.

  When the demonstration file exists in the recording medium 54, the demonstration file is analyzed (S105). The presence / absence of an analysis error is determined (S106). If there is no analysis error, operation conditions for demonstration are set in the camera 10 (S107), and a demonstration operation is started (S108).

  By the way, the camera 10 of the present embodiment can select the normal mode and the demo mode with the demo key 28, while the user can select the desired operation mode (here, the shooting mode and the playback mode) with the shooting / playback mode switch 21. . The demo file describes the operating conditions for each operating mode and the operating conditions common to the operating modes. By analyzing this demo file, operating conditions for each operating mode and common operating conditions can be obtained. These operating conditions are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 53 or the EEPROM 52 of the camera 10.

  Note that the operating conditions not specified in the demo file follow the operating conditions initially set in the normal mode.

  In the demo mode, when the user operates the operation unit 20 to cause the camera 10 to perform various operations, the camera 10 operates according to the operating conditions for demonstration. When the demonstration file 540 of FIG. 6 exists in the recording medium 54, the number of recording pixels is “4M”, the image quality is “fine” (high quality), the sensitivity is “ISO400”, and the flash emission is The shooting operation is performed when setting is not possible. Further, the reproducing operation is performed under the same operating conditions as in the normal mode. Further, the auto power off function is off, and the images are stored in the recording medium 54 with serial numbers.

  If the demo file does not exist in the recording medium 54 or if an error occurs in the file analysis, the normal mode operating condition is set (S112), and the demo mode is set according to the normal mode operating condition. The operation is started (S108).

  It is determined whether or not the demo key 28 is pressed in the demo mode (S109). When the demo key 28 is pressed again in the demo mode, the demo mode is terminated (S110) and the normal mode is restored (S111).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the camera 102 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and have already been described in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The file creation unit 64 creates a file (demonstration file) indicating the operation condition of the demo mode that is selectively input. Specifically, an operation condition selection screen presenting operation conditions that can be selected for the demonstration mode among various operation conditions related to the camera operation is displayed on the display unit 37 under the control of the CPU 60, and the operation unit 20 performs the demonstration. Then, a selective setting input of operating conditions is accepted, and a demonstration file is created based on such a selective setting input.

  The file detection unit 61, the file analysis unit 62, the operation condition setting unit 63, and the file creation unit 64 may be configured by the CPU 60.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the camera 102 according to the second embodiment. Each step of this process is executed by the overall control of the CPU 60 according to a predetermined program.

  In FIG. 9, the operation state of the camera 102 is set to the normal mode and the camera 102 is activated (S201). It is determined whether or not the demo key 28 has been pressed in this normal mode (S202). When the demo key is pressed by the user, the demo mode is started (S203).

  When the demonstration mode is started, a demonstration mode initial screen having two selection items of “demonstration start” and “operation condition selection” is displayed on the display unit 37 (S204). It is determined whether or not the “operation condition selection” item is selected on the demonstration mode initial screen (S205), and when the “operation condition selection” item is selected, the operation condition for demonstration is selectively set and input. An operation condition selection screen is displayed on the display unit 37 (S206).

  Actually, first, a type selection screen 371 for selecting the type of operation condition (shooting condition, playback condition, and common condition) as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 37, and this type selection screen 371 is displayed. When the type of the operation condition is selected, a screen on which the operation condition of that type can be selectively set and input is displayed on the display unit 37.

Specifically, when the down key 252 is operated while the screen 371 of FIG. 10 is displayed, the cursor is set in the order of “shooting condition”, “playback condition”, “common condition”, and “shooting condition” after returning to the top. Will move. When the up key 251 is operated, the cursor moves in the reverse order.
In this way, the type of operation condition is selected by operating the up and down keys 251 and 252 and the left and right keys 253 and 254 are operated. For example, when “shooting conditions” is selected, a shooting condition setting screen 372 shown in FIG.

  In the shooting condition setting screen 372 of FIG. 11, a list of selectable setting items is displayed in a field 3721 (item selection field) on the left side of the screen. When the down key 252 is operated while the cursor is displayed in the item selection field 3712, “number of pixels” (number of recorded pixels), “sensitivity”, “WB” (white balance), “strobe”, “macro” ”,“ Continuous shooting ”, and the cursor moves in the order of“ number of pixels ”after returning to the top. When the up key 251 is operated, the cursor moves in the reverse order. While a specific setting item is selected in the item selection field 3721 on the left side of the screen, a list of selectable operation conditions corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the condition setting field 3722 on the right side of the screen.

  The left and right keys 253 and 254 are operated in such a state that the up and down keys 251 and 252 are operated and the setting items are selected. Then, the cursor moves from the item selection field 3721 on the left side of the screen to the condition setting field 3722 on the right side of the screen.

  For example, when “strobe” is selected in the item selection field 3721 on the left side of the screen and the cursor is moved within the condition setting field 3722 on the right side of the screen by operating the down key 252, “default”, “AUTO” (Auto flash), “flash prohibited”, “forced flash”, “red-eye reduction”, “slow sync”, and the cursor moves in the order of “default”, and the left and right keys 253 and 354 are further pressed. Operate to switch valid / invalid of operation condition. For example, if the background of “AUTO” is displayed in white, it indicates that automatic light emission is effective, and if it is displayed in gray, it indicates that it is disabled. If “default” is enabled, the same operating condition as that in the normal mode is set.

  When the OK key 24 is pressed while the shooting condition setting screen 372 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, the screen returns to the type selection screen 371 shown in FIG. When is pressed, the screen returns to the type selection screen 371 in FIG. 10 in a state where the selected operation condition is invalid.

  As described above, the user operates the cross key 25 including the up / down keys 251 and 252 and the left / right keys 253 and 254, the OK key 24, and the cancel key 26, so that each item of the operation condition displayed on the display unit 37 is displayed. Select and input to determine the operating conditions during the demo mode.

  It is determined whether or not the OK key 24 has been pressed on the operating condition selection screen (here, the type selection screen 371 in FIG. 10 which is the highest hierarchy) (S207), and when the OK key 24 is pressed, the user makes a selection input. Based on the operating conditions, a demo file is created in a predetermined format (S208). In the present embodiment, a demo file is created on the removable recording medium 54.

  When “Demo Start” is selected on the demonstration mode initial screen, it is checked whether or not the demonstration file exists in the recording medium 54 (S214), and the demonstration operation condition is analyzed by analyzing the demonstration file. Is set (S209), and the demonstration operation is started (S210).

  It is determined whether or not the demo key 28 is pressed in the demo mode (S211). When the demo key 28 is pressed again in the demo mode, the demo mode is terminated (S212) and the normal mode is restored (S213).

  If the demo file does not exist in the recording medium 54 or if an error occurs in the file analysis, the normal mode operating condition is set (S215), and the demo mode is set according to the normal mode operating condition. The operation is started (S210).

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the camera 103 according to the third embodiment. The same components as those of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and the same components as those of the camera 102 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Is omitted.

  Note that the demo key 28 is not provided in the camera 103 of the third embodiment. That is, the operation unit 200 in the present embodiment is configured by various keys excluding the demo key 28 from the operation unit 20 of the camera 10 of the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when a demonstration file is detected by the file detection unit 61, a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation is set under the control of the CPU 60. On the other hand, when the demonstration file is not detected by the file detection unit 61, a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation is set under the control of the CPU 60.

  The file detection unit 61, the file analysis unit 62, the operation condition setting unit 63, and the file creation unit 64 may be configured by the CPU 60.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the camera 103 according to the third embodiment. Each step of this process is executed by the overall control of the CPU 60 according to a predetermined program.

  In FIG. 13, when the power of the camera 103 is turned on (S301), it is confirmed whether or not a demo file of a predetermined format exists in the recording medium 54 for image recording (S302).

  If the demonstration file exists in the recording medium 54, the camera 103 is set to the demonstration mode and started (S303), the demonstration file in the recording medium 54 is analyzed (S304), and the presence of an analysis error is checked. If there is no analysis error, a demonstration operation condition is set (S306), and a demonstration operation is started (S307).

  As a result of confirming the presence or absence of the demonstration file (S302), if the demonstration file does not exist in the recording medium 54, the camera 103 is set to the normal mode and activated (S308).

  Even if the demo file exists in the recording medium 54, if there is an analysis error as a result of analyzing the demo file (S304), the demo mode is terminated and the camera 103 is set to normal. The mode is set and the normal mode is started (S308).

  If a demo file is provided with an attribute indicating validity / invalidity, and this attribute is set to invalid, even if a demo file corresponding to the specified format exists, it is not in demo mode but in normal mode. May be set to activate the camera 103.

  As a method for ending the demo mode, it is possible to turn off the power of the camera 103, delete the demo file, or quit when a predetermined operation for ending the demo mode is performed. is there.

  As a method of deleting the demonstration file, there are a method of formatting the recording medium 54, a method of erasing from the personal computer side by connecting the camera 103 as a storage to a personal computer which is an external device.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera 104 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, the same component as the camera 10 of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and the same component as the camera 102 of 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is attached | subjected the same code | symbol, and detailed description is Omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the initial value (demonstration initial value) of the operating condition of the camera operation for demonstration is stored in the recording medium 54 (or the EEPROM 52) as an initial value file.

  The operation condition setting unit 630 sets the initial value for demonstration in the camera 104 as the operation condition of the camera operation in the demonstration mode.

  The log unit 65 records the operation condition change history (log) changed during the demo mode by the operation unit 20 as a log file in the recording medium 54 (or the EEPROM 52). The log unit 65 detects a log file recorded on the recording medium 54 (or the EEPROM 52). The log unit 65 analyzes the log file.

  In the present embodiment, the file detection unit 610 detects an initial value file. In the present embodiment, the file analysis unit 620 analyzes the initial value file.

  The initial value changing unit 66 changes the initial value stored in the recording medium 54 (or the EEPROM 52) as the initial value storage unit based on the change history.

  The file detection unit 610, the file analysis unit 620, the operation condition setting unit 630, the log unit 65, and the initial value changing unit 66 may be configured by the CPU 60.

  FIG. 15 shows a list of examples of change history recording codes. FIG. 15 shows recording codes for setting items such as the number of recorded images, sensitivity, and white balance (WB) as shooting conditions, and setting items such as auto play and monitor display mode as playback conditions. For example, regarding the number of recorded pixels in the shooting conditions, 0x010101 if the set value is “1M”, 0x010102 if “2M”, 0x010103 if “3M”, 0x010104 if “4M”, “5M” If it is “6M”, 0x010106 is recorded in the change history as a recording code.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of the recording code for only the photographing condition and the reproduction condition as the type of the operating condition, but actually, the recording code for the common condition is also determined in advance. Also, with regard to shooting conditions and playback conditions, recording codes are shown only for some setting items. However, in practice, other setting items (for example, flash emission conditions for shooting conditions, macro shooting conditions, continuous shooting) Recording codes such as shooting conditions are also determined in advance.

  An example of the change history is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the change code 651 described with reference to FIG. 15 and the number of changes 652 (for example, the amount of information is 1 byte and a maximum of 255 times) is recorded as the change history 650.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, when the set value of the number of recording pixels is changed to “4M” eight times, “0x010104” which is a recording code indicating “4M” indicates the number of changes “ Add “0x08” and record. When the sensitivity setting value is changed to “ISO200” ten times, “0x0A” indicating the number of changes is added to “0x010202”, which is a recording code indicating “ISO200”, and recording is performed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the camera 104 according to the fourth embodiment. Each step of this process is executed by the overall control of the CPU 60 according to a predetermined program.

  In FIG. 17, the operation state of the camera 104 is set to the normal mode and the camera 104 is activated (S401). It is determined whether or not the demo key 28 has been pressed in this normal mode (S402). When the demo key is pressed by the user, the demo mode is started (S403).

  When transitioning to the demo mode, it is determined whether or not there is a change history indicating an operation condition changed during the past demo mode (S404). If there is no change history, the recording medium 54 (or EEPROM 52) as the initial value storage means The initial setting values (demonstration initial values) stored in the above are set as operating conditions for the demonstration camera operation (S405), and the demonstration operation is started (S406).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an operation condition setting change has occurred during the demo mode (S407). When the user performs an operation condition setting change operation using the operation unit 20 during the demo mode, the camera operation for demonstration is performed. When a setting change occurs in the operating condition, the setting change content (for example, changed setting change type, setting content, and number of changes) is recorded in the change history recording unit as change history information (S408).

  If the same setting item type and setting contents are already stored, the number of times of changing the corresponding item is increased by one.

  It is determined whether or not the demo key 28 is pressed in the demo mode (S409). When the demo key 28 is pressed again in the demo mode, the demo mode is terminated (S410).

  On the other hand, when the demo mode is started (S403), in the determination of the presence / absence of the operation condition change history (S404), when it is determined that there is a change history of the operation condition changed during the demo mode, The operation condition change history stored in the recording medium 54 (or EEPROM 52) during the demonstration mode is compared with the initial value of the demo operating conditions stored in the recording medium 54 (or EEPROM 52) (S411). It is determined whether or not the initial value needs to be changed (S412), and the initial value needs to be changed (for example, when a certain setting item has been changed to a specific setting value a predetermined number of times or more). In step S413, the initial value of the corresponding setting item is changed. At the same time, the history regarding the corresponding setting item in the change history is deleted (S414).

  In the case where the change history of FIG. 16 exists, for example, if the number of recorded pixels, which is one item of the operating condition, has been changed from the initial value “1M” to a predetermined number of times of 8 or more to 4M. The initial value held in the recording medium 54 (or EEPROM 52) as the value storage means is changed from 1M to 4M, and all the change history relating to the number of recorded pixels is deleted from the change history.

  There are various ways of changing the initial value based on the change history. In this embodiment, the frequency of setting change to the same setting item and the same setting value is detected, and when this frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. Then, it is determined that the setting contents are highly likely to be desired, and the initial value is changed. In addition, not only the number of times but also the time interval in which the setting is changed to the same setting item and the same setting value may be detected, and it may be determined whether or not to change the initial value based on this time interval.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the file creation unit 64 in the camera 102 of the second embodiment in FIG. 8 is omitted, but similarly to the second embodiment, a file creation unit 64 can be provided to create a demo file. It may be configured.

  In the fourth embodiment, the initial value file may have the same format as the demonstration file described with reference to FIG. The “demonstration file” described in the first to third embodiments may be read as “initial value file”, and the configuration of any of the first to third embodiments may be combined with the configuration of the fourth embodiment. . In this case, if there is no change history, the contents of the demo file are set as operating conditions in the demo mode, while if there is a change history, the demo file is changed based on the change history. Set as operating condition in demo mode.

  Also, the operating conditions for demonstration described in the first to fourth embodiments are merely examples, and are not particularly limited to the above-described operating conditions. For example, the operating conditions in which the setting operation is permitted in the normal mode are the operating conditions in which the setting operation is prohibited in the demo mode, or in addition to the operating conditions in which the setting operation can be performed in the normal mode. May be described in a demo file or initial value file as operating conditions for demonstration.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the example demonstrated in embodiment, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, various design changes and improvements may be performed.

The front view which shows an example of the external appearance of the camera which concerns on this invention The rear view which shows an example of the external appearance of the camera which concerns on this invention The top view which shows an example of the external appearance of the camera which concerns on this invention The side view which shows an example of the external appearance of the camera which concerns on this invention The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing showing an example of a demonstration file The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the camera of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the camera of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing showing an example of the upper layer screen of the operating condition selection screen Explanatory drawing showing an example of the screen in the lower hierarchy of the operating condition selection screen The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the camera of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera of 4th Embodiment which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change log recording code Explanatory diagram showing an example of change history The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the camera of 4th Embodiment which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 102, 103, 104 ... Camera, 12 ... Strobe, 20, 200 ... Operation part, 21 ... Power switch, 22 ... Shooting / playback mode switch, 23 ... Release key, 24 ... Menu / OK key, 25 ... Cross Key, 26 ... cancel key, 28 ... demo key, 30 ... lens, 34 ... media interface, 37 ... liquid crystal display device (display unit), 38 ... USB terminal (communication interface), 39 ... communication control unit, 70 ... power supply unit, 51 ... ROM, 52 ... EEPROM, 54 ... recording medium, 60 ... central processing unit (CPU), 61,610 ... file detection unit, 62,620 ... file analysis unit, 63,630 ... operating condition setting unit, 64 ... file Creation unit, 65 ... log unit, 66 ... initial value change unit

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Claims (8)

Mode selection means for selecting a normal mode for performing normal camera operation and a demo mode for performing camera operation for demonstration;
When the demonstration mode is selected, a file analysis means for analyzing a file in which operating conditions of a camera operation for demonstration are described;
An operation condition setting means for setting an operation condition of a camera operation for demonstration based on the analysis result of the file;
A camera characterized by comprising File detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a file in which the operating conditions of the camera operation for demonstration are described;
A control means for controlling to set a demonstration mode for performing a camera operation for demonstration when the file is detected, while setting a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation when the file is not detected;
File analysis means for analyzing the detected file;
An operation condition setting means for setting an operation condition of a camera operation for demonstration based on the analysis result of the file;
A camera characterized by comprising A camera having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a camera operation for demonstration,
An operation condition setting means for setting an initial value of an operation condition of the camera operation stored in advance in a predetermined storage means as an operation condition of the camera operation in the demo mode;
An operating condition changing means for changing the operating condition set by the operating condition setting means;
Change history recording means for recording a change history of the operating conditions changed during the demo mode by the operating condition changing means;
Initial value changing means for changing the initial value in the storage means based on the change history;
A camera characterized by comprising Input means for selectively inputting operating conditions of the camera operation for demonstration;
File creation means for creating a file describing operating conditions of the camera operation for the demonstration input selectively;
The camera according to claim 1, further comprising: In a camera control method having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a camera operation for demonstration purposes,
When the demonstration mode is selected, analyzing a file describing operating conditions for demonstration camera operation;
Setting operation conditions for demonstration camera operation based on the analysis result of the file;
A control method for a camera. In a camera control method having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a camera operation for demonstration purposes,
Detecting the presence or absence of a file in which operating conditions for demonstration camera operation are described;
Setting a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation when the file is not detected, and setting a demonstration mode for performing a demonstration camera operation when the file is detected;
Analyzing the detected file;
Setting operation conditions for demonstration camera operation based on the analysis result of the file;
A control method for a camera. In a camera control method having a normal mode for performing a normal camera operation and a demonstration mode for performing a camera operation for demonstration purposes,
Setting an initial value of the operating condition of the camera operation stored in advance in a predetermined storage means as the operating condition of the camera operation in the demo mode;
Recording the change history of the changed operating condition when the set operating condition is changed during the demo mode;
Changing an initial value in the storage means based on the change history;
A control method for a camera. Displaying a screen for selectively inputting operating conditions of the camera operation for the demonstration, and accepting selective input of the operating conditions of the camera operation for the demonstration;
Creating a file describing operating conditions for the camera operation for the demonstration input selectively;
The camera control method according to claim 5, further comprising:

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