JP2008234687A - Electronic device with imaging function, method for controlling electronic device with imaging function, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an OSD function for determining conditions without deteriorating visibility of icons for user setting even on a compact display in which icons of an ordinary size are less visible. <P>SOLUTION: When settings are changed from default setting by a user operation in the electronic device, icons using an OSD (On Screen Display) are displayed in the edge part of a screen in such a size that the icons 31-33 do not interfere with the images taken with a camera as in a screen 30a. The icons thus displayed are difficult to see on a small-sized display, and erroneous settings can be overlooked. To solve this problem, visibility is improved by using icons 31L, 32L, and 33L of an enlarged display size as in a screen 30b shown in FIG. 2 when the changed settings are displayed. Display of the icons of the enlarged size is started or ended by a user operation. Imaging can be performed even when the icons of the enlarged size are displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device with a display, an information processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  In recent years, digital still cameras, mobile phones with digital cameras, and the like have become widespread as media for image information. These devices can provide various functions as image information is handled as electronic data.

  One of such functions is an OSD (On Screen Display) function. The OSD function has been used as a user interface so far. For example, an icon or a character indicating the apparatus state and operation conditions is displayed on the main screen on the display screen and set for the user. An operation mode or the like is indicated by an icon or the like or guided, thereby enabling interaction between the apparatus and the user.

  As a conventional example showing an apparatus having an OSD function, for example, the following Patent Document 1 can be cited. The invention described in Patent Document 1 relates to a digital camera, and enables operation in a mode in which image data stored in a memory card is reproduced and displayed and a mode in which a captured image is displayed in a through mode. In the figure, the image data and the character data indicating the counter, date, shooting conditions, etc. are combined and displayed on-screen. An object of the invention described in Patent Document 1 is to eliminate a change that occurs in the size of character data to be displayed on the screen due to a difference in scan speed between the display modes described above, and to ensure normal display.

JP-A-11-146234

  However, an OSD function used as a user interface can be realized by a device such as a digital camera or a mobile phone having a relatively small display, and recently, multi-functionality has been advanced and various functions are set. When it becomes possible, a large number of icons are displayed on a screen of a limited size, and each icon must be made smaller.

  If the icon is made small, the display will be crushed, the visibility will be poor, and it will be difficult for the user to check the settings, and the function will be executed with incorrect settings. I can get up. Further, if the display is enlarged in order to avoid deterioration of the visibility, if there is image data in the base, there is a problem that it is hidden or an icon that cannot be displayed appears.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the problem to be solved is an electronic device with a display that can display an icon indicating an apparatus state and an operation condition by an OSD function. In the case where the necessary icons can be displayed to the maximum, the OSD function that enables the confirmation of the icons that require the user's determination without deteriorating the visibility is realized. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with a display, an information processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a display-equipped electronic device capable of displaying an icon indicating a device state or an operating condition by an OSD function on the display, and a device condition determination for judging a change in the state of the device or a change in setting of the operating condition Means for designating an icon indicating the state or operating condition of the device whose change has been determined by the device condition determining unit, and OSD display control for displaying the specified icon in a form different from the previous icon Means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to the first aspect, the OSD display control means compares the designated icon with a color and shape compared to a previous icon. By including at least one of the changes, the icon is displayed in a different form from the previous icon specified.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to the first or second aspect, the OSD display control means compares the designated icon with a color and a color before comparing the designated icon. It is characterized in that it is displayed in a different form from the previous icon specified by at least any dynamic change in shape.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to third aspects, the OSD display control means displays the designated icon in a size that covers a background image. It is characterized by being.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the OSD display control means is configured to display the designated icon in a different form. In the case of returning to the normal display form, control is performed so as to return while changing the different form dynamically.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the OSD display control means displays the designated icon in a different form. The display is controlled to display in at least one of a feed-in that gradually appears and a fade-out that returns to gradually disappear when returning to a normal display form.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising operation means for setting an operation condition by an input operation, wherein the device condition determination The means is characterized in that the setting change of the operating condition performed from the operation means is determined.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the human body detection for detecting that an operator who operates the electronic device with the display is in a proximity position. The apparatus condition determining unit is further configured to determine the setting change when the human body detecting unit detects that the operator is in the proximity position.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the human body detection means is an infrared sensor, a distance sensor, a contact sensor, an optical sensor, an eyeball detection sensor. , A line-of-sight detection sensor, and a pressure detection sensor.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the OSD display control means is different from an icon before designation including an enlarged display of an icon. Control is performed so that the display in the above-described form is performed at a timing when the apparatus is ready to be activated in accordance with the set conditions.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the OSD display control means is different from a pre-designated icon including an enlarged display of an icon. The display in the above form is controlled so as to be performed at the timing when the electronic device with the display is turned on.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the OSD display control means is different from a pre-designated icon including an enlarged display of an icon. The display in the above-described form is controlled to be performed after a first predetermined time after the electronic device with a display is turned on.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to the twelfth aspect, the OSD display control means displays a display in a form different from the previous icon including the enlarged display of the icon. The electronic device with a display is controlled to be performed from the first predetermined time to the second predetermined time after the power is turned on.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the electronic device with display according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the OSD display control means is an icon of the icon when the electronic device with display is a digital camera. The digital camera is controlled so that the display in the form different from the designated icon including the enlarged display is performed when the digital camera is driven by half-pressing the shutter button and the focusing mechanism is focused. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the OSD display control means is the icon when the electronic device with a display is a digital camera. Display in different forms is controlled to be displayed on at least one of a liquid crystal monitor, an electronic view finder (EVF = Electronic View Finder), and a display unit disposed in the optical finder. It is characterized by.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, the OSD display control means performs at least one of start and end of the enlarged display of the icon, The operation means is configured to perform an instruction operation input from a user received.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the tenth to sixteenth aspects, the OSD display control unit is configured to display an icon displayed in an enlarged manner at the end of the enlarged display of the icon. It is characterized in that a transition is made to a predetermined position occupied when the display size does not interfere with the background image while gradually reducing the size.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device with a display according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the OSD display control means displays an icon to be enlarged and displayed as a translucent image. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the invention according to claim 19 is an information processing method for controlling an electronic device with a display, which can display an icon indicating a device state or an operating condition by an OSD function on a display, and the device condition judging means The state change or the operating condition setting change is determined, the icon specifying the icon is used to specify the icon indicating the state or the operating condition of the device whose change is determined by the device condition determining unit, and the OSD display control unit The display is OSD-displayed on the display in a form different from the specified icon.

  The invention according to claim 20 is a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 19.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the state of the apparatus is changed or the setting of the operating condition is changed, the icon can be displayed in a form different from that before the setting change, so that the visibility for visually checking the setting change is improved. As a result, it is possible to reliably determine the setting.

  In addition, according to the invention of claim 2, since the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed so that the change in color and shape can be seen as compared with before the setting, the visibility for visually checking the setting change is improved and the setting is changed. There is an effect that the determination can be performed reliably.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the icon color corresponding to the setting change is displayed while being dynamically changed, the visibility for visually checking the setting change is improved, and the setting is reliably determined. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed in a size covering the background image, the visibility for visually checking the setting change is improved, and the setting can be reliably determined. There is an effect.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 5, after the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed in a form different from that before the setting, the icon is displayed so as to return to the normal display form while changing dynamically. Visibility for visual recognition is improved, and since the display is performed in a normal form during normal use, it is possible to reliably determine the setting, and there is an effect that the display during normal use can be safely performed.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed so as to gradually appear when displayed in a different form, and gradually disappears when returning to the normal display form. Since it is displayed so that it returns, the visibility which visually recognizes the setting change is improved, and there is an effect that the setting can be reliably determined.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operating condition is changed by an operation by the operator, the icon shape is changed and displayed, so that the visibility when the operator changes the setting is improved. As a result, it is possible to reliably determine the setting.

  According to the invention according to claim 8, when the operator detects that the user is in the proximity position, the icon is displayed in a form different from that before the setting. Therefore, when the operator operates the apparatus, the setting is changed. Visibility for visually recognizing is improved, and there is an effect that it is possible to reliably determine the setting.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is automatically detected by the infrared sensor, the distance sensor, the contact sensor, the optical sensor, the eyeball detection sensor, the line-of-sight detection sensor, the pressure detection sensor, and the like that the operator is in the proximity position. Detects and displays icons in a different form from before specification, automatically detecting that the operator operates the device, improving visibility to see setting changes, and making sure settings are determined There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention of claim 10, when the operator operates the device by displaying the icon of the operating condition whose setting has been changed before the device is operated, the visibility for visually confirming the setting change is improved. There is an effect that the setting can be reliably determined.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed at the timing when the electronic device with a display is turned on, the visibility of the setting change is improved and the determination of the setting is ensured. The effect that it can be performed is produced.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed after the first predetermined time after the electronic device with a display is turned on, the visibility for visually checking the setting change is improved. There is an effect that the determination of the setting can be performed reliably.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, after the electronic device with a display is turned on, the icon corresponding to the setting change is displayed after the first predetermined time, and the normal display is restored after the second predetermined time. When the operator turns on the power, the visibility of the setting change is improved, and after viewing, the display is restored to the normal icon. Play.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when an icon corresponding to a setting change is displayed when applied to a digital camera, the icon is displayed at the timing when the shutter button is pressed halfway, so that the general use There is an effect that it is possible to improve the visibility of visually recognizing the icon corresponding to the setting change without disturbing the normal visibility.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when applied to a digital camera, an icon corresponding to a setting change can be displayed in different forms, such as a liquid crystal monitor, an electronic view finder (EVF), and an optical display. Since it can display on the display part arrange | positioned in a finder, there exists an effect that the visibility which visually recognizes the icon corresponding to a setting change can be improved.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the start and end of the enlarged display of the icon corresponding to the setting change can be performed by the user's operation, it is possible to prevent the confusion due to the misunderstanding or the operation mistake. Play.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the icon corresponding to the setting change is enlarged and displayed, the size is gradually reduced so that the icon is changed to a predetermined position and is dynamically displayed. The type can be recognized in association with the layout, the recognition rate is improved, and the erroneous setting can be reduced.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 18, by displaying the icon to be enlarged as a semi-transparent image, it is possible to perform setting determination and device start instruction while being aware of the presence of the image on the base. Thus, it is possible to perform an appropriate determination and start instruction.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the state of the apparatus is changed or the setting of the operating condition is changed, the icon can be displayed in a form different from that before the setting change. If the setting is improved and the setting can be reliably determined, an information processing method for controlling the electronic device with a display can be provided.

  The invention according to claim 20 has the effect of allowing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 19.

  An electronic device with a display, an information processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment shows an example applied to a digital camera. However, the embodiment may be an electronic apparatus equipped with a small display as a user interface that can determine the setting of an operation mode or the like by icon display using the OSD function. For example, the present invention can be implemented in apparatuses other than digital cameras.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the digital camera of this embodiment. A digital camera shown in FIG. 1 includes a lens 1, a mechanical mechanism 2 including autofocus, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 3, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 4, an A / D (analog / digital) converter 5, a digital Signal processing circuit 6, compression / expansion circuit 7, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 8, memory card 9, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device) 10, driver 11, SG (Sync Generator) 12, CPU 13, operation unit 14, strobe 15, microphone 16, AMP / FILTER (amplifier / filter) 17, D / A converter 18, audio data compression / decompression circuit 19, A / D converter 20, AMP / FILTER 21, OSD control unit 22, etc. It comprises as components.

  The lens unit includes a lens 1, a mechanical mechanism 2 including an autofocus (AF) / aperture / filter unit, and the like. A CCD (charge coupled device) 3 converts an image input via the lens unit into an electrical signal (analog image data). The CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit 4 is a circuit for reducing noise for the CCD type image pickup device. The A / D converter 5 converts the analog image data input from the CCD 3 via the CDS circuit 4 into digital image data. That is, the output signal of the CCD 3 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5 through the CDS circuit 4 at an optimum sampling frequency.

  The digital signal processing unit 6 divides the image data input from the A / D converter 5 into color difference data and luminance data, and performs various processing, correction, and data processing for image compression / decompression.

  The image compression / decompression circuit 7 includes, for example, orthogonal transformation / inverse orthogonal transformation, which is a process of JPEG-compliant image compression / decompression, and Huffman coding / Huffman decoding, which is a process of JPEG-compliant image compression / decompression. Etc.

  On the other hand, the audio is converted into an electric signal by an audio-electric signal conversion element such as a microphone 16 to become audio data, amplified by the AMP / FILTER 17 and cut off to a necessary band, and then a predetermined band by the D / A converter 18. It is converted into digital audio data at a sampling frequency that is at least twice the sampling frequency. Further, the digital audio data is compressed and encoded by the data compression / decompression unit 19.

  The DRAM 8 temporarily stores the compressed image data. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 9 as an image data file, and the compressed audio data is recorded on the memory card 9 as an audio data file.

  Further, the LCD 10 directly displays image data photographed by the CCD 3 and displays an image corresponding to the image data recorded on the memory card 9. In addition, the LCD 10 displays the state of the set digital still camera, for example, the set mode display and error display using an OSD (On Screen Display) function described in detail later.

  The CPU 13 controls the operation of each unit of the digital still camera according to a control program stored in the ROM 23 in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 14 or an external operation instruction such as a remote controller (not shown). Specifically, the CPU 13 issues control commands relating to the control of the image data recording operation and the control of the image data reproduction operation. Further, the CPU 13 issues a control command related to icon display of the OSD control unit 22 in accordance with the OSD control program stored in the ROM 23.

  The operation unit 14 includes operation buttons and the like for externally performing function selection, shooting instruction, and other various settings. The OSD control unit 22 generates icon data (in this case, “icon data” includes counter display data, character display data of time, date, and imaging data), and a dot clock having a predetermined cycle. Is output to the digital signal processing circuit 6.

  The digital camera described above has a playback mode in which image data captured by the CCD 3 and once stored in the memory card 9 is displayed on the LCD 10, and a through image mode in which the image data captured by the CCD 3 is directly displayed on the LCD 10. ing.

  Next, the image data recording operation of the digital camera will be described. First, the subject image through the lens 1 is converted into an electrical signal (analog image data) by the CCD 3, and then input to the A / D converter 5 through the CDS 4, and the analog image data is converted into digital image data. The The converted digital image data is signal-processed by the digital signal processing circuit 6 and stored in the DRAM 8 via the CPU bus. The digital image data stored in the DRAM 8 is input to the compression / expansion circuit 7 via the CPU bus, subjected to compression processing, and stored in the DRAM 8 again. When the compression process is completed, the CPU 13 records the compressed image data stored in the DRAM 8 as an image data file in a predetermined form on the memory card 9 via the CPU bus.

  In the operation of the reproduction mode of the image data stored in the memory card 9, when the image data file of the memory card 9 to be reproduced is designated by the operation of the operation unit 14, the compressed image of the designated image data file is designated. Data is read and stored in the DRAM 8. The image data stored in the DRAM 8 is input to the compression / decompression circuit 7 via the CPU bus, decompressed, and stored in the DRAM 8 again. The decompressed image data stored in the DRAM 8 is input to the digital signal processing circuit 6 through the CPU bus, converted into a video signal, and displayed on the LCD 10.

  In the operation of the through image mode in which captured image data is directly displayed, first, the subject image via the lens 1 is converted into an electrical signal (analog image data) by the CCD 3 and then passed through the CDS 4 and then an A / D converter. The analog image data is converted into digital image data. The converted digital image data is subjected to signal processing by the digital signal processing circuit 6, temporarily stored in the DRAM 8, converted into a video signal, and displayed on the LCD 10.

  The OSD control unit 22 is sent from the CPU 13, a command decoder that decodes commands input from the CPU 13, a video RAM (VRAM) 22 b in which icon data read from an icon data generator ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 a is expanded, and the CPU 13. The icon data generator ROM 22a that outputs icon data corresponding to the command to be output, the oscillation circuit that outputs the dot clock to the output controller, and the icon data developed in the video RAM 22b are synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal, And an output controller for sending to the digital signal processing circuit 6 at the timing of the dot clock input from the oscillation circuit.

  When the setting is changed by an input operation from the operation unit 14, the OSD control unit 22 receives the reference result information from the CPU 13 that refers to the setting storage memory 25 included in the CPU 13, and selects the item whose setting has been changed.

  The OSD control unit 22 to which the command data from the CPU 13 is input reads the icon data instructed by the decoded command from the icon data generator ROM 22a and develops it in the video RAM 22b. Then, the icon data is output to the vertical synchronization signal by the output controller. In synchronization with the horizontal synchronizing signal, the signal is sent to the digital signal processing circuit 6 at the timing of the dot clock input from the oscillation circuit.

  The digital signal processing circuit 6 synthesizes a through image or a reproduction image to be reproduced and icon data input from the OSD control unit 22 and performs signal conversion so that the image can be displayed on the LCD 10. Display.

  The sensor 24 is an infrared sensor, for example, and detects proximity when the operator is close enough to operate the digital camera. When the infrared sensor detects the operator, the detected signal is transmitted to the CPU 13 so that the OSD control unit 22 can execute the OSD control function. Here, as the sensor 24, in addition to the infrared sensor, a distance sensor that measures the distance to the human body, a contact sensor that detects contact with the human body, an optical sensor that detects light, an eyeball detection sensor that detects the eyeball, and a human It is possible to apply a line-of-sight detection sensor for detecting the line of sight, a pressure detection sensor for detecting a pressure when a digital camera is held, or the like. In any case, the sensor 24 automatically detects that the operator is in the proximity position, and the CPU 13 starts the OSD control function by the OSD control program.

  Here, the LCD 10 is a monitor that is generally disposed on the back of a digital camera or the like, and is used for displaying an image to be photographed or displaying an image after photographing.

  However, the LCD 10 is not limited to a monitor that is generally disposed on the back surface of a digital camera, and can be applied to, for example, an electronic view finder (EVF). The LCD 10 can also be applied to display on a display unit disposed in the optical viewfinder. In the present embodiment, a digital camera is described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an icon display portion of an optical viewfinder in a general silver salt film photographing camera.

  Next, the OSD function used as the user interface in the digital camera configured as described above will be further described.

  In the present embodiment, settings such as an operation mode set by the user can be determined by icon display using the OSD function. Here, in the state where the user does not perform the setting operation, it is assumed that an automatic mode in which operation conditions such as shooting conditions are automatically set or a method of determining operation conditions such as shooting conditions by default is used. When the auto mode setting predetermined by the apparatus is changed by a user operation, the changed setting can be determined. In other words, in most cases, proper shooting is possible with the auto mode or default setting. When changing the setting, the setting was made with a special intention by the user, which could lead to shooting failure. Because it contains sex, it is based on the idea that the judgment is necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing that an icon is enlarged on the LCD 10 by the OSD function of the digital camera according to the embodiment. The screen 30a is a normal display in which the icon does not get in the way, and the screen 30b shows the icon enlarged and displayed immediately before shooting. Icon display using the OSD function that enables determination of user settings is performed at the time of setting operation. Conventionally, as shown on a screen 30a in FIG. 2, a captured image (background image) of a camera at the base of the display screen is displayed. The icons are displayed at the edge of the screen in consideration of the size and position so as not to interfere (note that the three icons shown on the screen 30a in FIG. 2 are all set from the default settings by the user operation). The shooting conditions have been changed. In this example, the flash prohibition 31, the distant view 32, and the continuous shooting 33 are shown). Therefore, in the case of a small display, since it is difficult to see the icon, it may be overlooked even if the shooting conditions are set incorrectly.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when displaying the setting condition changed by the user operation, as shown in the screen 30b in FIG. 2, a large background image (camera shot image) that can sufficiently determine the setting contents can be determined. By displaying the icons 31L, 32L, and 33L so as to cover the portion (for example, the size shown in the screen 30a in FIG. 2 is enlarged about 2 to 4 times), the above-described problems are solved and the visibility is improved. enable.

  The shooting (operation) condition whose setting has been changed by the user operation is stored in the setting storage memory 25 in which the CPU 13 stores the control data by changing the condition changed by the input operation to the operation unit 14, and the power is turned off or the next input is performed. Hold until the setting is changed by operation. Therefore, the CPU 13 determines whether there is a user setting when the icon is enlarged, and if the setting storage memory 25 obtains a determination result that there is data, the icon to be enlarged is displayed from the setting contents. And a command for performing display control thereof is transmitted to the OSD control unit 22. In response to this command, the OSD control unit 22 extracts icon data used for the specified enlarged display from the ROM and outputs it to the digital signal processing circuit 6. A method of creating enlarged display data obtained by calculation processing from icon data used for normal display may be used.

  The timing for performing the enlarged display of the icon is meaningful to confirm that the operation has been performed correctly when the setting operation is performed. However, as described above, the previous setting is retained until the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the setting operation is not performed, it is necessary to perform it every time shooting is performed. In addition, as shown in the screen 30b in FIG. 2, the enlarged icon is displayed so as to cover most of the photographed image of the camera at the base of the display screen, so the icon that completely hides the photographed image. In the case of use, it is possible to control to end the enlarged display when the determination by the icon is completed, and as shown in FIG. 4, the enlarged display state shown in the screen 35a in the figure is changed to the normal display state shown in the screen 35b. It is desirable to be able to return.

  The first method for controlling the start and end of the enlarged display state of the icon is a method of instructing the start and end of the enlarged display of the icon by the user's operation. For example, the enlarged display is started by half-pressing the release button, In this method, the display is terminated by pressing the button halfway down or pressing another hard key.

  In the second method, the CPU 13 determines when the shooting conditions are ready, that is, when shooting is possible by pressing the release (shutter) button, and starts displaying the icon in an enlarged manner. This is a method that is automatically performed by the apparatus by terminating the display after the elapse of time.

  Further, a combination of the first and second methods, that is, a method of performing either start or end automatically or by user operation, or a method capable of using both automatic or user operations may be used.

  In addition, as shown in the screen 30b in FIG. 2, the enlarged icon covers most of the captured image of the camera at the base of the display screen, so if the captured image is completely hidden, Inconvenience arises because the user performs operations such as determining the screen configuration of the subject to be photographed.

  In view of this, an icon to be enlarged is displayed as a semi-transparent image so as to avoid the inconvenience described above. When a display method using a semi-transparent image is used, it is also possible to adopt a method in which the user can select semi-transparent / non-transparent (for example, an operation at the time of display, or prepared as a user setting item to be performed in advance). In the method of making the icon to be enlarged displayed a semi-transparent image, the enlarged display of the icon cannot be terminated by the user's operation, that is, when the apparatus automatically terminates, the photographed image can be seen through the semi-transparent image. It becomes an effective means in the case. Note that the method of superimposing the translucent image on the image on the base of the display screen can be implemented by applying known means.

  Furthermore, the shooting operation of the camera can be performed independently irrespective of the operation of enlarging the icon. Although it is also shown in the idea to make the above-mentioned icon a semi-transparent image, it should be possible to avoid constraining the shooting operation as much as possible while allowing the icon to be enlarged to perform its function. Even when the icon is displayed in an enlarged manner, it is set in a state where a photographing operation can be performed, that is, a state where photographing can be performed by pressing a release (shutter) button. By performing control according to these conditions, it is possible to perform proper photographing without missing a photo opportunity.

  Further, the operation for enlarging the icon can be started when the power of the digital camera is turned on. This is because the setting change can be viewed at the same time as turning on for photographing.

  Here, after the digital camera is turned on, an icon corresponding to the setting change may be displayed after a certain period of time after the operator turns on the power. This is because it often does not shift to the shooting operation immediately after the power is turned on.

  Further, after the digital camera is turned on, an icon corresponding to the setting change may be displayed after the first predetermined time, and the normal display may be restored after the second predetermined time. When the operator turns on the power, the setting change is visually confirmed after a certain period of time, and the normal shooting operation is performed after the certain period of time, so it is convenient to return to the normal icon at that time. Because it is expensive.

  When an icon corresponding to a setting change is displayed on the digital camera, the shutter button can be pressed halfway and displayed at a timing when the focus is achieved. If you press the shutter button of the digital camera halfway and display it when it is in focus, the enlarged display will not interfere with viewing the subject screen until just before you press the shutter button halfway. This is because the visibility for visually recognizing the subject and the visibility for visually recognizing the icon corresponding to the change can be ensured.

  The operation unit 14 includes an input button that can be input by the operator. The input button receives an input from the operator and transmits an input signal, and the OSD control unit 22 receives the input signal to display an enlarged display. It can be configured to control OSD functions such as start, end, and pause. This is because the degree of freedom of the operator can be improved.

  Here, an embodiment of icon display control using an OSD function that enables determination of user settings will be described. In the embodiment described below, an example of a form in which display start and end control is automatically or combined with user operation is shown.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of icon display control of this embodiment. The operation of the icon display control executed by the CPU 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. First, it is determined whether there is no deficiency in the setting conditions and the shooting conditions are in place (step S101).

  At the same time as confirming that shooting is possible (step S101—YES), it is determined whether there is a setting condition changed by a user operation (step S102). This process is obtained as a result of examining a memory area in which user settings are stored. If there are any, the contents are stored as changed setting conditions.

  If there is no setting condition changed by the user operation (step S102-NO), it is not necessary to determine the user setting (that is, the icon is not enlarged), and the operation flow is exited.

  On the other hand, if there is a setting condition changed by a user operation (step S102-YES), the changed setting condition is specified, an icon corresponding to the specified setting condition is specified as an icon to be enlarged, and OSD control is performed. The enlarged display of the target icon is started by transmitting the on-screen display command to the unit 22 (step S103). In the present embodiment, control is performed so that the enlarged display of the icon is a predetermined time, and at this time, a timer for measuring the predetermined time is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, after the user confirms the setting on the screen in which the changed setting condition icon is enlarged and displayed, the enlarged icon is an obstacle to determine the image configuration of the subject to be shot. It is possible to end the enlarged display of the image by the user's operation. Therefore, processing for determining a confirmation operation by the user is performed (step S104).

  If there is a confirmation operation by the user (step S104-YES), the enlarged display of the icon is terminated (step S106). At this time, the timer for measuring a predetermined time is turned off and the operation flow is exited.

  In step S104, the changed setting condition is confirmed on the screen on which the icon is enlarged. If there is no user operation (NO in step S104), the elapse of the time for the icon enlargement display is determined by the timer that is turned on first. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S105), the process returns to step S104 for determining the user's confirmation operation.

  If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S105-YES), the enlarged display of the icon is terminated (step S106), the timer for measuring the predetermined time is turned off, and the operation flow is exited.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating that the display is changed to the normal display after the icon is enlarged on the LCD 10 by the OSD function of the digital camera according to the embodiment.

  Here, an embodiment of the icon display operation on the screen at the end of the above-described enlarged icon display will be described below. At the end of the enlarged display of the icon, a method of simply stopping the enlarged display may be used as in the change from the screen 35a to the screen 35b in FIG. 4, but in the embodiment described below, the setting condition further changed by the user operation The form which makes a user conscious and raises the recognition rate is illustrated. In this case, the size of the target icon displayed in an enlarged manner is gradually reduced, and a transition is made to a predetermined position occupied when displayed in a normal small size.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change over time in the screen display of the enlarged icon in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged display when the user sets a function for shooting in close-up mode by pressing a “close-up mode” button in which a tulip flower in a shooting mode (not shown) is schematically drawn. The “Tulip flower” icon is illustrated. The screen 41 in the figure is a screen before the setting operation is performed, and the screen 42 is a screen in which the “tulip flower” icon 41L is enlarged and displayed after the setting operation is performed.

  At the end of the enlarged display, the display of the enlarged “tulip flower” icon 41L shown on the screen 42 in FIG. 5 is reduced in size as the “tulip flower” icon 41M shown on the screen 43 in FIG. Finally, the “tulip flower” icon 41S shown on the screen 44 in the figure is displayed at a predetermined position occupied when displayed in a normal small size. A display method is adopted in which transition is made while gradually reducing the size. By adopting such a display method, the user's recognition rate is improved by recognizing the setting such as the operation mode (function) that is clearly indicated by the enlarged icon in association with the layout, and the setting is changed by the user setting. It is possible to reduce errors when doing so.

  In addition, as described above, a function for enlarging and displaying an icon indicating an operation mode (function) or the like changed by the user setting has been prepared. The embodiment which enabled utilization can be shown.

  The user setting in the present embodiment is that whether or not to perform enlarged display of icons, and further possible to select an operation mode (function) for displaying icons when performing enlarged display. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user setting screen 61 and a display screen 62 according to the settings when using the icon enlargement display function according to the present embodiment. As shown on the screen 61, the setting items can be instructed to turn on / off each item by an input operation. OFF of “enlarged display to be changed” is a setting when the enlarged display function is not used, and is ON when used. When “Enlarged display of change target” is set to ON, user ON / OFF in the following items such as “Macro”, “Shooting mode”, “AF / MF / SNAP / Distant view”, “White balance”, “Exposure correction”, etc. According to the settings, items that are not required (OFF) are not enlarged.

  In the example of FIG. 6, since “macro”, “shooting mode”, and “AF / MF / SNAP / distant view” are respectively ON, four icons in the screen 61 in the figure are a mountain icon (distant view) 32L and a continuous shooting icon. (Shooting mode) 33L, flash prohibition icon (shooting mode) 31L, and flower icon (macro) 34L are icons that can be enlarged and displayed. In this way, an operation in response to a user request is made possible.

  In the above description, the display on the LCD 10 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, an electronic view finder (EVF), and is similarly used as an EVF (not shown) instead of the LCD 10. Can be explained.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the display in the optical viewfinder when the OSD function according to the present invention is applied to the optical viewfinder of a single-lens reflex camera. Here, instead of displaying on the LCD 10, it is configured to display on a display unit disposed in the optical viewfinder. In the frame portion 70 displayed on the optical finder, icons such as flash 71, close-up mode 72, ISO sensitivity 73, and the like are displayed, and lights up when settings corresponding to these icons are made by the operator. The setting change is highlighted.

  Here, the icon display unit 70 of the optical viewfinder can be applied not only to a digital camera but also to an icon display unit of the optical viewfinder in a silver salt camera that photographs on a silver salt film.

  8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example in which icons are changed and displayed when the function from the default state is changed. The screen 81 is a normal display screen. When the close-up mode is set, an icon 82a for displaying the close-up mode is initially displayed on the screen 82. The icons change like icons 83a to 85a on the screens 83 to 85 over time. Eventually, it is arranged at a predetermined position. In this way, a position that does not interfere with shooting after a predetermined time is displayed by displaying a large image immediately after the setting is changed, and performing a display that gradually decreases and fits in a predetermined position. Can be paid.

  FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating an example in which icons are changed and displayed when the setting is changed from the state set to the close-up mode to the distant view mode. A screen 91 is a normal display screen in which a close-up mode is set. When the distant view mode is set now, an icon for displaying the close-up mode set so far is initially displayed on the screen 92 as a small size, and as time passes, the icons 92a-94a on the screens 92-94 become larger. Change and disappear as shown on screen 95. In this case, it may be in a form in which the density is reduced while being enlarged and disappears so as to fade out. This is because an impression that the close-up mode has disappeared can be given.

  Subsequently, an icon 96a representing the distant view mode is displayed on the screen 96, and is gradually enlarged as the distant view mode icons 97a to 99a change on the screens 97 to 99. In this way, immediately after the setting is changed, it is displayed in a small size and gradually displayed in a large size, so that it is possible to make an impression that the distant view mode has been newly set. In switching between the close-up mode and the distant view mode, this switching can be impressed by a dynamically changing display.

  10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a change screen from the set change state to the default state. In a state where the set normal screen 101 is displayed, when the operator presses a setting change button (not shown) in the operation unit 14 that receives an operation input by the operator, a screen 102 in which the set icon blinks. The display switches to. Or it is good also as switching to the screen 103 in which the set icon is enlarged and displayed. When the pressing of the setting change button is stopped, the original screen 101 is restored.

  Here, when the setting change button is continuously pressed, a screen 104 for accepting switching to the default state is displayed. When the cursor is placed on the OK display 104a in the screen 104 and an OK button (not shown) in the operation unit 14 is pressed, all the settings by the operator are eliminated and the original default settings are restored. The screen 105 is a screen in the returned default state.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of displaying an icon set differently from the default. On the screen 111, the default state and the set current state are compared and displayed not only with icons but also with character information. On the screen 112, an area indicating the display bar 112a is provided, and only icons 112b having settings different from the default settings are displayed. In the screen 113, only icons with settings different from the default are underlined and emphasized. In any case, the display highlights the icon of the setting changed compared to the default, and the design allows the operator to easily notice the changed setting.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the OSD control program stored in the ROM 23 is stored in the ROM 13 by the CPU 13 as an information processing method for controlling a digital camera with a display that can display an icon indicating the device state or operating condition of the digital camera using the OSD function. Read and determine the status change or operation condition setting of the digital camera with the device condition determination function of the program, and specify the icon indicating the status or operation condition of the digital camera with the change determined by the function to specify the icon Then, the OSD display control function causes the specified icon to be OSD displayed in a form different from the previous icon.

  In this way, when various setting states for photographing the digital camera change compared to the default state or the immediately preceding state, a visual confirmation for visually confirming the setting change is displayed by displaying an icon in a form different from that before the change. Thus, it is possible to reliably determine the setting, and to reduce a shooting mistake due to an operator setting error.

  As described above, an electronic device with a display, an information processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention are useful for display technology in an electronic device with a display, and more specifically, an OSD (On Screen Display). Useful for display technology in electronic devices with a display such as a photographing device (for example, a digital camera), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, etc. having a small display capable of displaying icons indicating the device state and operating conditions by function. is there.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows that the icon was expanded on LCD10 by the OSD function of the digital camera by embodiment. It is a flowchart of icon display control of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining changing to a normal display, after an icon is expanded on LCD10 by the OSD function of the digital camera by embodiment. In this embodiment, it is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of the screen display of the enlarged icon. It is a figure which shows the example of the user setting screen 61 at the time of utilizing the enlarged display function of the icon in this embodiment, and the display screen 62 according to a setting. It is a schematic diagram explaining the display in an optical finder at the time of applying the OSD function by this invention to the optical finder of a single-lens reflex camera. It is a figure explaining the example in which an icon changes and is displayed when the function from a default state is changed. It is a figure explaining the example in which an icon changes and is displayed when the function from a default state is changed. It is a figure explaining the example in which an icon changes and is displayed when a setting is changed into a distant view mode from the state set to close-up mode. It is a figure explaining the example in which an icon changes and is displayed when a setting is changed into a distant view mode from the state set to close-up mode. It is a figure explaining the example in which an icon changes and is displayed when a setting is changed into a distant view mode from the state set to close-up mode. It is a figure explaining the change screen from the set change state to the default state. It is a figure explaining the change screen from the set change state to the default state. It is a figure explaining the example which displays the icon in which the setting different from default was made.

Explanation of symbols

6..Digital signal processing circuit, 9..Memory card,
10 .... LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), 13 .... CPU,
14 .. Operation part, 22 .. OSD (On Screen Display) control part

Claims (20)

An electronic device with a display capable of displaying an icon indicating a device state or an operating condition by an OSD function on a display,
Device condition determination means for determining a change in the state of the device or a change in setting of the operating condition;
Means for designating an icon indicating the state or operating condition of the device whose change has been determined by the device condition determining means;
OSD display control means for displaying the designated icon in a form different from the previous icon,
An electronic device with a display, comprising:   The OSD display control means is different from the previous icon specified by including at least one of a change in color and shape as compared with the previous icon specified by the OSD display control means. The electronic device with a display according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a display.   The OSD display control means compares the specified icon with the previous icon specified, and has a different form from the specified previous icon by a dynamic change in color and / or shape. The display-equipped electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a display.   The electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the OSD display control means displays the designated icon in a size covering a background image.   When the designated icon is displayed in a different form and then returns to the normal display form, the OSD display control means controls to return while changing the different form dynamically. The electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The OSD display control means is at least one of a feed-in that gradually appears when the designated icon is displayed in a different form, and a fade-out that gradually disappears when returning to the normal display form. 6. The display-equipped electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled so as to be displayed in a display form. An operating means for setting operating conditions by input operation is further provided,
The electronic apparatus with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device condition determination unit determines a change in setting of an operation condition performed from the operation unit. A human body detecting means for detecting that an operator operating the electronic device with a display is in a proximity position;
The apparatus condition determination means determines the setting change when the human body detection means detects that the operator is in the proximity position. The electronic device with a display as described.   The human body detection means is at least one of an infrared sensor, a distance sensor, a contact sensor, an optical sensor, an eyeball detection sensor, a line-of-sight detection sensor, and a pressure detection sensor. Electronic device with a display as described in 1.   The OSD display control means performs control so that display in a form different from the designated icon including enlarged display of the icon is performed at a timing when the apparatus is ready to be activated in accordance with setting conditions. An electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   The OSD display control means controls to perform display in a form different from the designated icon including enlarged display of the icon at a timing when the electronic device with a display is turned on. The electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 10.   The OSD display control means performs display in a form different from the pre-designated icon including the enlarged display of the icon after a first predetermined time after the electronic device with the display is turned on. The electronic device with a display according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device with a display is controlled.   The OSD display control means displays a display in a form different from a pre-designated icon including an enlarged display of an icon after the first predetermined time after the electronic device with a display is turned on. 13. The display-equipped electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the electronic device is controlled to be performed until a predetermined time of 2.   When the electronic device with a display is a digital camera, the OSD display control means displays the display in a form different from the designated icon including the enlarged display of the icon by pressing the shutter button halfway. The electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electronic device is controlled so as to be performed at a timing when the focusing mechanism is driven and focused.   When the electronic device with a display is a digital camera, the OSD display control means displays the icon in different forms in a liquid crystal monitor, an electronic view finder (EVF), and an optical finder. The electronic device with a display according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electronic device is controlled so as to be displayed on at least one of the arranged display units.   16. The OSD display control unit according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the start and end of the enlarged display of the icon is performed by an instruction operation input from a user received by the operation unit. The electronic device with a display as described in any one.   The OSD display control means is configured to make the transition to a predetermined position occupied when the display size does not interfere with the background image while gradually reducing the size of the enlarged icon at the end of the enlarged display of the icon. The electronic device with a display according to claim 10, wherein the electronic device has a display.   The electronic device with a display according to claim 1, wherein the OSD display control unit displays an icon to be enlarged and displayed as a semi-transparent image. An information processing method for controlling an electronic device with a display capable of displaying an icon indicating a device state or an operating condition by an OSD function on a display,
By the apparatus condition determination means, the change in the state of the apparatus or the setting change of the operating condition is determined
By means for designating an icon, the icon indicating the state or operating condition of the device whose change is determined by the device condition determining unit is specified,
An OSD display control means for causing an OSD to be displayed on the display in a form different from a designated icon by an OSD display control means.   A program causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 19.

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